Throughout history, menstruation has been a natural yet often misunderstood aspect of life. Women have always found ways to manage their periods, adapting to available materials and societal norms. Before modern pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, ingenuity took center stage, resulting in some fascinating—and often uncomfortable—solutions. Among these was the invention of the “rubber skirt,” a peculiar yet telling example of the lengths women went to for menstrual management.
Ancient Practices: The Birth of Ingenuity
Menstrual management has roots in resourceful practices that varied widely across cultures. While specific materials differed, the universal need for hygiene and discretion drove innovation. Early methods often involved natural resources such as plant fibers, animal skins, and handmade cloths.
These solutions, while inventive, often lacked absorbency and required frequent replacement or washing, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of those who used them. Social and cultural contexts heavily influenced the acceptability and development of these practices, with taboos sometimes limiting open discussion and innovation.
The Era of Cloth and Reusability
For centuries, cloth rags were the go-to menstrual product. Women fashioned these from old fabric scraps, washing and reusing them as needed. This method, while cost-effective and sustainable, came with challenges:
- Lack of Sanitation: Without proper washing facilities, cleanliness was a persistent issue.
- Discomfort: Fabric often lacked the softness or absorbency required for extended wear.
- Stigma: The visibility of blood stains on rags or clothing added to the social stigma surrounding menstruation.
Despite these drawbacks, cloth rags set the stage for the development of reusable pads in the modern era.
Rubber Skirts: A Bizarre Innovation
In the Victorian era, menstruation was treated with extreme discretion. Social expectations demanded women conceal their periods entirely, leading to the creation of peculiar inventions like the “rubber skirt.”
- What Was a Rubber Skirt? This contraption was essentially a waterproof, rubberized garment worn beneath clothing to protect outerwear and furniture from leaks.
- Practicality vs. Comfort: While functional in containing blood, rubber skirts were hot, uncomfortable, and far from discreet.
- Limited Use: These skirts were likely used by wealthier women who could afford such products, leaving lower-income women reliant on cloth or other rudimentary solutions.
Rubber skirts reflect the desperation of the time to manage menstruation while adhering to societal expectations of cleanliness and decorum.
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Menstruation and Taboos
Historical approaches to menstrual management were deeply influenced by cultural taboos. In many societies:
- Seclusion Practices: Women were isolated during their periods, as menstruation was seen as unclean.
- Limited Discussions: Open conversations about menstruation were rare, stifling innovation and perpetuating myths.
This silence delayed the development of effective and comfortable menstrual products.
The Evolution to Modern Solutions
The 20th century saw a revolution in menstrual products:
- Early Disposable Pads: The first commercially available pads were developed by the nurses of WWI, leading to the invention of Kotex pads in 1920 by Kimberly-Clark. These pads were made from wood pulp and gauze.
- The Applicator Tampon: Dr. Earle Haas patented the first tampon with an applicator in 1931, revolutionizing menstrual care by offering greater convenience and discretion.
- Reusable Cups: Leona Chalmers patented the first commercially viable menstrual cup in 1937, a sustainable alternative that has experienced a resurgence in popularity today.
- Innovative Reusable Pads: Mary Beatrice Kenner, a prolific Black inventor, revolutionized menstrual care in 1956 by patenting an adjustable sanitary belt. Her designs were groundbreaking, though she faced systemic barriers in gaining recognition during her lifetime.
These advancements have transformed the menstrual experience, offering greater comfort, hygiene, and accessibility.
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What We Can Learn From the Past
The history of menstruation is one of adaptation and resilience. Women have continually innovated, often in the face of stigma and limited resources. Today, organizations like Help a Girl Out (HAGO) strive to ensure menstrual products are accessible to everyone, combating period poverty and challenging taboos.
Our Reusable Project store offers a modern solution to period care, transforming the old idea of cloth rags into innovative, safe, and accessible products. Our reusable pads are made from antibacterial, soft, and durable bamboo velour and cotton fabric. In addition, the highly absorbent and eco-friendly core material is designed with reliability, comfort, hygiene, and sustainability in mind, these pads provide a modern alternative for menstrual care.
How You Can Help
Now that you’ve learned about the resilience and ingenuity women have shown in managing their periods throughout history, take action with HAGO to create a future where everyone has access to hygienic period products and the dignity they deserve.
Shockingly, over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to proper hygiene products and sanitation facilities, a barrier that affects their health, education, and participation in society.
Your contributions—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness—can make a lasting impact. Let’s celebrate the innovation of the past while championing menstrual equity for all.