We tried Thinx’s new period activewear – here’s what we thought

Is it time to say goodbye to tampons, pads and menstrual cups when working out?

People with wombs are not a niche – but there’s been surprisingly little innovation when it comes to period products (iStock/The Independent)

All women remember their first period. Where they were, what they did and who they told. Or didn’t tell. Blood can be shocking. Especially when it’s in your knickers, and you’re only 13-years-old.

But what’s equally shocking is that even though half the global population menstruate every single month – people with wombs are not a niche – there’s been very little innovation when it comes to period products. In fact, both the tampon and menstrual cup were invented in the Thirties – 90 years ago. 

So when brands such as Thinx, Dear Kate and Wuka started creating period-proof pants, they were heralded as the first advances in feminine hygiene in decades. 

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Featuring leak-resistant and absorbent fabric, period-proof pants gave women the option to replace, rather than just supplement, traditional menstrual products. The message was clear: ditch the pads, tampons and liners once and for all – just wear underwear. 

And now, Thinx has gone one step further, launching a new activewear line, consisting of leggings, training shorts, cycle shorts and a leotard. Each item in the collection is made with quick-dry, four-way-stretch fabric that provides light compression and different levels of absorbency.

Of course, for some women, the idea of exercising on your period might seem terrifying – especially if periods are synonymous with unbearable stomach cramps, bloating, tender breasts and the use of hot water bottles while curled up in the foetal position.

A 2019 UK-wide opinion poll of 2,000 women revealed that 54 per cent of participants identified that they have had to stop exercising as a result of their menstrual cycle, with this increasing to 73 per cent in 16- to 24-year-olds. A study by Women in Sport, meanwhile, reported that 42 per cent of girls do not exercise when they are on their period.

But if you can exercise during menstruation, it has been shown to enhance your mood and alleviate symptoms like cramps, headaches and back pain.

It’s easy to see the appeal of period-proof activewear. Moisture-wicking fabric that captures leaks and protects against stains, but looks and feels the same as everyday workout kit? Goodbye worrying about leaking through your leggings in downward dog, or needing to change your tampon mid-way through a run. Now, you should be able to exercise on your period and feel comfortable too. But does it work? I got my hands on the collection to find out.  

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(Thinx/The Independent)

All four items arrived promptly and were neatly packaged in a very small box, with the words "About Time" printed on the cardboard, followed by: "For every generation ready to say goodbye to stigmas around periods and bladder leakers. It’s about time." 

The first thing that struck me about Thinx’s activewear line is how buttery soft the garments felt. Both the leggings and cycle shorts, in particular, felt more like yoga pants than hardcore, sweat-wicking lycra.

The Thinx leggings (£71.38, Thinx), in a khaki "kale" green colour, are high waisted and fit snuggly just above the belly button. They even have a built-in pocket at the front for a cramp-soothing heating pad. The material doubles up around the crotch area, with a diagonal seam that cuts across the thighs – so if you have large cyclist's quads, these might dig in a little (and no one wants extra rubbing or chafing when they’re exercising). 

I decided to wear these on the first day of my period as they’re designed for moderate absorbency – holding up to three regular tampons' worth of blood. 

After wearing them for a 30-minute HIIT workout in the kitchen (think: squats, plank, lunges, press-ups), I was impressed by the fact that they stayed put throughout my session. As I’m sure we can agree, there’s nothing more annoying than constantly interrupting your workout to yank up your leggings. 

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The downside to these leggings was that they didn’t quite pass the sweat test – after finishing the session with a round of burpees, I had an embarrassingly large sweat stain around my crotch. Not a good look. So I’d recommend keeping these leggings for more low-intensity activities, like yoga or walking (or maybe just opt for the black pair instead, as lighter colours tend to be less forgiving).

With a birthday party to attend (via Zoom, of course) and my period cramps kicking in, I thought I’d try the Thinx leotard (£56.36, Thinx) next – complete with a built-in light-support sports bra and stretchy 1in straps. This piece is the most absorbent of Thinx’s new range and probably the most similar to Thinx’s period underwear. It feels like shapewear but with a spongy pad sewn into the bottom between two thick layers of cotton. 

I especially liked the fact that even when my stomach felt bloated and sore, the leotard hugged and supported me. Trying to go to the bathroom, however, proved a little tricky – with no poppers, you have to get completely naked to pee.

(Thinx/The Independent)

On day two of my period, I decided to try out the Thinx training shorts (£48.84, Thinx) on a five-mile run. They’re not the most flattering pair of shorts I’ve ever worn – they poofed out at my hips (instead of just laying flat) and they’re not as high waisted as either the leggings or the bicycle shorts. 

There is a zipped pocket at the back, into which I just about managed to squeeze both my house keys and iPhone 12, but, unfortunately, I couldn’t zip it shut – so they would have benefited from a second pocket. The waistband, in my opinion, could have also done with a continuous drawcord, to help keep them in place.

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I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to run with a period pad in, but after a couple of miles, it becomes sweaty and gross. Even when running with a tampon, there’s always that chance it might leak and you’ll need something else to protect your clothes. But these shorts – which hold up to five regular tampons' worth of blood – felt secure. I imagine they’ll come in particularly handy in the summer because the built-in underwear is thin and moisture-wicking, meaning they breathe better than cotton knickers and a pad.

The final piece in the collection is a pair of light grey, trendy Thinx cycle shorts (£56.36, Thinx). These are more of a Kardashian fashion staple than a pair of performance-led bike shorts, however. Similar to the leggings, they’re high waisted and have a heating pad pocket in the front. They’re not as padded as either the leotard or running shorts – so they’re better if your flow is on the lighter side.

Due to the colour and fabric of the cycle shorts, I opted to test these out with a gentle yoga flow. The wide double layer waistband made me feel supported and held-in even during challenging positions, like crow, but I won’t be wearing them for cycling or on Zwift, where the sweaty crotch will likely make a reappearance. 

The verdict: Thinx activewear

This range probably isn’t for everyone. Just bleeding into my clothes was an odd sensation. But I didn’t leak once, and I didn’t feel the need for a back-up. Perhaps if your flow is heavier, you could use the leotard in tandem with the training shorts for an extra piece of mind. After all, everyone’s period is different.

So even if they don’t completely eliminate the need for disposable products just yet, if they make more women – and, specifically, young girls – feel comfortable enough to continue to exercise on their periods, they can only be a step in the right direction. 

Shop the Thinx activewear range now

Looking for more activewear inspiration? Our edit of the best women’s running leggings is the best place to start