The Best Adult Cloth Diapers of 2024 (2024)

The Best Adult Cloth Diapers of 2024 (1)

Written by Carley Thornell, an award-winning journalist with experience in caregiving and occupational therapy

Updated July 22, 2024

No matter whether the motivation is to enjoy a few worry-free hours out on the town or to have a dry overnight, more and more senior citizens, disabled people, and postpartum moms are motivated by the same needs when trying cloth adult diapers in lieu of disposables. Namely, those with mild to severe incontinence issues may seek to select from more economical and earth-friendly choices.

But those options vary widely, from the fashion-forward to the clinical, from the wallet-friendly to the investment-worthy. We were compelled to use our testing expertise to find the very best selections on the market.

During our testing process, Timgle reusable incontinence underwear (available at Amazon) came in at our top rank for value and for its design that mirrors regular underwear. Its multi-layered gusset absorbed the water from the applesauce better than any other model we tested.

Other adult cloth diaper options, while perhaps more suited for larger volumes of fluid (especially convenient for nighttime or those in need of a caregiver) were less ready for primetime and bulky—or even noisy. But it doesn’t always have to be that way.

The Best Adult Cloth Diapers of 2024 (2)

Best overall

Timgle Reusable Adult Diapers

Selling for less than $8 per pair, the Timgle Leak Proof Cotton Cloth Underwear is a great value, but definitely not functional as a “cloth diaper.” The underwear didn’t pass the 6-ounce or 12-ounce fluid tests and was slightly damp in the seat after application (the moisture-absorbing layers are only in the crotch area). The result, however, is a less bulky undergarment that’s relatively streamlined.

The seams lay mostly flat, and the elastic is effective but not tight. While the snaps may be tricky for users with dexterity issues, this underwear is likely to be pulled on and off/up and down, since this pair isn’t a great fit for someone with an aid or plentiful clinical needs.

This is also the only pair of underwear we tested that absorbed watery components in the fecal matter test—and the eight-pack comes in multiple colors to remove undergarment monotony. For those who simply want a “backup” for light incontinence and aren’t at a complete loss for bladder control, this is the pair to wear.

Pros

  • Streamlined design

  • Absorbed fecal matter liquid

  • Multitude of designs

Cons

  • Not ideal for large liquid volume

Buy now at Amazon

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Best for high absorbancy

Kawaii Adult Cloth Diaper

The best of the bunch when it comes to maximum absorbency and reduced leakage is the Kawaii Adult Cloth Diaper. The included inserts—the only diaper among the bunch tested that not only requires inserts but actually includes them—were soaked, and the crotch area was very damp after both the 6-ounce and 12-ounce tests. That leads to a very heavy, full diaper, but the Kawaii gets the job done with flying colors, in bright, fun options like orange, teal, and yellow.

Form marries function, and, right out of the box, these feel like they have a high-quality construction. The snaps are easy to fasten and have multiple orientations depending on the size, weight, and need of the user. The interior and external fabric is soft and, despite a waterproof outer layer, isn’t prone to a crunchy or rustling sound that may be audible for users who are out and about.

The thoughtful design also includes a backup ruffle on either side of the crotch that adds a little depth in the area not just for extra inserts, but for added assurance that a lay-flat diaper crotch may not provide, since liquid can essentially “pool” in that area as opposed to spilling out the sides. If you’re dealing with heavy incontinence, Kawaii may be a great choice.

Pros

Cons

  • None we could find

Buy now at Amazon


$14.17 from Walmart

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Best single layer for overnight use

Leakmaster Adult Contoured All in One Cloth Diaper

High maintenance doesn’t necessarily make something pretty, and the clinical-looking Leakmaster Adult Sized Contoured All in One Cloth Diaper is proof of that fact.

The care instructions require several steps (like prewashes and second rinses), as well as extra drying time. What’s saved monetarily on disposable diapers may need to be dedicated to electricity and water for washing and drying, unless users have high-efficiency machines. (This is also among the top two priciest adult diapers tested.)

As with all of the cotton gusset diapers tested, the brown tinge didn’t go away after the fecal matter test, even after using recommended hot water for laundering.

In terms of absorbency levels, however, this adult diaper was among the best for the more clinical-looking options we tested (although there was still some dampness in one fluid test). Leakmaster’s all-in-one option doesn’t need an outer liner since it has a waterproof (PUL) outer layer. The inner layers are soft and wide, with a deeper crotch for optimal fluid or matter collection.

The hook-and-loop strips on this diaper—which span the entire front waist area to maximize sizing—are effective but may not be the best choice for those on the heavier side with bigger bellies. The texture is rough (especially compared to Sigzagor) and could irritate loose stomach skin.

Pros

  • Strong absorbency

  • Soft and wide inner layers and crotch

Cons

  • Clinical design

  • Frequent washes

  • Stains easily

  • Rough exterior may irritate skin

Buy now at Amazon

The Best Adult Cloth Diapers of 2024 (5)

Best for comfort

Leakmaster Adult Contoured Cloth Diaper

Even without a required waterproof outer pant (sold separately) the Leakmaster Contoured Cloth Diaper holds up well in absorbency tests, with little leakage in the mid and high-volume trials.

The fabric is high quality and will remind many former parents of babies born before the ‘80s of the same texture and effectiveness of cloth diapers before disposables became the standard.

There are multiple layers here to contend with, including streamlined four-layer sides, a six-layered internal pad, and then a 10-layered insert intended to sit on top of the six-layer pad. While that pad staying in place is doubtful over long periods of movement or while sleeping, a waterproof liner to keep the diaper in place should help reduce slipping.

The fact that this contoured diaper doesn’t have elastic at the legs or waist is ideal for users with sensitive skin or sensitivities to sensations. No gathering at elasticized seams and the contoured design means this cotton diaper is less bulky than the others we tested.

We liked this cotton diaper because it wasn’t lumpy after laundering, but a major drawback is that there are no included fasteners. Users or caregivers need to use pins or buy fasteners separately.

Pros

  • Strong absorbency

  • No elastics at the legs or waist

  • Held up to laundering

Cons

  • No included fasteners

Other Adult Cloth Diapers We Tested

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Sigzagor Adult Reusable Cloth Diaper

It’s easy to see why the Sigzagor Teen Adult Cloth Diaper includes teens in its product description—the product has the largest selection of cute prints (floral, animals, patterns) and bright colors among the brands we tested. There are also two options available for fastening: snaps that are adjustable for waist size and height and relatively easy to fasten and refasten; or, the model with a hook-and-loop waist that’s even easier to use.

The high-quality hook-and-loop closure is wide in terms of height and width, meaning the size is very flexible. Plus, the waist fastener is soft and easier than snaps for independent users to adjust. Fortunately, it’s also unlikely to cause skin irritation around the belly area.

The exterior fabric is soft, too, although this PUL outer layer requires the diaper to be laundered using a lower water temperature.

The Sigzagor’s extra-wide crotch is a Catch-22 of sorts: It increases the surface area for absorption and also means users can thread in multiple insert panels (not included). However, the brand is far from sleek in terms of how the diapers look under clothes and, in all likelihood, can only be concealed when wearing thicker denim pants or long, flowy tunics.

Pros

  • Biggest variety of styles we tested

  • Multiple fastening styles available

  • Soft fabric

Cons

  • Difficult to conceal under most clothes

Buy now at Amazon

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Weeoatar Unisex Reusable Adult Cloth Diaper

The design of the Weeoatar Unisex Reusable Adult Cloth Diaper is nearly identical to the pairs in the Timgle multipack, but the cotton isn’t as soft, and, at almost $22 a pop (plus a possible shipping fee), it’d be wise for those with similar needs to go big with the Timgle bundle.

Size-wise, Weeoatar looks small, too. The medium only fits wearers up to 112 pounds, so checking the size chart carefully is suggested. An included plastic drawstring bag is a nice touch for those who want to bring it out on the go “just in case,” but a major drawback to the Weeoatar pair is the lack of laundering instructions in English on the underwear or packaging. The instructions are, however, included on the Amazon product description online.

The plastic fasteners also feel cheaper and harder to adjust than the Timgle multipack. Weeoatar is worth a buy only if trying multiple styles and you’re not sure what the ultimate investable style will be. It is by no means a traditional high-absorbency diaper and should be used only if expecting minimal flow.

Pros

  • Drawstring bag included

  • Suited for trying multiple styles

Cons

  • Flimsy construction

  • Sized mainly for small users

  • English laundering instructions not on packaging

Buy now at Amazon

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Leakmaster Adult All in One Pull-On Cloth Diaper

We had high hopes for the Leakmaster All in One Pull-On Cloth Diaper, since most of the options that aren’t overly clinical seem to be designed with more feminine flair in terms of colors and patterns. The design is close to real underwear (with a rise that’s thankfully lower than many models), but the construction is anything but.

The elastic is relatively taut and wouldn’t be comfortable over long periods of time. The PUL outer cover is noisy, and the interior layers take a long time to dry after washing. The all-in-one pair failed both liquid tests, and also had a brown tinge to the interior fabric after the fecal matter test. Users who run hot will want to avoid this cotton-flannel diaper.

Pros

  • Looks like real underwear

Cons

  • Not comfortable over time

  • Noisy outer cover

  • Inner layers take a long time to dry

Buy now at Amazon

How We Tested Cloth Adult Diapers

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We tested these adult cloth diapers based on aesthetics, ease of use, absorption, fabric breathability, and ease of laundering. We also conducted two tests, one with 6 ounces of water (three-quarters of a cup), and another with 12 ounces (1.5 cups). There was also a simulated fecal matter test using applesauce. Leakages of these surrogates were measured and collected, and they informed the rank seen above.

Subjectively, each diaper was also graded based on its ease of use, quality, construction, features, sizing, and level of discreteness.

What to Know About Buying Adult Diapers

Does Medicare cover adult diapers?

No. Medicare does not cover any percentage for incontinence products. Those on state Medicaid programs for low income, however, are far more likely to have better luck getting adult diapers covered.Adult incontinence products are generally covered by HSA and FSA plans.

Where to donate adult diapers

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Given that insurance coverage for incontinence products is limited, you may want to donate unused products if you no longer have a need for them. Popular locations to do so include:

  • Goodwill
  • Nursing homes
  • Adult daycare centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Churches

This Carewell site also includes a list of diaper banks in most U.S. states. In short, pretty much anywhere that’s designed to help the needy will probably be glad to take adult diapers off your hands.

How to fold an adult cloth diaper

As described in our list above, most of the products we’ve tested are fairly easy to wear, taking advantage of snaps or hook-and-loop closures for easy access. You essentially want to approach snaps in this order:

  • Legs
  • Waist
  • Anything else

You just want to make sure that any elastics are seated at the groin, and that the waist isn’t sagging or falling down. We only have one product on this list that doesn’t have fasteners, so just use any fasteners to guide you in the process. It may take some trial and error to find the best pair, but we hope this list offers some much needed guidance.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Meet the tester

The Best Adult Cloth Diapers of 2024 (11)

Carley Thornell

Contributor

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Carley Thornell is an award-winning journalist and health-tech writer whose first job was in an occupational therapy office. Her father was a disabled Army veteran, which made her passionate about all things healthcare and accessibility. Carley also covers DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) topics for many other publications, including Skift.

See all of Carley Thornell's reviews

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