What Style Do I Choose?

Unlike disposable pads, cloth pads come in a wide variety of styles. Some have a little decorative flare, but for the most part they can be narrowed down into four categories. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish one pad style from another, but pattern designers will add subtle changes in the flare or the wings to prevent copy-right infringement.

1) Symmetrical

2) Asymmetrical

3) Thong liner

4) Unfold-able pads

Thumbnail credit: Ella Kruglyanskaya

Symmetrical

Symmetrical pads are when the back-end and front-end of the pad are exactly the same when you fold it in half. This style is good for people who tend to bleed equally in the front and the back.

Most common symmetrical pad styles

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical pads are designed for people who tend to bleed in a single direction (back bleeders & front bleeders). Because they're asymmetrical, the pads can come in shapes of objects and animals.

Asymmetrical pad styles

Thong liner

For people who feel more comfortable wearing thongs, they'll use thong liners during their spotting days.

Unfoldable Pads

These unfoldable pads are good for people who like to hang-dry their pads because they're quick-dry and don't look like pads when they're hanging. The core unwraps, so it ends up looking like a piece of cloth material. When it's dry, you fold it back up and attach the core to the pad.

This style is often donated to women in developing regions because they can sun-dry their pads without being harassed. The pads are also easy to make.