FAQs

HOW DO DEAR KATES WORK?

Dear Kate underwear and apparel are made from the best performance fabrics and lined with our revolutionary Underlux technology. The inner layers of the lining wick away and absorb fluids, while the outer layer traps and prevents leaks so you’re kept feeling comfortable and confident. Moisture wicking, stain releasing, and leak resistant, our panties are the future of underwear. Dear Kate underwear are designed to keep you sweat proof when working out, dry even with light incontinence, and protected from period overflow when used as backup to your regular pad/tampon/menstrual cup routine. Our yoga pants have the same lining as our undies, meaning that you can go commando and still feel totally protected. Dear Kates are performance wear for everywhere.

WHO CAN WEAR DEAR KATES?

Anyone who wants to join our lingerie and activewear revolution can wear Dear Kates. They're perfect for every day of the month. We make undies for ladies of all generations, shapes, and sizes.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE DEAR KATE'S UNDERLUX LINING MADE OF?

The outer body of our Underlux lining is 74% nylon and 26% lycra. The inner gusset is made of 90% micro-polyester and 10% spandex. Dear Kate undies are 100% fabric and 0% plastic. There is absolutely no latex or film in our products.

DOES YOUR LINING CONTAIN PFAS?

No. The tech we use in our garments is proprietary and was designed and developed to be safe and effective. We use our lining materials in a double layer with the top layer coming into direct contact with the body. These materials do NOT contain PFAS (per- or polyfluoroalykl substances) and they are compliant with Proposition 65, REACH, RoHS 2 and RoHS 3; PFOA, PFOS, Phalate, DMF, BPA and APEO free. We have used the same materials since day one, sourced through a company that has been named to the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. In everything we do, we will continue to uphold our commitment to quality, consistency and safety, providing customers the most up-to-date information.

PFAS Declaration

WHAT DOES DEAR KATE FABRIC FEEL LIKE?

Soft, silky, smooth and totally comfortable. The outer layer of most Dear Kates has a silky, smooth feel that is comfortable and stretchy, similar to very thin swimsuit material.

HOW ARE DEAR KATE UNDERWEAR DIFFERENT FROM OTHER "PERIOD PANTIES”?

Made with our patented Underlux technology, Dear Kate undies are 100% fabric. There is absolutely no plastic, film or latex in our underwear. Built from three super thin layers, our lining is light and comfortable. Plus, our undies are cute and stylish and our collections range from basic to fancy to sporty.

HOW DO YOUR PRODUCTS COMPARE TO YOUR COMPETITORS’? 

Unlike most of our competitors, our garments are 100% breathable which promotes good hygiene by allowing airflow. This also allows our products to stay drier which inhibits bacteria growth that can lead to odors and potentially cause UTIs. We do not claim that our garments are “leak proof” as most of our competitors do because we do NOT use any films, barriers or backings (PU, PV or otherwise) in our products. These elements, which are used by most period underwear companies, are problematic for many reasons including they prevent airflow, trap moisture, promote bacteria growth and often use materials that have the potential to be unsafe. While “leak proof” is an appealing buzzword in our industry, we prioritize your health and well-being above all else. We strive to provide the highest quality products that are safe and effective, enhancing the lives of women around the world.

WILL MY DEAR KATES REPLACE MY USUAL PERIOD ROUTINE? HOW MUCH LIQUID CAN DEAR KATES HOLD?

Dear Kate underwear are designed to be worn as backup in addition to your usual period (tampon/menstrual cup/sanitary pad) routine. They're an extra layer of protection to prevent spill and stain disasters. Keep in mind that Dear Kate underwear are not designed to stop waterfalls! They are great as a pantiliner replacement for minor leaks and regular discharge. Our mini lined pairs and thongs can hold up to 1 teaspoon of liquid and our fully lined pairs can hold up to 3 teaspoons of liquid. Generally, a regular absorbency tampon holds 1 teaspoon of liquid and a super absorbency tampon holds anywhere from 3-4 teaspoons of liquid.

HOW ARE DEAR KATE UNDERWEAR DIFFERENT FROM OTHER "SPORT UNDERWEAR"?

Dear Kates are made totally from fabric, making them totally breathable, moisture-wicking, and anti-microbial. With our sweat-proof and leak-resistant Underlux technology, you can work out without anyone knowing you’re breaking a sweat. Running, hiking, yoga - whatever your sport of choice, you’ll feel fresh and clean in our sport undies.

HOW ARE DEAR KATE YOGA PANTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ATHLETIC PANTS?

Say goodbye to embarrassing sweat stains with Dear Kate yoga pants. Made with our Underlux technology, Dear Kate yoga pants are meant to be worn without underwear, which means no visible panty lines (VPL), camel toe, riding up, bunching, or chafing. They keep you cool and comfortable during any workout and provide the same protection as our panties. Moisture-wicking, stain-releasing, and leak-resistant, you’ll be sweat-proof and protected in our pants.

I HAVE MINOR INCONTINENCE ISSUES. ARE DEAR KATE PANTIES THE SOLUTION?

Yes! Dear Kate underwear can hold 1 teaspoon of liquid in our mini lining and thongs and up to 3 teaspoons of liquid in our full lining. With our undies, you’re protected from light bladder leaks, so sneeze and laugh to your heart’s desire.

WILL MY DEAR KATES PROTECT ME FROM MINOR LEAKAGE DUE TO DAILY NON-MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE?

Absolutely! Our panties are perfect for anytime of the month. Use Dear Kate underwear as a replacement for your daily panty liner and you’ll be comfy and worry-free even if you have vaginal discharge.

I HAVE ISSUES WITH EXCESSIVE SWEATING/I AM EMBARRASSED ABOUT CROTCH SWEAT. CAN DEAR KATE HELP?

You bet! Our underwear and athletic pants are a great solution to provide you with confidence and comfortable coverage. It’s natural to sweat where the sun doesn’t shine and our products are breathable with our fully fabric construction. No films or plastics are used in our construction which means that your body will be able to breathe, plus you’ll stay dry. Our anti-microbial technology is also the perfect pairing to battle crotch sweat keeping you worry-free day in and day out.

ARE DEAR KATES GOOD TO WEAR IF I GET FREQUENT YEAST INFECTIONS?

Yes! We have tested Dear Kates air permeability alongside other leading brands of underwear (cotton and synthetic), and the results show that Dear Kates exhibit breathability comparable to regular non-functional garments. The difference is that Dear Kate underwear is moisture-wicking and anti-microbial, meaning bacteria doesn’t have a place to grow like it would in pantiliners. Several customers have told us they appreciate the security of Dear Kates while dealing with discomfort down there.

WILL STAINS SHOW ON MY DEAR KATES?

Don’t worry—the inside layer of your Dear Kates is a stain-releasing fabric, so spots will come out when washed. Dear Kates are super easy to clean — all of our undies and pants are machine washable and most can be dried in the dryer.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY DEAR KATES?

We recommend machine washing all styles in cold water on a delicate cycle and air dry. And remember—NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENERS OR DRYER SHEETS with Dear Kate panties. If hand washing is your only option, make sure to soak them in water without detergent after washing. Any leftover detergent residue can keep the technology from working properly.

WHY CAN'T I WASH WITH FABRIC SOFTENERS OR DRYER SHEETS?

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain compounds that coat individual yarns in a garment during the washing/drying cycle making them feel soft. However, this coating can prevent the fabric from performing and protecting you like it is designed to.

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH SIZING?

Sure! Check out our size chart. Our sizes run from XS - 3X. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us!

WHERE ARE DEAR KATE UNDIES MADE?

All Dear Kate underwear is designed and manufactured in New York City!

WHAT IS SEXY.PERIOD?

Back in 2012, when Dear Kate started, we wanted to encourage women to embrace their periods as something beautiful, a time when you can feel comfortable and confident. This is where the name “Sexy.Period.” came from. We 100% believe in these ideals, but over the years we’ve evolved and our mission now is so much bigger than just periods. Dear Kate is about empowering women to be their best selves every day of the month.

DO DEAR KATE PRODUCTS HAVE PFAS?

There has been a lot of discussion about PFAS in period products. PFAS (scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are long lasting chemicals which are harmful to our bodies and the environment.

Dear Kate has been working with the same core material partners (there are two of them) since 2012. We, and our partners, are committed to providing a safe & sustainable product for our customers and that means they need to be free of PFAS. Our partners have provided certifications, showing there are no known PFAS in our products.

You can be sure that the Dear Kate products, and our unique and patented Underlux technology, are PFAS free.