‘Period-Proof’ Pants Could Bring An End To The Tampon

THINX, a new invention from a trio of manufacturers, could spell the end of tampons and sanitary towels for women everywhere.

Miki Agrawal, Radha Agrawal, and Antonia Dunbar, each of whom hail from New York, have created and are in the process of marketing period-proof pants, which they insist women will feel more comfortable wearing while they’re on their period instead of other sanitary products.

Women across the world will be able to save hundreds of dollars because of these garments, which they’ll be able to repeatedly wear instead of buying the aforementioned products. These underpants come in three different varieties. For lighter days, there is a thong while there’s also a cheeky design for medium days. For heavy days, there is the hiphugger.

But how does this design work? Well, there are four stages to THINX’s patented technology. The first is referred to as “Moisture-wicking,” which “keeps you feeling dry even when you’ve had a spill.” The second layer is “anti-microbial,” which “fights bacteria with an invisible silver treatment.” The third is called “absorbent,” which “holds up to two tampons’ worth of liquid, depending on the style.” Meanwhile, the fourth layer is “leak-resistant,” which means that “even your whitest white pants are safe.”

Speaking to Forbes, via the Mirror, Miki Agrawal explained, “I want to change the culture around women’s most normal time of month – and not while wearing grandma panties or pads that feel like a diaper.”

The THINX website adds, “We see a world where no woman is held back by her body. We will work proudly and tirelessly until every single girl has an equal opportunity for the brighter future she deserves. By reimagining feminine hygiene products to provide support, comfort, confidence, and peace of mind, we aim to eliminate shame, empowering women and girls around the world.”

The trio are also hoping to raise funds and awareness that young girls have when they first get their periods in underprivileged countries around the world. When someone purchases a pair of THINX, which are priced between $24 and $34, the company then sends funds to AFRIpads, a partner organization that is based in Uganda.

AFRIpads help to train and educate women to sew and then sell washable, reusable cloth pads, which THINX’s website insists help to turn “local women into entrepreneurs.” This also allows girls to attend school while menstruating.

You can see a clip of Miki Agrawal, Radha Agrawal, and Antonia Dunbar explaining THINX’s journey below.

[Image via Fast Company]