Packet containing single "Southalls" sanitary towel size C

Packet containing single "Southalls" sanitary towel size C, with safety pins, for supply by vending machine, by Southall Bros. and Barclay Ltd., 1945-1965

Almost 9 out of 10 menstruators have had a period start unexpectedly while out and about, according to a study commissioned by US nonprofit Free the Tampons. If you’re one of them, you may well have relied on dispensers in public toilets to obtain the supplies you need.

This menstrual pad from the mid twentieth century was supplied with safety pins for attaching to underwear. Before self-adhesive menstrual pads appeared in 1969, pads were usually secured with belts - an elastic garment worn around the waist with tabs or hooks front and back for attaching a towel between the legs.