Can You Use Incontinence Underwear for Periods?
Incontinence underwear (aka incontinence pants) and period underwear: What’s the difference? Are they interchangeable? Can one purchase replace two sets of disposable products?
High level, the answer is YES — at least when it comes to Knix products. For our range, period underwear, incontinence underwear, and everyday underwear can all mean the same thing.
Let’s look more closely at what we mean by “leakproof” at Knix...
“Leakproof” Underwear Protects Against Blood, Bladder Leaks, and Sweat
Although we have categories on our website for “Incontinence Underwear” and “Period Underwear,” you’ll notice the same products sit in both categories. This is because our underwear is designed specifically to be leakproof, no matter what the leak…
That means it could be period blood, light bladder leaks (urinary incontinence), vaginal discharge, or sweat, and our underwear will hold it.
So why do we have those specific category pages? Well, that’s because people often come looking for one specific product or label, and we want to help them find the product that addresses their exact concern. But once you have our leakproof underwear, rest assured they will withstand all life’s leaks, whether it's urinary incontinence or period blood.
The only thing to note is each product has a different absorbency level (rated from Light to Super). Just like disposable products, there are limits on how much liquid your underwear can hold. So, make sure you choose the absorbency level that’s right for you.
Period Underwear Versus Disposable Incontinence Pads or Adult Diapers
Now we’re clear that Knix leakproof underwear serves all of life’s leaks, you may wonder how they stand up against disposable products, like tampons, menstrual pads, incontinence pads or adult diapers. Here are some of the HUGE advantages of reusable underwear over disposable incontinence or period products:
1. Wallet Impact 💸
It’s not just the environment that takes a bashing from buying disposable products like incontinence pads, menstrual pads, and tampons. Let’s face it: Our wallets do too.
According to the Canadian Public Health Association, “It is estimated that Canadian women spend up to $6,000 in their lifetime on menstrual hygiene products (Craggs, 2018). Women in rural communities can pay double the price for the same products found in larger cities, such as Toronto (Brown, 2017).”
While leakproof underwear costs more upfront, it is reusable. That means that you’ll save money long term.
2. The Comfort Factor 🥰
We all know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable. Whether it’s an ill-fitting bra, too-tight jeans, or a tampon that just isn’t sitting right. While many of us find these things aggravating, for some period and incontinence products are simply never comfortable.
So what if your period and incontinence underwear made you feel like you’re simply wearing your favorite undies (because they ARE your favorite undies)? That’s comfort that no disposable product can claim.
3. Fit & Style Options 💃
What’s comfortable for two people often means completely different things. Whereas tampons, pads, and adult diapers come in a variety of packages, they’re often all essentially the same.
But leakproof underwear actually comes in a wide variety of styles. So whether you prefer a boyshort or a bikini, a thong or a brief, you’ll find the style you want.
4. No “Rustling” Sound 👂
Disposable paper products or rubber underwear can make noises when you move about in them. This will probably add to your self-consciousness. So unless you need to choose these products for another reason, choose an option that’s as silent as regular underwear.
5. An All-in-One Product 💪
When it comes to incontinence underwear, some are designed to be worn with additional pads. With Knix underwear, you’ve got an all-in-one solution for all leaks, whether it’s blood, urine, vaginal discharge, or sweat. There’s no need to buy anything else unless you want to.
6. No Side Effects 👩⚕️
Every person’s experience with tampons is different, but sometimes tampons can cause concerns from non-severe itchiness or dryness all the way to the very concerning toxic shock syndrome. Now, lots of women use tampons safely, and we’re not here to fearmonger.
How Much Liquid Does Leak Proof Underwear Absorb?
As mentioned, the absorbency levels of leakproof underwear vary by style. If you’re new to leakproof underwear, it might be worth trying them out as a backup at first. Or even when you’re working from home (the COVID pandemic proved a perfect time to get used to period underwear!)
Knix underwear comes at 4 absorbency levels that will offer leak proof protection from light incontinence and period flow to period panties for your heaviest flow days.
Every woman’s flow is different, so it’s really a personal thing what level will work for you on different days.
Our Top Knix Picks for Leakproof Underwear…
Now that we’ve covered the different things to look for in the best period or leakpoof underwear, let’s look specifically at the best Knix models for certain uses or styles!
Overall Best Leakproof Underwear: Leakproof Bikini
The comfortable, machine-washable Leakproof Bikini is perfect as backup protection during your cycle’s heavier days, on its own for lighter ones, or for helping you deal with light bladder leaks.
How it fits:
A classic mid rise silhouette with medium coverage through the hip and bum. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 7.5-8.5” long, providing confident coverage in front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
Absorbency level: Medium absorbency
What reviewers say:
“These are amazingly comfortable and very necessary. Not only for that "time of the month" as an added layer of protection, but for everyday wear. I have already made additional purchases and will be wearing these every day! HIGHLY RECOMMEND”
Size options: XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Sleep: The Dream Short
The Dream Short is a super-comfy sleep bottom with built-in coverage featuring patented leakproof technology.
How it fits:
The Dream Short is designed to comfortably hug your body and stay in place overnight, you can wear it as a pajama bottom or underneath your regular sleep get-up.
Absorbency level: High absorbency
What reviewers say:
“I ordered these because my period loves to come during the night and I have white sheets. BEST DECISION EVER! These are beyond comfortable and give me the confidence to sleep soundly knowing my sheets won't get ruined. Love them so much I ordered more and paid to have them shipped overnight, just so I had multiple pairs while on my period. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
Size options: XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best Period Thong Option: Super Leakproof Thong
The Super Leakproof Thong - switch from relying on disposable products to wearing incredibly comfortable and machine-washable underwear.
How it fits:
The thong provides a mid-rise silhouette with minimal bum coverage. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 8-9” long, providing confident coverage in the front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
Absorbency level: High absorbency
What reviewers say:
“Since switching 100% to the period panties I have yet to be disappointed. I went skating with them on expecting a leak but was pleasantly surprised that there were none!”
Size options: XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Physical Activity: Super Leakproof High Rise
The Super Leakproof High Rise is ideal for sports and physical activities when the last thing you need to distract you is fear of leaking. This is also an incredibly comfortable and machine-washable cheeky underwear that will protect you every day of your cycle.
How it fits:
Our high-rise underwear sits at the natural waist and provides medium coverage through the bum with no VPL through your workout gear. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 9” long, providing confident coverage in the front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
Absorbency level: Super absorbency.
What reviewers say:
“I got some to move on from reusable pads, and I was worried they wouldn't work because it does cost quite a bit...I use these with nothing else, and my period is pretty damn heavy. I love the high-waisted ones, I feel super supported. Just.. get these. I have no regrets.”
Size options: XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Updated on January 23, 2023.
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.