What was feminine hygiene like in the 1800s? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

Feminine hygiene in the 1800s was worlds away from the readily available, disposable products we take for granted today. It was characterized by resourcefulness, discretion, and a reliance on reusable materials. Women of all social classes navigated menstruation with limited resources, often employing homemade solutions primarily made from fabric. While some commercially made pads started appearing towards the end of the century, the vast majority of women relied on cloth rags, carefully washed and reused, held in place by belts or pinned to undergarments. Hygiene practices were, by our modern standards, less than ideal due to limitations in sanitation and understanding of germ theory. Social taboos also contributed to the silence surrounding menstruation, hindering open discussion and the development of more effective solutions.

Navigating the Monthly Cycle: A Material World

The Ubiquitous Cloth Rag

The cornerstone of feminine hygiene in the 1800s was the cloth rag, often made of linen, cotton, or flannel. These were cut into rectangular shapes, folded into absorbent pads, and secured within undergarments. Linen was especially favored for its absorbency and durability. The rags were painstakingly washed after each use and reused. Wealthier women might have dedicated sets of these cloths, while those with fewer resources used whatever fabric scraps were available.

Belts and Straps: Securing the Pad

Since adhesive strips were unavailable, women relied on various methods to keep their cloth pads in place. The most common was a sanitary belt, a fabric or elastic band worn around the waist with loops or pins to hold the pad. These belts could be uncomfortable and prone to slippage, causing potential embarrassment and discomfort. In some cases, women simply pinned the cloth to their undergarments, which offered less security.

Early Disposable Options Emerge

The late 1800s saw the first tentative steps towards disposable sanitary pads. In the late 1880s, Johnson & Johnson introduced Lister’s Towels, made from cotton wool wrapped in gauze. These pads were intended for single use, a radical departure from the norm. However, they were expensive and not widely adopted. The early disposable pads were also held in place by sanitary belts, not adhesive strips.

Dealing with Stains and Laundry

Maintaining hygiene in the 1800s was challenging, particularly regarding laundry. The lack of modern detergents and washing machines made removing blood stains difficult. Women employed various methods, including soaking cloths in cold water, using lye soap, and hanging them outside to dry in the sun (sunlight acted as a natural disinfectant). However, the stigma associated with menstruation meant that these practices were often done discreetly.

Social Attitudes and Taboos

The Silence Surrounding Menstruation

Menstruation was a deeply private matter in the 1800s, shrouded in secrecy and shame. Open discussion was discouraged, and women often suffered in silence, lacking access to accurate information and support. This taboo limited innovation and prevented the development of more effective and comfortable hygiene solutions.

Euphemisms and Code Words

Because direct discussion of menstruation was considered improper, women relied on euphemisms and code words to communicate about their periods. Terms like “the curse,” “being unwell,” or “that time of the month” were commonly used to avoid directly mentioning menstruation.

Varying Practices Across Social Classes

Feminine hygiene practices differed considerably depending on social class. Wealthier women had access to better quality fabrics, more privacy for washing and drying cloths, and eventually, the disposable pads that emerged in the late 1800s. Working-class women, on the other hand, faced greater challenges due to limited resources and demanding labor conditions. They often had to rely on less absorbent materials and struggle to maintain hygiene while working long hours.

Sanitation and Health Concerns

Limited Understanding of Germ Theory

During much of the 1800s, the understanding of germ theory was still developing. Many people were unaware of the link between hygiene and infection. This limited understanding had significant implications for feminine hygiene.

Potential Health Risks

The use of reusable cloth pads without proper sanitation could lead to increased risk of infection. Bacterial growth on damp cloths could cause irritation, skin infections, and potentially more serious health problems. However, the women of the 1800s were also incredibly resilient, resourceful, and did their best with the knowledge and materials available to them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What materials were most commonly used for cloth pads in the 1800s?

   Linen, cotton, and flannel were the most common materials. Linen was especially prized for its absorbency, while cotton and flannel offered softness and comfort.

2. How were cloth pads secured before adhesive strips?

   Cloth pads were typically secured using a sanitary belt, a fabric or elastic band worn around the waist. The pads were attached to the belt using loops or pins. Some women also pinned the cloths directly to their undergarments.

3. When did the first disposable sanitary pads appear?

   The first commercially sold disposable sanitary pads, Lister’s Towels, were introduced by Johnson & Johnson in the late 1880s.

4. How were cloth pads cleaned and disinfected?

   Cloth pads were typically soaked in cold water to remove blood, then washed with lye soap. They were often hung outside to dry in the sun, which acted as a natural disinfectant.

5. What were some common euphemisms for menstruation in the 1800s?

   Common euphemisms included “the curse,” “being unwell,” “that time of the month,” and “monthly flowers.”

6. Did hygiene practices vary between social classes?

   Yes, hygiene practices varied significantly. Wealthier women had access to better materials, more privacy, and eventually, the new disposable pads. Working-class women faced greater challenges due to limited resources.

7. What were the health risks associated with feminine hygiene practices in the 1800s?

   The lack of proper sanitation could lead to increased risk of infection, including skin irritation, bacterial infections, and potentially more serious health problems.

8. How did the understanding of germ theory affect feminine hygiene practices?

   The limited understanding of germ theory meant that women were often unaware of the link between hygiene and infection, hindering the development of more effective sanitation practices.

9. Were tampons used in the 1800s?

   While precursors to tampons existed in ancient times, the modern tampon wasn’t developed until the 1930s. Women in the 1800s primarily relied on external pads.

10. How did women deal with menstrual pain in the 1800s?

    Women likely relied on home remedies such as herbal teas, warm compresses, and rest to manage menstrual pain. Medical options were limited, and pain management often depended on traditional practices.

11. What role did social taboos play in feminine hygiene during the 1800s?

    Social taboos surrounding menstruation created a culture of silence and shame, limiting open discussion and hindering the development of better hygiene solutions.

12. What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on feminine hygiene?

    The Industrial Revolution led to the development of mass-produced textiles, making cloth pads more accessible. It also paved the way for the eventual emergence of disposable sanitary products.

13. Were there any specific laws or regulations related to feminine hygiene in the 1800s?

    There were no specific laws or regulations related to feminine hygiene. The topic was largely considered a private matter and not subject to government oversight.

14. How did women dispose of used cloth pads?

    Women would wash their cloth pads very well and reuse them until the cloth was too worn. When the cloth was no longer of use, then it would be disposed of by burning it, to prevent disease.

15. What can we learn from the history of feminine hygiene?

    The history of feminine hygiene highlights the importance of access to affordable and effective menstrual products, accurate information, and open discussions about menstruation. It also underscores the challenges women faced in the past and the progress that has been made over time.

The Environmental Literacy Council is an excellent resource for understanding the historical context of environmental and health issues. To learn more, visit their website at https://enviroliteracy.org/.

In conclusion, feminine hygiene in the 1800s was a complex and challenging aspect of women’s lives. It involved a combination of resourcefulness, discretion, and reliance on reusable materials, often in the face of social taboos and limited sanitation. While the practices of the time may seem primitive by today’s standards, they reflect the ingenuity and resilience of women navigating the constraints of their era.