With the rise in popularity of reusable feminine hygiene products like period panties and menstrual cups, reusable pads were bound to become a thing. Gone are the days when period-havers had the default single-use products as their only options during their time of the month, and instead these days, many of us are gravitating toward more holistic approaches to how we care for ourselves during our cycles.
Menstrual cups have been an easy level-up for those who want period care without the overreliance on single-use products. And even if you aren’t in it for the sustainability factor, menstrual cups have been a great way to eliminate the toxic substances and synthetic materials typically found in period products, like tampons and pads, from your period care routine. But what if you want to have a healthier, more eco-friendly approach to periods but you’re like me and you’re more of a “pad” girl who never really liked the idea of inserting anything in her vagina?
As someone who has always opted for pads over tampons, discovering reusable pads has been an intriguing find. Much like its name suggests, the all-natural alternative to pads (sans the harsh chemicals and potential reproductive harm) are washable cloth pads that you insert onto the crotch of your underwear. The material the reusable pad is made of and its absorbency can differ from brand to brand, but the message is clear: take care of your period but make it eco-friendly.
In the spirit of sustainability, here are 6 reusable pads to add to your period care routine.
Knix Reusable Pads
If leakage is a major concern, Knix is another period care brand that comes in clutch with leak-proof reusable pads. Their pads are thin but super absorbent, with the ability to absorb as much as 12-20 teaspoons of blood (depending on if you opt for the regular pad or the overnight pad). These four-layer pads are breathable, machine-washable, and at $32 for a pack of three pads, sounds like a deal you can’t beat.
Hannah Organic Reusable Pads
Organic Reusable Pads - 3 Small Pads
Hannah
Hannah touts the brand messaging of a “healthy you” leading to a “happy planet.” With their extensive line of reusable period care products, there’s no questioning how or why. The certified organic cotton pads provide extra grip with high-quality snaps, leak-proof protection, and have improved absorbency with every wash. With products like thong liners and pantyliners and curated sets like the “Heavy Flow Set” and “Light Flow Set,” it is clear that these feminine care must-haves are curated with every period-haver in mind.
DAME Reusable Period Pads
Reusable Period Pad
DAME
With its DAMEdry™ technology and five-layer technology, there is no wonder DAME reusable sanitary pads have 101 positive reviews and counting. Anti-microbial fabric provides odor-proof hygiene while a 4D core makes for a super absorbent pad with leak-proof protection. For tampon users, DAME also has reusable tampon applicators.
Ruby Love Double-Sided Pads
Double-Sided Pads
Ruby Love
Black-owned period company Ruby Love has an array of wearable period care products. Their plastic-free double-sided pads offer Ruby Love’s patent-pending technology, maximum absorption, and leak-free protection. What’s great about their dri-tech mesh pads is that they can be used on both sides, even before you wash them. As their website describes, “When one side gets full, flip the pad for double the use.” We stan.
Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Rael
“Reusable” is these Rael organic cotton pads’ middle name. The certified organic cotton pads are breathable, ultra-absorbent, moisture-wicking, leak-proof pads that can be washed and rewashed as much as 120 times! Plus, the fact that these pads are made with certified organic cotton and made without chemicals means that they are gentle enough for even the most sensitive intimate areas.
Aisle Reusable Cloth Pads
Aisle has been changing the feminine hygiene game for decades now. Formerly Lunapads, their ethically crafted reusable cloth pads are made out of recycled polyester and organic cotton, which means that they are sustainable while being gentle on the nether regions. The winged pads come in a variety of sizes and capacities that are designed with your flow in mind. From Mini to Maxi to Super, there is a pad for every kind of flow.
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
