With the FIFA Women’s World Cup looming, Nike has made its largest-ever investment in women-specific product research – a move which ought to comes as no surprise given the explosive growth of women’s football in recent years. But, if history has taught us anything, it’s that equal attention is far from a given.

For too long, women’s football has been relegated to secondary status compared to men’s football. However, with a new foundation of design that follows athlete feedback, Nike Leak Protection: Period aims to alleviate the unique requirements of a female footballer. As Jordana Katcher, the VP of Women’s Global Sports Apparel, states: “Professional footballers play two 45-minute halves without breaks or time-outs. Many told us they spend several minutes on-pitch concerned that they may experience leakage from their period. When we showed them this innovation, they told us how grateful they were to have this short to help provide confidence when they can’t leave the pitch.”

This summer will also bring the debut of Nike’s new DRI-FIT ADV technology in their football range. The technology has been meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of the human body in motion. Nike states their designers “leveraged the latest advanced body-mapping technology, 4D data and state-of-the-art digital design tools to tune the material pixel by pixel, providing reinforcement, mobility, breathability, and venting exactly where it’s needed most,” creating a package that keeps athletes more comfortable during even the most intense matches.

Recognizing the rich cultures of their 13 federations, the release tells a unique design story that incorporates intricate details, colors, and patterns reflecting the distinct identity of each country. Among the tournament favorites, the USA’s collection pays homage to the art movement of abstract expressionism, which originated in the ’40s in New York City, mirroring the way the USA team has revolutionized women’s football.

In their mission to fulfill the “Move to Zero” target, Nike’s designers have incorporated sustainability into every aspect of this summer’s kit. The development process used 100% recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles for the jersey and shorts. The swooshes and trims were made from 100% “Nike Grind,” a first for their football range, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability across every fiber.

Nike’s designers didn’t stop there, improving construction methods to reduce fabric waste and resulting in elevated marker efficiency. The ratio of area, when garment pattern pieces are laid out in material for cutting, is now 85%, compared to between 40 and 50% for the 2019 kit.

The full collection of jerseys and apparel across Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’ sizing, including innovations like the Nike Leak Protection: Period short, will become available in early June, via the Nike website, with select National Team Kits in limited quantities available to supporters now.

Take a closer look at the kits in the gallery above, and – if you’re interesting in more sport-related sustainable offerings – check out our list of the 10 best vegan and planet-friendlier running shoes available right now.