Periods aren’t sexy. They don’t make us feel sexy, and given society’s aversion to pimples and bloating, they certainly don’t make us look sexy. But a new product on the market promises to do just that.
Sexy Period panties are constructed with two inner layers of absorbent fabric and an outer layer of breathable, spill-proof material to prevent embarrassing leaks during your period. They aren’t a replacement for pads and tampons as much as a backup to ensure you don’t have any “spillover disasters.”
The $32-$44 undies have not received too warm a welcome from the menstruating population.
“First of all, I am not going to spend that much money on a pair of underwear just because they supposedly make me feel sexier,” said Weinberg freshman Andrea Carney. “And second when you are on your period you really just want to be comfortable.”
There is a clear disconnect between the safety and confidence these underwear would logically provide and the sexualization that they promise to provide. According to Christine Smith, an account executive at Neiman Group marketing agency, this disconnect is the fault of the brand itself.
“Their website says ‘cute.’ It says ‘protection,’” she says. “The problem is that the name says ‘sexy.’ They’re such distinct messages.”
Smith argues that the product would sell much better if it was sold under a brand like Victoria’s Secret, given its established reputation of being sexy. Otherwise, she says, they should change the product name.
It will be difficult to sell such a pricey product to the targeted age group: college women. And it is true that the marketing isn’t sexy. Not even the underwear is sexy, per se. But isn’t the idea of a confident — and maybe even cute — period enough to redeem these?
“[Sexy Period panties] are cool, because sometimes you get blood on your jeans,” says Weinberg freshman Stephanie Fernandez. “Don’t you feel gross and bummy enough on your period?”
With all the stigma accompanying your menstrual cycle, women deserve the confidence that Sexy Period panties promise. Whether you need to buy the panties for that is a personal decision.