Choosing the right sanitary pad sizes and absorbency levels is essential for building a product range that meets the diverse needs of women throughout their menstrual cycle. A common mistake new private label brands make is offering only one or t
Choosing the right sanitary pad sizes and absorbency levels is essential for building a product range that meets the diverse needs of women throughout their menstrual cycle. A common mistake new private label brands make is offering only one or two sizes, which limits their market reach. This guide provides a complete size and absorbency chart, along with practical advice for wholesale buyers building their sanitary pad product range.
Sanitary Pad Size and Absorbency Chart
Sanitary pads are classified by length (in millimeters) and absorbency level. Here is the standard size chart used by most China OEM factories:
| Type | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Absorbency (ml) | Typical Use | Wings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panty Liner | 155 mm | 55-65 mm | 20-40 ml | Light spotting, daily use, discharge | No |
| Small / Light Day | 190-220 mm | 65-75 mm | 40-70 ml | Light flow, first/last days of period | Optional |
| Regular / Day Use | 240-260 mm | 70-80 mm | 70-110 ml | Moderate flow, regular daytime use | Yes (standard) |
| Large / Heavy Day | 280-290 mm | 75-85 mm | 110-160 ml | Heavy flow, longer wear time | Yes (standard) |
| Overnight / Night | 320-350 mm | 80-90 mm | 160-220 ml | Overnight use, very heavy flow | Yes (wide wings) |
| Extra Long / Maxi Night | 380-420 mm | 85-95 mm | 220-300 ml | Postpartum, very heavy flow, maximum protection | Yes (extra wide) |
Note: Lengths may vary slightly by manufacturer. The most common standard lengths are 155mm (liner), 240mm (day), 280mm (heavy), 320mm (overnight), and 420mm (extra long). Some brands use 245mm, 285mm, or 330mm as their standard sizes. Always confirm the exact dimensions with your factory and ensure consistency across production batches.
Understanding Absorbency Capacity
Absorbency is measured in milliliters (ml) of fluid the pad can hold under laboratory test conditions (typically 0.9% saline solution at a specified flow rate). Here is what the absorbency numbers mean in practical terms:
| Flow Level | Avg Blood Loss (ml) | Recommended Pad Absorbency | Typical Change Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very light (spotting) | 5-10 ml/day | 20-40 ml (liner) | 1-2 times/day |
| Light | 10-20 ml/day | 40-70 ml (small/light) | 2-3 times/day |
| Moderate (average) | 20-40 ml/day | 70-110 ml (regular/day) | 3-4 times/day |
| Heavy | 40-60 ml/day | 110-160 ml (large/heavy) | 4-5 times/day |
| Very heavy | 60-80+ ml/day | 160-220 ml (overnight) | 5-6 times/day |
| Postpartum | 80-150+ ml/day (first week) | 220-300 ml (extra long) | 6-8 times/day |
Important: Laboratory absorbency values are typically 2-3x higher than real-world absorbency because the test uses saline solution at a controlled flow rate, while real menstrual blood is thicker, contains tissue, and is released in gushes. A pad rated at 100ml lab capacity will reliably hold approximately 30-50ml of menstrual blood in real use. Always specify a safety margin of 2-3x when choosing absorbency levels for your products.
Pad Thickness and Profile
Sanitary pads come in different thickness profiles, which affect comfort, discretion, and absorbency:
| Profile | Thickness (mm) | SAP Content (g) | Absorbency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-thin | 1.5-3.0 mm | 0.5-1.5 g | Low-Medium | Light to moderate flow, discreet wear, active lifestyle |
| Thin / Slim | 3.0-5.0 mm | 1.0-2.5 g | Medium | Moderate flow, balance of comfort and protection |
| Regular / Standard | 5.0-8.0 mm | 1.5-3.5 g | Medium-Heavy | Moderate to heavy flow, standard everyday use |
| Thick / Maxi | 8.0-12.0 mm | 2.5-5.0 g | Heavy | Heavy flow, overnight, postpartum |
| Extra thick / Mega | 12.0+ mm | 4.0-7.0 g | Very Heavy | Postpartum, very heavy flow, maximum protection |
Market trend: Ultra-thin and thin profiles are growing in popularity globally, especially among younger women and in urban markets, because they are more discreet and comfortable. However, thick/maxi pads still have strong demand in markets where absorbency is prioritized over discretion, and for overnight/postpartum use. A balanced product range should offer both ultra-thin (for day/light use) and regular/thick (for heavy/overnight use) options.
Winged vs. Non-Winged Pads
Wings (also called flaps or side panels) are the folded extensions on the sides of a sanitary pad that wrap around the underwear to hold the pad in place and prevent side leakage.
Winged Pads
- Advantages: Better fixation (pad doesn't shift), better side leakage protection, more secure during physical activity
- Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive (additional material and adhesive), can be tricky to apply for first-time users, may irritate sensitive skin if adhesive touches skin
- Best for: Day use (240mm+), heavy flow, active women, overnight use
- Market share: 70-80% of the global market. Winged pads are the standard for most sizes from 240mm up.
Non-Winged Pads
- Advantages: Lower cost, simpler to use, more comfortable for some women, easier to remove and dispose
- Disadvantages: More prone to shifting and side leakage, less secure during activity
- Best for: Panty liners (155mm), light flow pads (190-220mm), women who prefer non-winged, budget products
- Market share: 20-30%, concentrated in liners and economy light-flow pads.
Recommendation: Offer winged pads as your standard for 240mm, 280mm, 320mm, and 420mm sizes. Offer non-winged for 155mm liners and optionally for 240mm economy pads. Wing width should be proportional to pad size: 30-40mm for 240mm, 40-50mm for 280mm, 50-60mm for 320mm, 60-70mm for 420mm.
Surface Material Options
The top sheet (surface material) of a sanitary pad affects comfort, dryness, and skin health. Here are the common options:
| Material | Cost Premium | Feel | Dryness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE perforated film (dry net) | Standard (baseline) | Smooth, slightly plastic | Excellent (stays dry) | Economy products, heavy flow, hot climates |
| Non-woven (cotton-soft) | +10-20% | Soft, cloth-like | Good | Mid-range and premium products, sensitive skin |
| Bamboo fiber non-woven | +30-50% | Very soft, natural | Good | Premium/natural products, eco-conscious consumers |
| Organic cotton | +50-100% | Extremely soft, natural | Good | Super-premium/organic products, sensitive skin |
| Corn fiber (PLA) | +40-70% | Soft, natural | Good | Biodegradable/eco-friendly products |
Market trend: Non-woven (cotton-soft) top sheets are becoming the standard in mid-range and premium products globally, replacing PE perforated film which was dominant in economy products. Bamboo and organic cotton top sheets are fast-growing premium segments. For a balanced product range, offer PE film for economy lines and non-woven for mid-range/premium lines.
Size Mix Strategy for Wholesale Orders
Choosing the right size mix for your first OEM order depends on your target market. Here are recommended size allocations based on regional consumer patterns:
| Market | 155mm Liner | 240mm Day | 280mm Heavy | 320mm Overnight | 420mm XL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | 15% | 40% | 25% | 15% | 5% | Day use dominates; liners popular for daily use |
| Middle East | 10% | 30% | 30% | 20% | 10% | Heavy and overnight have strong demand; larger sizes preferred |
| Africa | 10% | 45% | 25% | 15% | 5% | Day use dominates; price-sensitive; liners growing |
| Latin America | 15% | 35% | 25% | 18% | 7% | Balanced mix; overnight demand significant |
| Europe/North America | 20% | 25% | 25% | 20% | 10% | Most balanced; liners and overnight both strong; organic/natural growing |
For a first order, we recommend starting with 3 core sizes: 240mm (day), 280mm (heavy), and 320mm (overnight), which together cover 70-80% of demand. Add 155mm liners in the second order if daily liner demand is strong in your market. Add 420mm extra long if there is demand for postpartum or very heavy flow products. Starting with fewer sizes reduces inventory risk and allows you to focus marketing on your core products.
Pack Configuration and Pieces per Pack
Pack configuration affects retail pricing, consumer perception, and logistics cost. Here are common pack sizes for sanitary pads:
| Pack Size | Typical Use | Price Point | Best Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6s / 8s (trial/travel) | Trial, travel, first-time users | Low entry price | Pharmacy, convenience store, e-commerce |
| 10s / 12s (small) | Light flow, single cycle use | Affordable | Open markets, small shops, price-sensitive markets |
| 16s / 20s (standard) | One cycle (5-7 days) supply | Standard | Supermarkets, pharmacies, e-commerce |
| 24s / 28s (value) | Multi-cycle, value pack | Best value per piece | Supermarkets, warehouse clubs, e-commerce |
| 30s+ (mega/family) | Bulk purchase, stock-up | Lowest per piece | Warehouse clubs, online bulk |
For most markets, 16s or 20s is the standard pack size for regular day pads. For price-sensitive markets (Africa, parts of Southeast Asia), 10s or 12s packs are more popular because they have a lower upfront cost. For premium markets (Europe, North America, Middle East), 20s or 24s value packs perform well. We recommend offering at least two pack sizes: a standard pack (16s-20s) and a value pack (24s-28s) to cater to different consumer segments.
Common Size-Related Quality Issues
- Inconsistent pad length: Always measure the actual pad length from each production batch. A 5mm difference can make a pad feel too short or too long. Specify dimensional tolerances in your quality agreement (e.g., length +/- 3mm, width +/- 2mm).
- Wing adhesive too weak: If the wing adhesive doesn't stick well to underwear, the pad shifts and causes leakage. Test the adhesive on different fabric types (cotton, polyester, blended). The adhesive should hold securely during 4-6 hours of normal activity but peel off cleanly without leaving residue.
- Wing adhesive too strong: If the adhesive is too strong, it can damage delicate underwear or be difficult to remove. The adhesive should release with moderate force (15-25N).
- Absorbency below specification: Always request absorbency test reports from each batch. A pad rated at 100ml that only absorbs 70ml will cause leakage and customer complaints. Test using the factory's standard method (typically EDANA or ISO standard) and confirm the test conditions (flow rate, solution concentration).
- Top sheet rewet (wet feel): After absorption, the top sheet should feel dry to the touch. High rewet (wet surface) causes discomfort and skin irritation. Specify maximum rewet values (e.g., < 0.5g for regular pads, < 1.0g for heavy pads) in your quality agreement.
- Side leakage: If the pad is too narrow or the leg cuffs are too low, fluid leaks from the sides. Ensure the pad width is appropriate for the size and that side cuffs (leak guards) are 15-25mm high for 240mm+ pads.
Labeling and Size Indication
Proper labeling of size and absorbency helps consumers choose the right product:
- Size/length on packaging: Clearly print the pad length (e.g., "240mm", "280mm") and absorbency level (e.g., "Day Use", "Heavy Flow", "Overnight") on the front of the pack. Use large, easy-to-read text.
- Absorbency indicator system: Many brands use a drop system (1-5 drops) or a bar system to indicate absorbency level visually. This helps consumers compare products at a glance. Check local regulations for required absorbency labeling terminology.
- Size chart on packaging: Include a size chart on the back of the pack showing all available sizes with lengths and recommended usage. This encourages consumers to buy other sizes from your brand.
- Usage guidance: Include brief guidance on which size to use for different flow levels and times of day. This educates consumers and helps them choose the right product.
- Individually wrapped pads: Premium and mid-range products typically have individually wrapped pads for hygiene and discretion. Each wrapper should show the brand name and size for easy identification when carrying in a bag.
Conclusion
Sanitary pad sizes range from 155mm panty liners to 420mm extra long overnight pads, with absorbency from 20ml to 300ml (lab values). The core sizes for most markets are 240mm (day use), 280mm (heavy flow), and 320mm (overnight), which together cover 70-80% of demand. Key product decisions include thickness profile (ultra-thin vs. thick), surface material (PE film vs. non-woven vs. organic), winged vs. non-winged, and pack size configuration. For OEM buyers, starting with 3 core sizes (240/280/320mm) in winged, non-woven, regular-thickness configuration offers the broadest market appeal, with additional sizes and features added based on actual sales data.
Fujian New Yifa Group manufactures sanitary pads in all sizes from 155mm liners to 420mm extra long, with multiple absorbency levels, thickness profiles, and surface material options. The factory provides detailed size specifications, dimensional tolerance controls, and absorbency test reports for every batch. Learn more about private label sanitary pads in our complete wholesale guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular sanitary pad size for wholesale?
The 240mm regular/day use pad is consistently the best-selling size across most markets, typically representing 30-45% of total sales. It is the standard size for moderate flow during daytime use. The 280mm heavy flow pad is the second bestseller at 20-30%, and the 320mm overnight pad is third at 15-20%. Together, these three sizes cover 70-80% of the total market. Panty liners (155mm) represent 10-20% depending on the market (higher in Europe/North America, lower in Africa/Middle East).
How do I choose the right absorbency level for my target market?
Absorbency preferences vary by market and consumer segment. In general: (1) Price-sensitive markets (Africa, parts of Southeast Asia) prefer higher absorbency because consumers change pads less frequently to save cost; (2) Premium markets (Europe, North America, Middle East) prefer a balance of absorbency and comfort, with ultra-thin products growing in popularity; (3) Younger women prefer thinner, more discreet pads; (4) Older women and postpartum users prefer thicker, more absorbent pads. We recommend offering at least two absorbency levels: regular (70-110ml) for day use and heavy/overnight (160-220ml) for heavy flow and nighttime. Add ultra-thin (40-70ml) if targeting younger, active consumers.
Should I offer winged or non-winged sanitary pads?
Winged pads are the standard for most sizes from 240mm up and represent 70-80% of the global market. They provide better fixation and side leakage protection, which are important for active women and heavy flow. Non-winged pads are primarily used for panty liners (155mm) and economy light-flow pads (190-220mm), where cost is the primary concern. We recommend offering winged pads as your standard for 240mm, 280mm, 320mm, and 420mm sizes. Offer non-winged only for 155mm liners and optionally for 240mm economy pads if targeting very price-sensitive markets.
What is the minimum order quantity per size for sanitary pad OEM?
Most China factories require 100,000-200,000 pieces per size for private label sanitary pad OEM. Some factories offer a lower MOQ of 50,000 pieces per size for first-time customers if you order at least 3 sizes (total 150,000 pieces). For a first order, we recommend 3 core sizes (240mm, 280mm, 320mm) at 50,000-100,000 pieces each, totaling 150,000-300,000 pieces. Pack these in standard 16s or 20s packs (approximately 7,500-18,750 packs total). This meets factory MOQ while giving you the most popular sizes to test the market.
How many pads should be in each pack for different markets?
The optimal pack size varies by market: (1) Price-sensitive markets (Africa, South Asia, parts of Southeast Asia): 10s or 12s packs are most popular because they have a lower upfront cost; (2) Mid-range markets (Southeast Asia, Latin America, Middle East): 16s or 20s packs are standard, providing approximately one cycle (5-7 days) of supply; (3) Premium markets (Europe, North America): 20s or 24s value packs are popular, with 28s+ mega packs for warehouse clubs and online bulk. We recommend offering at least two pack sizes: a standard pack (16s-20s) for everyday purchase and a value pack (24s-28s) for cost-conscious consumers and stock-up purchases. Trial packs (6s-8s) are useful for first-time user acquisition and travel.
