Revolutionizing Confidence: Incontinence Lingerie Takes the Catwalk

Incontinence Lingerie: Fashion’s Unlikely Frontier

When you think about cutting-edge fashion,

incontinence underwear

might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Yet, at New Zealand Fashion Week, a historic shift unfolded. For the first time ever, absorbent, stylish lingerie designed for those experiencing incontinence took center stage, prompting global conversations about design, dignity, and inclusion. This seismic moment wasn’t merely a creative experiment — it was led by Confitex, a brand determined to change how we view and experience everyday underwear.

The Evolution of Incontinence Wear

Traditionally, incontinence products have been viewed as strictly utilitarian — functional, but conspicuously unglamorous. The market was dominated by disposable pads, diapers, or thick, clinical briefs. This left individuals facing incontinence feeling marginalized, forced to choose between personal comfort and their self-esteem.

Confitex reimagined these limitations, launching a contemporary line of absorbent underwear with the *look and feel of designer lingerie* — and a mission to empower wearers to embrace life with confidence, style, and independence.

The History-Making Runway Debut

At the 2015 New Zealand Fashion Week, Confitex unveiled its Hi-Life Collection in a dedicated solo runway show. This was a world first: never before had incontinence lingerie been showcased as a designer range alongside premium fashion labels.

• 30 new looks graced the runway, ranging from day-to-evening styles.
• Pieces included lacy briefs, full-coverage underwear, and — in another first — the first absorbent G-string designed specifically for light incontinence.
• Models of all ages and sizes took to the stage, emphasizing the breadth of people affected by bladder control issues.

The show challenged the taboo surrounding incontinence, fostering a sense of visibility and acceptance in both the fashion world and society at large. The audience witnessed lingerie that looked indistinguishable from regular designer underwear yet offered remarkable functionality beneath the surface.

Breaking the Stigma: Why This Matters

According to health data, incontinence affects an estimated

one in two women

in the United States at some point in their lives. Men, too, are affected, albeit at lower but not insignificant rates. For decades, discussion of bladder control has been shrouded in embarrassment and misconception.

The debut of Confitex’s lingerie on the catwalk was more than a marketing coup; it was a message of body positivity and unashamed practicality. “People who happen to have incontinence,” said Mark Davey, co-founder of Confitex, “should be able to enjoy their lifestyle, freedom, and independence.”

The Confitex Difference: Technology Meets Design

At the heart of Confitex underwear is an

innovative three-layer absorbent technology

, the result of years of research and product testing:

• Quick-drying Inner Layer: Wicks moisture away from the skin, providing immediate dryness and comfort.
• Absorbent Core Layer: Captures and locks in moisture. Designed to hold varying levels of liquid depending on the product’s absorbency rating — from a single teaspoon for light protection up to half a cup for moderate needs.
• Breathable Waterproof Outer Layer: Ensures that no moisture escapes, while remaining stretchable and allowing for airflow. This keeps the underwear comfortable and virtually indistinguishable from standard undergarments.

The result:

washable, reusable, and fashion-forward underwear

that stands up to the rigors of daily living. Wearers can work, travel, play sports, or attend social events without fear of embarrassment or visible lines. The absence of pads or plastics sets Confitex apart from conventional disposable options.

Feature	Traditional Incontinence Products	Confitex Underwear
Design	Bulky, clinical	Stylish, lingerie-inspired
Absorbency	Varied, but often relies on pads/diapers	Built-in patented fabric; multiple absorbency levels
Reusability	Disposable, single-use	Machine-washable, reusable
Environmental Impact	Significant landfill waste, non-biodegradable	Eco-friendly, minimized waste
User Experience	Often visible, can be uncomfortable	Discreet, comfortable, confidence-boosting

The Founders’ Story: From Ski Slopes to High Fashion

The inception of Confitex is as remarkable as its products. The brand was founded by Mark Davey and Frantisek Riha-Scott, both accomplished alpine ski racers from New Zealand. Their journey began with the unique experience of spending long hours on the mountain, sealed in spandex racing suits, keenly aware of the difficulties in managing bathroom breaks in extreme conditions.

This personal insight, combined with conversations with friends and family who quietly confided their own struggles with bladder control, ignited a mission: to develop *attractive, effective, and reusable* incontinence underwear. What began as an answer to their own discomfort evolved into a solution for a much broader, underserved market.

After three years of intense research and development, and overcoming hurdles related to textile engineering, user feedback, and manufacturing, Confitex’s breakthrough was ready for public debut — and the fashion world was about to take notice.

Features of the Hi-Life Collection

• Diverse Styles: The collection includes options for both men and women, with styles such as briefs, bikini cuts, and a world-first G-string for light incontinence.
• Comfort and Discretion: Seams, finishes, and materials mirror high-end lingerie, ensuring that the underwear remains sleek under clothing and comfortable against the skin.
• Range of Absorbency: Products are available with light, moderate, and maximum absorption options to suit varying needs throughout the day and night.
• Machine Washable: All products endure regular washing, promising longevity and value.

The brand’s retail lineup features prices in the range of $34.90 per pair, positioning Confitex products as both accessible and aspirational.

Rethinking Incontinence: Who Benefits?

Incontinence isn’t just an issue for the elderly; it may affect young adults, athletes, pregnant women, and those living with neurological conditions or medical challenges (such as dementia, strokes, or diabetes). Despite the diversity of those affected, conversation and innovation in this field often lag behind other health and lifestyle arenas.

For those with temporary or chronic incontinence, Confitex offers a

dignified alternative

to disposable products, which can be environmentally damaging and expensive over the long term. Some people with severe incontinence may use upwards of eight single-use pads or diapers daily, creating significant landfill waste and associated costs.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

• Disposable incontinence products contribute billions of non-biodegradable items to landfills annually, often taking up to 500 years to decompose.
• Confitex’s washable, durable fabric lowers environmental impact, echoing larger trends in eco-friendly fashion.
• The brand joins a wave of companies prioritizing sustainability, responsible sourcing, and circular design.

Beyond the Catwalk: Social Empowerment and Visibility

Confitex’s runway debut was groundbreaking, not only for its fashion-forward designs but for its cultural impact. The show challenged conventional norms, providing representation for a demographic often overlooked or seen as outside the fashion mainstream.

Initiatives to bring functional fashion like this to center stage support broader dialogues on:

• Body positivity and self-acceptance
• Breaking down stigmas around health issues
• Championing *invisible illnesses* and the people who live with them

Media coverage praised Confitex for tackling a sensitive topic with both pragmatism and beauty, highlighting real people with real stories. Every runway walk served as a form of advocacy, encouraging others to seek stylish solutions without guilt or shame.

FAQs About Incontinence Lingerie and Confitex

What makes Confitex underwear different from regular incontinence products?

Confitex uses a patented three-layer technology that makes their underwear discreet, stylish, and highly absorbent without the use of bulk or disposable inserts. They can be machine-washed and reused, unlike most disposable products.

Who can benefit from incontinence lingerie?

Anyone experiencing bladder leaks — whether young or old, male or female, temporarily or permanently — can benefit, especially those looking for attractive, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternatives.

How much liquid does Confitex underwear hold?

The absorbency depends on the style, with light-absorbency underwear holding up to a teaspoon at one time and up to five teaspoons over a day, while moderate options can hold about half a cup of liquid at once.

How do you care for Confitex underwear?

They’re fully machine washable. Simply wash them as you would regular underwear; avoid bleach or fabric softeners for best longevity.

Is incontinence a common condition?

Yes. Approximately half of all women in the United States will experience incontinence at some point, with one in ten men also affected.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Lingerie Through Innovation

The debut of Confitex’s absorbent lingerie at New Zealand Fashion Week was more than a fashion moment — it signaled a paradigm shift in how we define, discuss, and design for everyday realities. By blending science, style, and a message of empowerment, Confitex challenges the notion that incontinence means compromise.

This revolution in design invites everyone to experience confidence — on the runway, and in their daily lives — no matter what challenges they face.