When Rachel, a 47-year-old recreational runner from Cardiff, signed up for her third half-marathon, she knew the 13.1 miles ahead would test more than her fitness. Like one in three women over 45 in the UK, she lives with stress urinary incontinence — and the combination of long training runs, cold Welsh mornings, and the sheer impact of road running had made her old pads an unreliable solution. "By mile eight, I'd either leaked through the pad or the pad had shifted completely," she told us. "I needed something I could actually trust." Over twelve weeks of training, Rachel tested five different brands of absorbent knickers, wearing each across multiple runs, gym sessions, and long days at work. Her findings — combined with clinical guidance from the NHS, Bladder & Bowel UK, and Women's Health Concern — form the backbone of this guide.
What to Look for When Buying Absorbent Knickers in the UK
Absorbent knickers — also called washable incontinence knickers or period-style incontinence pants — have improved dramatically in recent years. The best pairs bear little resemblance to the medical-looking garments of a decade ago. But with a growing market comes a growing need to cut through the noise.
According to Bladder & Bowel UK, the key performance metrics for washable incontinence products are: absorbency capacity (measured in millilitres), leak-back resistance (whether fluid is wicked away from the skin), odour control, fit under clothing, and durability over repeated washes. The NHS also recommends that anyone with persistent bladder leaks consult their GP or a continence nurse specialist before relying solely on absorbent products — because in many cases, the underlying cause can be significantly improved through pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, or other interventions.
With that clinical caveat clearly stated, here is what to examine before you buy:
- Absorbency level: Light (up to 10ml), moderate (10–20ml), or heavy (20ml+). Match this honestly to your needs.
- Gusset design: A wide, multi-layer gusset with a hydrophilic top layer wicks moisture away; a narrow or single-layer gusset will not.
- Fabric: Bamboo fibre is increasingly favoured for its natural antibacterial properties and softness. Synthetic blends can trap heat and cause skin irritation with prolonged wear.
- Washability: Look for machine-washable products, ideally at 40°C. Higher wash temperatures degrade elastic and absorbent layers faster.
- Waistband and silhouette: Consider whether you need a high-waisted option for support, or whether you want something that feels like everyday lingerie.
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification confirms the fabric has been tested for harmful substances — important for a product worn close to the skin for extended periods.
- Cost per wear: A washable pair rated for 200+ washes at £20–£30 costs far less per use than daily disposables over the same period.
How We Assessed the Five Brands
Rachel's testing was supplemented by our editorial team's assessment of product specifications, wash-test results (measuring absorbency before and after 50 machine washes), and feedback gathered from our Orykas UK community of over 2,000 British women. We ranked each product across five criteria: absorbency accuracy, comfort during physical activity, discretion under clothing, odour management, and long-term value. Each brand received a verdict and a summary of genuine strengths and weaknesses.
Brand 1: TENA Silhouette Washable Absorbent Underwear
TENA is the most recognised name in continence products in the UK, and their foray into washable knickers trades on that brand trust. The Silhouette Washable range is aimed at women wanting a familiar brand with the convenience of a reusable product.
Rachel's verdict: "Comfortable enough for daily wear, but I found the gusset a bit narrow for running. There was lateral movement during longer sessions."
Pros:
- Widely available in UK pharmacies and online
- Respectable absorbency for light-to-moderate leaks
- Familiar brand reassurance for first-time buyers
Cons:
- Narrower gusset coverage than specialist brands
- Higher price point relative to absorbency offered
- Synthetic fabric blend can feel warmer during exercise
- No bamboo fibre or natural certification
Best for: Women new to washable options who want a recognisable brand for everyday, low-impact use.
Brand 2: Modibodi Classic Bikini
Modibodi is an Australian brand that has built a strong following in the UK through its period underwear range, with incontinence variants growing in popularity. Their Classic Bikini sits in the light-to-moderate absorbency category.
Rachel's verdict: "The fit was excellent and the fabric felt genuinely soft. But for heavy leakage during a long run, I needed more capacity than this style offers."
Pros:
- Strong brand reputation and transparency about testing
- Good range of sizes including plus sizes
- Stylish designs that feel like regular knickers
- Merino-blend options available
Cons:
- Lower absorbency capacity than specialist incontinence brands
- Pricier per pair for the absorbency level offered
- Some users report reduced performance after 60+ washes
- No UK VAT relief option clearly signposted
Best for: Women with light stress leaks who also want a period underwear crossover product.
Brand 3: Knix Leakproof Underwear
Canadian brand Knix has expanded into the UK market with significant social media momentum. Their leakproof range blends athletic performance design with everyday wearability, making them popular with active women.
Rachel's verdict: "These performed brilliantly for my shorter training runs — up to about six miles. But on my long runs, I needed heavier protection than the standard styles provided."
Pros:
- Athletic cut stays put during movement
- Quick-drying fabric suitable for active lifestyles
- Strong community and good customer service
Cons:
- Most styles rated for light-to-moderate leaks only
- Premium pricing without commensurate heavy-absorbency options
- Sizing runs slightly small — check their guide carefully
- No OEKO-TEX certification on most lines
Best for: Active women with light stress leaks wanting an athletic silhouette.
Brand 4: Marks & Spencer Body Sensor Leakproof Knickers
M&S's entry into the absorbent knickers market benefits from the retailer's trusted reputation for fit and quality. These are positioned as a discreet, everyday option available on the high street across the UK.
Rachel's verdict: "Perfectly fine for office days. Completely inadequate for running. But I'd happily recommend them to my mum for everyday confidence."
Pros:
- Available in-store for those who prefer to shop in person
- Excellent everyday discretion under trousers and skirts
- M&S sizing is well-understood by UK shoppers
- Competitive price point
Cons:
- Absorbency limited to very light leaks
- Not suitable for sport or high-impact activity
- Fabric technology less advanced than specialist brands
- No heavy-leakage options in the range
Best for: Women with occasional, very light leaks who prioritise convenience and high-street accessibility.
Brand 5: Orykas UK Washable Incontinence Knickers — Our Top Pick
Orykas UK was the standout performer across Rachel's twelve weeks of testing — and the brand that she continues to wear for both training and everyday life. Designed specifically for women managing urinary incontinence, the Orykas range is built from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified bamboo fibre and engineered for genuine heavy-leakage protection without compromising on comfort or confidence.
Rachel's verdict: "These were the only pair that genuinely worked for a full long run without anxiety. The waistband stayed in place, there was no odour, and they dried quickly enough after washing that I could rotate between two pairs across a hard training week."
Pros:
- Heavy-leakage capacity suitable for impact sport and active lifestyles
- Bamboo fibre is naturally antibacterial and temperature-regulating
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified — rigorously tested for skin safety
- Machine-washable at 40°C and rated for a 2–3 year lifespan
- Multiple silhouettes: full-coverage, high-waisted, and lace-waistband styles
- UK VAT relief available under the HMRC disability-products scheme for those with chronic incontinence
- Environmentally responsible alternative to daily disposables
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than disposable options (though lower long-term cost)
- Online-only purchase — not available in UK high-street shops
Best for: Active women, runners, and anyone managing moderate-to-heavy stress or urge incontinence who wants a reliable, sustainable, and genuinely comfortable solution.
Our Recommended Orykas UK Products
Within the Orykas range, three styles emerged as the most versatile for different needs:
Women's Washable Incontinence Pants for Heavy Leakage — Rachel's choice for long training runs. The highest absorbency in the range, with a wide gusset that covers generously through movement. Ideal for women with moderate-to-heavy stress incontinence, or those managing urgency leaks.
Women's High-Waisted Washable Incontinence Pants — The high-waisted silhouette provides additional core support and a smooth line under fitted clothing. Particularly popular with women post-partum or those who prefer greater tummy coverage. Moderate-to-heavy absorbency.
Women's Lace-Waistband Washable Incontinence Pants — For women who felt that incontinence products had to mean sacrificing femininity, this style offers a lace waistband and a more lingerie-inspired silhouette. Same bamboo-fibre absorbent core, but with an aesthetic that feels genuinely like everyday knickers.
All three styles are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, machine-washable at 40°C, and carry a 2–3 year lifespan with proper care — making them a practical long-term investment compared with the recurring cost and environmental impact of disposable products.
A note on VAT relief: If you have a chronic or long-term condition causing urinary incontinence, you may be eligible to purchase Orykas products VAT-free under the HMRC disability-products relief scheme. This can reduce the cost significantly. Check your eligibility at the point of purchase or speak to your continence nurse specialist or GP for guidance on qualifying conditions.
When to See Your GP
Absorbent knickers are a practical management tool — but they are not a treatment for incontinence. Bladder & Bowel UK and the NHS both emphasise that bladder leaks are a medical symptom, not an inevitable consequence of ageing or childbirth, and that many women see significant improvement with the right support.
Speak to your GP or request a referral to a continence nurse specialist if:
- Your leaks are new, sudden, or worsening
- You are experiencing leaks alongside pain, blood in urine, or frequent urinary tract infections
- Your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, sleep, or mental health
- You have not yet tried pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) — NICE guidelines recommend this as the first-line treatment for stress incontinence
You can also call NHS 111 for guidance on symptoms that concern you but are not an emergency. Women's Health Concern, the patient arm of the British Menopause Society, provides excellent resources on incontinence during the perimenopause and menopause — a period when oestrogen reduction can significantly affect bladder control.
Related Orykas UK Advice
If you found this guide useful, our editorial team has written several companion pieces covering the broader picture of urinary leaks and bladder health in women:
- Urinary incontinence in women: natural treatment, what really works
- Urinary Leaks in Women: Causes, Types, and When to See a Doctor
- How to stop urinary leaks in women: complete solutions
- Urinary protection for women: complete 2026 guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are absorbent knickers as effective as pads for managing urinary leaks?
For light-to-moderate leaks, high-quality washable absorbent knickers can match or outperform traditional pads — particularly for active use. Because they are integral to the garment, they do not shift during movement the way a pad can. For very heavy leakage, some women combine absorbent knickers with a pad for additional confidence, though this is rarely necessary with heavy-absorbency styles such as the Orykas heavy-leakage pants. The key is matching the absorbency rating honestly to your actual leakage volume.
How many pairs of absorbent knickers do I need to buy?
Most women find a rotation of three to five pairs practical. This allows you to wear a pair, have one drying, and have others clean and ready. If you exercise frequently — as Rachel does — you may want slightly more to account for washing and drying cycles. Because Orykas knickers are rated for a 2–3 year lifespan, the upfront investment quickly pays for itself relative to the ongoing cost of disposables.
Can I wear absorbent knickers for running and high-impact exercise?
Yes — provided you choose a style designed for the purpose. Standard everyday absorbent knickers may not have the structural gusset coverage or waistband security needed for running. Rachel's testing consistently showed that wider-gusset, higher-absorbency styles — particularly the Orykas heavy-leakage pants — performed reliably across distances up to and including half-marathon training runs. Look for a snug waistband, a wide absorbent panel, and a fabric that wicks and dries efficiently.
Do absorbent knickers cause odour problems?
This concern puts many women off trying washable options — but with quality products, odour is rarely an issue during normal wear. Bamboo fibre has natural antibacterial properties that inhibit the bacteria responsible for odour. Orykas knickers are designed to manage this effectively. Between washes, a quick rinse under cold water (before placing in a wet bag) helps significantly. Avoid hot water for rinsing, as this can set odour rather than remove it. Machine wash at 40°C as directed — do not use fabric softener, as this reduces absorbency over time.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on incontinence products in the UK?
Under the HMRC disability-products relief scheme, certain products designed for people with a chronic disability or long-term health condition are zero-rated for VAT. Incontinence products — including washable incontinence knickers — can qualify if the buyer has a chronic condition causing incontinence. You do not need a formal prescription, but you must make a qualifying declaration at the point of purchase. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, your GP or continence nurse specialist can advise. This relief can make a meaningful difference to the upfront cost of building a quality rotation of washable knickers.
Sources and further reading: NHS — Urinary incontinence (nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence); Bladder & Bowel UK — bladderandbowel.org; Women's Health Concern — womens-health-concern.org; NICE Guideline NG123: Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management (nice.org.uk). This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified continence nurse specialist regarding symptoms and treatment options.
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