Period gym leggings exist and they are a game-changer

We don't need to remind you - periods are annoying. Especially when you have a to-do list as long as your arm and all you'd really rather be doing is watching RuPaul's Drag Race with a hot water bottle and enough chocolatey snacks to feed a small village.

Exercise can be hit or miss when it comes to your time of the month and if you feel up to it, getting a sweat on can really help ease PMS symptoms and boost energy levels. However, wearing a tampon or pad can be uncomfortable AF, especially as you attempt your downward-facing dog/barbell lunge/lunchtime walk.

Period, er, can you not?

Thankfully, it's 2022, and there is an answer to your period-meets-exercise woes.

Along with period panties, 'period leggings' are truly the new heroes of our gym wear drawer. Thank you universe, for this wondrous gift of easy-breezy periods.

What's more, think of the tampons and pads you are saving in the long run? Good for the environment (we love a sustainable period product) and good for your bank balance.

SHOP: The best period gym leggings

Introducing Modibodi's revolutionary 7/8 Recycled Active Leggings, which are surprisingly discreet, fashion-forward, and insanely comfortable.

The OG for period leggings, the Modibodi leggings absorb up to 2-3 tampons worth (impressive, huh?), whilst remaining stain, odour, and bacteria-resistant for leak-proof action.

These gym leggings are also a great choice for anyone who suffers from bladder leaks, excess discharge, or sweat, as well as those who want to stay dry and comfortable on their period.

Sizing: 8/XS to 18/2XL

Absorbency: Moderate-heavy

Customer review: "I can't believe how fantastic the garment really is. Highly recommend this garment. It is a lifesaver, I now can go to gyms without any worries of leakage."

The partnership of Modibodi and PUMA is a match made in heaven, bringing together excellent period products with top gym technology. If you're searching for a pair of gym shorts, rather than a set of full leggings, these will tick all of the boxes.

Wonderfully soft, with generous pockets and, of course, totally squat-proof, these will be perfect for your spin class. Shop the full range here.

Sizing: XS to 4XL

Absorbency: Moderate-heavy

Our review: "Unlike some period leggings and shorts, these give you that 'nappy' feeling. They're super soft, really comfortable and you can tell they're high quality. I LOVE the pockets - such a good size and great for popping to the gym or for a run. They're also the perfect fit, so choose your regular size."

Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester, WUKA's period leggings are lightweight, VPL-free and have a nice chunky waistband, so they don't ride down.

Sizing: XS - 6XL

Absorbency: Medium flow

Our review: "These leggings have great compression, offering a flattering fit and full leak protection. They're a little on the shorter side so if you're really tall, bear that in mind. They're so comfy and great for all activities, and they don't look like traditional gym leggings, so you can get away with wearing these in and out of the gym."

The Adidas Techfit Period-Proof 7/8 Leggings are designed to be worn with your tampon, pad or cup, but if you have a heavier flow or are prone to leaks, these leggings will wick and absorb with three-layer Flow Shield protection.

Don't worry about the padding feeling bulky; it's discreet and built-in so you can have that added protection and stay focused on your gym sesh at hand.

Sizing: 2XS to 2XL

Absorbency: Designed to be worn with period products

Customer review: "These are awesome! I was worried they would feel bulky with the extra “padding” but they are comfy and cute and not too compressing!"

No matter your choice of workout, the She Thinx Leggings are great for moderate flow days and can hold up to three regular tampons' worth (or if you prefer pads, the equivalent of a whopping 4.5 panty liners).

Available in black and kale green, these leggings have an impressive size range for great inclusivity and come with side pockets and a heating pad pocket in the front. Bye-bye stomach cramps. It's worth bearing in mind that shipping to the UK is a little pricey, but hopefully, they'll be stocked at a UK retailer soon.

Sizing: XS to 4XL

Absorbency: Moderate

Customer review: "I tried out the leggings for the first time while at the gym and took it a step further by free bleeding. Fit-wise, the leggings are awesome. They are soft and sung. You would never guess they are meant for period protection. Coverage-wise, I had no issue-free bleeding on one of my lighter days."

SHOP: Best period pants to wear under your gym leggings

Already got a hefty collection of gym leggings (we can never resist a Gymshark sale) and want to try out something at a lower price point? Here's our pick of the best, most comfortable period pants to replace your pads and tampons:

Wave goodbye to mishaps and say hello to the Modibodi Active Briefs. Guaranteed to be your new workout go-to, these briefs combat sweat, light to moderate period days, light bladder leaks, and heavy discharge. And, thanks to the breathable, moisture-wicking Merino wool, you'll stay cool, fresh, and dry throughout your gym set.

Have a heavier flow? It's recommended to double these up with your period-proof leggings.

Sizing: 8/XS to 18/2XL

Absorbency: Light-Moderate

Colours: Black

Other styles: Active Brief Moisture Wicking Briefs and Active Brief 5 Pack

Customer review: "Used this product for the first time this month. It's the most comfortable month I've had in a long time. I'm a triathlete and always train through my cycle. I was able to bike (wore them under bib shorts) and run very comfortably in these briefs. Absorption was perfect for my flow. They are easy to wash - I washed them in the shower and let them dry naturally. Absolutely love this product! Would highly recommend."

Some period pants can feel too structured, so if you love a super soft pair of undies, WUKA's Stretch Seamless are for you. Buttery soft and protective, this high-waisted pair also comes with a wash bag, for ease.

Sizing: XL to 4XL

Absorbency: Medium

Colours: Black

Other styles: WUKA Stretch Seamless Heavy High Waist and Midi Brief

Our review: "As the proud owner of at least six pairs of period pants now, I can hands-down say that these are the comfiest I own. Ideal for wearing under leggings, they're SO soft, nice and stretchy and have no VPL. The dream."

Available in single or three-packs, these midi-brief style pants will give you the full coverage you need without being noticeably bulky. The lightweight, seamless fabric means no VPL whilst the super absorbent hi-tech moisture barrier will keep sweat-wicked from your rump.

We're obsessed with the range of sizes available which means everyone can enjoy stress-free workouts.

Sizing: XXS to 6XL

Absorbency: Heavy

Colours: Black

Other styles: Also available in Light Flow, Medium Flow, and a WUKA Swim Bikini Brief style.

Customer review: "These ones are really great, they fit so comfortably and have really good cover for the pad section. They aren't bulky and sit nicely under clothes. I prefer the high-waist ones but these are a close second."

No one likes a VPL when they're doing squats in the gym, and this is where FLUX Undies Seamless Bikini pants come to the rescue. They're ultra-thin, super smooth, stretchy, quick-drying, and can be worn seamlessly under anything. All whilst keeping you leak-free with their signature built-in tech being able to hold two tampons' worth of blood for up to eight hours.

Sizing: XS to XL

Absorbency: Moderate

Colours: Black, Dusty Rose, Beige, and Sky Blue

Other styles: Seamless Thong, Detachable period pants in Light and Heavy Absorbency, and Classic Boyshort for Light and Heavy Flow

Customer review: "I ordered these in a size L and they fit perfectly, as well as being lovely and discreet. I bought these ones with the intention of using them at the very end of my period when my flow isn’t heavy enough to use a pad and they have changed EVERYTHING! Pads are really irritating on my skin, especially towards the end of my cycle for some reason, so these give me alllll the comfort! I was worried I’d feel gross using these (been using pads all my life) and they literally just feel like normal pants - no lingering blood or feeling that horrid leaking sensation in ya pants!! V impressed!"

Designed with a comfy, workout-friendly fit, these period pants are as absorbent and inclusive as the period leggings, just with a host of fun colours to choose from. With a whopping 2,000+ reviews rating these an average of 4.8/5 stars, these might be our favourite pants for keeping you covered.

Some of the lovely customers found that these were super comfortable, thanks to the higher, wider leg holes, and found they gave them serious peace of mind whilst working out.

Sizing: XXS to 4X

Absorbency: Moderate

Colours: Black, Beige, Fig, Dusk, and Spicy

Other styles: Loads of other styles available, though only the Sport is recommended for workouts

Customer review: "Fit so comfortably, are so effective and easy! I love them! I can't believe I have never had period underwear before. These undies are so comfortable and keep you so fresh that I forgot I was on my period (!!!) I am already planning on purchasing more and saying goodbye to tampons and pads. Why didn't I do this sooner?! Runs small - I am typically a size S, but they were too tight so I sized up to a M which is perfect!"

Won't I feel wet?

Not a chance. According to Modibodi, its products match absorbency with flow, to provide the driest leak-proof products on the market.

Can I tumble-dry my period leggings?

While a one-off accidental tumble-dry won’t ruin your garment, Modibodi advises against frequent tumble-drying as this can reduce the garment’s lifespan due to a breakdown of the hi-tech function.

How do I know my flow?

If you're not sure whether your flow is light, moderate, or heavy here's a quick guide from Modibodi to help you determine the absorbency you need from your period pants or leggings:

Superlight absorbency

2.5-5ml = 1 tampon or 1 teaspoon

For: Occasional discharge and little drips

Light to moderate absorbency

10ml = 2 tampons or 1-2 teaspoons

For: Using alone on light-medium period days, as a back-up on heavy period days, for sneaky leaks and heavy discharge

Moderate to heavy absorbency

15ml = 2-3 tampons or 3 teaspoons

For: Using alone on heavy period days, overnight for protecting your white sheets or sneaky wee leaks and heavy discharge

Heavy absorbency

20ml = 3-4 tampons or 4 teaspoons

For: Using alone on heavy period days, overnight for protecting your white sheets, or for those 'I almost weed my pants' leaks