Absorbency Guide

Why the right absorbency level matters

Choosing the right absorbency is the single most important step to getting the most from your Wicks pieces. Too little and you'll feel uncertain. Too much and you're wearing more than you need. Get it right and you'll forget you're wearing protection at all.

A few key things determine which level is right for you:

• How much you typically leak — light spotting, a regular flow, or heavier

• When you're wearing it — during the day, overnight, or as backup

• What you're doing — a quiet day at home feels different to a long flight or a gym session

• What stage of life you're in — periods, perimenopause, postpartum, and everyday light bladder leakage all have different needs

The good news: once you understand the levels, the decision becomes simple.

The four Wicks absorbency levels

All Day Fresh — for everyday freshness

This is a new concept in underwear. And you'll never go back to regular underwear once you try it... All Day Fresh pieces have a single absorbent layer and no waterproof backing. They're not designed to manage period flow, but they're a genuine everyday essential for everything else.

Best for:

• Everyday discharge and staying fresh between periods

• Ovulation and mid-cycle days

• Very light bladder leaks

• Long-haul flights, travel, and hot days

• Women in either perimenopause or menopause who want everyday comfort

Light absorbency 

Slim and discreet. Light Absorbency is for when you need just a little more reassurance — but don't need heavy-duty protection.

Best for:

• The last day of your period

• Spotting or irregular bleeding

• Unexpected leaks from sneezing, laughing, or coughing

• Using alongside a menstrual cup or tampon as backup

• Perimenopause, when cycles become unpredictable

Not suited for: moderate or heavy flow days used alone.

Moderate absorbency — 15mL (~2 tampons)

The level most women reach for every day. Moderate Absorbency covers regular period flow and light-to-moderate bladder leaks. These pieces lend quiet, reliable confidence.

Best for:

• Regular period flow 

• Light bladder leaks throughout the day

• Perimenopause and unpredictable cycles

• Postpartum days if bleeding has lightened

• Anyone who wants everyday reassurance without thinking about it

If you're unsure where to start, start here.

High absorbency — up to 30mL (~5 tampons)

Maximum protection for your heaviest moments. High Absorbency is engineered for heavy flow, overnight wear, and long days when you need complete confidence.

Best for:

• Heavy period flow

• Overnight wear

• Postpartum recovery, particularly the first weeks after birth

• Higher-absorbency bladder leak needs

• Long days out when changing isn't practical

• Our highest absorbency piece is The Emily with an extended absorbent panel that reaches up to just shy of the waistband both front and back.

 

If you're genuinely unsure, start with Moderate. It's the most versatile level and works across multiple days of the cycle for most women.

Common mistakes when choosing absorbency

Choosing too light

It's tempting to underestimate your needs, especially if you're new to absorbent lingerie. But choosing too little means you'll be thinking about leaks all day. Give yourself the confidence of the right level.

Treating every day the same

Most women find they need two levels — a lighter pair for the tail end of their cycle and a heavier one for the first couple of days. Having both means you're always prepared.

Forgetting about overnight

Overnight means longer wear time and different body positions. Try High Absorbency for nights.

Absorbency at every stage of life

Periods and cycle management

All four levels work for period care. Light, Moderate, and High Absorbency each suit different days of your cycle. Many customers mix levels — lighter pairs for the start and end of their period, heavier ones for days two and three.

Perimenopause

Cycles during perimenopause can be unpredictable — heavier one month, lighter the next, skipped the month after. Having both Moderate and High Absorbency in your drawer means you're prepared for whatever arrives.

Postpartum

The weeks after birth are a time when most women want maximum softness, breathability, and protection. High Absorbency is the most popular choice for postpartum customers, with many transitioning to Moderate as recovery progresses.

Light bladder leakage (LBL)

LBL is far more common than most women realise — and it affects women of all ages. Whether it's triggered by exercise, sneezing, or the urgency of a busy day, Wicks handles it discreetly. All Day Fresh and Light Absorbency suit very light leaks; Moderate and High are better for more regular or heavier needs.

Menopause and beyond

For women no longer managing periods, Wicks offers elegant everyday coverage for LBL, freshness, and confidence — without a single clinical product in sight. The All Day Fresh range has found a loyal following among women in menopause who want to feel beautiful and secure every day.

How to care for your Wicks

With the right care, your Wicks pieces will last just as long as regular underwear.

1. After each wear: Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear

2. Washing: Machine wash on a gentle, cold or warm cycle with a mild detergent

3. Drying: Air drying is preferred for garment longevity, however they can be cool or warm machine dried. Avoid high heat.

4. Avoid: Fabric softener, bleach, and stain removers as these break down absorbency over time

Our fabrics are either deadstock fabric or OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified. We use fabrics that are kind to both your skin and to the environment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear Wicks without any other product?

Yes — most customers do. Some customers wear their Wicks as a back up with a cup or tampon, however our products can and are designed to be worn by themselves. 

Will absorbent lingerie look bulky under clothes?

No. Wicks pieces are engineered to be as discreet as possible. Several styles sit comfortably under fitted clothing including slip dresses and leggings. 

How often should I change my Wicks?

This varies by flow and activity. Most women change once or twice during the day on a heavy or regular flow day. Start by checking after four to six hours and adjust from there.

Do absorbent underwear control odour?

Yes. The absorbent layer locks fluid and odour away until washing. Rinse after wearing and wash on your next gentle cycle.

What sizes do Wicks come in?

Most styles range from 2XS to 5XL. Sizing notes are on each product page. Please be sure to read product descriptions and our size guide. If you are unsure, email us and we will help you select the right size.

Are Wicks products sustainable and ethical?

Yes. Our fabrics are either OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified or made from deadstock fabrics meaning we use the surplus fabrics from big international brands, saving the fabric from ending up in landfill.

We consider every touchpoint of the Wicks business and aim to constantly improve.  Even our packaging is minimal and made from recycled or eco-conscious materials.  Every pair replaces hundreds of disposable products over its lifetime.

Our products are made by a small family-owned manufacturer in Sri Lanka called Onivja. Staff are treated with dignity and paid fairly. Staff are given paid leave, regular breaks, and safe working conditions and our founder has personally done due diligence to ensure ethical standards are met - not just taking the owner's word for it.

We have also checked our findings with an independent Sri Lankan HR officer to ensure we are understanding things like wages in context. It is incredibly important to Wicks that we are a force for good and can say, hand on heart that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that we are. 

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Still not sure?

Email us at hello@wicksintimates.com — we're always happy to help you find the right pair.