The best period pants and activewear for runners, tried and tested by the RW Lab

Our winning design aced the lab test when it came to absorbing liquid and drying quickly, without causing any irritation and with no unwanted odours.

There were no tell-tale VPLs in sight either, with one tester raving that they were ‘as seamless as regular underwear’. Straightforward to wash, they won testers over with how comfy and soft they were to wear, even during exercise.

Voted best on test for staying put during exercise, these stretchy briefs didn’t get in the way of anyone’s running routines and allowed them to stay active.

They provided a close fit for all – with no VPLs while wearing leggings – and lived up to their leak-proof claims for the majority. We’re sold.

We found these seamless period pants comfortable, breathable and ideal for those super bloated days. Their snug fit made them feel secure, even when running, and the sustainably sourced fabric felt just like normal underwear. In fact, some claimed they were more comfortable than a standard pair of knickers and others said they’d happily forgo tampons for these soft, stretchy pants.

Nobody experienced any leakage, but note that they did come up small, so we’d recommend sizing up for the best fit. They come in nine sizes and feel well priced for such great absorbency.

For those who want a bit more security, these briefs can hold up to five tampons’ worth of blood – keeping you protected for longer.

They were a top scorer in our lab test for absorption and pleased all testers with how soft and stretchy they felt – no mean feat considering they’re made from 90% sustainably sourced materials.

This female-founded brand is all about banishing period stigma with its high-quality plastic-free products, and we’re big fans. Not only do they look great (it’s hard to believe they’re designed for your period), but they were also totally leak-proof and successfully prevented unwanted odours for the majority of our panel.

Comfort-wise, we loved how snuggly and soft they felt, and they were extra breathable – making them a top choice to wear during sweaty workouts.

It was hard to find fault with these pants from Nora, a brand renowned for its reusable period products. They claim to hold up to seven times more blood than a standard tampon (!) and sure enough, during our lab tests, we found the material was ‘very effective’ at absorbing liquids.

Our panel was particularly impressed with how discreet these pants were, saying you could barely notice them under even tight-fitting jeans. Despite the snug fit, they were extremely comfortable, and the stretchy fabric was ideal for bloated days.

If we had to find fault, the instructions were a little confusing, but it didn’t take long to become familiar with using the pants.

Looking for a reliable pair of pants to wear overnight? Let us introduce you to these Modibodi briefs. They allowed testers to sleep soundly, confident they were protected from leaks. The breathable fabric also prevented them getting sweaty and uncomfortable, and they loved the soft feel against their skin.

Some with heavier periods would have liked a bit more coverage at the front, so these are best suited for those with a moderate flow.

The second Bodyform entry in this round-up, these pretty pants put in an impressive performance during our tests. They did an incredible job of preventing leakage and there was no shrinkage after multiple washes.

They also scored top marks for their chic high-waist design, with testers commenting that they made them feel as though they could ‘still wear attractive pants’ during their period. Many said they’d continue wearing them after the trial and would recommend them to friends.

These quality running shorts from the OGs at Modibodi earned the top spot with our testing panel. Thanks to the super absorbent lining and sweat-wicking fabric, they held their own during the sweatiest of workouts, even on heavy flow days. No leaks or stains were reported, allowing our runners to focus on their performance.

The sporty style was also a big hit among panellists, who raved about how comfortable they were to wear during exercise and when lazing around the house. The tie at the waist was handy for adjusting the fit and the addition of a hidden zipped pocket at the back was very welcome.

Washing them was a doddle, and they looked as good as new after multiple cycles in the machine. Some would have preferred the absorbent lining to be slightly longer for more security during lying down exercises and a few testers found them a tad too short, but that’s down to personal preference.

If you tend to swap running for yoga during your time of the month, these silky soft Wuka leggings are for you. Testers lavished praise on the flattering, figure-hugging fit, saying they felt cosy, comfortable and weren’t in any way see-through – exactly what you want when you’re on your period. ’They gave me massive confidence during my Pilates classes,’ said one tester.

When wearing them for more dynamic forms of exercise, testers found the built-in pants required regular readjusting and said they became noticeably wet when soaked through with sweat. So, if you like to keep up the intensity during your period, look elsewhere, but for more gentle activities and lounging around, these are a pleasure to wear.

One of the first big brands to start producing period activewear, these quality Adidas leggings went down a treat with our panel. They’re intended to be worn with a tampon, pad or cup for an additional layer of security and according to our testers, they did an excellent job.

They can handle all manner of workouts, from hill sprints to HIIT, thanks to the sweat-wicking fabric and secure waistband. Despite the compressive material, testers were able to move freely and said the leggings didn’t feel too tight or uncomfortable mid-workout. The built-in pants didn’t create a VPL (the smooth outline was practically invisible) and gave everyone the confidence to focus on their training, instead of stressing about leaking, odours or visible pads.

There’s a power-mesh pocket so you can stash your valuables while running and, as a bonus, they’re made from 85% recycled materials. Some would have preferred a higher level of absorbency, but they acknowledged this would have resulted in bulkier pants.

but that’s down to personal preference.

Another Adidas style, these classic bike shorts aren’t intended to be a substitute for a pad, tampon or cup, but they add an extra layer of protection via a set of absorbent layers and a leak-proof membrane. The wide waistband and high-rise fit provide extra coverage, offering total peace of mind during your time of the month.

They earned a resounding thumbs-up from our testers, who loved the ‘luxurious’ fabric and ‘super flattering’ fit. Everyone agreed the shorts were the perfect length and said there was no uncomfortable bulk, so they could lunge, squat and run without a care in the world. When exercising, the moisture-wicking material proved light and comfy, and they felt constantly supported thanks to the thick waistband. A few testers found it a bit too compressive, so we’d recommend sizing up if this is a concern.

With no pocket, our panel missed having somewhere to store their keys and phone when on move, but that’s our only major niggle.