Welcome to the second part of the four parties serious on best materials for reusable pads. In this post I will go through the most popular and reliable options, highlighting the pros and cons of each and explaining where and how I would use either material to achieve the required customisation to create sanitary, maternity or incontinence pads.
Here is the full series list:
- Backing materials for reusable pads
- Absorbent materials for reusable pads
- Top layer materials for reusable pads
- Closure options and materials for reusable pads
List of absorbent materials for reusable pads
These are the types of fabrics that I would class as most reliable for absorbent layers. I will be discussing each in more details below.
- Zorb (all options)
- Cotton towelling
- Bamboo / Viscose towelling
- Hemp
- Natural mixed fibres
Absorbent materials for reusable pads in detail
When I first made the reusable pads some five years ago, I first researched the absorbent materials to use as I was adamant that I did not want to get in a pickle and stain my clothes. This was a regular occurrence with disposable sanitary pads and I had to double up on the heavy flow days when I was leaving the house and had to make sure that I change the pads frequently (like every 1-2 hours).
The disposable pads would also give me rash now and then. Since then I learnt that the disposable pads contain some chemicals that turn liquid into a gel (does it sound familiar) and that the manufacturers do not have to disclose what chemicals they are using in sanitary pads and disposable nappies. Yikes!
As a rule of thumb you should aim for no more than total 1000GSM weight of fabric in any pad, to ensure it washed adequately and dries without any issues. If you assume that he top and backing layers of the fabric are around 200GSM each, that means there are 600GSM left for core absorbency. I will recommend the number of layers you can use for each fabric.
Zorb
The most recommended material on various groups on Facebook was for Zorb. Pretty much every seamstress that ventured into reusable sanitary pads were highlighting that Zorb is the most dependable material for reusable pads. Of course, I had to dive straight in and purchased the fabric.
I can say, that indeed it was a solid option for the pad and I can see what the rave is all about. What was not sitting right with me, is that it is unclear what fibres are actually contained within the fabric. Zorb states it is a “blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers” without going into further details. Wazoodle in the product description lists a multitude of fibres, while also stating that “Fiber content for Zorb does not need to be disclosed when it is used in diapers or soakers“. I suppose it is a trade secret but since I am not too happy with the not knowing, I never bought the fabric beyond the first 0.5m.
In terms of drying time, the pads made with Zorb dried quickly, suggesting that the there are synthetic fibres in the mix.
If you choose to use it, make sure that Zorb Original is not sitting directly against the body, it should always be sandwiched between layers of fabric. Zorb varies from 235GSM for Zorb Original to 550GSM for Zorb 3D Cotton. Depending on which one you select, you can go for either two to one layers of absorbency respectively.
Cotton towelling
Cotton towelling is my preferred option as a material for reusable pads. It is fairly easy to come by, is very absorbent and dries quickly. The natural fibres aside, the cotton towelling as a material for reusable pads can be super sustainable if you recycle any of your old bath or hand towels as an absorbent layer.
The fabric soaks up the liquid very quickly, so any sudden gush would be sponged up promptly, reducing the possibility of any leaks. For this reason, it is suitable for all reusable pads – maternity, sanitary and incontinence.
Typically, the cotton towelling range from 340GSM to 550GSM so you would use two or one layer for the reusable pads, respectively.
Bamboo / Viscose towelling
I have listed both the bamboo and viscose towelling, because most of the times they are pretty much the same or behaves the same way. Viscose fabrics could be using cellulose from any source of wood. But with bamboo being the quickest to regenerate, my guess is that it most likely is going to be a bamboo fibres.
Where bamboo lists “antimicrobial” as one of its features, the viscose does not, but it does not mater much beyond the marketing speech. Just wash and dry your pads properly and change them regularly.
Bamboo towelling is also quite popular option in the reusable cloth nappy industry for a good reason. It is very soft and super absorbent after a couple of washes. It can take a bit of time to dry (nod to the viscose clothing that are stubborn to dry at the same speed as the rest of the clothes) but if you have enough pads to last the whole cycle, then this should not be a deterrent from using it.
Initially, the bamboo is not fast at absorbing the liquids but after a couple of uses and washes it gets better. I have used bamboo/ viscose towelling before it gets worked up to osmose efficiently and have not had any leaks. For a piece of mind, my favourite combo is a layer of cotton towelling (closes to the body) and a layer of bamboo towelling. In fact, this is the winning mix that I use on all new pads, unless I am out of any cotton or bamboo fabric.
Most bamboo towelling fabric is going to be 300GSM, so you would need a maximum of two layers for the absorbent layer.
Hemp
Now, hemp jersey was a very glorified fabric in the reusable nappy world some five years ago (I have not been active in any chat groups recently, so I am unsure if this is still the case). However, my experience has not been that great. While some swear by the amazing absorbency level of the hemp, I honestly could not claim the same. Even in the mix with other fabrics, I found it lacking the true vigour it promised.
Hemp is natural and sustainable, and that’s where its benefits as a material for reusable pads end.
In reusable pads it has been ok when mixed with cotton or bamboo, but I disliked the stiffness of the fabric and I thought the does not align with the body form that well, potentially contributing to a chance of leakage. The fabric is quite soft when you first use it, but it hardens over time. My advice, if you are going to use it, pair it with any other absorbency on the list. I would also stay away from hemp for incontinence pads as it is slower to absorb the liquid.
Hemp jersey typically comes in 220GSM weight.
Natural mixed fibres
There are plenty of options on the market for various mixed fibres, that produce good absorbent fabrics that work beautifully for reusable pads. Even the tricky hemp becomes beautiful in a mix with bamboo or cotton. If you are selecting one of them, I would advise staying away from fabrics that have more than 20% polyester or other artificial fibres in their mix.
Summary of absorbent materials for reusable pads
The type of the fabric matters too. Jerseys with added spandex or lycra will be softer and more absorbent (I do not know why!) and fleece will go a bit stiff when soaked. French Terry is a good option all round, for all layers of the reusable pads. So, if you have to buy any material and want to reduce the costs, then this is a reliable and splendid option.
