Hands up for anyone who can’t always control their bladder as much as they’d like!

Just kidding, I wouldn’t really ask anyone to admit to that, although I do think it’s weird how embarrassed we all are about it. Urinary incontinence isn’t unusual.

About half of all women experience it to some degree. It’s just one of those side effects that we’re blessed with because of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or whatever else.

My issue comes from menopause, and I’ve made peace with that. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m just going to ignore the problem and hope it doesn’t embarrass me in public.

I wear leakproof underwear regularly, and in the past, I would have been ashamed to say that, because frankly, some of the worst incontinence underwear deserves its bad reputation.

The good news is that my trials and tribulations have also helped me find some underwear options you don’t need to be mortified about wearing.

 

Quick Tips if You Want to Find the Best Leakproof Underwear Fast

In case you’re in a hurry, maybe trying to add something to your cart before anyone else in your house sees what you’re shopping for over your shoulder, he’s my quick tip check. It won’t guarantee you get the best leakproof underwear, but it might help you avoid some of the bad options.

• Look for brands that actually specialize in adaptive underwear. They tend to know what you need more than companies selling medical stuff.
• Check the details. Find out exactly how much liquid the underwear can reasonably hold.
• Check where the absorbing layers sit. A lot of period panties catch leaks in the wrong place if you actually have bladder trouble.
• Check the leg openings. Side leaks are sneaky little devils.
• Don’t trust bulk. Thick, premium-looking underwear can still betray you, and then you’re left with a whole section of your drawer you can’t use.
• Consider your needs beyond leaks. If you have arthritis or a medical condition, check for underwear that’s easy to get on and off, too.

 

The Worst Leakproof Underwear: What to Avoid

We’ll start with the bad options first, because I’m the kind of person who likes to hear the bad news before the good news.

A quick point here: this is what makes leakproof underwear bad in my book. I’m not saying it applies to absolutely everyone. The first thing I’d avoid is those “disposable” options that seem like a good idea when you need a temporary fix or something you can keep in your purse.

Disposables are fine at times. I’m a caregiver, and we use the Depend, Always Discreet, TENA, and other brands a lot for our residents. Just don’t treat them as a long-term fix. They can feel hot and bulky, and nothing like regular fabric under your clothes.

For daily bladder leaks, steer clear of the “lightweight” barely-there options that might make you feel more confident, but do nothing for you. Also, be cautious with period panties. Some of them are great, but they are intended to catch a very different kind of leak.

Another thing to treat with caution is all those multipacks you see on Amazon from brands like Hanes or Molasus. They’re good for some women, and they do make you feel like you’re getting a good deal, but if you grab a whole pack and they don’t work for you, you’ve wasted money.

 

The Best Leakproof Underwear: The Ones I’d Pick

We’ve covered the bad options, so now the good.

Again, these are the ones I’ve personally kept around. Some I like more than others.

 

5. Thinx All-Night Ultra-Soft Boyshort

★★★☆☆

Technically, these don’t fall into the traditional leakproof underwear category. They’re period panties, and I know I recommended caution with those. Fortunately, they also give you a lot more coverage than most alternatives, which is great if you’re worried about side leaks.

Credit where it’s due, these feel lovely too. Just like regular boyshorts, with a smooth, silky fabric that doesn’t remind me of something I’d wear in a hospital. They’re leakproof for up to 12 hours (so great for sleep), and they can absorb up to 12 tampons' worth of moisture, apparently.

Unfortunately, they are a bit too bulky to feel “sleek” under fitted clothes, and when they absorb liquid, they do get noticeably heavier. The other issue is getting them on (it takes a bit of work), not a problem for everyone, I know, but if you already rely on adaptive underwear because your hands aren’t always cooperative, you’re going to have an issue.

Pros:

• Soft, comfortable fabric
• Good coverage for sleeping
• Reassuring for side-sleepers
• Doesn’t feel cheap
• Useful for travel or overnight stays

Cons:

• Too bulky under fitted clothes
• Feels heavier after absorbing
• Takes more tugging than I like

 

4. Knix Super Leakproof Bikini

★★★★☆

This is another option that technically belongs in the “period panties” category, but still works incredibly well. My daughter actually pushed me towards these. She pointed out that you can actually choose the level of absorbency you need, which is pretty impressive.

I also have to say, I do like all the different colors and patterns you can choose from. If you don’t like the bikini style, there are other variations, like the “leakproof dream boxer”, though I’m not sure how well those work. I just liked this version because they felt like my regular briefs.

For leak protection, they can manage up to 11 “super tampons” worth of liquid, and the better part is that they sit flat under your clothes. The gripe is that they’re pretty tight, which might be my fault for choosing the wrong styles. The waistband feels a little restrictive, and the leg openings don’t have much mercy.

Pros:

• Smooth under clothes
• Good for errands and exercise
• Doesn’t look clinical
• Handles leaks better than I expected
• Nice option when you want fitted trousers

Cons:

• Tight around the legs
• Waistband can dig by afternoon
• Pricey

 

3. Everdries Leakproof Underwear

★★★★☆

Everdries are the name I think most people associate with incontinence underwear these days, and I do like them. I actually ended up taking advantage of one of the bundle deals they offer regularly, where you can get five pairs or so for a discount.

The packaging doesn’t exactly scream “luxury”, and the website feels like something you’d expect from an “As seen on TV” company, but don’t let that fool you.

The leak protection is decent, managing about 4 tsp of liquid, and there’s plenty of coverage towards the back. The fabric is a little odd, very airy and lightweight in places, but that just helps with how breathable they feel.

Where they lose me is in the side protection. The leg openings don’t feel secure enough for my liking, especially if you’re moving around a lot. The absorbent area also seems better suited to certain leaks than others. If yours happen more toward the front, you may not feel fully covered.

Pros:

• Good value in bundles
• Breathable fabric
• Easy enough to pull on
• Comfortable for ordinary days
• Washes better than some cheap pairs

Cons:

• Side protection could be stronger
• Sizing is a bit odd
• Absorbent area won’t suit everyone

 

2. Bambody Absorbent Underwear

★★★★☆

This was my splurge purchase, which sounds weird, because I don’t really “splash out” on underwear, but here we are. They’re not insanely expensive. It’s about $40 for a pack of three, and I really love the design. There’s plenty of coverage for all-day and night protection.

Even though they’re advertised as “period panties”, they also point out that they’re great for bladder leakage and maternity too. The leakproof layer is very reliable, with enough power to absorb up to 6 tampons' worth of moisture without feeling bulky.

I’m also a fan of the eco-friendly material. The couple of issues I have with these are pretty small. First, the waistband is very tight (I’ve noticed that with a lot of leakproof panties lately). The second is that they don’t really feel like they’re made for older women.

It’s not just the fact that the waistband suffocates you if you bloat. There’s just this imposing sense that the briefs you’re wearing were made for someone a lot younger than you.

Pros:

• Plenty of coverage
• Thin enough to avoid the diaper feeling
• Comfortable enough when you’re not bloated
• Silky soft, lightweight fabric
• Eco-friendly material

Cons:

• Very tight waistband
• Awkward sizing
• Don’t feel made for older women

1. Liberare Leakproof Underwear

★★★★★

Liberare is the reason why one of the tips I gave above was to look for a company that specializes in adaptive underwear. I was already a huge fan of their Everyday Easy-On adaptive bra (made with magnets that help get the thing fastened for you). Plus, I love the All-Day Contour bra for extra shape.

I actually didn’t know that they also did adaptive briefs until later on. What I absolutely love about the leakproof panties is that they look and feel totally normal. Just like any other pair of underwear in your drawer. The waistband is slim, so it doesn’t dig when you feel bloated. The material is soft, lightweight, and breathable, without being flimsy.

There are no tags or awkward bits to rub at your skin, either. Best of all, they hold up to 4 Tbsp of liquid, with full coverage in the back and front, and an extra-tall liner to minimize leaks. All that, and they come with adaptive loops that help me get them on when my grip is bad.

I just can't give these briefs enough praise. They checked every box I had, and some I didn’t even know I needed until I tried them.

For me, this is the best mix of leakproof underwear and adaptive underwear in one product.

Pros:

• Discreet pull loops that actually help
• Holds up to 4 tablespoons
• Extra tall liner catches leaks in the right place
• Soft, tag-free, and comfortable
• Full coverage without bulky padding
• Sizes S to 3XL
• Looks like real underwear

Cons:

• I’d like more colors
• There’s only the standard brief style available

Ditch the Bad Leakproof Underwear, Keep the Good Stuff

Bad leakproof underwear makes you think about your body all day. Good underwear lets you forget about it for a while, which is honestly what most of us want.

I don’t think disposables are evil. I don’t think budget pairs are always a waste. I don’t even think period underwear is useless for leaks. Plenty of it helps.

I gave five options above, and I’d genuinely recommend all of them in the right circumstances.

Liberare’s leakproof underwear, though, is the only option I’d genuinely recommend to anyone, no matter the reason behind their bladder issues. Their briefs are soft, reliable, easy to get on and off, and they don’t feel like medical clothing.

I’ve even told a few family members of our residents at the home about these, and they’ve been just as thrilled to find something that works for their loved one.

Don’t avoid leakproof underwear just because the bad options are terrible. Find a good pair, and let them give you your confidence back.