FAQ : Your most frequently asked questions
Concept and technology
What are menstrual panties?
A menstrual panty is an undergarment which, thanks to an absorbent zone, acts as both lingerie and sanitary protection!
With our innovative technology, our panties replace the various sanitary protections: tampons, menstrual cups, sanitary towels. Our menstrual pants are self-sufficient. However, there's nothing to stop you from using both at the same time if you wish.
To find out more, take a look at our "The concept" page.
How many menstrual pants do I need?
We recommend starting with 3 panties so that you can change with a minimum of worry. Depending on your flow, the length of your cycle, your habits and your budget, you can add to your range.
How thick are menstrual panties?
Our panties are slightly thicker than conventional lingerie, so that we can insert the absorbent, waterproof zone between our two layers of cotton. They are, however, thinner than conventional sanitary towels, making them a very comfortable and pleasant undergarment to wear. What's more, our seam design makes them invisible under jeans, so you'll soon forget that you're
wearing period panties. Please note, however, that the more absorbent the model, the thicker it is.
Find out more about our absorbent technology to understand how our different fabric thicknesses work.
How absorbent are menstrual panties?
All our underwear can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. Our most absorbent models, such as our cyclist, correspond to the equivalent of 4 tampons. Our models for light flows are equivalent to a panty liner, ideal for white discharge, spotting and end-of-menstrual periods.
Are menstrual panties hygienic?
Our eucalyptus fiber absorbent zone has anti-bacterial and anti-moisture properties: you stay dry and bacteria don't have time to grow. And there's no risk of toxic shock syndrome with our lingerie. Our Elia lingerie is therefore not only hygienic, but also one of the best solutions for your body.
Is there a risk of unpleasant odours with menstrual panties?
With our eucalyptus fiber absorbent zone, there are no unpleasant odors: it has anti-bacterial properties and provides a sensation of freshness to neutralize odors.
We recommend, however, that you rinse it in cold water after wearing it, and put it in the machine quickly: any garment that remains wet for too long can develop a damp smell.
If an odor persists, you can always use a few drops of tea tree oil when machine-washing, but if you follow our care instructions, this shouldn't be necessary.
Is there a risk of leakage?
Zero risk doesn't exist, but we can guarantee that you won't leak through the central, absorbent part of your panties. However, if the panties' maximum absorption capacity has been reached, leakage may occur through the sides and seams - unfortunately, this is the critical point found in all menstrual panties!
If you choose the right model, adapted to your flow and activity, the risk of central leakage is avoided thanks to our absorbent zone lined with a waterproof surface.
If, however, your flow is very heavy or you're worried about leaks, you can also use conventional sanitary pads as a complement, but this is by no means compulsory.
The best thing to do is to see for yourself and test our menstrual lingerie in the comfort of your own home on a heavy-menstruation day.
What are your certifications, and what do they mean?
Our cotton is of course organic, as indicated on our website, but that's not all! Our menstrual lingerie is also certified Origine France Garantie and Oeko-Tex, to combine all the advantages of each and remain in line with our values:
The Oeko-Tex label is not a guarantee of organics, but of the product's harmlessness to the body, thanks to a guarantee that the solvents used to process our materials are not harmful to humans. This certification is not an indicator of the organic or natural nature of the
fiber (our PUL is a synthetic material, but it does have the Oeko-Tex label).
The organic label, on the other hand, offers us a certain guarantee with regard to the environmental impact of the cultivation of our organic cotton, which limits the use of chemicals and whose absence already preserves the health of all the men and women who work in the harvests.
Finally, the OFG label, Origine France Garantie, is a pledge of our determination to work locally as much as possible, with the overwhelming majority of our manufacturing operations carried out in our French workshop (design & pattern-making, cotton weaving and dyeing, assembly, sewing, packaging...).
What is a central flow?
Some women have a very central flow, which accumulates in the center of the panty, the narrowest area, causing it to overflow rapidly, while
the rest of the absorbent zone is far from saturated. Those whose flow direction is forward or backward generally benefit from a longer wearing time before saturation of the absorbent zone!
This is by no means a foregone conclusion, as it is possible to use interlabial petals to redirect the flow and thus achieve a better distribution of bleeding.
Our products
How do I choose my size?
We have drawn up a detailed and precise size guide on each product page. We therefore invite you to go to each product page, and click on "size guide" to the right of the proposed sizes
Please note that each product sizes differently, and we therefore advise you to check each item sheet carefully before validating your basket.
What's more, with each wash, our lingerie may relax slightly, so if your panties are slightly tight when you receive them, don't panic, they'll get better with each wash.
Don't hesitate to ask our expert, who will be delighted to help you choose your size!
How can I take my measurements correctly so that I don't get the wrong size?
To make sure you don't make a mistake, it's important to take your measurements in the right place.
The exact place to take your measurements is at pelvic level, at the widest point of the pelvis, but without the "saddlebags" which are normally found a little lower down.
The product I'm interested in is out of stock
It can happen, we're sorry. Rest assured, it never lasts too long. We invite you to sign up for alerts directly on our eshop. As soon as the product is available again, you'll receive notification that it's back in stock.
If the shortage concerns a limited edition, unfortunately it will no longer be available. In fact, in order to limit waste, we do what we call upcycling: we use pretty cotton scraps to create small limited editions, which usually go very quickly, so don't delay if you've fallen for the color.
Where can I find Elia menstrual pants?
Our menstrual lingerie range is sold exclusively on our website.
You can also find our health range in partner pharmacies.
Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service for advice or further information.
Our prices
Why are there no sales?
At Elia, we've chosen to opt for 100% French manufacturing, valuing every link in the
production chain: from the cotton manufacturer, to the seamstress who will make your knickers, to the order picker.
Sales and fast-fashion are often the result of overproduction of textile products, at the cost of a disastrous ecological footprint and a waste of polluting raw materials during manufacture. So at Elia, we prefer to produce exactly what we need, with natural, high-quality raw materials. Our pricing policy is to offer you the best quality at the fairest price. We have chosen to produce everything in France to ensure traceability and maximum comfort of our panties, without compromise.
As part of our sponsorship and loyalty program, however, you can quickly benefit from advantages that enable you to acquire our beautiful lingerie at lower prices.
Are period panties a money-saver?
Absolutely! If you're using disposable sanitary protection, that's just as much money and waste ending up in the garbage can every cycle. In the long term, period pants are more economical. But beyond the cost savings you make with
menstrual lingerie, using period panties is above all a commitment to the planet (zero waste, fewer pollutants...) and to the body
(100% organic cotton, no risk of toxic shock syndrome...).
Take the test and find out how much you could save with our savings calculator.
Duration and maintenance
How long can I wear menstrual panties?
All our models can be worn for up to 12 hours, but this depends mainly on your flow and activity during the day (we advise against wearing your lingerie for more than 12 hours for reasons of hygiene, as is the case with conventional lingerie).
Don't hesitate to change as soon as you feel a sensation of wetness, as this means that your maximum absorption capacity has been reached; beyond that, the risk of leakage increases.
You can also wear our lingerie in addition to conventional sanitary pads if you're worried about leaks.
When should I wear period panties?
Initially designed to be worn during your period, Elia lingerie is also perfectly suited to the following times:
- During your period, day or night
- With or without additional sanitary protection
- Before your period, if you're not sure when it's coming and want to be prepared for any unpleasant surprises
- When playing sports
- For light bladder weakness
- For white discharge
- After giving birth, once you've returned home, for post-partum bleeding, and to avoid the risk of irritation caused by conventional protection
- During pregnancy, for the minor inconveniences it can cause, particularly in the last trimester.
And, of course, like conventional lingerie at any time of the month.
How long do menstrual pants last?
If you take good care of it, our Elia menstrual lingerie has the same lifespan as classic lingerie: 5 to 7 years!
To find out more about care, click here.
How do I wash period panties?
To preserve your lingerie for as long as possible, we recommend that you follow our care instructions:
- Rinse your panties in cold water, until the water runs clear, as soon as you've finished wearing them
- Squeeze them gently, without wringing, before putting them in the machine as soon as possible
- Machine wash at low temperature (40°C maximum), with a glycerine-free detergent (avoid fabric softeners and other softeners, which are often very "greasy", and opt instead for white vinegar to soften your laundry)
- Air dry
For more information and advice on caring for your Elia menstrual underwear, visit this page.
Can I hand-wash my period panties?
Hand-washing is of course possible, but we prefer to recommend it as an exception. Indeed, hand-washing is
ultimately more aggressive on fabrics than machine-washing (more rubbing, wringing out and twisting the panties in all directions, etc.)
which ultimately damages and relaxes your lingerie, Elia or otherwise.
We prefer to recommend hand-washing during the cycle if you wish, and machine-washing at the end of each
cycle.
You'll find our care instructions right here.
I have a discoloration stain on my panties that doesn't go away despite washing.
It can happen: it's a discoloration phenomenon that can occur when some of us have vaginal secretions
that are a little more acidic. This only discolors the cotton, but in no way affects the proper functioning of the panties.
To minimize them, rinse them in cold, soap-free water as soon as possible after wearing them! And then put them in the washing machine, but otherwise it's just a question of appearance!
It's a problem that's specific to all black-bottomed panties (menstrual or otherwise), because it depends on our personal acidity (white discharge like blood), which can vary and be more or less important during the same cycle.
This does not spare organic cottons and Oeko-tex-certified fabrics, and is by no means a sign of poor material quality. Once again, there's nothing to worry about, and it in no way impairs the effectiveness of our products!
In general, we advise you to change your underwear more regularly and to rinse it quickly after wearing if you don't want to alter the aesthetics of the inside of your panties.
Which detergent should I use? And why avoid glycerine?
We strongly advise you to use a hypoallergenic, glycerine-free detergent for Elia lingerie, and in general for all garments worn close to the body. We also offer a menstrual detergent dedicated to the care of
period panties.
To soften your clothes, don't use fabric softener: if your water is hard and chalky, opt for white vinegar, which has anti-chalk properties and helps combat the dry appearance of clothes after washing. It also neutralizes unpleasant odours. You'll avoid having to use commercial chemical and perfumed products, which aren't recommended for underwear worn close to the body anyway!
Glycerine clogs absorbent fibers and makes them waterproof in the long run: liquids are likely to bead up on the surface, and that's less effective!
Be careful, for example, with the composition of Savon de Marseille: only a tiny amount of glycerine from the natural saponification process should remain in the original recipe.
For the same reasons, we advise against the use of fabric softeners, as these are greasy compositions formulated to limit static electricity and soften laundry, but which reduce absorption efficiency and clog up machines in the long run! In fact, you shouldn't use them on all absorbent household linen: towels, tea towels... as well as sportswear and menstrual pants!
To find out more about our care tips, please visit this page and discover our menstrual laundry detergent.
I washed my panties at over 40°, do they still work?
If your lingerie has been washed at over 40° or accidentally tumble-dried, don't worry!
However, we recommend washing at low temperature for the following reasons:
The absorbent zone made of eucalyptus fibers tends to shrink slightly under the effect of heat. It's still as absorbent as ever, but you may notice that the cotton on top, which hasn't moved, wrinkles under the effect of the slightly shrunken absorbent layer. It's just less attractive!
Blood "cooks" at high temperatures, so stains are harder to remove once they've been heated: that's why it's best to rinse by hand in cold water first. However, the inside of our panties is all black, to avoid unsightly stain residues.
The lifespan of your panties (and that of classic lingerie) is reduced by high-temperature washing, so it's best to avoid it!
Environment and eco-responsibility
Is Elia lingerie eco-responsible?
We try to choose our fabrics with respect for the environment. To find out more about the different materials that make up our lingerie and the absorbent zone, discover our technology in more detail. To find out more about our eco-responsible actions, click here.
Is Elia lingerie vegan?
At Elia, we don't use any materials derived from animal fibers: our absorbent zone is made from wood fiber textile, and the fabric of our panties is cotton. Our menstrual stain remover is also vegan, and made entirely without beef gall.
Is Elia lingerie organic?
Absolutely, all our knickers are Oeko-tex certified and our cotton is certified organic, to guarantee your well-being.
To find out more about our certifications, take a look here.
Where is Elia menstrual lingerie made?
Our Elia lingerie is made in our workshops in France, from design to cotton weaving and delivery. Whenever possible, we favor short supply chains for our supplies and our partners.
What exactly are Elia panties made of?
All our lingerie models are made from our organic cotton (to which we add between 3% and 5% elastane for added comfort and flexibility), an absorbent fabric made from eucalyptus fibers (eucalyptus tencel) and a waterproof fabric made from breathable PUL.
France is just starting to produce organic cotton, and we're trying to source from our local market in the future, but volumes are insufficient at present, and world production of organic cotton is mainly ensured by the USA, India and Egypt, although this list is not exhaustive (Turkey and China may also be added to the list). Our partners' supply of raw cotton yarn therefore varies from year to year, depending on the harvest.
Our organic cotton is then woven entirely in our own workshop in France, our waterproof fabric comes from European suppliers, while our absorbent fabric is produced in Austria.
My order
I placed an order, but I got the wrong size or model. What should I do?
If your order is very recent (same day), we invite you to write to our super customer service department at shop@elia-lingerie.com.
If your order has not yet gone to preparation, we will be happy to modify your order and confirm that
your request has been taken into account.
If your order is already in preparation, ready or gone, unfortunately it can no longer be modified. In this case, please fill in this form and send it back to
as soon as you receive it.
I can't enter my promo code ("please enter a valid promo code")
Promo codes are not cumulative on our site, so you'll have to choose the most advantageous for you, or the one with the shortest validity period.
Sponsorship and loyalty
How do I get my points discount voucher?
To convert your points into a discount voucher, simply log in to your account, then click on
"use my points" on this page.
Feedback and discussion
How do I make a return?
You've just received your order (less than 30 days old) and it doesn't suit you?
Don't panic, you can request a return by filling in this form.
Please note that our products are hygiene products, so the conditions for accepting returns are very strict: the product must be unworn, unwashed and with all its labels attached. All stained or suspect products will be instantly refused and not refunded.
Do I have to pay for the return?
You can choose between several return options:
- Exchange for another product - return postage free
- Exchange for a credit note - return postage deducted (4€)
- Refund - return postage at your expense (4€)
What's the status of my refund?
You've returned an item to us, the carrier confirms delivery and your refund/exchange/credit note hasn't yet been processed? Don't panic, it may take a few days for our teams to receive it, check it and refund it.
If you're worried, don't hesitate to contact our after-sales service. We'll let you know the status of your return.
Can I make an exchange?
Within 30 days of your delivery date, you can exchange an unworn, unwashed and still labelled product.
You can choose between several exchange options:
- Exchange for another product - return postage free
- Exchange for a credit note - return postage deducted (4€)
We will proceed with the exchange as soon as our teams have received the product in its original condition. Any item already worn, missing its label or returned in poor condition will not be reimbursed.
Delivery
How long does delivery take?
Orders placed before 12pm, Monday to Friday, are generally prepared the same day. As soon as your order is ready to leave, you will receive a shipment confirmation email with its tracking number. From then on, your parcel is handled by the carrier you chose when you placed your order.
For France:
- Delivery in 24/48h with Chronopost
- Delivery in 2/4 days with Colissimo
- Delivery in less than a week with Mondial Relay
For Europe and other countries:
We cannot guarantee delivery times, as this depends on the destination country.
Please note that some parcels may take longer to clear customs, for example, which we unfortunately cannot anticipate.
What types of delivery do you offer?
We currently offer 3 types of delivery and strongly advise you to choose the method that best suits the quality of delivery service in your area:
- Colissimo (with or without signature)
- Mondial Relay
- Chronopost
Some delivery methods may be unavailable depending on the destination country.
My order was received incomplete? I have received the wrong order? I have received a defective product?
No need to panic! All you have to do is send a complaint from this page.
Our team will get back to you within 48 hours!
Contact us
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Contact us via our online form.