4 sustainable Japanese femtech brands that help control your period

Pads and tampons have been the most standard menstrual supplies for many years. However, with the rise of the femtech industry, more comfortable, sustainable and reliable products are available for those who experience monthly periods.

One example is menstrual underwear, a reusable product that helps you cut back on waste and hassle. While these panties often look like regular underwear, absorbent layers protect you from leakage and collect menstrual fluids for many hours. Some people like to use it as a backup method to other menstrual supplies, while others use it as their sole leakage protection method.

Another example is the menstruation cup. It is a flexible, cup-shaped silicon device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. Once you insert it correctly, you can walk, stand, run, jump and do other everyday activities without worrying about leakage. Depending on your flow and the type of cup you use, you may be able to wear it for up to 12 hours.

We put together a list of sustainable Japanese femtech products you can rely on during that time of the month. Although the initial costs for these new menstrual supplies are more than what you usually pay for conventional products each month, in the long run, you will be both saving much more money and cutting down on waste.

Nagi

Nagi is one of the most well-known period panties companies in Japan. Its products have a minimalistic yet functional design with chic-looking options. All Nagi panties are carefully hand-sewn in Japan, and they are available in three different styles. The Full style sits at the natural waist and is suited for heavy flow or overnight use, with an absorption capacity of 105ml, equivalent to 10 napkins. The Standard sits on the hips and is suited for moderate flow, with an absorption capacity of 60ml. The Slim has the smallest hip coverage of the three designs and is suited for light flow, with an absorption capacity of 20 ml. Nagi’s underwear is made with five layers, and its quick-drying sheet absorbs 97.2% of fluids in 30 seconds, leaving a dry feel. A deodorized sheet suppresses bacterial growth, protecting against odors.

Nagi is a green-minded brand that offers only paper-based packaging, and shoppers can choose between a cylindrical package or a no-frill envelope. Moreover, Nagi is also concerned about the recent period poverty issues in Japan. The brand now offers a 500-yen discount per pair for anyone 22 years and under. A 5% discount is available for regular shoppers when they purchase three panties, 10% for four or more.

Comfits

Lingerie brand Lace Fran de Lingerie‘s period underwear “comfits” is a budget option with inclusive sizing. Period underwear is usually priced at around 4,000 – 6,000 yen per pair, but comfits are priced at around 2,000 – 2,900 yen. Sizes are between XS (from 77cm hip) and 3XL (up to 110cm hip). Therefore, it can be a good option for people of different body types, including teens who have just had their first period. It is available only in black, but you can choose from six styles depending on your period flow and preference. For example, Special + is a high waist panty with the largest coverage of all, absorbing 75ml of fluid.

The absorbency of the Regular and Lace panties is equivalent to two napkins, and it’s a good option for light days or when you feel like your period is coming soon but are not sure of the exact day. Comfit panties are lined with four layers of fabric, including a cotton one, with two absorbent and moisture-wicking layers. The brand donates a fraction of its profits from comfit to Colabo, a nonprofit organization providing shelter for young girls.

Rinē

Rinē is a period underwear brand that’s motivated to provide style and comfort at the same time. Their menstrual underwear offers sturdy protection by employing four layers, including two types of absorbent fabrics and waterproof lining. Featuring TENCEL, an eco-friendly material made from wood fiber, Rinē has a soft, smooth, stretchy feel. There are two types of designs with different absorption levels. The Full absorbs 110ml of fluids and is perfect for heavy flows or overnight use. The Regular absorbs 60ml of fluids and is perfect for lighter flows. There are three colors, beige, black and pink, and three sizes, Small, Medium and Large, to choose from.

The brand cares about sustainability. Not only are its TENCEL-based panties biodegradable, but they will also be sent to your door in a tapeless plant-based package. Rinē also will launch a collection of nursing bralettes called “Mommy Bralette” in August, featuring absorbent paddings and a V-shaped front that can be easily pulled down.

Rose Cup

If you are looking for a carefully designed Japanese menstrual cup, Rose Cup is recommended choice. It comes in one size and can hold 18 ml of fluid for 12 hours. With its matte textured surface, you can easily insert or remove the cup without it slipping around too much. The Rose Cup is also anti-static, so it hardly attracts lint. Even when it does, it comes off very easily. The “inner wing” attached to the rim creates a leak-proof seal, and there is a notch in the wing to make it easy to dispose of the fluid. A scale in millimeters printed inside the cup gives you a better idea of your flow each time you empty it.

Once your period is finished, you can sterilize your cup by putting it in a pot of boiling water. Alternatively, you can buy Rose Cup’s official sterilizing container that lets you sterilize it in a microwave. Its collapsible container can be easily put into your bag or purse, making it perfect for portable use too.

* The amount of fluids varies by individuals. Consult medical professionals if you have any concerning menstruation symptoms before starting to use these products.