How to Wash My Leak-Proof Underwear

Washing leak-proof underwear is simple. Wicks pieces are specially designed to look and feel like regular underwear, and they can be washed the same way. With the right care they will last just as long as normal non-functional underwear pieces.

For everyday use, you can place them straight into the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. If a piece has absorbed a larger amount of fluid, or if you aren't washing them right away, it’s a good idea to give them a quick rinse under cold water before putting it in the wash. Use a laundry bag for delicate pieces (eg with lace or mesh panelling) to avoid them snagging on other garments or things like zippers that may be in the same load.

We recommend washing Wicks garments in a cold wash, avoiding any fabric softeners, and air drying them inside out to ensure the longevity of the fabric and absorbent layers. 

With proper care, your leak-proof underwear will continue performing beautifully wash after wash.

First Things First: Pre-Wash Before Wearing

When you first receive your Wicks underwear, it’s important to pre-wash the garment before wearing it.

This first wash removes any dust or particles that may have been picked up during manufacturing, packing or transit. It also helps activate the absorbent fibres so your piece performs at its best from the very first wear.

After that initial wash, caring for your Wicks underwear becomes part of your normal laundry routine.

Washing Wicks Underwear Day to Day

Wicks garments are intentionally designed to integrate easily into everyday life. They look and feel like regular underwear, and they can be washed just like regular underwear.

For most wear, you can simply place your Wicks pieces straight into the washing machine with your normal laundry. Don't add fabric softeners as they can affect the waterproof layering.

If the garment has absorbed a larger amount of fluid, it’s helpful to rinse it under cold running water before placing it in the washing machine. This step removes excess fluid and helps maintain the freshness of the fabric.

However, if you are washing the garment immediately after wearing it, a rinse step is usually not necessary and the piece can go straight into the wash.

Our official care recommendation is to wash Wicks garments in a cold wash and air dry them inside out. This helps preserve the longevity of the fabrics and keeps the absorbent layers performing optimally for as long as possible.

Why Wicks Can Be Washed Like Regular Underwear

Leak-proof underwear works because of its layered construction. Each layer is fabric that would ordinarily be washed in a normal domestic machine, so your Wicks can simply be added to your normal washing load.

Wicks pieces contain three key layers in the gusset:

• A GOTS certified organic cotton layer closest to the skin

• Absorbent organic cotton layering that captures moisture

• A breathable waterproof barrier made from OEKO-TEX certified PUL (Not that our All Day Fresh Range pieces do not have a waterproof barrier. All others do.)

This combination allows fluid to be absorbed while keeping the outer garment dry.

The outer fabric of Wicks pieces varies depending on the style. Some pieces use carefully sourced deadstock fabrics, while others are made from our signature OEKO-TEX certified butter-soft blend or organic cotton.

Because these fabrics are high-quality and breathable, Wicks garments can be washed in a standard washing machine just like your other underwear.

A Note on Heat

While Wicks garments can handle normal washing conditions, high heat is the one thing to be mindful of.

We recommend cold washes and air drying inside out to maximise the lifespan of the garment.

That said, our founder Lisa regularly tests Wicks pieces to see how they perform when we push the recommended conditions. She has experimented with warm washes (40°C) and even puts garments through a domestic dryer. So far, the pieces continue to function perfectly well, but please be aware that the waterproof layer especially will be affected if the heat is too high.

Higher heat will gradually shorten the lifespan of the garment over time, which is why cooler washing and air drying remain the best long-term approach.

Protecting the Waterproof Layer

One final thing to keep in mind is the waterproof layer.

The breathable PUL barrier used in Wicks garments does not respond well to extreme heat. Ironing or exposing this layer to very high temperatures will damage the garment and without the PUL layer the garment will no longer have a waterproof barrier.

Similarly, the PUL layer should never be pierced with needles or sharp objects. Puncturing the barrier compromises its waterproof function and may cause the garment to leak.

Pieces from our All Day Fresh Range do not have a PUL layer, so can be washed just like regular underwear.

With simple care — a cold wash, occasional rinse when needed, and air drying — your Wicks pieces will continue to provide comfortable, discreet absorbency for many wears to come.