The menstrual health industry has indeed seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. Companies like Modibodi, NIXI Body Underwear, Knix, Bonds and The Period Company have revolutionised period wear, creating innovative period-proof garments that prioritise comfort, sustainability, and confidence for menstruating individuals.
This surge in period-specific products highlights a crucial point: when we address girls and women's specific needs directly, we create opportunities for greater participation, performance, and enjoyment in sports and daily life. The success of these companies demonstrates that there's a significant demand for solutions that cater to the unique needs of menstruating individuals.
Breaking Taboos: The Megan Rapinoe Effect
The collaboration between soccer star Megan Rapinoe and Knix through the "Sport Your Period" campaign is a prime example of how addressing menstrual health can empower athletes. By normalising conversations about periods in athletics, Rapinoe and Knix are paving the way for better support for menstruating athletes.
However, this raises an important question: Do we need a globally famous figure to advocate for essential female health issues? While celebrity endorsements can bring attention to an issue, the reality is that periods, like breasts, are a universal experience for girls and women. We all have periods, just as we all have breasts.
The Power of Collective Experience
The success of period-proof apparel companies shows that females are ready and willing to embrace solutions that address their needs. This same principle can and should be applied to breast protection in sports. Just as we've seen a revolution in period wear, we need a similar revolution in breast protection.
Moving Forward: From Periods to Breast Protection
The period wear market has shown us that when we address female needs directly, we create significant positive change. Now, it's time to apply this lesson to breast protection in sports. Companies like Boob Protect are already developing solutions, but we need the same level of awareness, acceptance, and demand that we've seen in the period wear market.
Remember, just as we all have periods, we all have breasts. We don't need a celebrity to tell us that protection is important – we know it from our own experiences. Let's harness the momentum from the period wear revolution and apply it to breast protection in sports. It's time for the sports industry to fully recognise and address these female-specific needs, creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all athletes.