The first time I'd ever heard of period leggings, I admit I was hesitant.
In fact, I remember laughing at the entire notion of period-proof underwear while my sister browsed a Knix sale back in 2019. She'd heard about the wonders of reusable underwear from a friend and was eager to try some.
We grew up in a family of 3 girls and 1 boy (bless his heart), so none of us were strangers to the world of bulky, disposable pads and tampons.
It was the only reality we had—which meant our heavier flow days often required doubling up on protection. The same would often be said for any sports we played; better safe than bleeding-through-your-pants-in-front-of-a-crowd sorry.
But despite my reservations, I did try period underwear.
After getting an IUD in my twenties, I found my period slowly became less heavy, petering off to light spotting on my worst days. Light period underwear happened to be the perfect solution.
It wasn't until I rejoined a softball league and started working out more consistently that I hit a roadblock. Sure, period undies are great for when I'm sitting at work or doing everyday tasks, but what was I going to do when it came to trying to stay active during my period?
Switching Things up
Period-proof activewear is a relatively new innovation, and its advent has made periods less of a barrier when it comes to staying active or competing in sports.
I first heard about period leggings and shorts a few years after I had already filled my drawers (no pun intended) with period underwear.
By this time, I had reverted back to wearing a tampon (and I hate tampons) alongside period underwear for fear that the entire softball team would see me leaking and collectively laugh like a bad 80s movie nightmare montage.
I wasn't convinced, but I was willing to try them out. A few days later, they arrived.
Putting Period Leggings to the Test
First and foremost, the leggings are soft, smooth, and have pockets.
I was nearing the end of my period and had yet to do a movement session that day, so I thought, why not? Putting on your first pair, it's important to know that they will be tight right off the bat.
They're supposed to be; the Pursuit Leakproof Training Legging is designed to mold to your unique shape with wear. So, expect gentle compression that fits close to the body—almost like a second skin.
I pulled them up to my waist (who doesn't love a high-rise legging?) and modeled in front of the mirror. No lines. No bulky absorbency layer showing through. Also…has my butt always looked this good?
Period leggings are meant to be worn commando—and I was totally game. I had a leg workout cued up, did a few stretches, and proceeded to sweat it out.
Knowing that my new period leggings absorbed around 1-3 regular tampons worth of liquid kind of made being on my period an afterthought. What I didn't expect—but was pleasantly surprised to find—is that the period leggings also eliminated any trace of the dreaded snail trail.
No leaks. No sweat marks. I was pretty impressed.
Residual moisture being one of my biggest concerns, I was also in awe of how dry and comfortable they felt post-workout. I even contemplated just staying in them for the rest of the day (which is totally allowed, by the way).
Post-Workout Wash
If you're new to period-proof garments, the washing part might seem daunting at first.
I knew from years of experience washing period underwear that this part of the experience would likely be pretty seamless—I was right.
Post-workout, I threw my period leggings in the washing machine on cold with mild detergent. Once the cycle was up I laid them flat to dry, just like I would my period undies. Though, you can also hang dry.
Once air dried, they looked (and felt) fresh and stain-free.
Just like period underwear, some folks like to wash the gusset before throwing them in the wash and that works too. Not all bodies bleed the same, and you might want to give them a quick rinse before putting them in with the rest of the load.
Game Time
By the time I wore a pair for softball, period leggings had become part of my new at-home-workout attire.
Trying to forget past fears of leaking during sports, I reminded myself that my period leggings would absorb any light leaks and sweat, and walked out onto the field to join my team.
It wasn't until we were shaking the other team's hands that I even remembered I was on my period. I resisted the familiar urge to reach a hand down to my bum (juuuust in case).
Once back in the locker room, the mirror confirmed my suspicions: no signs of period leaks here.
I told a few of the women on my team what I was wearing and was met with ooohs and aahhhs. Just like I'd done in the mirror on day one, they asked me to turn this way, bend that way, and describe what it felt like. The moment I got home, I ordered myself a pair of period shorts.
My Verdict on Period Leggings
Switching from pads and tampons to built-in absorbency liners can be daunting, just like openly discussing our periods with the world. But sometimes, changing things up is worth it.
When it comes to period leggings, I'd recommend them to anyone who is worried about tampon-related chafing or discomfort during workouts.
I'd also suggest wearing your period leggings as backup protection (in tandem with a menstrual cup or alternative) during heavier flow days. On lighter flow days, you should be good to wear them solo. Everyone's body is different, so this part may require a little testing.
Despite my initial reservations, period leggings are now part of my regular activewear rotation. Since they can also be worn to help prevent visible sweat marks, I wouldn't be surprised if they became my go-to leggings for days when I'm not even on my period.
From the snug fit that keeps everything in place, to not having to worry about leaks, I appreciate how they make maintaining an active lifestyle during your period a little easier.
Now we just need period leggings that can miraculously make period cramps go away.