The thought of not wearing underwear during that time of the month is just too risky for most women. And going commando at the gym, where one lunge or squat could send a leak down your workout gear? Forget about it.
One company, though, is looking to change that perception. Dear Kate is one of several brands now selling period-proof underwear, but they’ve also added period-proof activewear to their line-up.
They’re so confident that their yoga pants can be worn during a period without underwear that they call them the ‘Go Commando’ range — and FEMAIL has put them to the test.
The latest technology: Dear Kate’s Go Commando yoga pants can be worn without underwear during that time of the month
How it works: The brand says its yoga pants are absorbent and moisture-wicking, leak-resistant, stain-releasing, and anti-microbial
Go ahead, stretch! A small lined crotch gusset can hold up to a teaspoon of liquid (the average woman loses 6 to 8 teaspoons over course of her entire period) (left: front, right: back)
‘Our leggings will keep you protected from sweat, leaks, stains and everything in between,’ the brand promises.
The yoga pants, which come in several colors and patterns and cost $99 to $109, can be worn underwear-free even during menstruation thanks to a lined crotch gusset that can hold a teaspoon of liquid.
The average woman loses 6 to 8 teaspoons over course of her entire period, so unless you’re on a heavy-flow day, you’re unlikely to lose more than that teaspoon of blood during an hour or so at the gym.
They’re lined with the brand’s ‘Underlux’ fabric, which is not only absorbent but also moisture-wicking and stain-releasing, meaning that blood should come right out in the wash.
Still, a few important questions remain: Do they really work? Are they comfortable? And do they feel, well, gross? Three FEMAIL reporters tested them out below — and overall, everyone was pretty impressed.
Here are your options: The yoga pants come in several different colors and patterns. Full-length versions cost $109, while capris cost $99
Look ma, no leaks! The brand promises that the yoga pants can be worn without underwear by most women while menstruating
Heavy duty: Three FEMAIL reporters who tested them out agreed that they work but are probably best for lighter-flow days
‘I was afraid it would feel like a pad, but they’re so comfortable’
‘I love these leggings,’ said one reporter. ‘Period-proofing aside, they’re thick and stretchy and comfy. Maybe it’s because I usually buy cheaper yoga pants, but these feel really nice and are also slimming.
‘When I first looked at them, I was a bit worried about the crotch. There’s a seam and additional fabric in the shape of a pantyliner, and I was afraid you’d see that on my butt.
‘Luckily, you absolutely couldn’t. Someone would have to be really up in your business to notice that seam, and if they are, you have a different problem on your hands. Oh, and you also can’t feel that ‘pad’ area when you wear them.
‘Still, going commando on my period was scary. I thought it would be like wearing a pad, when you can feel yourself bleeding. Not the case, though — the fabric sits totally flush against your lady bits, so you feel nothing at all.
‘I wouldn’t wear them on heavy days, when than blood might come out. But I’ve now worn them several times during light days and haven’t bled through them yet. And the little bit of blood I thought would stain the lining washed right off!’
Don’t get that close! FEMAIL found the pantyliner-shaped passing worrisome, but two out of three testers said it wasn’t at all noticeable once they were on
Quality pair: All three testers (not pictured) were in agreement that the yoga pants are very comfortable
‘They certainly did the job, but I felt icky after’
‘I was bit concerned about how the crotch would look, because the fabric was thicker there,’ said another reporter. ‘But I was pleased to see that it wasn’t noticeable once they were on my body.
‘I immediately loved these leggings the moment I put them on. Honestly, I was wearing a small when I should have been wearing a medium or large, but the fit was perfect. They were thick and sucked everything in. I really felt like they wicked the sweat away from my body.
‘But to be honest, there was no way I was going to let myself bleed all over these leggings, so I waited for a light day and headed to the grocery store with them on —without underwear.
‘They certainly did the job, and at no point did I feel like I was going to start bleeding through my pants. I’m not trading my tampons for leggings anytime soon, but these were the best leggings I’ve ever had.
‘However, when I returned home and took them off, I just felt icky. I immediately took a shower and threw them in the hamper.’
Phew! There was nervousness that it would be possible to feel bleeding, but none of our testers experienced that
Clean-up: One tester (not pictured) said they worked well and she wasn’t afraid of leaking, though she did shower immediately after taking them off
‘There’s an awkward patch on the crotch, but I was impressed’
‘The entire concept of the leggings made me feel slightly uncomfortable, but being the workoutwear-obsessed person that I am, I happily volunteered to give them a go — despite my reservations about their hygiene standards,’ said our third tester.
‘Design-wise, they’re pretty standard. They were comfortable, high-waisted, and the sizing was spot-on.
‘There’s an awkward patch in the crotch area, which looks like a sanitary pad made out of the same material as the leggings. It’s not obvious when you’re standing there, but when you’re moving and opening your legs, it’s fairly easy to spot — and I felt awkward about doing anything that might show off that area throughout my workout class.
‘Granted, nobody actually said anything (how would you?), but I felt a bit embarrassed nonetheless.
‘In terms of the effectiveness, though, I was pretty impressed. There were none of the hygienic issues I expected: no funky odors (sorry), no leaks, and no discomfort.’