Plastic pants
Plastic pants (also known as waterproof pants, plastic panties, diaper dovers, nappy covers, dry joggers, nappy wraps, wraps, or pilchers) are garments worn over a diaper to prevent liquid or solid waste from leaking through the fabric. They are waterproof with a plastic texture, rather than a soft napkin texture. Today, plastic pants are usually made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU).
The availability of inexpensive, and easily manufactured, man-made waterproof materials since the 1950s has greatly improved the quality of life of those with continence problems.
History
During the early 20th century, oiled silk was utilized as a waterproofing agent in adult clothing. However, the popularity of wearing protective garments increased with the widespread availability of latex rubber in the 1920s. For managing heavy menstruation cycles, ladies' panties were equipped with a waterproof latex crotch insert or a waterproof panel at the back of an underskirt. Originally, diaper covers were crafted from oiled wool, known for its natural waterproof properties.
In the 1950s, plastics, particularly PVC, replaced latex due to their lower cost, ease of maintenance, and reduced noise during handling. Despite the shift to plastics, the historical use of latex has influenced the modern terminology. Terms like "Rubber pants" and "Rubbers" are commonly used to refer to various types of waterproof pants, even though they are typically made of plastic nowadays.
The introduction of superabsorbent polymers for diapers and incontinence pads, along with blood-gelling polymers for sanitary pads, significantly displaced traditional cloth diapers and pads. These modern absorbent materials were lighter, less bulky, and often incorporated integral waterproof plastic backing, providing an all-in-one solution. This advancement eliminated the need for separate waterproof underwear in many cases. Nonetheless, waterproof pants still serve as a secondary defense for situations where absolute protection from leakage is essential.
Effectiveness
The development of plastic pants contributed significantly to juvenile fashion. Until the late 1950s, infants of both sexes usually wore short dresses until they were ready for toilet training thus avoiding the risks to clothing and hygiene of having top clothes in prolonged close contact with a damp or soiled diaper. Effective and easily obtainable waterproofing – whether integral with the pad or as separate pants – safely allowed a child to be dressed in trousers.
See also
| Headwear | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neckwear | |||||||||
| Tops | |||||||||
| Trousers | |||||||||
| Suits and uniforms | |||||||||
| Dresses and gowns |
| ||||||||
| Skirts | |||||||||
| Underwear and lingerie |
| ||||||||
| Coats and outerwear |
| ||||||||
| Nightwear | |||||||||
| Swimwear | |||||||||
| Footwear | |||||||||
| Legwear | |||||||||
| Accessories | |||||||||
| Dress codes |
| ||||||||
| Related | |||||||||
