Menstruation has been a part of human life for millennia, but managing it safely and comfortably is a relatively modern achievement. For centuries, people used makeshift materials like rags, moss, or even animal skins, which posed health risks and discomfort. The invention of sanitary pads revolutionized menstrual hygiene, offering a discreet, absorbent, and hygienic solution. Let’s explore the history of this essential product and how it shaped today’s menstrual care landscape.
The Origins of Sanitary Pads
The first disposable sanitary pads were invented in the late 19th century, but they gained mainstream popularity in the 1920s. Nurses during World War I played a key role by repurposing cellulose bandages as menstrual products, inspiring the creation of commercial pads. **Kotex**, launched in 1920 by Kimberly-Clark, became the first widely marketed disposable sanitary napkin. Earlier versions, like Johnson & Johnson’s *Lister’s Towels* (1896), struggled due to societal stigma. Thus, the modern sanitary pad as we know it emerged through wartime innovation and gradual cultural acceptance.
Keep reading to uncover surprising milestones, material breakthroughs, and how today’s brands like Happie Moon prioritize safety and comfort for tweens.
Key Questions About Sanitary Pad History
1. Who Invented the First Sanitary Pad?
While no single inventor is credited, French nurses in World War I pioneered the use of cellulose bandages for menstrual absorption. This inspired Kimberly-Clark to create **Kotex** (from “cotton” + “texture”) using surplus wartime materials. Earlier attempts, like Benjamin Franklin’s 1776 design for absorbent “menstrual sponges,” were never commercialized.
2. When Were Sanitary Towels Introduced?
Disposable sanitary towels debuted in 1896 as Lister’s Towels by Johnson & Johnson. However, stigma around menstruation led to poor sales. Success came in 1920 with Kotex, marketed through subtle mail-order campaigns to bypass public discomfort.
3. What Did People Use Before Modern Pads?
Ancient Times: Papyrus (Egypt), wool (Greece), paper (China).
19th Century: Reusable cloth “menstrual aprons” or rags.
Early 1900s: Homemade washable pads secured with belts.
4. How Did Sanitary Pads Evolve?
1920s: Kotex’s disposable cellulose pads.
1970s: Adhesive strips eliminated belts.
1980s–90s: Thinner designs with super-absorbent polymers.
2000s: Organic cotton, biodegradable options, and period panties.
5. What Role Did World War I Play?
Cellulose-based bandages developed for wounded soldiers were adapted by nurses for menstrual use. Post-war, Kimberly-Clark transformed this material into Kotex, turning a wartime resource into a consumer breakthrough.
6. How Did Cultural Attitudes Affect Adoption?
Early ads avoided the word “menstruation,” referring vaguely to “hygienic needs.” Kotex’s 1920s campaigns normalized purchasing by using discreet packaging and vending machines. Open discussions in the 1960s–70s feminist movement further reduced stigma.
7. What Are Modern Pads Made Of?
Top Layer: Soft, non-woven polyethylene for dryness.
Core: Super-absorbent polymer (SAP) and cellulose.
Back Layer: Adhesive to prevent shifting.
Brands like Happie Moon use hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested materials safe for sensitive skin.
8. Are Eco-Friendly Options Available?
Yes! Brands now offer:
Biodegradable Pads: Made from bamboo or plant-based SAP.
Reusable Cloth Pads: Washable and long-lasting.
Period Panties: Absorbent, leak-proof underwear (Happie Moon’s disposable versions combine convenience with security).
9. What Should Tweens Look for in Pads?
Size: Slim, narrow designs for smaller bodies.
Comfort: Breathable, latex-free materials.
Discretion: Quiet, colorful wrappers to reduce embarrassment.
Happie Moon’s tween-focused pads address these needs while meeting ISO 13485 quality standards for medical-grade safety.
Conclusion
From ancient rags to today’s high-tech disposable pads and period panties, menstrual care has come a long way. Innovations like Happie Moon’s tween-friendly products ensure safety, comfort, and confidence—proving that understanding history helps us build a better future.