Scarlet Period review: Wearable period packs for female self care

You’ll never guess how the traditional hot water bottle has been given a modern twist.

6 min read

February 25, 2025 - 3:42PM

Tackle cramps with Scarlet's on-the-go solution to period care. Picture: Scarlet.

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To butcher Jane Austen’s iconic quote: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that every person in possession of menstrual cramps, must be in want of pain killers, an infinite supply of chocolate and a heat pad.

Honestly, there aren’t enough expletives to sufficiently describe how much of a party pooper period pain can truly be. So, it’s great to see female-founded company Scarlet create an easy way to help relax the muscles and offer some relief.

Introducing the Scarlet rae Period Heat Pad. Picture: Scarlet.

They’ve given the traditional hot water bottle a 21st century makeover with the Scarlet rae Period Heat Pad*, now giving us a rechargeable alternative with three heat settings and up to five hours’ worth of cosy feels. It’s designed to be so compact and convenient that it can even fit into your pants for when you need to push on with the daily grind.

But is this really something worth adding to your ‘code red’ toolbox? I gave it a go and here’s what I thought.

ONE-MINUTE REVIEW

Scarlet Period rae Heat Pad

Scarlet rae Period Heat Pad. Picture: Scarlet.

The ‘crimson tide’ is a monthly nightmare that’s annoying to deal with at home, let alone in the outside world when you’re forced to smash away at a to-do list. (And let’s not forget the fact period products, a necessity, cost us thousands of dollars each year.)

Scarlet’s rae heat device is certainly a nice ‘treat yourself’ item that makes menstrual cramps hurt less, and a really innovative way to bring some comfort in situations where we can’t, or don’t want to, carry a heat pack around.

The downside? The rechargeable heat pad costs $129, or $145 if you opt for the Scarlet Period Power Pair Pack. While this is technically budget friendly in terms of electronic devices, it’s still much pricier than a microwaveable heat bag. The power button also needs a bit of force.

But I admit the soft silicone, when combined with the ‘wings’ and the slight curved shape, does hit a little differently than my usual hot water bottle that needs to be angled in various ways throughout each sitting to get it ‘just right’.

DESIGN

Charging the heat pad can be easily done via your laptop, powerbank or wall adaptor. Picture: Supplied.

Encased in an ultra lightweight and slim design, this rechargeable unit is a portable and convenient way to help manage period pain, especially if you’re looking for a discreet way to handle shark week while out of the house. It comes with a built-in thermostat to keep the temperature consistent, and can be used over your underwear or clothing as well as directly on your skin (as long as it’s on the lowest setting).

The device can actually also be used to help relax other parts of your body, or just to keep you warm.

When the battery runs low, you can recharge the gadget via a wall adaptor, laptop or powerbank.

TEMPERATURE SETTINGS

The Scarlet Period rae Heat Pad reaches up to a nice 50C and there are three levels to try. It lasts up to five hours on the lowest setting or up to two hours on the strongest setting. There are yellow indicator lights to let you know which level it’s on, or a red light if it needs to be recharged. Plus, you’ll get haptic feedback whenever you shift between power levels and switch the unit on and off.

If you’re using the highest mode, it’s recommended to only use the device for up to 20 minutes at a time, three times per day, to prevent potential overheating or burns. You can alternatively switch between the three different settings to safely enjoy the warmth you need, for as long as possible.

I found the rae Heat Pad gave the perfect amount of heat. Being able to change between the settings was kind of a game changer because it felt safer and more comfortable, compared to hot water bottles which can sometimes end up feeling too hot or uselessly lukewarm too quickly.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO USE THE SCARLET RAE HEAT PAD?

Planning on taking the heat pad outside? Secure it with the accompanying underwear. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.

For me, the Scarlet rae Period Heat Pad is the most useful when it’s packed into the underwear or when you’re lying down. The shape and lightweight design makes it tumble over when you’re sitting down at a desk, unless you get a foot stool and angle yourself back a bit. It gets annoying and probably the biggest downside, aside from the price, and a likely reason why there’s an option to tuck it into the underwear pouch.

In saying that, I love how the heat is much longer lasting than your standard heat bottle. The warmth is also distributed nicely so it doesn’t feel like your pelvis is getting scorched and there’s no need to figure out the right angle, especially when the slim and slightly curved shape makes it perfectly fit across the belly.

I’m also a fan of the soft silicone feel and the surprisingly super compact size, and not to mention the handy zipped case that’s just as easy to store in a handbag. The indicator lights and haptic feedback additionally make it easy to use. But the power button can be a bit tough to press.

SCARLET PERIOD HIGH-WAIST POCKET BRIEF

Get full coverage and perfectly toasty heating, whether it's your heaviest or lightest flow day. Picture: Scarlet.

Scarlet has the Scarlet Period High-Waist Pocket Brief to carry the rae Heat Pad, and comes in two absorbency levels:

• Level one (light to moderate flow): Can absorb up to two heavy tampons or one heavy pad’s worth.

• Level two (moderate to heavy) flow: Can absorb up to three heavy tampons or two heavy pads’ worth.

You can get these in size 6 (XS) up to 16 (XXL). Prices start from $28 but you can save a bit of cash if you buy multiple.

Store the Scarlet heat device in the pocket of your period undies. Picture: Scarlet.

The period care brand also offers a wide variety of other regular options to suit different days:

• Scarlet Period Boyshort: For heavy flow days

• Scarlet Period Bikini Brief: For light to moderate flow days, or moderate to heavy flow. days

• Scarlet Period High-Waist Brief: For moderate flow days

• Scarlet Period G-string: For lighter flow days as well as drips and discharge

• Scarlet Period Invisible Thong: For light flow and spotting days.

USING THE SCARLET PERIOD UNDERWEAR AND RAE HEAT PAD COMBO

Scarlet's Period Power Pack makes managing cramps at the office more discreet. Picture: Scarlet.

Until I started treatment for PCOS recently, I have always had very heavy flow where, if the thickest of pads were hanging on by a thread after two hours (or three on a good day), there was no chance I was going to leave the power of absorption to an upgraded pair of granny pants and prayer.

Since I typically use a heat pad for the first two or maybe three days of my period, it’s more practical for me to wear the underwear and heat device combo at the beginning of the day when I’ve just had breakfast, taken a Panadol and started working. And after a couple of hours, I’ll refresh with a fresh pair of regular undies and pads.

The heat pad easily slides into the underwear pouch, only slightly jutting out. Picture: Supplied/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.

For lighter flow days, it’s super soft, comforting and convenient to have the rae Heat Pad securely attached to your belly while typing away at the office or walking to a meeting. It’s pretty discreet and there’s no need to worry about trying to work with one hand.

I tried the light flow option towards the end of my period and found the Scarlet period underwear pretty comfortable, full coverage and most importantly, leak free. Having the gadget in the pouch felt oddly natural and it didn’t really make my movements uncomfortable or awkward. A bonus is that the period underpants are machine washable.

WHERE CAN YOU GET THE SCARLET RAE PERIOD HEAT PAD?

You can buy the heat device from the Scarlet website, which can cost $129 for the standalone unit or $125 when you opt for the Scarlet Period Power Pair Pack which contains both the gadget and the period underwear.

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There are a bunch of other menstrual care products available, such as swimwear, cleansers and cleansing wipes, and laundry bags. You can also find the Scarlet Period Soothing Sud Bubble Bath and the Scarlet Period Magnesium+ Spray, both of which have magnesium to help reduce the intensity of your cramps.

*Product has been provided by Scarlet for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.

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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoSenior Shopping Writer

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night’s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.She previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia’s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings – helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.