Nike Leak Protection : Period
Recognizing significant barriers
Periods can be a significant barrier to sport and movement for women and girls, impacting them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nike identified this challenge and set out to create a solution that would offer unparalleled comfort, confidence, and peace of mind, enabling athletes to focus on their performance without hesitation. My role was to lead the project and integration teams to market along this journey.
Innovative Engineering
Through extensive wear-testing and materials validation, we engineered Leak Protection: Period—an ultrathin, absorbent liner integrated into the Nike One Short silhouette. This innovative design provides added protection against period leaks while maintaining optimal comfort and flexibility for athletes during intense physical activity.
Accelerated Development
Leading the Innovation Direct team at Nike, I spearheaded the accelerated development of Leak Protection: Period shorts. Leveraging insights from the Teen Girl Insights project and collaborating closely with the Nike Sports Research Lab (NSRL) and Nike Apparel Lab (NAL), we conducted extensive wear-testing and materials validation to ensure the product's efficacy.
We went through 20 different iterations of the material used in the leak protection liner, and 30 prototypes to refine the fit and construction. Our collaborative effort enabled us to swiftly refine our solutions, ensuring they met the evolving needs of our consumers while maintaining Nike's reputation for cutting-edge innovation.
Empowering FUTURE Athletes ACROSS ALL AGES AND STAGES
Nike Leak Protection: Period empowers individuals across all life stages to pursue their passion for sport and movement without hesitation. By providing an added layer of confidence and security, this innovation fosters inclusivity and enables athletes to thrive in athletics regardless of menstruation.
In light of challenges with white shorts and the upcoming Women’s World Cup, we decided to work together to ensure the shorts would not only be available for public purchase but will also be provided to all 13 of Nike's partnered national teams. This strategic move underscores our dedication to supporting female athletes and breaking down barriers to participation in sports.
Redefining Sports Apparel
With the launch of Leak Protection: Period shorts, Nike continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in women's sports apparel. By addressing a critical need in the market and delivering a solution that enhances the athlete experience, Nike reaffirms its commitment to empowering women in sports and advancing the industry as a whole.
Our commitment to pioneering solutions in athletic apparel was recognized with the prestigious 2022 Advanced Innovation Collective Maxim award "Create the Future of Sport" for Nike Women’s Leak Protection, highlighting our dedication to excellence in innovation. This launch represents a significant step forward in normalizing menstruation in sports and empowering athletes to compete confidently and comfortably, regardless of their menstrual cycle.
