How to Use Reusable Cloth Pads (A Beginner Guide)
Reusable cloth pads are a comfortable, low-waste alternative to disposables, and getting started is easier than most people expect. Once you know which side faces up and how the wings snap, the rest is second nature.
This guide covers how cloth pads work, how to wear them, how to keep them from shifting, how long you can wear one, and how many you are likely to need in a day.
How do cloth menstrual pads work?
Topsy Daisy pads are made from soft bamboo terry. Reusable pads come in different fabrics, and ours use bamboo terry for its softness and absorbency. Every pad and liner has wing snaps on the back that fasten around your underwear, so the pad stays put and lifts off easily when it is time to change.
The absorbent layers draw in blood, urine, or any other leakage, while the outer layer is breathable so your skin does not overheat. There are plenty of shapes and sizes, so you can match a pad to your flow and your underwear.
How to wear a cloth pad
Wearing one is straightforward. Place it in the crotch of your underwear, line up the snaps, and fasten the wings underneath.
- Lay the pad along the crotch of your underwear, soft side up.
- Wrap the wings around the gusset and snap them together underneath.
- The smooth, absorbent side rests against your skin.
- Change the pad as needed through the day. When you are out, tuck a used one into a carry bag until you get home.
Take care not to bunch the pad too far up between your legs, which can rub and cause irritation.
Which side faces up?
The absorbing side, the actual pad surface, goes against your skin. The patterned cover, which is the waterproof backing, lies against your underwear. If a pad ever feels wrong, it is usually upside down, so check the snaps are underneath.
Keeping your pad in place
A shifting pad is almost always a fit issue. A few things keep it steady:
- Snap the wings firmly around the gusset of your underwear.
- Choose close-fitting styles with a snug crotch, such as briefs, boyshorts, or bike shorts, ideally with cotton panels.
- Let a freshly washed pad dry flat before wearing, since a damp pad moves around more than a dry one.
- For extra security on heavier days, layer a reusable panty liner underneath as a second line of defense.
How long can you wear a cloth pad?
One of the joys of reusable pads is that you wear them for as long as your flow allows. Many women keep one in for several hours during the day and reach for a thicker pad overnight or during breakthrough bleeding.
Change a pad once it feels wet, starts to leak through, or smells less than fresh. Keep a spare or two in your bag so a surprise heavy day never catches you out. For odor between washes, see how to get smell out of reusable pads.
How many cloth pads do you need a day?
It comes down to your flow. Most people land somewhere around two to four pads a day, but no two cycles are the same.
| Flow | Pads per day | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Light | One, sometimes two | A liner or thin pad is often enough |
| Moderate | Two to three | Carry a spare for longer days out |
| Heavy | Two or more | Size up to a longer, thicker pad for coverage |
If a pad ever feels too small for your flow, move up to a larger size for better coverage. Browse options built for the heaviest days in our heavy flow pads, and build your collection over time so you always have a clean pad ready. A starter set or bundle is the easy way to cover a full cycle.
How to stop a cloth pad from leaking
Leaks usually trace back to position rather than the pad itself. To keep things sealed:
- Center the pad and snap the wings so it sits flat against you.
- Wear snug clothing, like jeans or leggings with a firm waistband, rather than loose skirts.
- Smooth out any slack at the front so there is no gap between fabric and skin.
- Layer a panty liner underneath for a backup on your heaviest days.
How long do reusable pads last?
Cloth pads reward a little care with years of service. With gentle washing and proper drying, Topsy Daisy pads last 5+ years and stay stain and leak free along the way.
The keys are simple: wash on a cool or warm cycle, skip fabric softener, and avoid high dryer heat. Our washing guide and wash and care guide have the full routine. Looked after well, one set keeps going long after a mountain of disposables would have gone to landfill.