Have you ever had a pair of pants that are period, pee, discharge and moisture proof?
Call me an optimist, but after 20 years of having my period, it’s finally getting easier. ‘How?’, I hear you ask?
For a start, I now understand my menstrual cycle, and with a bit of practice, I’ve rid the period-shaming and negative mindset I once had towards my period, especially when it comes to running and fitness. Now I know that during the follicular phase – day 1 being the first day of my period – my estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest. Meaning this is generally when I can perform at my highest or run at my best.
But the ultimate game changer was coming across a pair of leak proof running tights. Yep, you read right. A pair of 7/8 running tights that not only look and feel great but are period, pee, discharge and moisture proof too.
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When wearing the Modibodi 7/8 Recycled Active Legging, I no longer have to wear thick undies and pad or plug up my period or worry about weeing my pants (post childbirth) when I go for a run.
After years of stagnation in the period product market, recently there’s been a much needed shake up of products available. Nowadays teens and women have more options including reusable pads, soft tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear. Not only is leak-proof underwear stylish and comfortable to wear, but it’s also better for the environment. Scary fact: the average woman is estimated to use roughly 11,000 pads and tampons in her lifetime. By using leak-proof undies or activewear you’re saving thousands of disposable hygiene products from ending up in landfill.
Runner, CEO and founder of Modibodi Kristy Chong, pioneered period and leak-proof apparel after she experienced bladder leaks following the birth of her second child.
“I was training for a marathon, my periods had not long returned, and I had started to experience occasional light bladder leaks,” says Chong.
“The available solutions were ugly, inconvenient, uncomfortable and a hazard to our environment – disposable hygiene. I just felt we deserved something better.”
So, she set about changing underwear for the better. “I wanted to make underwear that could help people more conveniently, comfortably and reliably manage their leaks and reduce the amount of single-use products ending up in landfill and damaging our environment – that’s how Modibodi came about,” adds Chong.
Her collection of reusable and sustainable range of period and sweat-proof undies and activewear is scientifically proven and can be used for bladder leakage as well as periods. The garments use high quality, tech-savvy fabrics (like Bamboo, Merino Perform Wool and Microfibre) and the latest in breathable, antimicrobial fibres with patented Modifier Technology– a super slim stain-resistant lining for modern periods and leaks, and Modifier Air Technology – a moisture-wicking, odour-fighting lining for getting sweaty.
From personal experience, being able to ditch the tampon and pull on ONLY a pair of tights to go for a run is incredibly empowering. Afterall, the best laid plans and months of training can’t stop you from having your period on race day. There’s already enough to think about like pace, chafing, hydration and fuel, and the last thing you want to spend vital mental energy on is worrying about whether you need to change a tampon or stopping to check if the dampness you’re experiencing is sweat or leakage.
I’ve used tampons since I got my period as a teenager, and I was curious but also a bit sceptical that period underwear would work as well. My main concerns were leaking through and if the tights would smell. I was amazed at how good the tights felt and how quickly I forgot that I had my period. The tights can hold up to three tampons worth of fluid so even on my heaviest period day, I don’t have to worry about leaking through. And my fears around smell were unnecessary. The tights are antibacterial and odour resistant and the top layer is moisture-wicking, which moves sweat away from the skin, so I felt dry and fresh no matter how hot it got down there.
So, if you’re ready to join the period, pee and sweat-proof revolution with me then check these planet-loving options out:
Modibodi Active Brief
Light-moderate absorbency
The Active Brief sits on the hip and has great coverage over the booty (so no riding up when you run). Perfect for staying dry, comfy and fresh, it protects from sweat, but also light period flow or pelvic floor leaks during those tough exercises.
Modibodi 7/8 Recycled Active Legging
Moderate-heavy absorbency
Crafted from 78% recycled material from pre-consumer factory waste for better sustainability – and less landfill, these tights are stretchy, snug and supportive. They are ideal for periods, bladder leaks, discharge and sweat and even feature a must-have in-built phone pocket.
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Boyleg Undies
Heavy absorbency
With the ability to absorb up to four tampons worth of fluid, these undies draw away moisture to keep you dry and fresh for hours.
Thinx Active Short
Super heavy absorbency
These super absorbent training shorts hold up to five tampons worth of fluid so you can stay active and leak-free, even on your heaviest days. Plus, they come with a back pocket, perfect for your keys.
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