Primark has launched a new range of reusable period underwear - but the sanitary pants have sparked strong online debate.
The High Street retailer has a range of pants on sale which can be worn during a period without the need for sanitary products.
The clothing giant says the knickers, which come in a range of colours, are 'the perfect replacement for single use period products'.
Period underwear is designed to be more eco-friendly, reducing or eradicating the need for non-recyclable items such a sanitary towels and tampons.
Primark's underwear comes in two options; light to medium flow and medium to heavy flow. The retail giant says: "Our light to medium option will hold up to three regular tampons worth of liquid, around 18ml, while our medium to heavy option will hold up to four tampons worth of liquid, around 24ml."
Other retailers such as Modibodi, M&S, Bodyform, Bamboo house also sell period underwear with prices ranging from £12 per pair to £56 for a bundle. Primark's retail at £6 for a single pair or £13 for three pairs.
Primark say once the pants have been worn, they should be rinsed in cold water then popped in the washing machine as normal.
However the knickers sparked fierce debate on social media when one mum shared a picture of the new range at her local Primark on social media.
Sharing a picture of the pants she said: "Saw these at Primark the other day! 3 pairs of reusable period underwear for £13!"
But the post prompted more than 2,000 comments and completely divided opinion.
One said the pants were a step in the wrong direction: "Going BACK to old days you had to wash them I don't think it's a good idea," she said.
What do you think of Primark's latest product? Let us know in the comments section.
Another went further, blasting the reusable sanitary pants as 'gross', saying: "Just like pads, gross."
Another agreed: "Oh dear god no thanks I couldn't think of anything worse than sitting in them for more than an hour as I change that frequently now. For girls just starting yes maybe but not a heavy adult.
"Can you imagine sitting in bloody pants all day! No thank you."
Another woman said: "Not for me I don't think all the washing, yuk."
However some infuriated Facebook users hit back, blasting the commenters for 'women shaming'.
One said: "Why is this such an issue with so many of you? Some women use tampons, some use pada, some use the cup and others use these pants. You're literally shaming women for their choice of period protection.
"Saying how it'd stink and no way to washing them .... so women going through period poverty where using rags is their only choice stink do they? Way to go to lift another woman's confidence.
"Period shaming regardless of what feminine hygiene products we choose to use is so dark ages don't you think? EACH TO THEIR OWN!"
Another woman agreed, saying: "I’m very confused about the amount of women saying that periods are gross? I thought you had to be over the age of six to have Facebook."
Another mum said the comments were 'disgusting', adding: "Wow, now shaming women for how they handle their menstrual flow.
"What do you think women did before sanitary products were developed to the point they are today? Privilege and ignoranance prevails once again."
Hundreds of people also commented that they had been using the underwear for some time and urged others to do the same.
One said: "I use these and it's the best thing I I did, I can't use tampons and towels made me sore and itch," said another.
Another said: "These don't leak, don't smell extremely comfy. So all you lot judging ect don't judge what you have not tried."
Some also said they had been looking for affordable versions of the sanitary wear.
One said: "Oh thank you! I’ve been looking at these but haven’t been able to afford the ones online. So glad Primark have started making them. I’m very lucky with my period, it’s three days long and pretty light. Sometimes wearing a pad/tampon is a waste but a liner is not enough. These will be perfect, thank you."
Another added: "They might not be everyone's cup of tea but compared to the price of other brands that's great value if anyone was looking for a pair, some brands start at £12/pair!"
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