Nike is launching a new version of its Nike One Short in April with a period-proof leak protection fabric to ensure that uncomfortable workout clothes do not serve as another obstacle for individuals during menstruation. These shorts look identical to the traditional Nike One Short on the outside, with a flexible, body-contouring fabric, a wide waistband, and a seven-inch inseam. While the outside of Nike's latest version of the Nike One Short looks identical to the traditional version, there is a crucial difference on the inside.
The new design features a double-layered gusset and liner to provide discreet protection against period leaks. This additional layer ensures that athletes who menstruate can engage in their daily activities without any worries or disruptions caused by their periods. Lisa Gibson, the senior apparel innovation project manager at Nike’s Advanced Innovation group, explains that the process to perfect the design took 20 rounds of iterating since 2019. The Nike One Short was modified to accommodate the discomfort of periods by incorporating a wider waistband for gentle hugging during cramping and bloating.
Moreover, creating a leak-free liner was a more complicated process, requiring revolutionary material that consists of two layers in the gusset. The top layer wicks and absorbs moisture, while the bottom membrane layer prevents leakage. The shorts come with an invisible, built-in brief created with 3D imaging that moves in synergy with the wearer to avoid additional discomfort or distraction. The fabric was developed by two teams, the Sports Research Lab and the Nike Apparel Lab, and tested in a lab that mimicked a period's flow with a custom-made synthetic blood applied to the shorts.
The absorbent layer's thin, no-show quality was part of the design's ingenuity, allowing the shorts to appear and feel like regular athletic shorts rather than period gear. Nike designed these shorts to be worn with an individual's established menstrual products, such as pads, tampons, or cups, for maximum comfort and convenience. Ultimately, the shorts are for everyone at all times, with or without a period, as Nike aims to promote the joy of movement for all.
Nike has introduced a new version of its popular Nike One Short that is equipped with period-proof leak protection fabric. The innovative shorts feature a double-layered gusset and liner that discreetly absorbs period leaks, while the wider waistband provides added comfort during bloating and cramping. Senior apparel innovation project manager Lisa Gibson reveals that the design process began in 2019 and involved 20 rounds of iterating to perfect the final product.
The fabric was engineered by two teams—the Sports Research Lab and the Nike Apparel Lab—to create a testing process that simulated a period’s flow. The shorts’ absorbent layer is incredibly thin and no-show, providing athletes with a sense of normalcy during their period. The shorts have an invisible, built-in brief that moves in synergy with the body, with no additional discomfort or distraction. The brand designed the shorts to be worn with any other menstrual products, including pads, tampons, or cups. Ultimately, these shorts are designed for anyone to enjoy the benefits of movement, whether they are menstruating or not.
