--- source_url: "https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/gym-wear/g43143769/best-period-shorts-leggings/" title: "Period shorts and leggings UK 2023: Modibodi, WUKA & more tested" mirrored_at: 2026-08-15T01:09:30.027Z host: www.womenshealthmag.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/gym-wear/g43143769/best-period-shorts-leggings/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/gym-wear/g43143769/best-period-shorts-leggings/ 1 Best period shorts ## Modibodi Recycled Running Shorts 1 Best period shorts ## Modibodi Recycled Running Shorts ### Pros - Made from 78% recycled materials - Lightweight, soft material - Easy to clean - Secure pocket - Suitable for high- and low-impact exericse These chic shorts from OG period brand Modibodi offer all the functionality of your fave running shorts – they're lightweight, breathable and feature three pockets (hallelujah!) – without the fear of leaving a trail of blood as you pound the pavement. Our panel was hella impressed, with NO leaks or unwanted odours reported, even on heavy flow days. Not working out? They’re so comfy, you’ll want to slip them on anyway. 'I’d recommend them to absolutely everyone,' said one satisfied tester. High praise, indeed! **The** _**WH**_ **Lab verdict:** Due to a thicker pad, there’s no need for protection here — just pull them on and you’re good to go. We would have liked a longer absorbency area for maximum security during lying down exercises, and some panellists found them a tad short and loose around the legs, but that’s down to personal preference. Overall, they're an impressive bit of kit. ## Key specs Sizes XS - 2XL Machine-washable Yes Absorbency Moderate – heavy 2 Best for a flattering fit ## Adidas Techfit Period Proof Bike Short Leggings 2 Best for a flattering fit ## Adidas Techfit Period Proof Bike Short Leggings ### Pros - Made from 73% recycled materials - VPL-free - Flattering fit for all body shapes - Suitable for high- and low-impact workouts - High compression We’re big fans of Adidas here at _WH,_ so we had high hopes when the brand announced its foray into period-proof activewear. Fortunately, these bike shorts didn’t disappoint. From sweaty HIIT classes to heavy leg sessions, they were a dream to train in thanks to the breathable, compressive fabric — it allowed us to move freely but didn’t ride up or fall down. Our testers raved about the flattering, VPL-free fit, which hugged their curves in all the right places, and they appreciated the longer length for extra coverage. **The** _**WH**_ **Lab verdict:** A reliable choice for light flow days, these shorts are designed to be worn with a tampon, pad or cup for an added layer of protection. Just note that the waistband is on the tighter side and there’s no built-in pocket for stashing your bits and bobs. ## Key specs Sizes 2XS - 2XL Machine-washable Yes Absorbency Extra protection Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 3 Best period leggings ## Adidas Techfit Period Proof 7/8 Leggings 3 Best period leggings ## Adidas Techfit Period Proof 7/8 Leggings ### Pros - Made from 85% recycled materials - Power-mesh pocket - VPL-free seamless design - Breathable, sweat-wicking material - Flexible material for ease of movement If you’d rather opt for leggings over shorts, consider this glossy pair from our pals at Adidas. Our testers rated them highly, commenting on the 'high-quality material' and 'super soft feel'. The built-in brief was super discreet – no broadcasting being on your period to your treadmill neighbour – and didn’t feel bulky, allowing us to move freely. They held their own through everything from yoga to netball, and even stayed in place as we tackled burpees. **The** _**WH**_ **Lab verdict:** Like the shorts above, these are intended to be worn with a tampon, pad or cup for an additional layer of security or towards the end of your period. We’d save them for the cooler months as the fabric is on the thicker side. ## Key specs Sizes 2XS - 2XL Machine-washable Yes Absorbency Extra protection 4 Best for gentle runs ## Pantys Runner Shorts 4 Best for gentle runs ## Pantys Runner Shorts ### Pros - 100% carbon compensated - Easy to wash and fast-drying - Soft, lightweight fabric - Seamless design - Stylish design If sustainability is a top priority, put certified B Corp brand Pantys on your radar. Its stuff is made from biodegradable materials and each product comes in a cardboard box detailing its carbon footprint. Our testers loved the retro look of these shorts and heaped praise on the lightweight, silky soft fabric and lack of VPL. The loose-fit design and short length wasn’t for everyone, however, with some feeling too ‘on show’ for activities that required lots of movement. **The** _**WH**_ **Lab verdict:** Here's a worthy contender for relaxed runs during your TOTM. For a medium flow, there’s no need for a pad or tampon with these bad boys, but the waistband is rather snug, so size up for maximum comfort – once the fit is right, they’re a dream. ## Key specs Sizes XS - XL Machine washable Yes Absorbency Moderate Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 5 Best for low-impact workouts ## Wuka Period Leggings 5 Best for low-impact workouts ## Wuka Period Leggings ### Pros - Made from recycled polyester - Excellent body-shaping credentials - Comfortable, high-quality fabric - Squat-proof - Great for yoga, Pilates and walking If you're after a pair of leggings for gentle yoga flows or stretch sessions to help ease those annoying period pains, look no further. This sleek black style from the experts at WUKA grabbed our attention for its soft, cosy fabric and body sculpting creds. 'They were really flattering around my legs and bum,' declared one enthusiastic tester. Our panel found them best for a lighter flow — they felt soaked through with sweat after a high-intensity session, which wouldn't be the one when coupled with a heavier period. The built-in pants required regular readjusting during more dynamic activities, too. **The** _**WH**_ **Lab verdict:** If you like to keep your workouts low-key during your monthly bleed, there’s very little not to like about these leggings. Comfy, flattering and squat-proof, they're absorbent enough for the start or end of a period and are a doddle to wash — just give them a quick rise and bung them in the machine with your delicates. ## Key specs Sizes XS - 6XL Machine washable Yes Absorbency Moderate ![Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/7db0f11b-e7fb-41ce-8ea8-b60aa4804e15_1660664648.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi") Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones. Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for [_Stylist_](https://www.stylist.co.uk/author/priyankaa-joshi)’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, [Glamour](https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/profile/priyankaa-joshi), Bustle, [Metro](https://metro.co.uk/author/priyankaa-joshi/), [HuffPost UK](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/priyankaa-joshi), [gal-dem](https://gal-dem.com/author/priyankaa-joshi/) and more.   Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.  ![Headshot of Yanar Alkayat](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/49316362-f5ee-4955-a879-38f812c27298_1677098715.png?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Yanar Alkayat") Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.