The Best Absorbent Underwear For Every Type Of Leak

Be it your period, incontinence, postpartum needs or just a desire to feel dry, these leakproof undies are here to help.
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Leakage of any kind ― whether it be from urinary incontinence, sweat or menstruation ― can impart an uncomfortable feeling and become a source of insecurity. Leakproof underwear, which typically features an enforced gusset and odor-blocking, moisture-wicking filaments, can be a great solution. 

With a feel and function that closely mimics regular underwear, these innovative garments come in a range of absorbency levels and styles. There are even disposable versions to meet your specific needs.    

We’ve gathered some of the options in the list below, which includes a pair of supportive postpartum briefs with a high waist, a discreet seamless thong and a pack of highly-rated bamboo-fabric period underwear.   

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
A Lycra and cotton-blend thong
This Lycra and cotton-blend thong is good for light leaks, sweat and backup protection while providing discreet and imperceptible wear under clothing. It's free from PFAS and other toxic chemicals and features a quick-dry anti-odor gusset that can absorb up to one teaspoon of liquid.
2
A full-coverage panty made with bamboo rayon
This affordable pair of period underwear has over 8,900 five-star ratings and is made using ultra-soft and breathable bamboo fabric. The naturally cooling properties of bamboo rayon help to wick away moisture quickly while the wide, full-coverage gusset offers absorption protection from the entire front to back and can absorb up to two tampons' worth of liquid. The company recommends ordering a size up.
3
An extra-absorbent boy short
Great for protection while you sleep, these breathable, four-way-stretch boy shorts have an extended gusset that can absorb up to 12 tampons' worth of liquid. The gusset is covered in a modal seaweed fabric for a dry and ultra-soft feel.
4
Super-absorbent postpartum underwear
Many reviewers say that these high-waisted, full-coverage underwear by Thinx are a good and comfortable option for postpartum leakage and C-section recovery. The four-way stretch mesh sides allow for unrestricted movement and the panties can absorb up to five tampons' worth of liquid, while the fabric works to help neutralize odors. The company recommends ordering a size up.
5
A three-pack of period underwear
The extended gusset on this affordable period underwear is lined with an absorbent waterproof layer that is topped with a layer of 100% cotton. These high-rise panties are lightly absorbent, making them a good option for backup protection, lighter flow days or small bladder leaks.
6
A lightly absorbent thong
Best for light periods, sweat, discharge or as a panty liner replacement, this quick-dry thong with a slim multi-layered gusset is made from a buttery soft microfiber and has a low-rise cut.
7
A pack of disposable leakproof underwear
If you prefer disposable leakproof underwear, these maximum absorbency briefs with dual odor control have over 26,400 five-star Amazon ratings and tons of positive reviews. Suitable for postpartum needs or incontinence, they are made with a cotton-enhanced top sheet to help wick away moisture, have a highly absorbent core and promise up to eight hours of leakage protection.
8
Belly Bandit
A postpartum smoothing brief
These high-waisted briefs were designed specifically for postpartum needs like bladder leaks and bleeding. They are made with a buttery soft, slightly compressive fabric for added support and have smooth, bonded edges to prevent leaks along the absorbent gusset.
9
A full-coverage cotton brief
These full-coverage bikini briefs are made using an ultra-soft and breathable modal cotton blend and feature an extended front-to-back gusset capable of absorbing eight tampons' worth of liquid.
10
A pair of moderate absorbency hip huggers
This pair of moderate absorbency underwear by Thinx is made with the same breathable and moisture-wicking cotton as most of the brand’s panties and can absorb up to three tampons' worth of fluid without feeling bulky. These underwear feature a lower-rise fit, a comfort-stretch band and an odor-control fabric layer.

Before You Go

14 Pairs Of Underwear That Won't Give You A Wedgie In The Front
High-rise hipster underwear(01 of17)
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These high-rise underwear are bonded so they lie comfortably flat against your skin and look invisible under clothes. They are also sustainably made with 100% regenerated vinyl that feels butter-soft. (credit:Everlane)
A no-dig, seamless thong(02 of17)
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Made by the famed shape wear company, Spanx, this seamless thong is made with a non-restrictive, perforated and moisture-wicking fabric and constructed with a patent pending gusset. (credit:Spanx)
A six-pack of no-show thongs(03 of17)
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Ultra-stretchy and completely seam-free, these no-show thongs are made using a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric and feature a supportive wide compression waistband in addition to comfortable coverage gusset. (credit:Amazon)
An athletic thong designed to move with you(04 of17)
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Made from naturally breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, this athletic thong by Lululemon is mid-rise and has a four-way stretch construction meant to move with your anatomy without riding or bunching up. The flat seams are also chafe-resistant to prevent any kind of uncomfortable rubbing on folds of skin, and the smooth waistband won’t dig in. (credit:Lululemon)
High-waisted briefs with a lace side-detail(05 of17)
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These high-waisted and full-cut briefs have an extra-wide gusset that is lined with breathable cotton while covered elastic around the legs and waistband provides a secure fit to prevent uncomfortable bunching. They are also tagless, and available in eight different colors and sizes S-5X. (credit:Her Room)
A seam-free hipster panty with lace back and a smoothing waistband(06 of17)
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These undetectable hipster panties by Spanx are seam-free and feature a slightly compressive smoothing waistband to offer a comfortable level of tummy control. The generous gusset is lined with breathable cotton and the back is made entirely of soft-comfort lace that lies flat. (credit:Spanx)
A high-rise thong with a wide padded gusset to prevent “camel toe"(07 of17)
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This cleverly designed high-rise thong uses strategically placed gusset padding to prevent unwanted silhouettes in your underwear while also providing adequate coverage. It’s made from breathable and moisture-wicking recycled fabric and is seam-free and machine washable. (credit:Revolve)
A printed lace thong with a stretchy cotton-lined gusset(08 of17)
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Featuring an ultra-wide waistband that hugs the mid-section, this retro-style thong has a moderately sized gusset that is lined with 100% organic Supima cotton. It’s available in four different color patterns and sizes 0-12. (credit:Hanky Panky)
A six-pack of best-selling cotton hipster briefs(09 of17)
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Ideal for everyday wear, these basic and best-selling cotton briefs have 23,556 five-star-ratings on Amazon and feature a 100% cotton gusset that is moderate to full coverage. The stretchy waistband is thin, flat and seamless underneath clothes and comfortable against skin. They are available in sizes ranging from XS-XXL, however, the brand recommends going a size up due to the design’s snug fit. (credit:Amazon)
A high-rise thong made with soft, cool-to-the-touch fabric(10 of17)
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Designed with comfortable four-way stretch, this high-rise, part-mesh thong offers a secure held-in feeling in the front with all the no-underwear-lines benefit of a thong. The soft, cool-to-the-touch fabric won’t bunch or fold during wear and has been sustainably sourced. They are available in 11 colors and sizes XS-3XL. (credit:Parade)
A four-pack of no-roll, high-waisted underwear with a supportive waistband(11 of17)
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These full-coverage briefs feature a stretchy and double fabric-covered waistband that won’t bunch or roll down during wear. They offer slight compression and support for comfort and a seam-free appearance under clothing. The wide and breathable gusset is also double-layered with moisture-wicking cotton. (credit:Amazon)
A full-coverage cotton French brief with lace trim(12 of17)
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Hitting just below the natural waist, these full-coverage French-cut briefs have a soft, flat elastic trim on the leg holes to help keep the gusset in place while you move. Both the crotch lining and the body of the briefs are made with organically grown Supima cotton for a comfortable and breathable wear. (credit:Hanky Panky)
A seam-free hipster panty made from moisture-wicking fabric(13 of17)
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Offering a low-rise fit, these ultra light quick-dry panties have a super stretchy cotton gusset that is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. They also have bonded seams for an undetectable look under clothing and the material has been ethically sourced and imported under fair working conditions. (credit:MeUndies)
A mid-rise brief made from sustainably-sourced organic cotton(14 of17)
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These ultra comfortable bikini briefs have a full coverage front and seat and are made with highly breathable organic cotton that has been OEKO-TEX Certified and sustainably sourced. They have a forgiving waistband that never digs in and just the right amount of elastic around the legs to provide a secure placement without constricting movement. (credit:Knickey)
Low-rise cheeky underwear with a barely there mesh back(15 of17)
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The mesh paneled front and back of these cheeky low-rise bikini briefs provides a barely-there feeling that is ultra-soft and cool to the touch. Made from sustainably sourced fabric, these underwear also have a four-way stretch that won’t dig or bunch into folds of skin and are available in eight colors and sizes XS-3XL. (credit:Parade)
Soft-spun cotton boy shorts with a slight stretch(16 of17)
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These mid-rise full-coverage boy shorts by Victoria’s Secret are made with soft-spun cotton and have a soft elastic waistband. They have a slight stretch to allow for a comfortable range of motion, are machine washable and available in sizes XS-XXL. (credit:Victoria's Secret)
A lace thong with moderate frontal coverage(17 of17)
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This sexy all-over lace thong by Maidenform has a surprising amount of frontal coverage and the top of the gusset, which is lined with 100% cotton, is sewn in for additional comfort. It's available in 17 colors and sizes 5-9. (credit:Maidenform)

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