Just because incontinence isn’t chic, it doesn’t mean your pants can’t be.
The world is slowly opening up about issues such as incontinence. According to Bladder & Bowel UK, it is estimated that around 14 million people in the UK suffer from incontinence problems and around 6.5 million with some form of bowel problem. Conversation about the condition beyond the GP office is long overdue.
The issue affects men, women and children, but few share their experiences about the condition. However, subjects once considered taboo, such as endometriosis and IBS are gaining increasing attention from the press and social media, which is a good sign for those silently struggling with incontinence.
Incontinence affects roughly twice as many women as men, which is why the condition is generally considered a female issue. Statistics from Incontinence UK posited that combined faecal incontinence and urinary incontinence affects 10 per cent of women and 5-6 per cent of men in the UK community, increasing to almost 50 per cent in nursing home residents.
How to combat incontinence? The NHS recommends conservative treatments, which do not involve medicines or surgery, such as lifestyle changes (reducing caffeine intake for example), pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training.
But in the meantime, a leak-proof pair of undies you can lob in the washing machine at the end of the day can help you regain control over the issue.
Like period pants, such underwear offers protection against accidental leaks, whether they turn out to be light or heavy. Known brands such as Always and Tena offer handy multi-packs to keep on standby, while emerging, body-positive brands like Jude and Nixi stock hip-hugging silhouettes crafted by British businesses.
Ensure your underwear drawer is properly kitted out and discover the best washable pants for incontinence issues.
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Jude Leak-Proof Pants
Jude stormed onto the underwear scene when founder Peony Li entered the Dragon’s Den earlier this year. The body-positive company champions female health and confidence. Jude’s comfort-forward pants are designed for women who leak. They come fitted with waterproof seams that prevent side leaks and a soft, breathable construction which so happens to be odour-neutralising.
Their impressive pants absorb eight teaspoons of urine in one to three seconds. Bung yours in the machine after wear. It’s that easy.
Buy now £25.00, Jude
saalt Leakproof Mesh Hipster
Suitable for light bladder lights, saalt’s leak-proof pants are designed to suit all skin tones. Suitable for period use and incontinence issues, the barely-there pants offer everyday protection against unwanted spills. Enjoy a worry-free day out and about with these in your underwear drawer.
Buy now £39.00, saalt
Tena Silhouette Washable Absorbent Underwear Classic Black
Tena is another widely-recognised brand paving the way for female health. These washable pants come in a classic black hue for easy wear, plus feature built-in Triple Protection against leaks, odour and moisture for light bladder bearers. Shimmy into yours and feel completely at ease knowing no leaks will occur during wear.
Buy now £24.95, Sainsbury's
Love Luna Lady Leaks Full Brief Knickers
Affordable and available in a range of sizes from 10-20, Love Luna’s diverse array of leak-proof pants are suitable for curvy figures. They feature a full brief cut, in addition to an elasticated fit, a breathable cotton construction and a pretty lace trim around the waistband. The snug gusset has a super soft lining comprised of an antibacterial and anti-odour layer which should see you through more than 50 washes.
Buy now £10.42, John Lewis
Fluxies Reusable Leak Free Underwear
Available in sizes 16-30, Fluxies’ reusable underwear is a solid option for plus size women. Seize the day with the knowledge that the handy panties provide 12 hours of reliable protection with built-in leak lock technology. There’s no VPL to be seen here, as the pants are subtle and chic in equal measure. Alternative sizes from 6-14 are available here.
Buy now £17.00, Holland and Barrett
M&S 3-Pack Heavy Absorbency Period Full Briefs
Although technically period pants, M&S’ 3-pack of Heavy Absorbency Period Full Briefs will hold up to 20ml of liquid, making them suitable for modest leaks. The monochrome pack of cotton-modal period knickers are crafted from anti-leak technology and boast high absorbency to see you through the day comfortably and confidently. Pop them in the machine at the end of the day and wear again without any fuss.
Buy now £16.00, M&S
Lindex Period Panty with Extended Gusset
Sneezing with incontinence issues? Not fun. Ensure your knickers have got you covered at all times with Lindex’s organic cotton pants, which offer protection for incontinence and heavy period sufferers. An extended, odour-free gusset absorbs up to five tampons worth of liquid, while a high-rise fit secures the body when sleeping or on the move. Choose from three colours and be on your merry way.
Buy now £38.00, Lindex
NIXI Body Polly Black 20 High Waist Leakproof Knickers
Treat yourself to some washable, absorbent and comfortable knickers for bladder leaks and periods. Absorbing up to 25mls of liquid, the equivalent of three to four tampons, NIXI Body’s high-waisted leak-proof panties are a post-pregnancy staple. Sexy lace detailing is married with a high-waisted fit to bring a feeling of fierce femininity to your everyday.
Buy now £22.00, Boots
Modibodi Seamfree Full Brief
Live your best, carefree life with a helping hand from Modibodi. Revel in 15mls of absorbency that the brand’s pants have to offer, which further come VPL-free and crafted from recycled fabric. A sleek, sustainable alternative for disposable period and incontinence products, these full briefs are enhanced by a contouring fit and failsafe black hue.
Buy now £20.00, Modibodi
Bodyform Intimawear Period Pants Washable Underwear Bikini Black
Boasting up to eight hours of protection, Bodyform’s period pants are a washable pick for your lingerie collection. Not only are the pants seamless, but they feature cloud-like softness and an odour-resistant fabric, so no worries about smells or leaks. Available in sizes S to XL, the versatile knickers will kick your day off with confidence.
Buy now £20.80, Boots
