Red Rag is a woman-owned small business based in New Zealand.
Our mission is to help women have healthier, happier periods.
We believe that using reusable menstrual products is one way we can do a favour to the planet and ourselves.
We want to change the world - starting with our own bodies. Join us!

What's on offer?

Red Rag offers a range of cloth pads and menstrual cups designed to meet the unique needs of women of all ages. Our products have been created or chosen based on our own needs and lifestyles - we use them ourselves - so we're confident we can find a solution that will work for you. We are committed to customer service. We love to hear from you, so please let us know if you need help or how Red Rag has made a difference in your life.

New take on an old idea

These are not the rags your grandmother was ashamed to hang on the washing line. Red Rag's modern cloth pads are pretty and don't even look like a regular pad. Each one has a 100% cotton, soft flannel shell and comes with your choice of absorbent liner. They really are so comfy to wear, you'll wonder why you ever wore anything else. Grandma does know best it seems!

Waste not...

We want to do something about waste. Tampons and pads are the most under-discussed of the major contributors to environmental damage. Using four a day, five days a month, for some 40 years, a woman may average an astounding 10,000 tampons or pads in her life. Consequently, the amount of menstrual product waste worldwide is staggering. It is unknown how long this waste takes to biodegrade. In addition, according to the Worldwatch Institute (US), the pulp and paper industry ranks among the highest in resource use and pollution generation.

Good for the earth, good for you

There are other great benefits to re-usable products too. They are much better for your health. According to the Women's Environmental Network (UK) Toxic Shock Syndrome has been linked to the use of super-absorbent and newer, less absorbent tampons made of viscose rayon, both with and without cotton. SEAC Tampaction claims that artificial fibers (like rayon) used in tampons are abrasive, so when a tampon lengthens it pushes against the cervical area, causing tiny cuts and imbedding pieces into the tissue. SEAC says this has been traced as the probable cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome and has been shown to damage the vaginal walls by causing ulceration and peeling of the mucous membrane.

Save the world, save money

Many women never knew there were alternatives until now but are really happy to save money while saving the planet and looking after their bodies. Response to RedRags has been understandably very enthusiastic.

Cost comparison of disposable pads versus Red Rags over 5 years

Red Rags have a life span of 5 or more years, saving users hundreds of dollars, they pay for themselves within the first year. If you bought one packet of 14 disposable pads with wings per month you would spend around $360 over 5 years. If you also used overnight pads that could add up to $720 over 5 years. In contrast, you could use between 3 and 13 Red Rags over 5 years for between $40 and $185 - Saving you between $320 and $680. Over a menstrual lifetime (40 years) this adds up to $5,440 saved!

Red Rag on the Moon

Red Rag also import menstrual cups from Mooncup UK.

Red Rag founder Helen Heath says "After using the Mooncup I was so impressed with it I wanted to spread the word. I was taking medication for heavy periods and changing tampons at least every hour. The Mooncup lasted three times longer even on my heavy days and even all night, previously I had been getting up in the night to change tampons. I am now off the medication thanks to the Mooncup."

The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup around two inches long and made from soft silicone rubber. It is worn internally like a tampon but collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Unlike tampons the Mooncup is not a disposable product, so you only need to buy one.

Cost comparison of tampons versus Mooncups over 10 years

Mooncups, when cared for properly, will last up to ten years, also saving users hundreds of dollars, they pay for themselves within the first year. If you bought one packet of 16 tampons every month you would spend about $600 over ten years. In comparison, one Mooncup only costs $55 and will last up to ten years, saving you $545 in ten years or $2,180 over 40 years.