In 2016, Bloomberg Businessweek made a prediction that the adult diaper market was “about to take off,” with sales growing by 50 percent between 2015 and 2020. That’s partly because the baby boomer generation was aging into UI territory but also because UI is finally coming out of the shadows. It’s far more common than people think, with one in three women experiencing at some point in their lives.
And while the term “adult diapers” might call to mind enfeebled grandparents, it’s important to remember that young women also live with leaks. About a quarter of women aged 18 to 44 experience UI and rely on some combination of pads, liners, bladder supports, and yes, even adult diapers.
But before we go further, let’s agree on something: the term “adult diapers” really needs to go. It’s infantilizing and stigmatizing—not to mention embarrassing. “Adult diapers” brings with it connotations of someone who’s unable to work, go out, or do much on their own, of someone who relies on a caregiver. And that description definitely doesn’t apply to many of the women who rely on these products, thank you very much.
The term “adult diapers” is also a low blow to the companies working hard to make really great absorbent underwear that do so much more than “adult diapers” implies. There are so many more suitable and more accurate terms—overnight underwear, leak-proof panties, absorbent briefs; the world of nomenclature is your oyster!—and whatever you want to call them, these products work wonders when pads just don’t cut it, whether that’s every day, at night, or when you travel or anticipate long stretches without access to a bathroom.
Part of the reason the “adult diaper” market is booming is because brands are finally catching on to the needs of such a major segment of the population—which is a good first step. (Changing the name “adult diaper” is next!) We’re frankly thrilled that the days of puffy, plastic-y, white adult diapers are over, and sleeker absorbent underwear in a variety of cuts and colors are taking their place. Though they’re still disposable (and super-absorbent!), this new generation of adult diapers increasingly resemble real underwear. And that’s a good thing—because positioning them as akin to underwear rather than diapers makes more people willing to wear them. And acknowledging and addressing UI problems leads to happier lives. A spokesperson for Always Discreet, one of the leading adult diaper brands, said that since the line was introduced in 2014, the number of women admitting to having UI has risen from 11 to 14 percent.
Here are some of our favorite disposable absorbent underwear (or, fine, “adult diaper”) brands:
- Always Discreet: Made of a soft cottony fabric, these “adult diapers” fit comfortably and feel great. They come in a range of sizes, including XL, so they’re ideal for plus-sized women who want to feel and look good with dignity. One of Motherfigure’s contributors swears by Always Discreet; read her review here!
- Always Discreet Boutique: Nude-colored and with pretty floral designs, these are a slightly more feminine take on the Always Discreet product. The Boutique line makes it clear that “adult diapers” have come a long way. It’s almost hard to tell that these are disposable at all!
- Depend: Perhaps one of the most well-known brands of adult diapers, Depend has also taken steps away from the thick, white adult diapers of yore. New briefs in bright colors and made of breathable cotton-like fabric in the Silhouette line, and max absorbency in Fit-Flex briefs line, give women back their dignity while also absorbing intense leaks.
- TENA Overnight Underwear: Soft, cloth-like material makes these super comfy, letting you sleep well without worrying about any unwanted leakage.
There’s also an entire world of non-disposable absorbent underwear out there that takes adult diapers to a whole new level. Brands like Icon, Knixwear, and Lunapads make underwear that absorbs urine right into the fabric, and the underwear can be washed and reworn. These come in a variety of styles (including thongs), cute colors, and can even feature lacy accents.