We’ve come a long way from the days of quietly concealed tampons and commercials featuring mysterious blue liquid. For nearly a century, period brands have capitalized on the notion that discretion and concealment are central to menstruation.
But what would happen if we stripped menstrual blood of its stigma? What if we talked about periods and leaks openly and loudly? What if we defied the idea that period blood is to be stealthily absorbed and disposed of?
The hard-won efforts of period activists worldwide have worked to make this a reality. And by pushing the boundaries of menstrual taboos and challenging censorship, so has Knix. As more and more menstruators choose to ditch the disposables, free-bleeding is experiencing a renaissance.
Still, you may be wondering…what exactly is free-bleeding? Here’s the low-down.
What?
Free-bleeding involves menstruating without menstrual products, like pads and tampons, to collect discharge so that period blood, quite literally, flows freely. There’s no singular way to free-bleed — it’s all about what feels best for your body.
For some, this could involve wearing regular clothing (with the understanding that stains and leaks are likely to ensue) or investing in period-proof garments, like Leakproof Underwear and Activewear, that naturally absorb fluid.
Some actively choose to free-bleed as a personal preference, while others free-bleed on occasion based on flow or whether they have access to period products. Menstruation isn’t a monolith and free-bleeding is often intertwined alleviating stigma — no one should feel ashamed of blood stains or panic if they don’t have tampons on hand.
Why?
Free-bleeding can be a political statement or a simple matter of personal comfort — there are no wrong answers. Freeing your flow can be a matter of subverting mainstream norms and challenging period stigma.
Since — beyond their fleeting moment of use — traditional menstrual products result in landfill waste, the choice to free-bleed (or use menstrual cups) can also be an environmental one. For others, free-bleeding can be a way to save money or, at times, a financial necessity.
In 2015, Kiran Gandhi (also known as recording artist Madame Gandhi) went viral when she opted to free-bleed while running the London Marathon. Initially, it was a decision born out of comfort; the notion of wearing a tampon or pad during this physically challenging expedition seemed unbearable.
Then, she decided to make it a statement. By visibly free-bleeding during her run, she refused to conceal her period at the expense of her comfort and performance. In the process, she demonstrated solidarity with menstruators everywhere and shined a light on period poverty.
“Because it is all kept quiet, women are socialized not to complain or talk about their own bodily functions, since no one can see it happening,” said Kiran in her viral blog post. Stories like hers are what inspired our latest line of Leakproof Activewear featuring workout wear with built-in absorbency — because no one should have to compromise how they move on their periods.
How?
Visible period leaks, like Kiran’s, can make a strong statement about the lack of discourse around menstruation. Allowing your blood to free-flow and, potentially, soak through or stain your clothes is as valid as choosing to use a tampon. Though, it may mean washing your clothes more often or using a towel to sit on surfaces.
Most, however, still find it most comfortable to use period-proof clothing that can provide the liberating feeling of free-flowing without the potential clean up. Periods are incredibly personal and however you choose to menstruate — whether you use tampons, menstrual cups, or Leakproof Underwear (or a combination of all the above) — is a decision everyone should feel empowered to make for themselves.
Period equity means having the ability to look outside of traditional period practices to find what’s right for you. Even if free-bleeding isn’t your style, talking about it openly and affirming it as a valid way to menstruate is an important step towards eliminating period stigma.