I did hot yoga in Thinx’s new activewear

When Thinx burst onto the market, I was in awe. Hitherto I had only used pads, tampons, and a menstrual cup while on my period. I couldn’t imagine there was another option, especially one worn outside the body. How wrong I was!

Thinx is now far from the only period underwear company out there, but they’ve maintained their innovative streak. When I bought my first pair, for example, the most absorbent style could handle up to two regular tampons’ worth. Now, Thinx offers a range of underwear, from lightest absorbency (up to one regular tampon’s worth of blood, 9mL) to super absorbency, which can absorb up to five (45mL). And, since being “rescued” from scandal and potential ruin by current CEO Maria Molland, who took over from controversial founder and “She-E-O” Miki Agrawal, Thinx has expanded into lines for tweens/teens as well as bladder control underwear. 

Today, the company announces their latest venture: Thinx Activewear. The line debuts leggings, cycle shorts, leotards, and training shorts, all with Thinx’s period-absorbing technology. Leggings and training shorts are available in black and “kale” (an olive green); the cycle shorts come in black and heather gray; and the leotard is only in black. 

Right now, Thinx Activewear is available in XS – XL. A spokesperson said they’ll have plus sizes in a few weeks. Wash them just like Thinx recommends washing any of their products: machine wash cold, hang dry. 

Courtney Newman, Director of Product Design at Thinx, said this is a groundbreaking moment. “We are the first period solution company to offer a full collection of activewear,” she commented in a press release. 

“In the last year, we have seen tremendous adoption of period underwear,” said Molland in the press release. It’s true: Thinx’s direct-to-consumer business grew 40 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, and 400 percent in wholesale. Their total sales have reached almost $80 million, a Thinx spokesperson told Mashable.

“Now with more consumers in the space, it’s the perfect time to expand the line into activewear,” Molland continued. “Whether you’re wearing them on your period for an at-home workout, or just wearing them while working from home, we hope this line becomes a regular part of people’s lives.”

The self-described “period solution” company has positioned itself as a powerhouse in that regard. Will that translate into activewear? Thinx sent me the leotard and the cycle shorts to review. Here’s how they did.

Thinx Activewear leotard vs. hot yoga

I put the leotard to the test by wearing it to a hot yoga class. Bear in mind, my yoga studio cracks the windows open to improve airflow into the room, and even though New York City currently limits gym capacity to 33 percent, my studio dropped to 25 percent for each class. This means that I’m not inches from other people in a hot box, but class still gets pretty sweaty — especially with my mask on. 

I’m not usually a leotard person. I had my American Apparel phase in college, but I haven’t donned one in years, let alone for a workout. But Thinx’s is comfortable and true to size. The underwear lining is thick, just like with their usual line, and I felt secure that leaks wouldn’t occur. According to Thinx, the gusset (crotch material) has super absorbency and can absorb up to five tampons’ worth of blood. 

Thinx has mastered making a super-absorbent underwear that’s thick but not diaper-like. This holds true with the leotard, too: It looks just like any other piece of high-end activewear. The material is sturdy and stretchy. I don’t expect rips anytime soon, if ever.

It looks just like any other piece of high-end activewear.

“With a built-in sports bra that offers light support and no padding, this leotard also has sturdy one-inch elastic straps with a higher range of stretch in order to adapt to different sizes,” Thinx wrote.

The suit provides light compression, which I never mind for workout wear. While it only comes in black, it was invisible underneath the mauve leggings I wore over them. 

As I suspected, I didn’t leak during my class. I even forgot I was on my period. While I sweated, the leotard stayed dry. I didn’t have camel toe or wedgies or anything else one might fear wearing a bodysuit to the gym. 

My only issue with this is one others may not experience. I always buy high-neck sports bras to prevent “wardrobe malfunctions” — meaning, my boobs popping out while in downward dog. The leotard is not high-neck, so I wore a shirt over it for extra security. 

I’m glad I did. While there weren’t any nip-slips during class, there’d be some close calls without a shirt on. If you have D cups or above, keep this in mind if your exercise of choice has you bending over a lot. At least there’s no padding!

Thinx’s cycle shorts are great for working out — or sleeping

I tried out the cycle shorts during yoga in my apartment. Like the leotard, they’re comfortable and fit true to size. On me, they’re high-waisted — which I prefer, always — and cut off a few inches above the knee. Once on, I couldn’t tell they included period underwear; these could easily pass for Nike or Lululemon cycle shorts.

“These hi-rise shorts go down to the lower thigh with a 7.5″ inseam, with deep side pockets, as well as an inner waistband heat pad pocket,” the press release explained. They are moderate absorbency, meaning they hold up to two regular tampons’ worth of blood.

What amazed me most about the cycle shorts, besides that they doubled as period underwear, was that the legs didn’t ride up. Through squats, lunges, leg lifts, and warrior poses, the shorts stayed put.

As I was home I didn’t take advantage of the shorts’ pockets, but they’ll undoubtedly be useful to hold my phone and keys when I venture outside. I can also imagine wearing these to sleep on a moderate flow day, as they’re so comfortable (though Thinx has dedicated sleep shorts for $50 — $25 less than the cycle shorts — as well).

Final thoughts on Thinx Activewear 

While I haven’t tried the whole line, so far I’m impressed with Thinx Activewear. I was able to work out on my period without using any other hygiene products (I usually use a menstrual cup), all while looking like an athleisure Instagram model. Even with the low neck on the leotard, I’ll continue to wear it. Any worry I have about busting out is solved with a T-shirt (and if I’m working out at home, who cares if my nipples make an appearance?). 

The leotard and cycle shorts retail for $75 each, which makes the prices comparable to that of Alo Yoga or Outdoor Voices. Given Thinx’s technology, I would say it’s worth it. These products are obviously made to wear while on your period, but I’ll likely add them to my regular workout wear rotation even when not menstruating. 

If you want to exercise while menstruating but have trouble being comfortable wearing a maxi pad or tampon (or cup!), give Thinx Activewear a try. The line will, dare I say, make you want to work out on your period.