FAQ

Period Proof underwear combines everyday underwear with built-in menstrual protection.

But how those protective layers are constructed matters.

When developing our Period Proof styles, we didn't simply want to add an absorbent pad into a pair of underwear. We designed a multi-layer protective system that works together: a soft mesh layer next to your body, an absorbent core underneath, a waterproof barrier to help prevent leaks, and the outer fabric of the underwear.

Our Period Proof Underwear provides our highest level of protection and absorbs approximately the equivalent of 2–3 regular tampons, depending on flow and usage.

Our lighter Leak Proof Underwear offers approximately 1 regular tampon of absorbency and is designed for spotting, lighter days, unexpected starts and backup protection.

The protection is built right into your underwear—put them on and go.

We intentionally created two levels of protection because not every day of your period requires the same thing.

LEAK PROOF | LIGHT PROTECTION
Our lighter, more discreet option is designed for spotting, lighter-flow days, unexpected periods, small bladder leaks and backup protection with a tampon, cup or pad. Approximately 1 regular tampon of absorbency.

PERIOD PROOF | MODERATE TO HEAVY PROTECTION
Designed for regular and heavier-flow days, greater absorbency and overnight protection. Approximately 2–3 regular tampons of absorbency, with protective coverage extending fully from front to back.

Choose the protection that matches your day—not simply your period.

Yes. That's what we designed them to do.

Our Period Proof styles can be worn independently as menstrual protection, provided their absorbency is appropriate for your individual flow.

We wanted to create an option that could eliminate—or at least significantly reduce—the need for disposable menstrual products for many people.

Every period is different. Knowing your flow and choosing the right level of protection is always important.

We've made this easy:

Leak Proof: approximately 1 regular tampon
Ideal for spotting, lighter days, unexpected starts and backup protection.

Period Proof: approximately 2–3 regular tampons
Designed for regular and heavier-flow days and overnight protection.

During development, absorbency was one of the areas we paid particular attention to. More layers don't automatically mean better protection—the materials used, their placement and how the entire protective system is constructed all matter.

Tampon equivalents are provided as an easy way to compare absorbency, not as a guarantee of a specific number of hours, because everyone's flow is different.

Because periods don't conveniently stay in one little spot.

This was one of the shortcomings we noticed while looking at other period underwear.

Reducing the size of the protective panel can reduce fabric and manufacturing costs, but it can also leave areas of the underwear without any protection—particularly when you're sitting, sleeping, moving around or experiencing a heavier flow, leaving you vulnerable to leaks.

So we made a deliberate design decision: our Period Proof protection extends fully from front to back.

We wanted protection where menstrual fluid can actually travel—not simply where it's most convenient to manufacture it. This is particularly important to us for overnight protection, when your sleeping position can change where fluid travels.

This was something we specifically wanted to address.

One of the things we didn't like about some period underwear we tried was the sensation of moisture sitting directly against the skin.

That's why our Period Proof designs feature a soft mesh top layer between your body and the absorbent core underneath. The mesh allows menstrual fluid to move through to the absorbent layers below while creating a comfortable barrier between your skin and the fluid being held within the underwear.

The result is designed to help reduce that unpleasant feeling of dampness throughout the day.

Once any absorbent product begins reaching its capacity, however, you may notice increased moisture. That's your cue that it's time for a fresh pair.

Because protection shouldn't mean feeling like you're sitting in your period all day.

Period underwear is designed to help prevent leaks, but no menstrual product has unlimited capacity.

What we learned during development is that absorbency isn't the only thing that matters—coverage, construction and seam placement matter too. A protective panel that ends too soon can leave areas exposed. Poorly positioned seams can create potential weak points. And absorbent materials need to hold enough fluid for the protection level they're intended to provide.

These were all details we considered while developing and refining our own designs.

Our higher-absorbency Period Proof styles combine multi-layer protection with full front-to-back coverage to provide protection where we believe it matters most.

Once the absorbent core reaches its capacity, however, any period underwear can eventually leak—which is why choosing the appropriate absorbency for your flow is important.

Our underwear were designed to feel like underwear first.

Before designing our collection, my daughters and I tried and tested dozens of different period underwear. We found products that felt unnecessarily bulky, uncomfortable, poorly constructed or simply weren't underwear we would normally choose to wear. So we started from there.

For more than two years, we worked with our designer from initial concepts through prototypes, testing, revisions and improvements. We refined fabrics, fit, seam placement, protective layers and coverage until we arrived at designs we genuinely wanted to wear ourselves.

We did the trial and error so you don't have to.

Our Leak Proof styles are particularly lightweight and discreet—something my tween daughters at the time insisted on. Our Period Proof styles contain additional protection because they're designed for considerably greater absorbency.

Our goal was never to create period underwear that you tolerate because you're on your period. We wanted to create underwear you'd actually want to wear.

It's a tiny detail that can make a surprisingly big difference.

During development, we learned to look beyond how period underwear appeared on the outside and pay close attention to how the protective area was actually constructed.

Seams can affect comfort, fit and the integrity of the protective area. That's why seam placement and construction became part of the development process as we tested and refined our designs.

It's also a good example of why our development took more than two years.

The details you barely notice when everything works are often the details that matter most.

Absolutely—overnight protection was an important consideration when we designed our Period Proof styles.

When you're lying down, turning over or sleeping in different positions, menstrual fluid doesn't necessarily remain in the same area it does when you're standing. That's another reason our Period Proof protection extends fully from front to back.

Combined with approximately 2–3 regular tampons of absorbency, that extended coverage makes our Period Proof styles our preferred option for nighttime protection.

Less worrying about your sleeping position. Less worrying about your pajamas. And hopefully, fewer mornings dealing with stained sheets.

Definitely.

We didn't design period underwear around the idea that everyone has to manage their period the same way.

Our lighter Leak Proof Underwear is particularly useful as backup protection with a tampon, cup or pad. If your tampon leaks, your cup overflows or your period arrives earlier than expected, you've already got another layer of protection built into your underwear.

For anyone who isn't ready to completely ditch their usual menstrual products, this is also an easy way to start reducing reliance on disposables without changing everything at once.

This is actually one of the reasons we created our lighter Leak Proof collection.

Periods aren't always predictable. Sometimes the biggest problem isn't a full day of heavy bleeding—it's those unexpected moments, especially during the first few months or years after your period starts, when your cycle hasn't quite regulated yet. Suddenly you realize your period has arrived and you're nowhere near a bathroom or menstrual product.

Our Leak Proof styles look and feel much like everyday underwear but have discreet protection already built in. They're designed to buy you valuable time to get where you need to be, change or grab additional protection before an unexpected period becomes an embarrassing mishap.

Sometimes peace of mind is the most important protection of all.

Yes—and this was especially important to us as a brand created by a mother and her daughters.

First periods can already feel overwhelming. Managing pads, changing products at school and worrying about unexpected leaks can make the experience even more stressful. Period underwear keeps things simple: put them on just like regular underwear, and the protection is already there.

Our Leak Proof styles can also be worn before an expected period for added reassurance when cycles are still unpredictable.

I wanted protection that could grow with my girls through different stages of life—from first periods and unpredictable cycles to motherhood and beyond.

Our Period Proof Underwear can also provide discreet protection for small, occasional bladder leaks. In fact, some of our most loyal customers are in their 90s and regularly wear them for shopping days and outings.

They can be useful for the little leaks that sometimes happen when laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising.

For moderate or significant urinary incontinence, however, we recommend using a product specifically designed and tested for that purpose.

Period underwear itself shouldn't inherently smell simply because it's reusable.

Proper absorbency, changing when needed, washing thoroughly and allowing the underwear to dry completely before storing all play a role in keeping them fresh.

If you notice increased moisture or odor while you're wearing them, it may simply mean they're approaching their absorbency capacity and it's time for a fresh pair.

If persistent odor develops after washing, a more thorough rinse and proper care can help remove buildup within absorbent fabrics.

We designed these to be worn again and again, so proper care matters.

Follow the instructions on your garment's care label. In general, gentle washing and avoiding products that leave heavy residues on absorbent fabrics will help maintain performance.

Never use fabric softener, which can coat absorbent fibers and interfere with their ability to absorb effectively.

And always make sure your underwear is completely dry before putting them away.

Take care of your underwear, and they'll take care of you.

Because we weren't interested in simply putting our name on someone else's product.

My daughters and I started by trying and testing dozens of period underwear ourselves—hence the two-year development. We looked at what we loved, what frustrated us and where we believed products could be better.

We encountered issues ranging from uncomfortable fits and bulky construction to inadequate absorbent materials, questionable seam placement and protective panels that simply didn't extend as far as our periods did.

Then we worked directly with a designer to create our own.

Design. Prototype. Test. Tweak. Improve. Repeat.

For more than two years, we refined the fabrics, fit, construction, protection and little details until we had designs we were proud to put our name on.

We didn't want to make just another pair of period underwear. We wanted to make the pair we couldn't find.

We believe women deserve more choices in how they manage their periods.

Reusable period underwear can dramatically reduce the number of disposable menstrual products a person uses over time, while providing another comfortable way to manage menstrual flow and reducing exposure to toxins found in many disposable menstrual products.

Some customers may use Period Proof underwear as their primary protection. Others may combine them with a cup or tampon. And some may simply wear Leak Proof underwear for reassurance on unpredictable days.

It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

One pair. One period. One less disposable at a time.

DITCH THE DISPOSABLES.

Because we're starting small—and doing it thoughtfully.

Ella Mak is a small, family-run start-up, and rather than launching a huge collection just for the sake of having more choices, we decided to begin by focusing on the essentials and getting them right.

After spending more than two years developing, testing and refining our original designs, our priority was to launch a carefully considered collection that covers the basics—from lightweight everyday Leak Proof protection to greater Period Proof protection for regular and heavier-flow days.

But this is only the beginning.

As our little business grows and more customers discover us, our goal is to grow right alongside you. We hope to introduce more colors, styles, fits and protection options.

For now, we're focusing on doing a few things really well rather than trying to do everything at once.

We may be starting with a small collection, but we have a big vision for where Ella Mak can go.