Packet of 10 "Lil-Lets" mini tampons
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Packet of 10 "Lil-Lets" mini tampons, for very light menstruation, by Lilia White Ltd., 1985
Like the first commercial tampons, Lil-lets came onto the market as ‘digital’ tampons, so named because they could be inserted with a single finger (or digit) rather than requiring an applicator.
Digital tampons became increasingly popular from the 1950s after Dr Judith Esser-Mittag, a German gynaecologist, developed an applicator-free design that expanded widthways. The device became known as the o.b., standing for ‘ohne binde’ which translates to ‘without (a) pad’. Lil-lets adopted Esser-Mittag’s design for the UK market, emphasising their products’ small size and discretion as key selling points.
Floral motifs have long been used in menstrual product marketing, serving as both a euphemism for periods and a symbol of idealised femininity.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Object Number:
- 1985-1910/8
- Materials:
- tampons, cotton wool, tampons, paper and packaging, cardboard
- type:
- tampon
- credit:
- Lilia White Ltd.
