Is there any kit more revealing than a netball skirt? Every time you leap for an interception or stretch for a rebound, it rises, and if you're on your period that thought is never far away. For a lot of players, that worry is enough to sit out a session or stay quiet on court.

It shouldn't be. In this guide we'll share what makes the best period pants for netball, the styles that work under skirts, dresses and bodysuits, and practical tips to help you and your players stay focused on the game.

Our partnership with England Netball is one of the proudest moments in NIXI Body's story. Working alongside players, coaches and clubs has taught us exactly what netballers need from leakproof underwear, and we've built that into every pair we make.

Why Periods Can Hold Netballers Back

Netball is fast, explosive and repetitive. You jump, land, pivot and sprint in short bursts, again and again, often in a short skirt or fitted dress. That combination brings some very specific worries.

The ones we hear most from netball players are:

• Skirts and dresses riding up when jumping, so there's nowhere to hide

• Pads moving with every landing and quick change of direction

• Light or bright kit that shows any mark

• Bladder leaks on landing, which surprise many players of all ages

These concerns start young. Research by Women in Sport has found that periods are one of the most common reasons teenage girls drop out of sport, and netball is one of the most popular sports for girls in school PE. When a girl stops playing because she's worried about leaks, we lose a player, often for good.

A pattern coaches often share with us is the quiet withdrawal. A player who normally calls for every ball suddenly hangs back, avoids the jump or asks to play a less visible position. More often than not, her period is the reason.

What to Look for in Period Pants for Netball

Netball has its own demands, so here's what to prioritise when you're choosing a pair.

1. Coverage That Works Under a Skirt

Because your underwear may be seen, choose a style you're happy to be seen in. Sporty, mid-rise and boxer styles give full coverage and look just like ordinary training briefs, so a lifted skirt is nothing to worry about.

2. A Secure Fit for Jumping and Landing

Look for wide, soft waistbands and leg openings that grip gently without digging in. Your period pants should move with you through every leap and lunge and stay exactly where you put them.

3. The Right Absorbency for Your Flow

A match plus warm up can easily run to two hours. Choose absorbent styles matched to your heaviest day, and keep a lighter pair for training at the start or end of your period.

4. A Discreet, VPL Free Finish

Fitted dresses and bodysuits show every line. Bonded, seamless edges keep your pants discreet and VPL free, so you look as sharp as you play.

5. Protection Against Bladder Leaks

The repeated impact of landing puts real pressure on your pelvic floor. Many netballers, from teenagers to masters players, experience light bladder leaks on court. The good news is that the same period pants protect you from both.

Our Top Picks: The Best Period Pants for Netball

Our top pick for netball is the Susie, with three alternatives for different needs.

The Susie: Our Top Pick for Netball

Our award-winning Susie is a mid-rise sporty knicker that holds up to three tampons' worth. It sits smoothly under a skirt or dress, stays put on landing and comes in junior sizes, which makes it a favourite with clubs and schools. If you only buy one pair for netball, make it this one.

The Anne Boxer Brief: Best for Total Coverage

If you'd rather forget about your skirt altogether, the Anne boxer brief looks and feels like a pair of training shorts. It's ideal for heavy days and for players who want no gaps and no rubbing.

The Polly: Best for Heavy Days and Tournaments

On long tournament days, the Polly is our most absorbent knicker, holding up to five tampons' worth. Its high waist gives a secure, supported feel when you need protection to last.

The Teen Bundle: Best for Young Players

For girls starting their periods, our Teen Bundle brings together two Susies and a Sarah, so they have the right pair for every day of their cycle.

5 Tips for Playing Netball on Your Period

1. Try Them at Training First

Wear your period pants to a training session before a match. You'll learn how long they last for your flow and stop thinking about them once the whistle blows.

2. Keep a Spare Pair in Your Kit Bag

Pack a fresh pair and a wet bag so you can change easily after the game or between tournament matches.

3. Warm Up Your Pelvic Floor

A few gentle pelvic floor squeezes before you warm up can help your muscles respond to the impact of landing. The NHS-backed Squeezy app is a great way to build the habit.

4. Choose Darker Kit Where You Can

If your club is reviewing kit, darker skirts and shorts take away a lot of worry. Many teams now offer shorts or skorts as an option, which is well worth asking about.

5. Make Periods Easy to Talk About

Coaches and captains can make a huge difference simply by talking about periods openly. A team where it's normal to say "I'm on my period today" is a team where nobody drops out in silence.

When to Speak to Your GP

Speak to your GP if your periods are very heavy, last longer than seven days, cause severe pain or leave you feeling dizzy and exhausted. If bladder leaks are frequent or happen outside sport, ask about a referral to a pelvic health physiotherapist.

Conclusion

Netball kit can make periods feel more exposed, but the right period pants change everything. Choose a sporty style with full coverage, a secure fit for jumping and landing and enough absorbency for match day, and you can stop worrying about your skirt and start reading the game.

Whether you're playing for your school, your club or your country, you deserve to own the court every day of the month.

Ready to Play With Confidence?

As proud partners of England Netball, we're here to keep you on court. Shop NIXI Body period pants here and find your perfect pair.

Our top pick for the court: Shop the Susie here.

Buying for a young player? Explore our Tweens and Teens range, designed to help girls keep playing the sport they love.