Openable Pad-Holding Pants: Types and How to Choose [2026 Guide]

English translation of an article originally published in Japanese on April 7, 2019. Read the Japanese original (Japanese). Product information and dates refer to the original article. Images and manufacturer videos may contain Japanese.

Openable pad-holding pants are cloth underwear worn with compatible incontinence insert pads. Fastenings on both sides open for putting them on and taking them off, making changes in bed easier. Alongside openable cloth pad-holding pants, this article introduces disposable cover-type tape-fastened adult diapers. Illustrations explain the differences between types, pad combinations, and sizing.

Openable pad-holding pants

Openable cloth pad-holding pants are underwear designed to hold compatible incontinence insert pads or soft-stool pads in place. The pants themselves have no absorbent core. Distinguish them from disposable cover-type tape-fastened adult diapers when choosing.

Types

Disposable cover type and long-leg and brief-style openable cloth pad-holding pants

This article introduces disposable cover-type tape-fastened adult diapers, plus long-leg and brief-style openable cloth pad-holding pants.

Cover-type tape-fastened adult diapers

Cover-type tape-fastened adult diapers contain pulp only, with no superabsorbent polymer. They are used with pads. Unicharm is the only manufacturer selling this type.

Reference Lifree Comfortable Sarasara Cover TypeUnicharm official website

Long-leg cloth type

Long-leg openable cloth pad-holding pants

The longer legs also provide support around the thighs. Stretch fabric fits the body and supports the pad.

Brief-style cloth type

Brief-style openable cloth pad-holding pants

The shorter cut leaves the leg area less bulky. Take care, as these resemble diaper covers.

MEMO

Few openable pad-holding pants are available.

Structure

Shape of openable pad-holding pants when opened

They can be opened and closed. Their structure holds a urinary incontinence pad or soft-stool pad inside.

Absorbency

Openable cloth pad-holding pants have no absorbent core, so absorbency depends on the pad used with them. Disposable cover-type products have a different structure from cloth products. Check the absorbent materials and manufacturer’s guidance for each product.

Breathability

Openable pad-holding pants are breathable. They are also suggested when paper products do not suit the person.

Difference between breathable and non-breathable pads

Urinary incontinence pads come in breathable and non-breathable versions. To make the most of the pants’ breathability, choose a breathable pad as well.

Incontinence Pad Construction and Performance: Absorbency, Speed and Breathability [2026]

Combining with urinary incontinence pads

Openable pad-holding pants combined with incontinence insert pads or soft-stool pads

Combine openable pad-holding pants with a urinary incontinence pad or soft-stool pad. Choose a pad suited to the amount of urine or stool.

Caution

Do not combine openable pad-holding pants with flat absorbent sheets.

Difference from regular pad-holding pants

Assisting with a change of openable pad-holding pants in bed without removing trousers

Because openable pad-holding pants open at the sides, they can be changed without removing trousers. They are also easier to change while the person is lying in bed.

Pad-holding Underwear: Types, Sizing, Pad Combinations and Precautions [2026]

Different from diaper covers

Diaper cover combined with cloth diapers

Openable pad-holding pants resemble diaper covers. Diaper covers are used with cloth diapers or urinary incontinence pads. Openable pad-holding pants are used with urinary incontinence pads or soft-stool pads.

Comparison of the shapes of openable pad-holding pants and diaper covers

Cloth diapers have low absorbency, so multiple layers are used according to urine volume. In addition, because cloth diapers are wide, their covers are also wide, and putting too many cloth diapers inside can make moving the hips difficult.

MEMO

Openable pad-holding pants have a slimmer silhouette because they use urinary incontinence pads.

Adult diaper covers: combinations, sizing and precautions [2026]

How to choose a size

Manufacturers use different sizing labels. Contacting the manufacturer is recommended.

Tightness around the thighs with openable pad-holding pants

The thigh sections may fit tightly to prevent leakage through gaps at the crotch. Quite a few people report discomfort from this tightness.

MEMO

Size selection matters. Follow the sizing information carefully.

Relieving pressure

Inserting a finger under the thigh elastic to relieve pressure

Openable pad-holding pants can fit tightly around the thighs. After a diaper change, the elastic may feel taut. Insert a finger between the thigh and elastic to release the pressure.

Washable

Diagram showing cloth pad-holding pants being washed and disposable diapers being discarded

Openable cloth pad-holding pants can be washed and reused. Change the inner urinary incontinence pad after toileting, and wash the pants approximately once a day. Compared with using disposable tape-fastened adult diapers as the outer layer too, they can reduce disposable waste.

Caution

Repeated washing causes deterioration, which can contribute to leakage.

Summary

Combined with a pad suited to body shape and urine volume, openable pad-holding pants offer an alternative to tape-fastened adult diapers. Some have a design similar to everyday underwear.

Hiroshi Yagi

Alongside disposable cover types, washable, reusable cloth types are available. However, the product range is limited. Check the size and compatible pads, and choose a combination that is easy to use.