Periods and sports don’t always go hand in hand—especially when your sport involves wearing a white uniform.
As a Taekwon-Do instructor, I know firsthand the challenges that women and girls face when trying to stay active during their periods. That's why I jumped at the chance to put the Ugly Pants period underwear to the test, particularly their “overnight” option, which promises to absorb 3-4 tampons' worth of flow. Here’s how they held up.
Putting Ugly Pants to the Test
I decided to wear the Ugly Pants during an intense Taekwon-Do training session. If you know anything about martial arts, you’ll understand how much movement and impact are involved—kicks, jumps, and high-intensity drills are the norm. Combine that with the anxiety of potentially bleeding through a white uniform, and you’ve got a recipe for stress.
I’m happy to report that the Ugly Pants handled it all with ease. Not only did they provide excellent protection, but they were also incredibly comfortable. There was no bunching or awkward shifting, which can be a real concern during high-impact activities. I felt secure and was able to focus on my training without constantly worrying about leaks.
Sustainability and Comfort
Over the years, I’ve gravitated towards sustainable menstrual products, finding them more reliable and comfortable than their disposable counterparts. This was my first experience using period pants, and I’m now a firm believer in their effectiveness. The material was soft, breathable, and didn’t irritate my skin—key factors when you’re wearing them for extended periods of time, especially during exercise.
The Ugly Pants also hold up well in terms of absorption. The “overnight” pair managed my flow efficiently, with no leaks or uncomfortable wetness, even after hours of training. I can see these being a go-to option not just for nighttime but for any activity where you need that extra peace of mind. Although the brand does do active wear pants too!
The Bigger Picture: Keeping Girls in Sport
One of the most significant issues facing young female athletes is the drop-out rate that coincides with the onset of menstruation.
Studies have shown that many girls leave sports altogether when they start their periods, with the fear of leaks and the discomfort of managing menstruation during physical activity often cited as major reasons. This is particularly true in sports like Taekwon-Do, where a white uniform can amplify anxiety.
The implications are concerning: the benefits of sports—physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork, and discipline—are lost at a critical time in a young girl’s development.
This is where parents play a crucial role.
By learning about the different types of sanitary products available, such as period pants, they can better support their daughters during this transition. Products like Ugly Pants and other sustainable pads or cups could be a game-changer, offering dependable, comfortable protection that reduces anxiety and keeps girls in the sports they love.
Parents, take the time to explore these options with your daughters. Help them find a solution that makes them feel confident and secure so that they can continue to pursue their passions without the added worry of their period holding them back.
For more information about supporting female athletes in Taekwon-Do check out this article written for the AETF by Ms Gleaves.
Final Thoughts
Ugly Pants period underwear exceeded my expectations in both performance and comfort. For active women and young girls alike, these could be a key tool in staying confident and active during that time of the month. If we can make periods less of an obstacle, we might just keep more girls in sport—helping them build the skills and confidence that will benefit them for life.
So, whether you’re training for your next Taekwon-Do belt or simply trying to get through a workout without worry, period pants or other sustainable products could be the protection you need to stay focused and fearless.
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