Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our most commonly asked questions. Don't see your question on here? Reach out to hi@shopmonthly.co and we are happy to address your concerns.
Monthly 101
How does monthly underwear work?
They may look like regular underwear on the outside, but monthly underwear have a specially engineered gusset that wicks moisture, absorbs your period, and prevents leak.
Can monthly period underwear replace pads and tampons?
The Boxer was built to completely replace pads and tampons for light to moderate flow.
(If you are someone that experiences a heavy flow, a cup or tampon can be used with monthly period underwear for extra protection).
How much does monthly's period underwear hold?
The Boxer Brief is designed for light to moderate flow.
The Boxer Brief holds about 25ml. This is equivalent to about 1 menstrual cup, 3 super tampons, or 5 pads.
What are monthly period underwear made of?
We strive to use sustainable materials in our products, which is why we opted for recycled nylon as the body of the underwear. Not only is it a circular fabric, it's also buttery soft and super stretchy.
Shell: 90.9% Recycled Nylon, 9.1% Spandex
Lining: 93.7% Cotton, 6.3% Spandex
Middle: 71.7% Rayon (made from natural bamboo pulp), 24.7% Polyester, 3.6% Cotton
Do your underwear contain PFAS?
In addition to only using certified fabrics (STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Global Recycled Standard, GOTS, we conducted a PFAS test with Bureau Veritas (BV), a French company founded in 1828 and renowned for its long history in testing, inspection, and certifications.
We tested our gusset for PFAS, which came back Not Detected. Whoop whoop!
Where does the gusset sit?
The Boxer Brief gusset sits in the middle of the underwear - it does not reach fully up the front or back of the underwear. This means our underwear provides protection for light to moderate flow without feeling bulky.
How do I choose the right size?
Skip the guesswork—grab your hip measurement for the just-right fit! It’s the easiest way to find your perfect size, made just for you.
Here's how to measure:
- Stand relaxed with your feet together
- Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your lower hip section
- Match your measurement number to our size in the chart (linked in our product page)
On each product page you can find a size chart, but if you need extra help, do not hesitate to send us a message at hi@shopmonthly.co! We want to help you find the right fit.
How often should I change my period underwear?
For light or moderate days, we recommend to change in the morning and at night, but this is totally up to your unique flow levels!
Are monthly period underwear bulky? Will people be able to tell I am wearing period underwear?
Our monthly period underwear are designed to look and feel like a regular pair of underwear because everyday comfort is NOT negotiable around here! From the outside, no one would be to 'tell' that you are menstruating or that you are wearing period underwear.
Do monthly period underwear double as shapewear?
Nope! monthly does not hug you in/restrict, they are meant to fit and move with your body, even when bloating occurs.
I have sensory issues, how does monthly underwear feel?
Two things! First, our underwear were built for comfort. This means that we made the pad as thin as possible so that they can feel like wearing regular underwear.
Second, we chose recycled nylon as the body of the underwear because it is buttery soft AND extremely stretchy–all the things we wanted in our underwear.
How to care for my period underwear
How do I wash my monthly period underwear?
If you haven’t used reusable period products before, this can seem like a confusing task, but we promise it’s not! Our underwear is designed to fit seamlessly into your current wash routine, because who likes complicated??
- No need to pre-rinse, just toss them in your laundry hamper
- Machine wash with your regular detergent, but skip the bleach, fabric softeners, and scent boosters—they’ll wear out your undies faster.
- Wash with similar colors, you can wash monthly with your regular load of laundry because the water in the machine will dilute the blood, so no need to worry about staining. (+ washing together is better for the planet 🌎)
- Air dry if you can—it saves energy and keeps your undies in top shape! If you’re in a hurry, tumble dry on low.
- Hand washing? No problem! Just use a teeny bit of mild detergent and rinse well. Avoid concentrated soaps (like Dr. Bronner’s) or dish soaps, since they can leave residue and mess with your undies’ magic.
That’s it! Treat ‘em right, and they’ll stay your go-to for a long time.
What temperature should I wash my period underwear on?
Wash you monthly period underwear in cold water. The recommended temperature for a standard cold wash is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15C - 27C). If you prefer hand-washing, use water that feels close to room temperature.
How do I store the underwear during my period? Do I store them and then wash them all at once? I can't wash laundry every single day!
After you wear your period underwear, make sure they are right-side-out (the gusset should be on the inside of the underwear) before adding them to your laundry pile. We don’t want to get blood on any other clothes. You can store monthly underwear until you are ready to do your regular washing.
Pro-tip: the more pairs you buy, the less you have to do laundry and that’s better for you and the planet😉
Oh no! I put my period underwear in the dryer. What will happen?
Don't worry! If your period underwear is put through a few dryer cycles on accident, it will be perfectly fine. However, it is important not to make this a habit. Continual exposure to heat from dryers or irons can impact the underwear's elasticity, crucial for leak prevention.
Ordering, returns, & shipping
Can I change or update my order?
As we process our orders quickly, it isn't usually possible for us to change the contents of your order. You can however send us an email to hi@shopmonthly.co or try to reach us by chat and we will do our best to accommodate any address changes before the order is packed for shipment. Please note however that this is not always possible.
What if the product is out of stock?
If we don’t have your product or size in stock, please use the ‘Waitlist’ button on the product page to get notified when it is back in stock. As a small, new brand, this also helps us know demand so we can make informed decisions when restocking.
Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay?
monthly has partnered with Flex to allow you to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This means you can now use your HSA or FSA debit card to buy monthly period products with pre-tax dollars, resulting in net savings of 30-40%, depending on your tax bracket.
How do I use a discount code?
Codes are redeemable at checkout! Just type or paste yours into the discount code box before entering your payment info. If your code is rejected, it might have expired. Check the rules, check for typos, and try again. Still not working? Let us know. Send us an email to hi@shopmonthly.co.
Limit 1 discount code per order.
P.S. Codes aren’t stackable with set discounts . If you buy 3, 5, or 7 of the same product type, you’ll automatically get 15-25% off at checkout. Adding a discount code will cancel out your set savings, so choose wisely!
What’s your return policy?
You can review our return policy here.
What if my package is delayed?
Occasionally, shipping carriers experience delays for various reasons. We kindly ask you to be patient and to keep an eye on the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email. If, however, you believe your parcel is lost, please contact us at hi@shopmonthly.co and we’ll help you out.
Where do you ship?
We ship worldwide – the delivery time varies from country to country. Please check approximate delivery times and rates in checkout. For more shipping information, check our shipping policy.
General FAQ's
How much money can I save by switching to monthly period underwear?
It definitely depends on what products you generally use, but you can expect to save around $500 over a 5 year period of using our period underwear.
Where are you located?
We are located in Alabama! That’s where our founder is from and she is passionate about making big changes in the Deep South, so she chose to keep the company there to remind people that periods happen and ALL people deserve comfy and affirming period care.
Why should I switch to period underwear? What is the environmental impact of disposable period products like pads and tampons?
It is estimated that 20 billion (yes BILLION) pads, tampons, and applicators end up in landfills EVERY year in North America. These products contain plastics that can take hundred of years to decompose. Just think – every disposable pad your grandma used is still out there somewhere.
The environmental impact of periods are a big reason to switch to period underwear, but there are other reasons like comfort, convenience, and gender affirmation. Whatever your reason to switch might be, you and the planet will be grateful 💚
Where are monthly underwear manufactured?
Our monthly underwear are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Guangdong, China. Our manufacturing partner is known for producing high-quality period underwear. We chose our factory partner because they allow us to produce at small minimums so we are not over producing - which is good for the environment - and help us reach a price point that allows us to be accessible for you, our customer!
