Party In My Pants cloth pads are worn just like conventional pads with wings. Instead of adhesive strips, PIMP pad wings have snaps that fasten around the base of your underwear. Just remember to always place your pad flannel or cotton side up and nylon side down.

Depending on the heaviness of your cycle, you may need to change your PIMP 1 - 6 times per day. If your pad feels moist or wet next to your skin, then it's time to change your PIMP. For example, if you have a really, really heavy flow, you might change your pad 6 times on the first day, 3-4 times the following days, and end your cycle using several liners. Got a light flow? You might only need to change your pad once, even on those heavy days.

Party In My Pants fold up securely into individual (and super stealthy) carrying pouches. With the absorbent side face up, simply fold in the top and bottom and snap the wings together. Your pad will stay safe and clean until you can wash it. This is also a perfect way to carry your clean pads or keep a spare PIMP in your bag just in case. 

If you'd like an extra layer of protection, try carrying a small bag just for your pads like this one or this one.

Some people think that a pad must be washed or rinsed as soon it's taken off. We've found it unnecessary to sprint to the washer or sink. It's perfectly okay to wash your pads whenever you happen to do laundry next – even if that's several days later.

Your pad collection is customizable to both your flow & the style of underwear you prefer. Each size has different dimensions and absorbency. We suggest starting your collection with 2-3 pads in a couple different sizes. 

Some find that they like lots of different sizes in their collections for different days, flows and underwear. However, most people find that they really prefer only 2 or 3 sizes and stick to those.  You probably find that not every size is your favorite but trying them all also helps you decide what you do like. Then when you decide to build on your collection, you'll know exactly what to stock up on.

Cloth pads are such a personal accessory that only you can know what's best for you. We try our hardest to give the best advice and point you in the right direction but finding your perfect fit can sometimes take some trial and error. Starting out with cloth pads can be super exciting but we really recommend capping your first order at 3 or 4 pads. That way you may only end up with 1 or 2 pads that might not be perfect for you instead of a whole bunch.

Some people find that they only need 6 pads or liners during their cycle, while others use 20+. Most people fall somewhere in-between. Once you've found the size(s) you like best, start building your collection based on the length and heaviness of your cycle.
Looking to save a little? You can always wash your pads during your cycle and use them again right away. This isn't quite as convenient as have enough to last your whole period, but it's definitely an option. Keep in mind that since you're using your pads more often you probably have to replace them more frequently too. Party In My Pants will last for about 65 washings or 5-7 years – whichever comes first.

If you change your pad often enough, your PIMPs won't smell. Cloth pads allow moisture to evaporate and less moisture means less odor (and no more feeling like there's a soggy lump in your pants!). Your PIMP won't feel wet until it's completely saturated and then it's time to change it!

If you do notice a strong smell, you could be suffering from a vaginal infection like Bacterial Vaginosis or a Yeast Infection. These conditions are common in those who've previously used disposable menstrual products, especially tampons. Don't worry! There are many natural methods of establishing a healthy bacterial balance.

In fact, if you feel like your menstrual blood has a scent, disposable menstrual products might actually be the culprit. Disposable pads are typically held together by synthetic webbing and plastic components. This fake stuff reduces a pad's breathability and creates a humid, sweaty environment that bacteria just loves. And contrary to popular belief, tampons aren't sterile. They can alter your vagina's pH balance by introducing foreign bacteria and absorbing healthy bacteria.

Party In My Pants have a leak-resistant bottom shield made from a specially designed micro porous nylon*—a fabric that allows your body to breathe while stopping your period from leaking through.
 
What's more, PIMP cloth pads are more absorbent than the disposable menstrual products you're used to. It's virtually impossible to leak through a pad, provided the nylon has not be damaged by improper care. However if you wear a pad too long, it's possible to leak off the sides. When you first start using PIMPs it's best to be a little more vigilant about checking your pad. After a few times you'll be an absorbency pro and will know when to change a pad based on your flow.
 
*This nylon should not be confused with PUL—Polyurethane laminate. PUL is commonly used in cloth diapering and by many other cloth pad makers, but is not breathable. 

Absolutely! You'll probably need our Overnight or Queen pads on your heaviest days. PIMP cloth pads are so much more absorbent than disposables; they may even make things easier. More awesome: You'll spend less time changing your pads or tampons and worrying that they'll leak. Everyone using cloth pads for the first time should be a wee bit more vigilant about checking their PIMP. After a cycle or 2, you'll be familiar with the absorbency of a particular size and will know when to change it.

In some extreme cases, PIMPs might not be enough. If you have tidal flooding because of menopause or fibroids then you might need to pair your pad with a menstrual cup or sea sponge. No menstrual product – cloth, cup, sponge or disposable – is designed to hold such an amount of fluid by itself.

You bet. We designed the Thong Liner just for you! Thong Liners are great for light-days, spotting, daily discharge or as backup for a menstrual cup or sea sponge. If you are need of a more absorbent pad, our narrowest pads work best with thongs, such as the Small & Medium. If you would like us to add the second set of snap to those sizes, just ask when you place your order. If you're a thong lover with a very heavy flow, you may need to change your pad more frequently since these pads are less absorbent than our larger sizes.

Many PIMP pad users are avid cyclists and find our pads are just as comfy straddling a bicycle seat. The metal snaps are nestled underneath many layers of fabric so there's no poking.

However some people do find the snap to be a little uncomfortable. If you hop on your bike and your pad makes a nuisance of itself, then there are a couple things you can try. First, you might try simply scooting the pad a little forward or a little back so you aren't putting so much pressure right where the snap is. You might also try playing around with the angle of your bike seat. Try pointing the nose down a little so that most of your weight is placed towards the back and less to the middle or front. Finally, if you're really set on the most comfortable ride possible, you could look into a special bike seat. It has an opening in the center so you're not putting any pressure on your vulva. Terry Bicycles offers some nice ones on their website: www.terrybicycles.com. We hear that this type of seat is better for you in general.

Unless you are wearing skin tight or semi-translucent clothing, it's unlikely that anyone will be able to see your pad. PIMP cloth pads aren't bulky like lots of conventional pads or even other reusables, so you don't have to worry about extra bulge in your pants, skirts, or shorts.

Sure. Party In My Pants pads can be used for stress incontinence when small amounts of urine are released. Stress incontinence may be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause and occur when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Yes. We recommend our Queen and Overnight pad for postpartum bleeding. New parents report that they change their pads more frequently than during a menstrual period. It's possible that you'll have to change your pad every few hours during your most heavy postpartum bleeding. 

Party In My Pants can help you feel comfier and more secure during perimenopause. Using cloth pads can be one way of nurturing and caring for yourself while your body takes its time to readjust. Keep in mind how unpredictable your body can be and take some time to reacquaint yourself as best you can. If your periods suddenly become very heavy or you experience flooding, there's a chance that your pads will leak. No menstrual product—cloth, cup, or disposable—is designed to hold such an amount of fluid all at once.

Perimenopause can be a challenging time. Even if your periods have been regular for decades, all sorts of wacky things can start happening. Your periods might be longer or shorter, your flow may be next to nothing or much heavier, and you might even skip some periods altogether. Ovulation becomes hit or miss some months, resulting in lower levels of progesterone. This may mean longer, heavier periods.

As frustrating as this might be, slowing down and figuring out a new way that works for you can be very empowering. Fighting, resenting, or simply ignoring these changes can make the process much more difficult. This might mean you simply must take a break from your busy life and care for yourself a couple days a month. Maybe this means trying new things like changing your diet or exercising more or less. You may have to switch to larger, more absorbent pads and/ or wear both a menstrual cup and a pad together. Whatever you do, be good to yourself and honor your body.

When you first switch to cloth pads, finding the right size might mean some trial and error. If you notice that your pad seems to crunch the gusset (commonly known as the crotch) of your underwear, the first thing to consider is your comfort. If you pull up your underwear and you're feelin' fine, then you're good to go. Some people find their thighs naturally push their underwear (and pad) into a smaller space. How a cloth pad looks in your underwear doesn't always affect the way it feels or works. However, if you find you do need a wider pad, you can use a Wing Extender or switch to a wider style pad. If you need help finding the best fit for you, just drop us a line.

However, if your pad crunches your underwear uncomfortably, then we gotta back up a couple steps. This means that you don't have the right size for your underwear or body type.

The biggest culprit for bunched undies are boy-cut panties. This underwear style simply has more fabric down there and requires a wide pad like our Large—even if you're petite. If you already have a Large and it's still not doing the trick then try a Wing Extender. It's a little elastic band with snaps on each end that attach to the snaps on the pad. This will lengthen the wings and make even narrow sizes like Small or Medium work for those who need a little more width.

All sizes can be made wider by adding a Wing Extender.

Most size can be made narrower by adding an optional snap. (Not recommended for Mini Liners or Small Pads)

Still need help? Just contact us to request a personal recommendation from our knowledgeable staff. 

Cotton vs. Flannel is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people find they really like just Cotton or just Flannel, while others find they like both equally. Still others find they like Cotton for certain days and prefer Flannel for others.

The Flannel is a little bit cozier than the Cotton, while the Cotton is a little bit smoother and ever-so-slightly thinner than the Flannel. If you live in a warm climate, you might prefer the Cotton since it's less prone to trapping body heat than the Flannel. In terms of absorbency, they're identical. We suggest trying one of each to see which you prefer.

Absolutely. For any purpose you might use disposible pads or pantiliners, Party In My Pants Pads or Liners can be used instead. Our Liners come in handy for menstrual and non-menstrual needs alike: daily discharge, urinary incontinence, after sex (especially when a spermicide or lubricant is used). Basically, if you have fluid or moisture you want to keep off your under things, Party In My Pants has you covered!

PIMP pads can be washed periodically during your cycle or all at once at the end, which ever is more convenient. As long as your cloth pads are stored in a dry, breathable place, you can wash them at your leisure. Just fold and snap your used pad into its self-contained pouch and toss it in the hamper. When you're ready to wash your pads, unsnap and throw them in the wash.

Most of the patterns we offer are chosen with stain camouflaging in mind so many will show little or no staining. Yippie! If you're particularly concerned about stains, we suggest choosing primarily black, brown or red colored pads. Although some light staining is common after a few uses, most people are pleasantly surprised how clean and fresh their pads look even after years of use.

To treat stains, dampen the pad with water, sprinkle or squirt your chosen eco-friendly stain remover directly on the stain and let stand for a few minutes before tossing in the wash. We highly recommend Oxo Brite – an environmentally friendly stain remover that works by dissolving proteins, so it won't fade your pad’s styling pattern. We offer a free 1 oz. sample with any order upon request. Just remember this rule: DON'T USE BLEACH. It'll damage the waterproof material and bring about your pad’s untimely demise. Tip: Double check that your detergent doesn't contain bleach so that you don't inadvertently damage your pads.

Take care not to scrub the dickens out of your pads or wash them multiple times after only one use. This is not only unnecessary, but your pads may not last very long as a result. If, for example, your cleaning routine consists of rinsing, scrubbing, soaking, hand-washing AND machine washing, you'll wear out your pads in no time at all. 

The most effective cleaning method is to machine wash your pads as you would any other piece of clothing – no rinsing, soaking or scrubbing required! If you must hand-wash your pads, do so gently by rinsing and squeezing. With proper care, PIMPs will likely last far longer than the typical 5-7 years.

Sorry, but no. Don't substitute OxiClean for Oxo Brite. OxiClean's harsher chemical make up may degrade the nylon shield over time and cause premature leaking. 

We recommend tumble drying pads – just make sure to use the low or medium setting. High heat might melt the nylon shield and ruin your pad.

Air-dried pads – as with other line-dried clothing – often become stiff and hard. When fiber is moistened, it relaxes. If air-dried in one position, it holds the shape and becomes fixed in that position to some degree. That's why you get that stiff feeling with air-dried clothing: all the fibers are locked in position, whatever position they were dried in. If cloth is agitated as it dries (such as being flopped around in a dryer), it doesn't dry in any one position and is more flexible.

If line or air-drying, take care not to leave pads in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The sun can act as a bleaching agent and damage the nylon shield over time.

Washing your pads might seem like a drag if you've never tried it, but it's really simple. PIMP pads don't need any special treatment. The best way to wash your pads is to pop 'em in the washer and toss 'em in the dryer. Don't get around to doing laundry as often as you’d like? No problem. You don't have to wash your pad the moment you’ve finished using it. Just throw 'em in the hamper and wash your pads whenever you happen to do laundry next. Now with all the anxiety that’s floating around about menstrual blood, it might seem a little odd at first. But this routine is tried, true, and the ladies of Party In My Pants swear by it.

If you soaked your PIMP, it's possible you left it in the water too long. Soaking your cloth pads for more than a few hours can make them mildewy and musty. Same goes for storing your pads in a damp place or sealed in a plastic bag for a long time. But don't worry, all you have to do is add a little vinegar or lemon juice to your warm wash water and run your pads through the wash again. Did a second washing and still smell that pesky odor? It's possible you're suffering from a vaginal infection such as Bacterial Vaginosis or a Yeast Infection. These conditions are common in those who've used disposable menstrual products, particularly tampons. Tampons can alter the pH balance in your vagina by introducing foreign bacteria and absorbing healthy bacteria. But don't worry: there are many natural methods of getting that healthy bacterial balance back.

Traveling with your PIMPs isn't as tricky as you might think. PIMP cloth pads fold up securely into individual (and super stealthy!) carrying pouches. Your used pad stay perfectly contained, and your clean pads fit conveniently into your bag. And as long as your pads are stored in a relatively dry and breathable place, you can postpone washing them until it's convenient. If you're traveling light, you can make do with 2-3 pads. Wash a couple by hand, let them dry overnight, and use them again the next day.