Clothes to help bladder control and continence

Living with incontinence can be a challenge, but managing it discreetly and comfortably is possible with the right approach. Clothing plays a crucial role in promoting confidence and independence, allowing you to participate in daily activities without unnecessary worry.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Leak concerns: Regular clothing can be restrictive and uncomfortable after leaks. This can lead to a loss of confidence, frustration, and social isolation.	Absorbent garments: Consider absorbent underwear, pants, or pads designed for incontinence management.
Difficulty dressing and undressing: Complex closures or tight clothing can pose challenges. This can lead to increased dependence on others and frustration.	Loose-fitting clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes with easy-open closures like elastic waistbands or velcro.
Leakage visibility: Thin or light-coloured clothing can reveal leaks. This can lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness.	Darker fabrics: Opt for darker-coloured clothing or layering to minimise the visibility of leaks.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Leak concerns: Regular clothing can be restrictive and uncomfortable after leaks.

This can lead to a loss of confidence, frustration, and social isolation.

Absorbent garments: Consider absorbent underwear, pants, or pads designed for incontinence management.

Difficulty dressing and undressing: Complex closures or tight clothing can pose challenges.

This can lead to increased dependence on others and frustration.

Loose-fitting clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes with easy-open closures like elastic waistbands or velcro.

Leakage visibility: Thin or light-coloured clothing can reveal leaks.

This can lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness.

Darker fabrics: Opt for darker-coloured clothing or layering to minimise the visibility of leaks.

Understanding the challenges

Leak concerns: Leaks, even minor ones, can cause discomfort and damage regular clothing. This can lead to embarrassment, frustration, and a reluctance to participate in social activities.
Difficulty dressing and undressing: Certain clothing styles, especially those with complex closures or tight-fitting designs, can be challenging to manage, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity or reduced mobility. This can increase dependence on others for assistance, impacting independence and dignity.
Leakage visibility: Thin or light-coloured clothing can make leaks more visible, causing self-consciousness and impacting self-esteem.

Choosing clothing for optimal comfort and discretion

Absorbent garments: Consider utilising absorbent underwear, pants, or pads specifically designed for incontinence management. These products offer various levels of absorbency to suit individual needs, providing peace of mind and protection against leaks.
Loose-fitting clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and doesn't restrict your range of motion. This can make dressing and undressing easier and provide additional comfort throughout the day.
Easy-open closures: Look for clothing with easy-open closures like elastic waistbands, velcro fastenings, or pull-up styles. This can minimise the need for assistance and enhance your independence when getting dressed.

Additional tips for managing incontinence and clothing

Fabric selection: Choose breathable and absorbent fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap moisture and irritate the skin.
Layering: Layering clothes can offer additional security and minimise the visibility of leaks. Consider wearing darker-coloured outer garments over lighter undergarments.
Invest in leakproof undergarments: Leakproof underwear or pants can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, especially for individuals experiencing frequent leaks.
Consult a healthcare professional: Discussing your concerns with a doctor or continence advisor can help you find the most suitable incontinence management solutions, including clothing options.

Where to buy equipment to help you manage your continence

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.