Ladies Incontinence Pants: What to Look For…

For women who experience urinary incontinence, it can be a difficult journey. 

First, there’s the obvious medical concern, which will give rise to questions like:

• Why is this happening to my body?
• What kind of incontinence do I have?
• What are my treatment options?
• Will the treatment options be effective, and how long will they take?

Then, there’s the more emotional and lifestyle concern, which comes with living with incontinence. This includes things like:

• How can I stay active and social when I’m worried about having “accidents”?
• Are there ways to manage the moisture and odor caused by bladder leaks?
• Is there an alternative to diapers and rubber incontinence pants?

Female urinary incontinence is exceptionally common and can happen to women at any stage of life; it is still something that may cause a sense of stigma or shame. You might feel “old,” even though incontinence can affect both young and old. It’s worth noting that many women experience temporary light bladder leaks at certain life stages (e.g., pregnancy, recovery from childbirth, or even after difficult surgeries). However, there are more persistent forms too.

While you pursue the medical questions with your healthcare provider, you can depend on lifestyle products to help you manage the day-to-day reality of living with incontinence. Chief among those products is incontinence underwear or pants. We’re going to look at some of the features you should look for when choosing the right incontinence underwear or pants for your situation.

8 Features to Look for in Urinary Incontinence Underwear 

1. The Right Absorbency Level for Your Bladder Leaks

The amount of urine you’re leaking will be the biggest determining factor for the kind of incontinence underwear you need. For example, super absorbent Knix leakproof underwear is a great choice for light bladder leak incontinence.

However, if you require more absorption than that or experience fecal as well as urinary incontinence, you may want to look at disposable incontinence products for even greater absorbency levels.

2. Incontinence Underwear That Looks Like “Normal” Underwear 

Ideally, you should not notice any difference between your favorite underwear and your incontinence underwear. There should be no unnecessary bulkiness that impacts your ability to wear your favorite clothing or form-fitting workout gear. As much as possible, look for options that will help you feel comfortable and confident in your body and clothing.

3. Odour Neutralizing Incontinence Underwear

An important feature of incontinence underwear is that it can neutralize that “ammonia” smell of urine. Look for products that have neutralizing odor technology to mask the smell and traps it away from your body.

4. Incontinence Underwear That Has Moisture-Wicking Properties

Connected with odor neutralizing is moisture-wicking. You do not want to feel “wet” in your underwear, be it from blood, sweat, or urine. Products that trap moisture away from your body will help ensure you both feel comfortable and that your skin does not become irritated by moisture.

5. Choose Reusable Over Disposable Incontinence Underwear

We’re all trying to cut down on the number of disposable products we use, whether it’s period products or grocery bags, coffee cups, or paper towels. Incontinence products can be incredibly wasteful when they are disposable. So, if it’s appropriate for your needs (and absorbency level), choose reusable products, including incontinence underwear, over something that creates both the waste and the expense of disposable products.

6. Fit and Style Options… Yes, Even in Incontinence Underwear!

Wherever possible, look for options that align with your personal style preferences. This includes the fit of the underwear (styles like briefs, boyshorts, thongs, etc.) and the color and pattern options. For you to feel comfortable in your underwear, it should blend right in with your current style choices. There’s no reason you have to suddenly switch to oversized granny pants if that’s not your style (though we have absolutely nothing against granny pants - they happen to be supremely comfortable!)

7. Your Incontinence Underwear Shouldn’t Make “Rustling” or “Squeaking” Noises

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, look for incontinence underwear options that are as silent as regular underwear.

8. An All-in-One Incontinence Underwear Product (if Possible)

In an ideal world, you can buy ONE product (like Knix leakproof underwear) to manage your bladder leaks. Other products often require additional (and ongoing) purchases. For example, if you choose rubber incontinence pants, you still need to buy pads or disposable diapers to wear beneath them. Again, for some cases, this might be wholly necessary. But if you don’t need to go there, stick with the convenience of an all-in-one product.

The Best Knix Incontinence Underwear

Whether you’re looking for light absorbency or maximum absorbency, Knix leakproof underwear has you covered. With all the feeling of regular underwear, you’ll never have that “diaper” feeling. Discover our full range of washable incontinence panties here and get used to the feeling of complete protection!

Overall Best Leakproof Incontinence Underwear: Super Leakproof Bikini

The comfortable, machine-washable Super Leakproof Bikini features patented technology and superior absorbency for 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 the front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.

What reviewers say:

“I love my leakproof panties. They are comfortable and I have so much more confidence that I will stay comfortable with no damp feeling all day. They also don’t leave a line like other bikinis. Love them!”

“Loving the leakproof underwear near the end of pregnancy and can’t wait to have them for postpartum.”

Size options:

XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.

Best Incontinence Underwear for Sleep: Super Leakproof Dream Short

The Super Leakproof Dream Short Dream Short is a super-comfy sleep bottom with built-in coverage for light bladder leaks.

How it fits: 

The Dream Short is designed to hug your body and stay in place overnight comfortably; you can wear it as a pajama bottom or underneath your regular sleep get-up.

What reviewers say:

“They were so comfortable! I told all the ladies in my family to get them as well as the underwear. I will be buying more!”

“These Super Leakproof Dream Shorts live up to their name. They free supreme leakproof protection, and wearing them is like the perfect dream—comfortable and the best fit.”

Size options:

XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.

Best Incontinence Underwear for Physical Activity: Super Leakproof High Rise

The Super Leakproof High Rise is great for sports and physical activities when the last thing you need to distract yourself is fear of leaking. This is also an incredibly comfortable and machine-washable cheeky underwear that will protect you every day.

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.

What reviewers say:

“This changed my life - no worries about leakage. Very comfortable, they look good, wash well - just a great product.”

“These panties are completely leakproof and so comfortable to wear. They have great body coverage and no seams to show through.”

Size options:

XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.

Best Shaping Incontinence Underwear: CoreLove High Rise

Beauty meets function with the CoreLove High Rise, innovative high-rise incontinence underwear for light bladder leaks. Velvet compression bands help give your core some extra love, support, and stability. And an extended gusset provides extra coverage. 

How it fits: 

They sit at the natural waist and provide medium coverage through the bum. Features an extra-long gusset.

What reviewers say:

“As advertised, perfect for light bladder leakage, have ordered more.”

“I’m 6 weeks post-partum and ordered 2 pairs of these based on my friend’s recommendation. These panties are amazing! They are the only panties that hold my tummy in and make me feel somewhat normal again! The leak-proof feature was much needed, as I was wearing panty liners that were causing some irritation due to them not being breathable. I would highly recommend these for other mommas!”

Size options:

S to XXXL, and everything in between.

Understand the Type of Incontinence (or Urine Leakage) You Have

The right incontinence pants for you may depend on the type of incontinence you’re experiencing. In order of what’s most common, here are the 5 types of female incontinence:

For example, if you have functional incontinence, rubber incontinence pants may well be the best option for you. However, other forms of light bladder leaks may be easily managed with a product like Knix leakproof underwear.

Work with Your Doctor to Explore Treatment Options

Once your healthcare provider has determined the cause of your bladder leaks, they’ll be able to recommend a treatment plan or provide treatment options. While leakproof underwear is amazing for helping you manage the day-to-day realities of light bladder leaks, you should also explore treatments that might offer a more permanent solution. 

These may include:

1. Reducing Your Risk Factors

Risk factors for urine leakage include:

• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Family history
• Other diseases (e.g., diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Having been through pregnancy and childbirth
• Having undergone certain pelvic surgeries (e.g. hysterectomy)
• Dementia 

2. Adjusting Your Diet and Beverage Intake

Foods to avoid include:

• Sweeteners, including corn syrup, honey, and artificial sweeteners
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes

Beverages to avoid include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated beverages

3. Trying Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. Kegel or pelvic floor exercises can be done any time, either sitting or lying down. You can even do them when you are eating, sitting at your desk, or when you are resting.

4. Taking Preventative Measures Against Urinary Tract Infections

Incontinence is one symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI). Another symptom is a stinging or burning sensation when you pee and a decreased or irregular flow of urine. Ways to prevent UTIs include:

• Drink plenty of water
• Urinate before and after having sex
• Wipe from front to back after you pee
• Wear breathable, natural underwear and clothing, changing your underwear daily

5. Eating Plenty of Fibre to Avoid Constipation

Straining on the toilet can weaken (or further weaken) your pelvic floor muscles. So it’s best to make sure your diet is rich in fiber to avoid constipation. Exercise (even the gentlest of walks done regularly) can also help prevent constipation.

6. Trying Bladder Training and/or Double Voiding

Bladder training involves taking bathroom breaks at regularly timed intervals. By ensuring your bladder is emptied frequently, you minimize the chances of leakages. Over time, the duration of time between breaks can be increased. 

You can also try double voiding: Before bedtime, go to the bathroom and then wait 10 minutes (perhaps brush your teeth, etc., in the interim) and then pee again. Using the bathroom several times before bed will help ensure your bladder is empty.

7. Other Treatments Your Doctor Might Explore

Beyond these lifestyle changes, and depending on the severity of your case, your doctor might want to explore more medical treatments. These may include:

• Vaginal pessary or urinary insert
• Botox
• Medications
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Surgical options for incontinence may include:

• Sling procedure
• Injectable bulking agents
• Retropubic colposuspension

Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on March 1, 2022.

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.