Women's washable incontinence underwear comes in many of the same cuts as everyday underwear, from high-waist briefs to bikini styles, with absorbent layers built into the gusset. The right pair comes down to cut, gusset length, what shows under your clothes and how much you need it to hold. If you are looking for protection for bleeding after childbirth, that is a different need, covered at the end.
How women's styles are cut and padded
In a washable pair the absorbent layers sit in the gusset, the panel that runs between the legs. Good product pages name the layers, from the soft top fabric to the absorbent middle and the backing, and show the inside of the gusset in a photo. Check whether the layers are sewn in, and how thick the gusset looks, before you decide.
Women's styles are cut with the gusset and leg openings shaped for women's bodies, so a pair made for women is the better match than a men's pair with a similar look. Thinner gussets are generally made for lighter leaks and thicker ones for more.
Rise and leg: high-waist, brief, hi-cut and bikini
| Cut | Rise and leg | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| High-waist | Sits at or above the navel | More coverage over the lower abdomen, and it goes with high-rise pants and skirts |
| Brief | Mid to high rise, full seat coverage | A full-coverage everyday cut |
| Hi-cut | Leg line sits higher on the hip | Less fabric over the hip; check that the gusset still sits close at the leg openings |
| Bikini | Low rise, narrower sides | Less fabric at the sides; compare the gusset length with the rest of the cut |
Think about what you wear most. A pair that suits one wardrobe can feel wrong in another, and rise is the main thing that changes how a pair sits with pants and skirts.
Gusset length and front-to-back coverage
A longer gusset covers more from front to back, which helps when you sit for long stretches or lie down. A shorter one is easier to hide under fitted clothing. Photos of the inside show how far the layers reach, and if the product page gives a length, compare it with the coverage you want.
Whatever the length, the gusset has to stay put. It should lie flat and centred with no bunching at the front, which is a fit question as much as a length question.
Seams, lace and what shows under clothing
- Flat seams sit smoother under fitted clothing than raised ones.
- Lace trim at the leg or waist looks soft, but it can ridge or show under thin, close-fitting fabric.
- A colour close to your skin tone or your clothing tends to show least under light fabrics, while black is easier under dark ones.
- Thickness at the gusset shows more in light, clingy fabric than in structured fabric.
The practical test is to wear the pair at home under your closest-fitting outfit, then sit, bend and look in a mirror from the side.
Choosing an absorbency level
Product pages describe absorbency in each maker's own words, so moderate on one site may not match another. Start with how much you leak: for very light drips a thinner pair may be enough, and for more you will want a pair whose page says it is made for more, and it will be thicker. If you often need more than a pair holds, a disposable option may suit those days. Our guide to TENA pads for women, men and overnight explains pad levels.
If leaks are heavy, new or increasing, ask your doctor or nurse about them.
Getting the size right
Size from a tape measure and the maker's chart, not from the size on your everyday underwear. With these cuts the hip number can matter as much as the waist, because the leg openings have to sit close for the gusset to work. If they gape, liquid can run past them, and if they cut in, the pair is likely too small. Our sizing guide covers disposable sizing, and each washable maker has its own chart.
Your measurements can change during and after pregnancy, so size from your current numbers. One reusable option in the washable incontinence underwear collection is the LFDAVP reusable cover pants in White/Black, Large, 2 pack; check its page for sizing details and how it is meant to be used.
After childbirth: why postpartum needs are different
Bleeding after childbirth is a different kind of flow from a bladder leak. It changes over the days and weeks after the birth, and your midwife, doctor or nurse is the person to tell you what to use and what to watch for. Washable incontinence underwear is designed for urine leaks, so do not assume a pair covers postpartum bleeding unless its product page says it does.
Postpartum care is its own product group in our store, with items made for that stage. If bleeding seems heavy, if you feel unwell, or if anything worries you, contact your care team right away. If urine leaks begin after the birth, mention that to your doctor or midwife too.
Shop this guide
- Male External Catlete Strap, Leak Free Penile Clamp, Prostatectomy Incontinence Supplies, 14 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- Medela Easy Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags, 7oz, Disposable, Pack of 100 (ships via Amazon)
- TPU Waterproof Incontinence Pants, Blue, Large (ships via Amazon)
- Momcozy 73-Piece Breastfeeding Essentials Kit for New Moms, Postpartum Essentials Gift Set with Nursing Pads, (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Washable Incontinence Underwear
- See all: Postpartum & Nursing Care
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Do washable pairs come in plus sizes?
Size ranges differ from one maker to the next, so check the size chart on each page before you buy.
Will the seams rub?
Look for flat seams and soft edges in the description, and try a pair at home before a long day. If irritation continues, ask a pharmacist or nurse.
Which cut is easiest under dresses and skirts?
That depends on the fabric and your preference. High-waist and brief cuts give full coverage, while hi-cut and bikini cuts have less fabric at the hip and sides. Try the pair under the skirt or dress before a long day.
Do lace-trimmed pairs hold less?
The trim does not decide that. Absorbency comes from the gusset, so compare what each page says the pair is made for, and treat lace as a comfort and appearance choice.
Not sure which cut or size to pick? Send us your measurements and the style you have in mind through our contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.