Quick answer

A cloth pad holder is the winged base that snaps around your underwear, while an insert is a separate absorbent layer you slide into the holder's pocket. You can buy them separately to mix and match absorbency or replace worn parts without buying a whole new pad.

Why the two-part system exists

GladRags pads use a two-part system because it lets you adjust absorbency hour by hour. A holder alone acts as a thin liner; add one or two inserts for medium or heavy flow. This modular approach also means you can replace just the insert when it wears out or buy extra holders to extend time between laundry loads.

How they differ in construction

The holder has wings and snaps to secure around your underwear. Inserts are simple rectangular pads without wings—they just slide into the holder's pocket. For example, the Organic Night Holder is about 14 inches long with a 5-inch wide back, while the Organic Insert is roughly 7.5 inches long. You can stack multiple inserts in the same holder for more coverage.

Trade-off: cost vs. convenience

Buying a complete pad (holder + inserts) costs more upfront but gives you everything ready to use. Buying parts separately saves money over time, especially if you already own holders. A single Organic Insert costs about $2.99, and the Organic Night Holder is around $10.53. If you need extra absorbency for just a few days per cycle, adding inserts is cheaper than buying a whole new pad set.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Holder only (liner use): Wear the holder alone for very light days or as a pantyliner. It provides minimal absorbency but is comfortable and breathable. Good for spotting or as backup with a menstrual cup.
  • Holder + one insert: For light to medium flow, slide one insert into the holder. This is the standard configuration for a Day Pad. Most versatile daily setup for average flow.
  • Holder + two inserts: Stack two inserts inside the Night Holder for heavy flow or overnight protection. The longer holder prevents leaks when lying down. Best for heavy days or overnight use without leaks.

Product facts

  • Just the Holder - Organic Night Holder: Just the Holder - Organic Night Holder measures approx. 14" long, 3" wide in the middle, and 5" at the widest when snapped. This larger holder provides more coverage for overnight or heavy flow, and you can use it with any GladRags inserts.

    Just the Holder - Organic Night Holder

    Just the Holder - Organic Night Holder

  • Just the Insert - Organic Insert: Just the Insert - Organic Insert is approx. 7.5" long and made of 100% organic cotton. Adding one or two of these inserts boosts absorbency in your Day Pad, Day Pad Plus, or Night Pad without buying a new holder.

    Just the Insert - Organic Insert

    Just the Insert - Organic Insert

Which parts should you buy?

Best for

  • Buying a holder and inserts separately if you already own some parts and want to customize absorbency
  • Buying extra inserts if you need more absorbency for a few heavy days per cycle

Not for

  • Someone who wants a complete ready-to-use pad without assembly—buy a full pad set instead
  • First-time cloth pad users who may find the modular system confusing—start with a complete pad