Quick answer

Cloth pads leak for a few common reasons: wrong absorbency level, poor fit in your underwear, or the pad shifting during movement. Start by checking the pad's placement and absorbency. If the pad is snug and still leaks, you may need a longer or more absorbent style like https://gladragstro.com/products/the-day-pad-plus-04205c349ff4e9c79433bc28-1032352the Day Pad Plus or a Color Night Holder for heavier flow.

Check the absorbency first

Most leaks happen because the pad simply can't hold your flow volume. A pantyliner-plus-f196d636f80c5664b7ebf4f5-1032353">Pantyliner Plus works well for spotting, daily discharge, or backup with a cup or tampon, but it won't handle a medium or heavy day. If you're using a thin pad on a heavier day, upgrade to a Day Pad Plus, which comes with two inserts so you can adjust absorbency from light to heavy.

Make sure the pad fits your underwear

A pad that's too short or too narrow for your underwear will shift and cause leaks. The Day Pad Plus is 2 inches longer and slightly wider than the original Day Pad, giving you extra coverage if you tend to bleed toward the front or back. If you need full night-time coverage, the Color Night Holder wraps around the body and works with any GladRags inserts for leak-free sleep.

Leak diagnosis and fix

  • Symptom: Leak at the front or back: The pad is likely too short or positioned too far forward/backward. Try a longer pad like the Day Pad Plus, or reposition the pad so it sits centered in your underwear. If repositioning doesn't help, switch to a longer pad.
  • Symptom: Leak at the sides: The pad is too narrow or your underwear is too loose, causing the pad to shift. Choose a wider pad or wear snug-fitting underwear that holds the pad in place. Try a wider pad or tighter underwear.
  • Symptom: Leak after a few hours: The pad is too absorbent for your flow or you need to change more often. Use a pad with two inserts (like the Day Pad Plus) and change every 3-4 hours on heavy days. Add a second insert or change the pad sooner.

Products that help stop leaks

  • Day Pad Plus: The Day Pad Plus is 2 inches longer and wider than the original Day Pad, with two inserts for adjustable absorbency from light to heavy flow. If your current pad is too short or not absorbent enough, this pad gives you more coverage and the ability to double up for heavier days.
  • Just the Holder - Color Night Holder: The Color Night Holder is a full-coverage pad holder that works with any GladRags inserts for extended night-time protection. For overnight or heavy flow, this holder wraps fully around the body and prevents leaks even when lying down.