KIPRUN’s running shorts with built-in period underwear aim to break a taboo in the sport

Women’s specific needs have long been overlooked by the sports industry. Almost all studies, equipment and products were initially developed for a male audience. Yet women have to deal with specific physiological challenges: periods, exercise-induced urinary leakage, light discharge and managing sweat. These issues can make sport harder to practice and even lead some women to stop running. KIPRUN has chosen to address these concerns with shorts that incorporate period underwear directly.

Menstrual running shorts developed with Smoon

The Run 900, developed with French company Smoon, features seamless period underwear with a discreet design and bonded seams. Its absorbency is equivalent to around two tampons, providing protection for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. Lightweight and breathable, the garment uses the textile foundation of KIPRUN’s existing performance model, the Run 900 Light, with Smoon’s absorbent technology built in. « Run during your period with complete peace of mind » is the promise behind the product.

« My job involves talking to female runners all over the world. I realised that many of them faced physiological issues linked to their menstrual cycle, but not only that », explains Elodie Chenu, a product manager at KIPRUN. After carrying out several studies, she found that exercise-induced urinary leakage also affected many women who took part in sport. « It’s not just one week a month; sometimes it’s an ongoing issue. Some women stop running because of it. These are situations people keep quiet about, and they’re still taboo, partly because there aren’t really any suitable solutions on the market », the specialist explains. Numerous testimonials also convinced her that there was « something worth exploring ».

« I spoke with several media outlets and runners about the subject, including Laurie from Culotte & Trail. She told me about the issue of menstruation during training and how little it was discussed in the sport ». The project began to take shape after a meeting with Smoon’s team at the 2024 Paris Marathon Expo. DECATHLON had already developed period swimwear with the French manufacturer, and the idea of adapting that technology to technical sportswear gradually took hold.

A subject that remains taboo

Developing products like this remains relatively taboo in the sports world. Running is still largely male-dominated, both in terms of participation and across the industry. Elodie Chenu believes awareness is nevertheless growing, especially when these issues are properly explained. « There are several issues that men don’t necessarily think about or understand, but they get it when we explain the problems and their complexity. They’re able to put themselves in female runners’ shoes and see the opportunity to meet needs that had previously gone unnoticed ». The long-term goal could be to integrate this kind of technology into other products.

Testing ahead of its 2026 launch

Before launch, the product was assessed through studies and questionnaires involving around 1,000 respondents, to gauge interest in the project. Blind tests were also carried out against other menstrual products designed for sport, helping refine the development process.

Around 100 real-world tests were then conducted, notably through partnerships with running communities. The model was even offered six months before launch in Culotte & Trail’s specialist subscription box, allowing the brand to collect feedback from users who had actually purchased it. « When people buy something, they expect a fairly high standard, which is different from simply receiving it as a test product », the product manager adds. According to the brand, the initial feedback was positive, particularly regarding the comfort and discreetness of the built-in underwear. « Proof that there’s genuine demand for this kind of product range », the specialist says.

The idea, moreover, is not to offer a product intended only for one week each month, but sportswear that can be worn every day. « We want to reduce the mental load women can feel when managing their periods, leakage or discharge. »

A performance-focused product

For its launch, the product is aimed primarily at regular runners and performance-oriented athletes, with a cut close to that of competition models. But the brand says it is already working on more covering and accessible designs, including 2-in-1 shorts, cycling shorts and leggings featuring the same technology. « We prioritised this direction because performance-focused runners train every day, regardless of where they are in their cycle. They’re also the ones who will champion the product. Occasional runners look to more experienced athletes for advice », the product manager explains.

The launch price is set at €50, with the stated aim of offering a more affordable version later, potentially developed entirely by DECATHLON. In the long term, the brand would like to offer a version costing around €30.

Menstrual running shorts mark the first step in KIPRUN’s « Women » project

This innovation is part of KIPRUN’s « Women » project, which aims to identify the barriers that keep women from running, including safety, confidence, equipment and female physiology. « If tomorrow we can remove these obstacles with products, services and experiences, many more women will feel confident enough to run and no longer be afraid », she explains.

The group is exploring solutions related to running in groups, safer routes and services designed specifically for women runners. « We have ideas to help every woman feel comfortable running, whether that relates to her body or to an environment that can sometimes feel hostile. 2026 is the launch; 2027 and 2028 look exciting for what comes next  ». KIPRUN wants to support women of every profile and ability, from the youngest to the oldest, helping each of them run with confidence.

These shorts are the first step in that initiative. « The beginning of a long story », says Elodie Chenu. For the sportswear brand, the issue goes beyond athletic performance. Women’s participation in running continues to grow, but many barriers remain, particularly during adolescence, when many girls drop out of sport. The lack of suitable equipment, advice and support, along with the need for properly designed sports bras, are among the issues that are still rarely addressed.

 These issues are essential, and there’s still a lot of work to do. Companies spent a long time addressing almost exclusively a male audience rather than a female one. Now it’s time for KIPRUN to restore a little more balance and support all these women runners ».

For the specialist, the company has a role to play in education and awareness. « The idea is to make it clear that you can keep running during your period. We want to encourage every woman to take part in sport and prove to herself that she can do it, so she can thrive in this area just as much as men do ».

With these period running shorts, KIPRUN is offering more than a new product. It is part of a broader project examining the place of women in running. DECATHLON is positioning itself as a pioneer in the field, offering early solutions that could remove some of the barriers to participation. Products of this kind remain a small part of the running market, where traditional menstrual protection is still the option most commonly chosen by female athletes.

➜ KIPRUN’s period running shorts are available on the official website