Washable incontinence underwear is built to hold a leak in a fabric gusset, and how well that works depends on how much you leak, how the pair fits and which pair you choose. Below are short, honest answers to the questions that keep first-time buyers from ordering, with a note on what to check for each. If your leaks are heavy, new or sudden, it is worth speaking to a doctor or nurse as well.
Does it actually hold a leak?
It holds a leak up to the amount the pair is made for. A product page with a clear description of absorbency, a photo of the gusset and a size chart is a good sign. Beyond the pair's capacity, liquid will get out, so match the pair to your leaks and keep the fit snug. A first wear at home, with a change of clothes close by, tells you more than any description. If a pair starts to leak later, check the size, the laundry habits and how long it was worn before blaming the product.
Does it feel wet or bulky?
Many pairs use a soft top fabric over absorbent layers, and the product page should name the fabrics. Right after a leak, expect it to feel damp, and change it when it does. Bulk depends on absorbency: a pair for light leaks can be thin, and a pair made to hold more will be thicker. Some people notice the gusset more when sitting than when standing, so look at the photos of the inside of the garment and wear a pair at home before a long day out.
Will it show under clothes?
It depends on the cut, the absorbency, the colour and your clothes. Light, clingy fabric shows more than loose or structured fabric, and a thicker gusset shows more than a thin one. Colour plays a part as well, especially under pale fabric. So do edges: a flat finish at the leg tends to sit smoother under fitted pants than a raised seam or trim. The honest test is a mirror check at home in the outfit you are worried about, from the front, the side and the back.
Will it smell during the day?
Odour has a lot to do with how soon you change and how you wash. Any leak product, washable or disposable, needs changing at the right time to keep odour down. Carry a spare pair and a sealable bag so a used pair is not left in your bag all day. If odour sticks around after washing, check the care label for guidance on buildup or contact the maker, and do not experiment with products the label does not mention.
Can you swim or exercise in it?
Everyday washable underwear is not swimwear. The absorbent layers would take in pool or lake water just as readily as a leak, so unless a product page says a pair is made for use in water, do not plan to swim in it. For exercise, fit matters most, because a pair that shifts can leak. Try a pair at home first, then a short, easy workout before a hard one. If a page does not mention sport or high-impact movement, do not assume the pair was designed for it.
How long does a pair last?
That depends on how often you wear it, how you wash it and how much it holds. Some makers state a number of washes on the page, and if there is none, treat the lifespan as unknown. Following the care label helps a pair last, and signs of wear include loose elastic, thin fabric and liquid that sits on the surface. If you own several pairs, noting the date you started each one helps you see which is wearing out first.
What if it is not enough for you?
Then it is not the right product for those days, and that is fine. The pattern tells you which way to go: if a pair that fits well is soaked through before you would expect to change it, you need more capacity, not a different size. A higher-absorbency pair, or a disposable product for nights and heavier days, may fit better. The incontinence products collection shows the disposable range, such as Abena Slip Premium Briefs, Level 4 Heavy, Large, 48 Count, and our guide to overnight protection in Canada covers the nights. Washable pairs can still cover easier days from the washable incontinence underwear collection.
Shop this guide
- ZJHTK Incontinence Ladies Briefs, High Waist Incontinence Underwear for Women Washable, Cotton Panties, 6Pcs (ships via Amazon)
- Poise Overnight Incontinence Pads for Women, Extra-Coverage, 36 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Women's Washable Incontinence Underwear 4 Pack, Leakproof Ladies Panties High Waist, Incontinence Protective (ships via Amazon)
- TENA ProSkin Super Absorbency Incontinence Briefs, Large, 26 Count (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Washable Incontinence Underwear
- See all: Adult Incontinence
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Where should I start if I have never bought a pair?
Measure with a soft tape, read the maker's chart, and buy a single pair or the smallest pack before a full set.
Should I wash a pair before I wear it?
Follow the care label and the product page. If either says to wash before the first wear, do that, at the temperature given.
Can I order for someone I care for?
Yes. Measure with their agreement, use the chart on the product page, and ask a nurse or pharmacist if you are unsure about their skin or their needs.
Can I wear washable underwear overnight?
Only if the page says the pair is made for it. Heavier nights often call for something with more capacity.
Still unsure whether a washable pair would work for you? Tell us a little about what you need through our contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.