Stay in Play…keeping girls in sport

Playing sport with confidence with TechFit Period Proof tights

FEMININE HYGIENE

Stay Play KEEPING GIRLS IN SPORT

adidas tackles one of the greatest taboos in sport with product innovation and resources to help those who menstruate.

adidas unveiled its latest product innovation designed to keep more menstruators in sport: the new TechFit Period Proof tights, featuring an absorbent layer to help protect against leaks when worn with a tampon or pad. In addition, with teachers and athletes alike calling for more information on the topic of menstruation, adidas has collaborated with Dr. Georgie Bruinvels to create free resources and lesson plans for schools around the world.

The first step was to understand what physical, emotional and societal barriers exist to sports participation. adidas found that teenage girls are dropping out of sport at an alarming rate, with one of the key reasons being fear of period leakage. Using these insights, the brand set out to create a product that helps athletes stay in sport throughout their cycle by giving them an added layer of protection.

After over two years of development and rigorous testing, key details of the tights are as follows:

TECHFIT PERIOD PROOF TIGHTS:

Using new adidas Flow Shield technology, the tights have a set of absorbent layers and a membrane that help protect against leaks, giving athletes added confidence whilst training through their period . A wicking layer, absorbing layer and leak proof layer work together to provide protection, whilst a bonding frame holds each layer together and keeps the tights in place.

of education and understanding about periods amongst teens and adults alike. Analysing data from over 14,000 athletes found that even those at the top of their field didn't learn about – or talk about – periods in sport at school or with their coaches. In the UK for example, 82% of participants indicated that they had never received any education about their menstrual cycle in the context of sport or exercise, and of those who had a coach, 82% had never spoken to their coach about their cycle. In the USA, 65% had not received education on the topic, and 76% had not discussed the menstrual cycle with their coach. 3

To break this taboo and normalise period conversation, adidas has partnered with leading sports research scientist, Dr. Georgie Bruinvels, and Physical Education teachers to develop educational materials and practical lesson plans. The aim is for these to be used in schools around the world, helping teachers, parents and teens better understand how to navigate their cycle.

Dr. Georgie Bruinvels, Director, Sports Science and Female Athlete Lead at Orreco, said: “It is great to see that the landscape for girls and women in sport is progressing, however it is evident that despite this, the menstrual cycle is still an area that is of embarrassment, and as a result is typically neglected and ignored. Given the impact that the menstrual cycle can have on participation and overall quality of life, this must change. Education is the ultimate starting point whereby those who menstruate can be empowered by an increased understanding of an essential physiological process. Education will enable progressive discussion, helping to break down barriers associated with physical activity and the menstrual cycle. We know, more than ever, the importance of exercise for both mental and physical well-being, and I am excited to see the positive impact this campaign will have.”

The TechFit Period Proof collection is currently available on adidas.co.za and in select concept stores,