The Third Option

The message of the project

In 2015, a powerful statement was made when Kiran Gandhi ran the London marathon without sanitary products - letting the world see the natural menstrual flow staining her legs. This wasn’t just an act of courage, it was a stark commentary on the taboos that shroud female health and the discomfort many face with today’s sanitary products, especially in sports.

Leakages, whether menstrual, breast milk, or urinary, profoundly affect people's lives, impacting their self-worth, work, relationships, and activities. According to significant studies, body fluid management isn't just a matter of personal hygiene but ties directly to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and overall quality of life. Yet, the market’s current products often fall short, with many facing issues like poor fit, allergic reactions, or sheer unreliability. Moreover, these single-use products contribute massively to environmental waste, a growing concern in today's eco-aware society.

The idea behind the project

The studio’s ambitious undertaking is to craft a new line of anti-leak apparel, underwear and sportswear, that redefines protection. Going beyond traditional pads and liners, they aim for a fully integrated solution that infuses state-of-the-art anti-leak textiles directly into everyday wearables like leggings and bras. Envisioning apparel that celebrates body positivity, enabling individuals to indulge in physical activities without the constant anxiety of leakage.

Yet, The Third Option isn't merely about clothes; it's a paradigm shift in wellness and personal care. The philosophy is simple: every product should amplify our experiences, not limit them. By using seamless design and advanced circular knitting, they are creating not just functional wear but fashion statements—garments that complement the myriad physical and emotional shifts people undergo. At the heart of this innovation is the merger of Merino wool's natural properties with Santoni's cutting-edge seamless knitting technology. The resultant line, starting with underwear, will be more than just attire. It’s an invitation to experience life unrestricted.

What next?

The Third Option aim’s to tackle multiple societal challenges—the environmental repercussions of disposable sanitary products, the financial strains of period poverty and the tampon tax, and the overarching need for holistic wellness wear that truly understands its wearer.

In collaboration with esteemed partners like The Woolmark Company, Santoni, Suedwolle Group, and Macpi, and tested rigorously at the Material Experience Center in Shanghai, the aim is to create innovative knit textiles with high absorbency and anti-leak protection. These textiles provide a new way to create leak proof sportswear, focusing first on launching these textiles in leggings and expanding the range as the project progresses. The Third Option seeks to learn from and collaborate with the wearer, engineering products that are built to create freedom.