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‘I still felt sexy in them’: The best incontinence pants for women, tried and tested
We tested them for leakproof claims and comfort.
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
It’s not uncommon to experience leaks when you sneeze, cough or laugh. In fact, over 14 million adults in the UK have suffered from incontinence – so no one should feel embarrassed about it. And there’s a whole host of brands out there, from Tena to WUKA, which offer ranges of incontinence pants designed to absorb leaks, feel and look like regular underwear and help you get back to enjoying your life.
Baz Moffat, pelvic floor specialist and CEO of The Well HQ, explains that incontinence can occur after pregnancy and during menopause for women. “Pregnancy can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles,” she explains. “With menopause, there’s a significant drop in oestrogen levels, which affects the pelvic floor.” This is because reduced oestrogen levels can lead to a weakening of the muscles and tissues in the pelvic area, leading to what’s known as stress incontinence.
The best incontinence pants need to be absorbent, comfortable and sit discreetly beneath your clothes. To help you find the right ones for you, we recruited a panel of women experiencing bladder weakness to trial a range of the leading brands and styles for four weeks – you’ll find our winners at a glance below, but keep scrolling for the full results.
Note that washable incontinence pants are best for women who experience lighter incontinence, which is why many of the products below are for light or light-to-medium flows. If you experience heavy bladder leaks (400ml or more), disposable pants can offer more absorbency.
Best incontinence pants
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How we test incontinence pants for women
To help you choose the best incontinence pants for you, our Good Housekeeping Institute expert recruited a panel of women experiencing incontinence to test a range of different leak-proof underwear from leading brands. Each pair was sent to five panel members who wore them regularly over a four-week period before reporting back, in detail, about their experience.
The panellists were asked to judge the knickers on how comfortable and stretchy they are, whether they felt good quality and how true to size they are. They were also asked to wear and wash the product at least four times to see how they performed. Finally, they told us whether they would buy the knickers for themselves.
Back in the lab, our expert measured each pair to check size accuracy. They also carried out absorbency tests, seeing how long they took to absorb a set amount of liquid and then pressing a paper towel onto the surface after five minutes to check for any leaks.
To make sure any black or coloured underwear won’t fade too quickly, we looked at them under a digital colour imaging system – before and after washing and drying them five times. Only the top-performing products made our final line-up.
TENA Lady Silhouette Washable Incontinence Underwear - 3 pack
TENA Lady Silhouette Washable Incontinence Underwear - 3 pack
Pros
- Excellent absorbency
- Wash well
- Good fit
Cons
- Take a while to dry
Score: 90/100
These black lace, high-waisted knickers are designed for light bladder leaks and sit discreetly under clothes. They also gave our panellists peace of mind thanks to their excellent absorbency and leak protection.
Our expert initially worried that the gusset looked bulky when she unpacked them, but our testers loved the fit, with one commenting that the lace design was both “comfortable and practical”. If you do have any accidents, the knickers include a built-in odour neutraliser, plus a moisture-wicking layer, to help absorb liquid and any urine smell. “They helped keep odours under control and made me feel fresher throughout the day,” another panel member confirmed.
There’s no need to worry about popping them in the wash either –as you can just add them to your usual 40-degree cycle, plus they maintained their quality during our testing in the lab. Some of our panellists did find they took a while to dry, but that was a minor niggle.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S - XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton and lace |
| Absorbency level | Light |
Tena Organic Cotton Underwear
Tena Organic Cotton Underwear
Pros
- Soft, comfortable design
- Good absorbency
- Easy to wash and reuse
Cons
- Visible pant line
Score: 88/100
These full briefs, made from cotton fabric, won top marks for comfort and a secure fit. They’re high-waisted knickers, and opinions on the design were mixed. While some said the cotton pants didn’t feel premium, most liked their shape, with one panel member telling us: “I still felt sexy in them.”
These Tena pants also scored well for absorbency. Designed for light leaks, they have a four-layer protective gusset that helps draw moisture away. They helped one tester worry less about leaks, saying that they felt more confident when wearing them.
Some panel members noted that the knickers left a visible pant line, so they’re best worn under looser clothing. However, they’re easy to wash, dried quickly and don’t lose their shape.
Key specifiactions
| Sizes | S to XXXL |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton |
| Absorbency level | Light |
Wuka Dry-tech Midi Brief
Wuka Dry-tech Midi Brief
Pros
- Good odour control
- Soft stretchy feel
- Wash well
Cons
- Sizing had mixed reviews
Score: 82/100
Made from recycled nylon, these midi-style pants come in black or nude and feature Stretch™ Technology, which means that one pair adapts across four sizes. Our panel of testers found the knickers soft and stretchy - although, some said the sizing didn’t feel as flexible as claimed.
The antibacterial technology and absorbent layer in the knickers made wearers feel confident, especially when it came to light leaks, and many praised the odour control. One panellist said she would “wear these pants on a night out as they control odour.”
Others loved how discreet they looked under clothes, with one commenting: “They made me feel much more secure in my day-to-day activities”. Easy to wash and quick to dry, our testing showed they retained their quality, even after multiple washes.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS-L and XL to 4XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
| Absorbency level | Light |
Jude Leak-Proof Pants - high-waisted
Jude Leak-Proof Pants - high-waisted
Pros
- Suitable for overnight use
- Strong absorbency and leak protection
Cons
- Gusset looked bulky
Score: 80/100
These soft and stretchy knickers have a discreet fit, our panellists found them comfortable, and there were no VPLs under tighter clothing such as leggings.
They have a long built-in pad, which our expert thought made them look slightly bulky, but they also offer higher absorbency for medium leaks. One tester added that this allowed her to wear them during the night and feel comfortable until morning.
The high-waisted design was a hit, and confidence was high when it came to absorbency and leak protection, which could be down to the design – the secure side seams are engineered to prevent any leakage.
These can be washed with the rest of your dark load, and there was no fading or damage to the knickers during testing, even after multiple washes.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S - XXXL |
|---|---|
| Material | Tencel |
| Absorbency level | Medium |
Jude Classic Leek-Proof Pants - French cut
Jude Classic Leek-Proof Pants - French cut
Pros
- Secure waistband
- Good odour control
Cons
- Bikini style uncomfortable for some
- Only suitable for very light leaks
Score: 75/100
Available in black or beige and made from soft Tencel-style fabric, these knickers have a secure waistband, but the fit and comfort divided opinion among our panel of testers.
Some found them harder to wear day to day because of the bikini-style cut, but others said they looked like normal knickers, with one of our testers adding that the “firm waistband holds the gusset well in place.”
The incontinence pants have a 3mm thin gusset - our panel found them best for very light leaks and small dribbles. They scored highly for odour control, and most testers didn't notice a difference in quality after repeated washes.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S to 3XL |
|---|---|
| Material | Tencel |
| Absorbency level | Light leaks |
Cheeky Wipes Fearless Reusable Incontinence Pads
Cheeky Wipes Fearless Reusable Incontinence Pads
Pros
- Good absorption
Cons
- Less discreet
- Poppers are fiddly
Score: 74/100
Although not pants, these washable pads, made with brushed cotton, can be placed inside your knickers. Designed with wings, they feature a secure popper, which fastens around the knickers. Some found the poppers fiddly, but others felt these made the pads more secure, so it will come down to personal preference.
While some of our testers praised their comfort, others found the pads a little bulky. However, designed for light leaks, they feature a hidden waterproof layer, which offers good absorbency. “They were quite absorbent and comfortable to wear,” one panel member confirmed.
You can include these in your standard 40-degree wash and panellists liked that they’re reusable and more environmentally friendly than disposable pads. One liked wearing them so much, they said, “I’d purchase them myself.”
Key specifications
| Sizes | M |
|---|---|
| Material | Brushed cotton |
| Absorbency level | Light |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years. Since opening our on-site gym and the rise and rise of the wellness industry, we’ve reviewed everything from the best sports bras to the best fitness trackers.
Our team of testers are all experts in their fields, whether it’s fitness equipment, home appliances or skincare science. They develop rigorous protocols to ensure we’re analysing each product fairly against the competition and assessing it against its claims. We also use our at-home panel to try the products to make sure they perform over time and live up to expectations.
Our wellness editor, Sarah Finley, has been writing about the best health and wellness products for several years. She works closely with Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, who leads the testing and reviews. Kim is a level 4 qualified personal trainer and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
Together, they analyse all the data and feedback to bring you the best buys for every budget and need.
The verdict on the best incontinence pants for women
If you’re looking for incontinence pants that are both stylish and comfy, as well as giving you peace of mind, our testers gave TENA Silhouette Washable Incontinence Underwear top marks for all three.
Need incontinence pants for heavier leaks? Jude’s High-Waisted Leak-Proof Pants offer medium absorbency and are good for overnight use, plus our testers loved how comfortable they felt in them.
If you prefer reusable incontinence pads instead, these Cheeky Fearless Medium Reusable Incontinence Pads can be placed in your knickers and provide excellent absorption for light leaks.
What causes urinary incontinence?
There are several types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence. Stress incontinence is when urine leaks out when your bladder is under pressure – e.g. when you cough or laugh – and is caused by a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
Urge incontinence, where you get a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pee, happens when the muscles in the walls of your bladder contract too often, creating the urge to go to the loo. This can be caused by neurological conditions, some medications, constipation, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, or not drinking enough fluids. Mixed incontinence is when you experience both stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
Why do women suffer from incontinence?
Baz Moffat, pelvic floor specialist and CEO of The Well HQ explains that childbirth can damage the pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence where you experience leaks when you cough, jump around or laugh.
Studies also show that people who are overweight can be affected by bladder leaks. “This is because the pelvic floor must hold up that increased weight,” says Moffat. “If you are overweight and lose 10% of your body weight, your symptoms can be reduced by up to 50%.”
Women who exercise a lot are also at higher risk. “The rest of your body is getting stronger, you're running faster, jumping higher, lifting more weight, or putting more into your exercise classes, but the pelvic floor can struggle to resist that pressure,” explains Moffat. “That's why you find high-performance athletes are not immune to pelvic floor dysfunction.”
“If you've had a hysterectomy, this also puts you at greater risk [of incontinence] because your uterus and potentially other parts of your body have been removed,” Moffat adds.
Menopause and ageing are other common causes – this is due to the levels of oestrogen in your body declining. Oestrogen helps keep the tissues of the bladder, urethra (the tube that carries urine out), and pelvic floor healthy.
What do experts recommend for incontinence?
Moffat explains that consistent pelvic floor muscle training is important to help strengthen the muscles. “When it comes to muscle training, it’s not just about squeezing, but following an integrated, full-body approach,” she explains. “We recently developed a free online guided workout with Jude, called Strength Method.
“A diet high in fibre, and making sure you're drinking enough fluids are also recommended, as this helps to avoid constipation,” she adds.
The NHS also recommends a number of diet and lifestyle changes to help improve symptoms. This includes reducing your caffeine intake, ensuring you're not drinking too much or too little fluid, and taking steps to reduce your weight if you're overweight or obese.
Which is better - incontinence pads or pants?
This depends on your level of incontinence, lifestyle and what you find more comfortable. Reusable incontinence pads can be worn for light, medium and heavy leaks; however, they may be bulkier and less comfortable to wear long-term.
Reusable incontinence pants will feel more comfortable as they sit like regular underwear. They're suitable for a light, medium and heavy flows. However, most pants suitable for heavy leaks tend to be disposable, ensuring good hygiene and to help manage the large volumes of urine.
Can you do a full pee in incontinence pants?
Reusable incontinence pants aren’t designed for this much liquid. Light flow refers to around up to 50ml of liquid, medium would be around 200ml) and heavy leaks can be around 400ml and more.
If you need more protection, we recommend looking at disposable pants as these can absorb larger volumes of liquid.
How to choose reusable incontinence pants
“The fabric has to be breathable and comfortable to wear,” says Moffat. The absorbency level is also important – most incontinence pants are rated as light, medium or heavy.
Moffat adds that “choosing the right level makes all the difference between being dry and comfortable throughout the day. Also, look out for fabric which has some type of anti-microbial or anti-odour technology.”
Can you get incontinence pants free on the NHS?
You can’t get free reusable incontinence pants on the NHS. If you have heavy incontinence, talk to your GP; the NHS can provide free disposable incontinence products; however, these are usually very bulky.
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
