Fab Over Fifty: "Fancy These FANNYPANTS"

by Geri, Founder & Editor of Fab Over Fifty

Years ago, I took my mom to the drugstore to help her choose “adult diapers” for an incontinence problem she was experiencing.  “Yuck,” I thought.  “Never! I’d rather die than wear those.”

Today, I have “stress incontinence,” a condition that is far more common than you think (millions of women, post menopause, have it).   Thankfully, I can deal with the issue in more agreeable ways than my mom, which include a new over-the-counter product, prescription medications and surgical solutions. And, I can buy honest-to-goodness lingerie. Sexy lingerie. Lingerie that would never give away my condition if someone saw me dressed only in a bra and panties.

A new company, which manufactures a line called FANNYPANTS smartwear, asked me to try its panties and let my FOFriends know what I thought. After wearing them for a few weeks, I can happily tell you that I’m delighted with my new FANNYPANTS. They fit beautifully, feel luxurious and wash well. Unlike other panties for stress incontinence (which have extra absorbent padding sewn into the crotch), FANNYPANTS are designed with four layers of protection, using a patented technology.

First, a waterproof gusset insures that my clothes stay dry, and pockets built into the gusset hold a washable and removable “smartPad” in place. Each pad has three additional layers of protection: A biodegradable, chemical free organic Eucalyptus core surrounded by two microfiber layers that absorb “seven times more moisture than cotton,” according to the company.

By the way, FANNYPANTS also are perfect for all active women who experience “light bladder leakage” (LBL). Fannypants are made of either nylon or cotton and Spandex, which provide nice stretch. Each pair is packaged, with two additional smartwearPads, in a waterproof travel pouch that can be tucked into your handbag. That way so you can slip out one pad during the day and insert a new one if you plan to go out for the evening straight from work. The pads and panties can be washed in the machine and tumble dried.

FANNYPANTS will cost you more than regular panties you’ll find in any mass merchant, but considering the comfort they provide (in more ways than one), and the quality construction, they are well worth it.  I’ve been wearing the styles called Balance and Paris.