Work out your number with a simple formula: the pairs you change into each day, multiplied by the days between washes, plus the pairs you need to wear while a batch is drying, plus one spare. There is no one-size answer, because someone who changes several times a day and washes every few days needs a very different set from someone who wears a pair for a walk twice a week. The examples below show the arithmetic so you can use your own numbers.
The simple formula: changes per day times days between washes
- Count how many pairs you wear in a typical day, including any change after an outing or at night if you use washable pairs then.
- Decide the longest gap you expect between washes. Laundry twice a week means gaps of about three and four days, so plan for four.
- Multiply the two numbers. That is how many used pairs will pile up by wash day.
If you wear two pairs a day and the longest gap is four days, the pile at the end is eight pairs.
Add drying time and a spare
Pairs in the wash are not available to wear. Thick gussets can take a while to dry, so on wash day you still need something to put on while the batch dries. Add the number of pairs you wear during that drying period. To find it, time one pair: note when it comes out of the wash and when the thickest part of the gusset is dry right through, then count the changes you would make in that stretch. Then add one more as a spare for a late laundry day, an extra change or a pair that has to be retired.
So the full formula is pairs worn between washes, plus pairs worn while drying, plus one spare.
Example: everyday wear with laundry twice a week
Take two pairs a day, a longest gap of four days and one drying day:
- Between washes: 2 x 4 = 8 pairs
- While drying: 2 pairs
- Spare: 1 pair
- Total: 11 pairs
That is a bigger set than some people expect, and it shows the trade-off. Washing every second day instead brings the total down to 2 x 2 + 2 + 1 = 7 pairs, in exchange for more loads.
The caregiver version
A caregiver who goes through four pairs a day for the person they look after and does laundry twice a week has 4 x 4 = 16 pairs between washes, 4 while drying and 1 spare, so 21 pairs. Numbers like that can be a reason to use washable pairs for some changes and disposables for others.
Example: part-time wear for outings or exercise
If you wear a pair only for exercise three times a week and wash once a week, you need 3 pairs between washes. Because there are days between sessions, drying can often fit into the gap as long as each pair is completely dry before the next session, so add just the 1 spare. That makes 4 pairs in total.
The LFDAVP Reusable Adult Diaper Cover Pants, White/Black, Large, 2 Pack is listed as a 2 Pack, so two packs would make four. Check the product page for how the pants are meant to be worn, sizing and care before you buy.
Building your set gradually instead of all at once
Buy two or three pairs first and run them through a few wash cycles before you complete your set. You will learn how long they take to dry, whether the fit stays comfortable through the day and how the care routine fits into your week. Compare your hip and waist measurements with the maker's size chart, and use our diaper sizing guide if you need help measuring, before you buy more.
Then add pairs in stages until you reach your formula number, and check each addition against how your laundry day is actually going. The washable incontinence underwear collection shows what is available.
Shop this guide
- Adult Reusable Cloth Diapers, Waterproof (ships via Amazon)
- Incontinence Underwear for Men, 100ml Absorbency, Leakproof & Odor-Control, 3-Pack (ships via Amazon)
- FitRight Extra Cloth-Like Adult Incontinence Briefs, Size M, 32in to 44in Waist, Bag of 20 (ships via Amazon)
- BIOS Living Reusable Positioning Underpad with 6 Handles --“ Large Size; Dual-Purpose Mobility and (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Washable Incontinence Underwear
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Mixing absorbency levels in one drawer
You may want more than one level: a lighter pair for time at home and a stronger one for long days out. Do the arithmetic separately for each level, then add the totals. Keep each level in its own stack so you can reach for the right pair without checking each one.
If you use washable pairs at night as well, count those on their own line. A night pair is worn once in 24 hours, so it has a different rhythm from your day pairs.
Redo the count whenever your routine changes. If the number of changes you need in a day keeps climbing, mention it to a doctor or nurse as well as adding pairs.
Common questions
Can I wear a pair twice before washing?
Treat a pair like any other underwear and wash it after each wear, and always once it has absorbed a leak. That is why the formula counts every change as one pair.
Do I count bed pads in this total?
No. Count underpads separately, using the same approach: how often they are used and how many days between washes, plus a spare so the bed can be remade while one is drying.
Do I need extra pairs for travel?
Multiply your usual pairs per day by the days you will be away without laundry access, then add a spare. Pack a bag for used pairs, and rinse and wash them as the care label directs when you reach a sink or a machine.
If you would like help turning your own numbers into a set, send us a message on the contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.