How To Correctly Fit Your Incontinence Pants

It's always daunting to try a new product, especially when it comes to continence products. Pants products are designed to fit and pull up like regular underwear, but there are a few things that you can do to ensure the perfect fit. 

Talking openly about urine leakage isn’t always easy. Many people refuse to talk about it, even with loved ones or even admit to themselves that they need assistance. 

Many times, people are left to their own devices, asking questions like ‘how to wear incontinence pants’ and ‘how to put on incontinence pants’, and it can be daunting. If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, know you’re not alone.

It’s estimated that 300 million people around the world live with this condition, including 14 million adults in the UK. 

You can take comfort in knowing that many others are going through the same situation. Support, understanding, and effective solutions are widely accessible.

This quick guide to fitting incontinence pants provides some essential tips to help you wear them confidently and comfortably.

Identifying suitable incontinence pants is an essential first step in maintaining both comfort and security. An effective product should provide dependable protection while remaining cost-effective.

To choose the appropriate size, you will need a tape measure to measure the waist. This should be done level with your belly button, then consult the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer. 

It is important to note that sizing may vary between brands, so reviewing the product specifications before making a purchase is advised. So, here are the main points to consider:

• Measure your waist correctly: Use a tape measure around the waist at belly-button level to find your accurate size.
• Check each brand’s size guide: Sizing varies between manufacturers, so always review the specific product chart, like Vivactive’s below.
• Look for a snug, comfortable fit: Pants that are too big might have a gap at the legs or waist, which can cause leaks. If pants are too small, they can feel tight and could leave marks on your skin. 

Wearing the right size is essential for your comfort and protection. A well-fitting incontinence pant creates a secure seal around the waist and legs, helping prevent leaks while being comfortable to wear. 

Choosing the wrong size can affect how well the product performs and how confident you feel throughout the day.

Here are some of the reasons why it’s so important to make sure your incontinence pants fit the best they can:

• Prevents gaps that cause leaks: Oversized pants might not fit very snugly, allowing urine to escape.
• Avoid discomfort and skin marking: Pants that are too small can dig into your skin and cause irritation or red marks.
• Make sure the product absorbs as designed: A correct fit allows any absorbent cores and anti-leak cuffs to work effectively.
• Improves overall comfort: The right size feels natural to wear every day.
• Helps maintain discretion: Products that fit well sit nicely under clothing without bunching or moving around.

In addition to size, selecting the correct absorbency level is equally important. On average, an individual urinates 6-7 times a day, and the volume can vary significantly. 

Fortunately, a wide range of products are available to meet diverse needs: from discreet, low-absorbency options to high-absorbency.

The difference between low- and high-absorbency products is substantial, and choosing the wrong level may result in discomfort or leakage. 

By selecting a product that aligns with your specific requirements, you can maintain confidence, comfort, and protection throughout the day. You will find the absorbency information on the product packaging. 

There’s nobody who understands your own daily pattern better than yourself.

The amount and frequency changes from person to person, so considering when leaks tend to happen, whether it’s mornings, when you’re active, evenings, or overnight, it will help you to choose a product that really matches your lifestyle.

The better you understand your needs, the more confident you’ll feel in avoiding leaks.

Always check the capacity of the product first. You’ll find all different types of incontinence pants with varying capacities.

Brands like Vivactive use a quick and simple indicator on the front of packaging with droplet symbols to show how absorbent the pants are.

The more droplets, the higher the absorbency. But, it’s still important for you to check the exact millilitre (ml) capacity. Reviewing these details helps you select a level of protection you can rely on all day long.

You don’t want leaks or unnecessarily bulky pants, right? Choosing a product with absorbency that doesn’t match your needs can lead to these kinds of issues.

Pants with not enough absorbency can end in leaks and discomfort, and high absorbency pants, when not needed, can feel bulky.

It’s all about finding the right balance so that you stay both dry and comfortable.

For that reason, don't worry about finding the perfect product the very first time. Trial a couple of products and see what works best for you.

Your daily routine will likely influence the type of incontinence pants you choose.

Light, discreet absorbency options are great for when you’re not out for long, whereas higher-absorbency pants are more suited to long trips, overnight protection or days when you might not be able to get to a toilet as easily. 

Some customers may use lightweight incotinence pants as their core product day-to-day, but swap them out for a discreet liner for a short outing when wearing something tight-fitting, for example.

There are several types of incontinence products on the market, with the most popular including adult all-in-ones (nappies), disposable pants and shaped pads. Disposable and washable pants are the closest to a regular pair of underwear.

Steps for how to put on incontinence pants:

1. Fold the incontinence pants lengthways (opposite to the way you would normally wear them) to activate the anti-leak cuffs. The cuffs are the frills you see on the outside of the pants. Having these sit correctly on your skin will help to prevent any leakages
2. Check that the sticker is on the back (buttock side)
3. Step into the incontinence pants as you would any other pair of underwear
4. Pull up the pants and adjust for comfort and security, ensuring the cuffs around the legs aren’t tucked in or stuck

When worn correctly, incontinence pants will absorb urine without leakage. However, if incorrectly fitted, leakage can occur. Completing the simple steps above should be carried out each time you apply the product.

Removing incontinence pants is usually a simple process. Whenever removing pants, it’s important to do so in the most hygienic way possible.

Whether your products pull down like regular underwear or use tear-away seams, both are generally quick and easy!

How to remove incontinence pants safely and cleanly:

• Pull down normally (if pull-up pants): Slide the pants down your legs as you would with standard underwear.
• Use the tear-away sides: If your product has tear-away sides instead, then tear along the side seams for easy removal. The pants should then be released from your waist.
• Roll and dispose responsibly: Once removed, roll the pants up and dispose of them following your local waste-disposal guidelines. Never flush them down the toilet. Read our guide on how to dispose of your incontinence products for more information.

Now you know how to wear incontinence pants correctly, why not browse our range of products on site today?

We have more than pants too, with pads, nappies and more for both males and females. 

Still have questions? Check out our huge catalogue of articles and helpful guides that can guide you through incontinence care here.