Introduction
Absorbency is one of the most important performance factors in period underwear. For brands developing menstrual underwear, knowing how much liquid a product can absorb is essential. However, absorbency capacity alone does not tell the whole story.
How quickly does the fabric absorb liquid? How much can the gusset retain before becoming saturated? At what point does leakage occur?
These are important questions that should be considered during product development and quality evaluation.
At CHUANGRONG as a Professional Period Underwear Manufacturer, we conduct in-house absorbency evaluations to assess how different period underwear constructions perform under controlled testing conditions.
What Does Absorbency Mean in Period Underwear?
Absorbency refers to the amount of liquid that period underwear can take in and retain within its absorbent structure.
Unlike regular underwear, Period Panties Collections contain multiple functional layers designed to manage menstrual fluid.
A typical gusset construction may include:
· Skin Contact Layer: The innermost layer designed for direct skin contact and wearing comfort.
· Absorbent Layer: The functional layer that takes in and retains liquid.
· Leak-Resistant Layer: A barrier designed to help prevent liquid from passing through the garment.
· Outer Fabric Layer: The fabric that provides the garment's appearance and overall construction.
The performance of period underwear depends on how these layers work together.
A product may absorb a certain amount of liquid, but its actual performance also depends on liquid distribution, retention, gusset coverage and the condition of the absorbent materials.
This is why absorbency testing should evaluate more than just the final volume.
How Is Period Underwear Absorbency Tested ？
An absorbency evaluation helps manufacturers understand how a period underwear sample responds to increasing amounts of liquid.
At CHUANGRONG, our in-house laboratory uses a liquid application and observation process to evaluate sample absorbency and leakage performance.
A typical internal evaluation involves the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Sample
Select the period underwear sample and place it in the designated testing position.
Record the style number, size and relevant product information to ensure the results can be traced back to the sample
Step 2: Prepare the Test Liquid
Prepare the liquid used for the evaluation. In our documented internal test, tap water mixed with food coloring was used to make liquid distribution easier to observe.
A measuring syringe is used to control the amount of liquid applied.
Step 3:Apply the Liquid Gradually
Apply measured amounts of liquid to the absorbent gusset.
The liquid quantity can be increased gradually to observe how the absorbent structure responds at different testing points.
Step 4: Observe Liquid Absorption and Retention
Check whether the liquid is absorbed into the gusset and observe its distribution within the absorbent area.
Pay attention to whether the absorbent layer becomes saturated or whether liquid begins to spread beyond the intended coverage area.
Step 5: Check for Leakage
Inspect the surrounding areas and the underside of the sample for visible leakage.
Record the liquid quantity at which leakage occurs or the absorbent structure reaches its practical testing limit.
The results provide useful information for evaluating the sample's absorbency performance and identifying possible areas for product improvement.
CHUANGRONG In-House Laboratory: A Real Absorbency Test Example
To better understand how absorbency testing works, let's look at an actual test conducted in the CHUANGRONG in-house laboratory.
The tested sample was style A1131, size S. The evaluation was conducted on October 9, 2026.
Using a gradual liquid application process, the laboratory recorded the following results:
What Do These Results Tell Us?
The results show how the same period underwear sample responds as the applied liquid volume increases.
· At 10 ml: Light
The sample absorbed the applied liquid without visible side leakage.
· At 37 ml: Moderate
The sample continued to absorb the liquid without visible side leakage.
· At 52.25 ml: Super-Heavy
Without visible side leakage.The absorbent layer was already saturated.
Although the sample passed this testing point, it is important to recognize that this layer was saturated.
· At 67 ml: Overnight
Leakage occurred, indicating that the absorbent structure had reached its limit under the test conditions.
This result helps identify the point at which the sample can no longer retain the additional liquid without visible leakage.
Why Is It Important to Test Beyond the Expected Absorbency Level?
For period underwear manufacturers, identifying the point at which a product becomes saturated is just as important as measuring how much liquid it can absorb.
If testing stops as soon as the sample reaches its target volume, it may not reveal how close the product is to leakage.
For example, in the A1131 test:
· At 10 ml, no side leakage was observed.
· At 37 ml, no side leakage was observed.
· At 52.25 ml,no side leakage, the absorbent layer was already saturated.
· At 67 ml, visible leakage occurred.
This information helps manufacturers understand the sample's performance boundaries.
For brands developing period underwear, it is useful to evaluate both the intended absorbency target and the sample's behavior when additional liquid is applied.
This can support more informed decisions about absorbent materials, gusset construction and product positioning.
Period Underwear Development with CHUANGRONG
At CHUANGRONG Apparel, we have over 18 years of experience in intimate apparel manufacturing, providing OEM and ODM development services for brands.
Our period underwear development capabilities include:
· Multiple-layer absorbent gusset constructions.
· Cotton, modal and bamboo-derived fabric options.
· TPU-based leak-resistant barrier materials.
· Different absorbency requirements and gusset coverage designs.
· In-house product evaluation based on customer specifications.
Our internal laboratory helps us evaluate samples and identify potential performance limits during product development.
Every brand has different requirements for absorbency, fabric feel, gusset thickness, target pricing and market positioning.
At CHUANGRONG, we offer flexible period underwear solutions based on each brand's absorbency requirements and business needs.
1.For emerging brands
We can recommend the closest matching styles from our ready-to-ship collection, support small trial orders and offer logo customization on selected ready-made styles. This allows brands to test the market, build brand identity and reduce inventory pressure without committing to large initial orders
2.For established brands
We offer customized development based on your specifications, including absorbency levels, fabric selection, gusset construction and overall product design.
Whether you are launching your first period underwear collection or expanding an existing range, feel free to contact us to discuss your project. We'd be happy to help explore the right solution for your brand.
Email: Lexie@Sharicca.com
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