The next edition of Another Mother Runner Gears Up is here, and we’re featuring period activewear. We have #motherrunners put key running gear to the test, then deliver the results so you can grab the gear that works best for your running and body. 

By Rachel Walker (Please help us welcome our new Gear Editor for Another Mother Runner!)

At any given time, one in seven women has her period, and these days, thanks in large part to the body positivity movement, we’re treating menstruation as the normal event that it has always been. Gone are the days of tying a shirt around your waist and hoping you don’t leak through your shorts when you have your period! Good riddance. Now, we’re talking about menstrual cups, period underwear, and strategies for timing your cycle with big runs or races. We were thrilled to discover that some of the companies making period underwear have branched into period activewear. These technical pieces are intended to be worn “commando” while you’re bleeding and come with the promise of full absorption and comfort. 

Note: Often for these reviews, we narrow down what is featured by not sharing anything that scores less than a 3.0 with our testers. 

What’s your strategy for working out with your period? Let us know in the comments below. 

Adidas Techfit Period-Proof Biker Short Tights

Tester Rating: 5

Review: A longtime fan of period underwear because of the extra security the offer, our tester loved the design and fabric of these shorts. Although they’re called “biker shorts,” they lack a full chamois, but are useful for indoor spin sessions or a run. Though the shorts weren’t terribly flattering, she appreciated the high waste and longer inseam and said that the pad in the liner was not bulky or noticeable. Not only are they useful for working out, but these shorts could also be a good under-skirt layer or a base layer for winter sports when you want more absorption. Mostly, she loved the fact that Adidas is making this product at all. “I think it’s really important to have gear that acknowledges and supports the female body in all of its stages. I’ve had enough runs or workouts that ended with blood on my thighs—not fun in any respect.”

Size Range: XS to XL

Fit: True to size

Price: $32

Adidas Techfit Period-Proof 7/8 Tights

Tester Rating: 4

Review: Running while on her period without a tampon or pad had our tester initially nervous, but “overall it was a comfortable experience. It was nice not to have to worry if a tampon was set appropriately.” Better yet, the quality of these tights was top notch. They stayed in place, but lacked a drawstring, which she would have appreciated. Overall, the experience of running with these gave her confidence and security. “It seems a bit scary to feel like you’re free bleeding at first, but with more use, I got over it quickly. These tights offer a great solution to make an uncomfortable few days more comfortable each month.”

Size Range: XS to 2XL

Fit: True to size

Price: $46

Modibodi Recycled Running Shorts

Tester rating: 5

Review: Our tester nearly missed the most important instructions for these shorts: wash them before wearing them the first time to activate the technology for maximum absorption. Fortunately, she caught on, and when her period came a week early, she was ready. The shorts fit snug (in a good way), and though she ran on a heavy-flow, high-cramp day, these shorts absorbed everything without causing discomfort or chafing. As technical wear, the shorts were breathable with strategically placed pockets, and they wicked well. “I imagine I’ll wear these even when I don’t have my period, but it’s especially nice to have the extra protection, especially because my flow is so heavy and uncomfortable on that first day. Running without worrying about leaking all over was a game changer.”

Size Range: XS to 2XL

Fit: True to size

Price: $39

Thinx Training Shorts

Tester rating: 4.25

Several women tested these training shorts, and their reviews varied. Two rated them a 5, praising their comfort and quality. “So liberating! It was wonderful running without a pad or a tampon, and they totally did the job.” A more critical review cautioned that the shorts might not provide enough absorption for longer runs and noted that the shorts did not fit around her privates the same way her beloved Thinx underwear do. “I was concerned about leakage because the liner part did not hug my thighs like the underwear does,” she wrote. Running in these shorts felt slightly bulkier than running in regular shorts, but overall, each tester reported excellent absorption.

Size Range: XS to 4X

Fit: True to size

Price: $32.50

Thinx Leggings

Tester rating: 5

With a polyester blend exterior and a 95 percent cotton gusset, these leggings feel as comfortable as your favorite underwear but perform like you expect technical running tights to. They stay in place, are snug without being too tight, and have a soft feel. Our tester noted that the material is on the slightly heavier side—good for cooler weather running. Running while “free bleeding” was a first for our tester, and the result was pleasing. “It felt great! As I have gotten older, wearing tampons has gotton more uncomfortable, especially during exercise. It was wonderful to be able to run without a tampon and still know that I was protected.”

Size Range: XS to 4X

Fit: True to size

Price: $47.50

Check out all of the AMR Gears Up columns here!

Did we miss your favorite period activewear ?
Let us know in the comments below!