The short answer: in the UK you can buy men's leakproof underwear directly from the brands that make it, from high street pharmacies, a few supermarkets, specialist suppliers and Amazon. Buying direct usually gets you the widest choice. Ours is at frankspants.com, with three styles in every size from S to 5XL.
Where you buy matters less than what you buy, so the second half of this guide covers what to check before you hand over any money.
If you are new to all this, a quick bit of context. Leakproof underwear looks like normal pants but has absorbent layers built in where drips and dribbles land. Most of it is washable and reusable. It is a different thing from disposable pull up pants, which are worn once and binned.
Directly from the brand
Buying from the people who make the pants usually gets you the full range, every size, proper fit advice and a real person to talk to if something is not right. It is also where you will find any guarantee the brand offers.
That is how we sell Frank's Pants. Our three styles are graded by how much protection you need: The Active for the last drop after the loo, The Everyday for more frequent drips and dribbles, and The Ultra, which takes reusable pads you can swap through the day. Every first pair is covered by Frank's Word, our 60 day guarantee, and everything ships in plain, discreet packaging. Not sure which is right for you? Find Your Frank's sorts it in about a minute.
High street pharmacies
Pharmacies are where most men start looking. Boots, for example, sells TENA Men washable boxers alongside its own Staydry disposable pants for men.
Good for: buying in person, paying with everything else in your basket, and getting advice from a pharmacist.
Worth knowing: the washable choice on the shelf tends to be small, and the bigger sizes are not always in stock in store.
Supermarkets
Some supermarkets now carry washable pants online. Tesco, for example, lists TENA Men washable boxers, so you can add a pair to the weekly shop.
Good for: convenience.
Worth knowing: you usually get one brand in one or two styles, and not much information to help you choose the right level of protection.
Specialist suppliers
Medical and continence suppliers sell to the public as well as to care homes. HARTMANN Direct, for example, sells MoliCare men's washable underwear, including a version with a pocket for an extra pad.
Good for: men who already know exactly what they need, or who are buying for a relative alongside other supplies.
Worth knowing: the products are built for function first, and they tend to look like it.
Amazon UK
Amazon has the biggest range by far, from established brands to names you will not have heard of.
Good for: choice, fast delivery and plenty of reviews to read.
Worth knowing: quality varies a lot. Check who the seller is, whether the sizing is UK or converted from elsewhere, and what the returns policy says, because many listings ship from overseas. Read the three star reviews, not just the five star ones.
Charity shops online
A newer option. The Cancer Research UK online shop stocks our Everyday trunks, so you can buy a pair from a charity you may already support.
What to check before you buy, wherever you buy
1. Washable or disposable
Disposable pants suit heavier leaks and some situations, like travel or recovery straight after surgery. For everyday drips and dribbles, washable pants usually work out cheaper over time, there is nothing to bin, and nobody can tell you are wearing them. Our comparisons of Frank's Pants and TENA Men and reusable versus disposable go into the detail.
2. The right level of protection
More is not always better. A pair built for heavy leaks will be bulkier than you need for the odd drop. Be honest about what actually happens day to day and match the pants to that. If it is just the last few drops after the loo, our guide to dribble guards versus leakproof pants is worth a read too.
3. Fabric and fit
You will wear them all day, so they need to feel like your normal pants. Look for soft, breathable fabric and a cut you would choose anyway. Check the size guide rather than guessing, because sizing varies a lot between brands.
4. The returns policy
Underwear is often non returnable once opened, for hygiene reasons. Check before you order, especially when buying a brand for the first time.
5. Discreet delivery
If it matters to you, check how the order arrives. Plain packaging with no product names on the outside is common from specialist brands but not guaranteed everywhere.
Buying for someone else?
Plenty of pairs are bought by partners and grown up children rather than the man who wears them. If that is you, our Buying For Him guide covers sizing and how to bring it up without making it awkward.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy men's leakproof underwear in the UK?
Directly from brands such as Frank's Pants, from high street pharmacies, some supermarkets online, specialist continence suppliers and Amazon UK. The Everyday is also available on the Cancer Research UK online shop.
Is it better to buy leakproof underwear online or in store?
In store is handy if you want to pay alongside other shopping or ask a pharmacist. Online, and especially direct from the brand, gives you a wider range, every size, fit advice and discreet delivery.
Can you return leakproof underwear?
Often not once opened, for hygiene reasons, so check the policy before you buy. Some brands offer a guarantee on your first pair. Frank's Pants covers first pairs with a 60 day guarantee.
Are washable leakproof pants better than disposable ones?
For everyday drips and dribbles, washable pants are usually more comfortable, more discreet and cheaper over time. Disposables can still suit heavier leaks or short periods such as recovery after surgery.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have new or worsening leaks, speak to your GP.