The Best Period Pants for Runners

13 March 2025  |  Admin

You know if you're a long time reader of our blog that our content ideas come from many places. In this instance, it was this facebook post that inspired us, where for the last 5 km of her 12k run, Hannah from Eton Fitness' half dry tampon was sliding out and grating her perineum - OUCH!

Marathon season fast approaching, and our lovely Emma in the warehouse is training furiously for the London Marathon - she is fundraising for the Institute of Cancer Research if you fancy sponsoring her as Cheeky are matching everything she raises!

Many runners are fine-tuning their gear—shoes, hydration, nutrition. But what about period protection? Whether you’re training for 26.2 miles or simply enjoying your morning jog, the last thing you want to worry about is tampons sliding out mid-run or unexpected leaks.

That’s where period pants come in! In this blog post we'll share our favourite period pants for running (Emma's choices) plus look at the best of the rest too!

"The products are all great quality and lovely designs too. I was a bit nervous of making the switch from disposable to reusable sanitary products but both the pads and the pants have worked out really well. They are all very comfortable and made of soft fabrics which are both absorbable and soft on the skin. Easy to wash and dry and feel natural under my normal clothes.

The period pants are particularly useful when doing sports activities such as running and cycling, when comfort and confidence are most important. So glad I made the switch."

Why Runners Need Reliable Period Protection

If you’ve ever run with a tampon in, you might have experienced that uncomfortable feeling of the string tugging—or worse, working its way out. Sweat and movement can make this issue even worse.

For those who deal with light bladder leaks while running, finding the right protection is key to staying confident on the move. The best period pants for runners offer:

  • Secure fit – No shifting or discomfort, even on long runs.
  • Full coverage absorbency – Protection that extends beyond just the gusset.
  • Moisture wicking - wicks away pee, period and sweat too!
  • Breathable fabric – To keep you cool and reduce chafing.
  • No bulk – So they feel just like your regular running gear.

Our Top Picks for the Best Period Pants for Runners

Shop Cheeky Sporty

Best Overall Period Pants for Running: Cheeky Sporty

  • Cost: £10.49 (Buy THREE Pairs for £30)
  • Size: 4-6 to 22-24
  • Material: Cotton, free from PFAS and antimicrobial silver
  • Why runners love them: Full-coverage absorbency from front to rear waistband ensures no leaks, while the cotton fabric wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable. Also available in regular or super absorbant options.

"These are an absolute game changer. So comfy, no leaks, even on heavy days. Perfect for running and sport." Product Review

Shop Cheeky Sleek

Best Lightweight Period Pants for Running: Cheeky Sleek Period Pants

  • Cost: £11.99 (Buy THREE Pairs for £30)
  • Size: 4-6 to 22-24
  • Material: Polyamide
  • Why they work for runners: These are perfect if you want VPL free undies, due to their seamless design. Cheeky Sleek pants have absorbency just in the gusset so ideal for training runs and lighter flow days.

"Great when period just starting and near the end. I might be best with a heavier flow hold for the middle days. Really comfy, and great for exercise. Tried when sailing & running. No worry about a pad moving about and not sitting well." – Trustpilot Review

Wuka Period Pants

Best Period Pants for Marathon Runners: WUKA Ultimate High Waist

  • Cost: £24.99
  • Size: XXS to 6XL 
  • Material: Tencel Modal
  • Why they’re great for long runs: Made from ultra-soft and breathable tencel modal fabric with full-length absorbency, perfect for tackling high-impact endurance runs.

"Great period pants, no leaks during the heavy days. Comfy and they wash well. it takes a couple of wears to get used to them. I have been using them nearly a year and would recommend." Product Review

Cheeky Fancy Period Pants

Best Pretty Period Pants for Running: Cheeky Fancy Period Pants

  • Cost: £11.99 (Buy THREE Pairs for £30)
  • Size: 4-6 to 22-24
  • Material: Bamboo Viscose
  • Why they work for runners: Emma loves these 'Fancy' period proof underwear. They're made from super breathable bamboo plus they're really pretty! Again they have absorbency to front and rear waistband and are suitable for regular flow.

'These are my go to everyday pants. Stylish, comfy and leak free, what more can you ask for!' Product Review

Shop Cheeky French Cut Incontinence

Best Absorbent Period & PEE Pants for Running: Cheeky French Cut Incontinence

  • Cost: £12.49
  • Size: 4-6 to 22-24
  • Material: Tencel Modal
  • Why they work for runners: Kirstin recommended the Cheeky French Cut Pants for anyone who worries about pee leaks alongside their periods, or needs extra protection for heavy periods. These period underwear were designed specifically for incontinence and are made from breathable modal which is super soft too.

'Was sceptical as has tried another brand and been disappointed. They are true to size and so comfortable. Keep me dry all day with no leaks or odour. Will definitely be buying more' Product Review

Shop Love Luna Period Pants

Best Budget Period Pants for Running: Love Luna Full Brief (The Nappy Gurus & Sainsburys)

  • Cost: £8.00
  • Size: 12/14 to 20/22
  • Material: Cotton/Elastane
  • What to consider: While these are a great budget option, the Love Luna briefs don’t have full leak proof absorbency coverage to the waistband, so they may not be ideal for very long runs or heavy flow days. Perfect for sweat wicking though.

'Super comfortable, nice high waistband, work well no leakage & fit true to size.'

How to Wash Period Pants After a Run

Taking care of your period pants is easy. Here's how to wash period pants after a run:

  1. Rinse in cold water after wearing to remove excess blood and sweat.
  2. Machine wash at 30°C – Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and tumble drying.
  3. Air dry inside out for faster drying and longevity.

Ready to Run Leak-Free?

Running on your period—or dealing with incontinence leaks—shouldn’t hold you back from training, racing, or simply enjoying your run. With the right period pants, you can focus on your pace, not your protection.

Need help choosing the best fit for your needs? Get in touch—our team loves chatting about pee, poo, and periods all day long, and we’re always happy to help! Or check out other relevant blog posts:

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as pads and tampons were no longer an option for her menstrual flow and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads for any type of period and flow day.

The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.

 

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