Perhaps not quite as iconic as the age-old “boxer or brief” question, the pull-on or tab-style brief debate for those managing incontinence can be just as important.

To figure out which kind of adult diaper will work best for you or your loved one, we’ll explain the differences between the two styles and share some reasons why people choose one over the other.

What’s the difference between pull-on and tab-style diapers?

Pull-on style adult diapers slip on just like regular washable underwear and include an absorbent core to prevent leaks. Many styles and absorbencies exist, and you may find them also called protective underwear or incontinence underwear. This is the most popular style of incontinence protection.  

If you are someone who still prefers to use the toilet whenever possible, and you think of diapers more as a safety net for when you can’t make it to the toilet in time, a pull-on style might be a great fit for you. Pull-on diapers allow for easy trips to the bathroom and, as the name suggests, can be pulled up and down multiple times a day, just like regular underwear thanks to the stretchable waistband and sides.  

Pull-on diapers also traditionally boast a slimmer, more discreet profile, making them a great option to wear under a wide variety of clothing. Additionally, NorthShore’s top-selling GoSupreme Pull-On Diaper features unique built-in elastics at the waist and legs, providing a closer fit to the body – perfect for reduced bulk and additional leak protection on more active days. 

While pull-on diapers are a great solution for a lot of people, they pose a few notable difficulties for anyone with heavier or total incontinence who may prefer a tab-style brief.  

Diaper-style or tab-style briefs typically offer the best leak protection with the most absorbency. These adult diapers open at the sides and are fastened using tape or hook and loop tabs. They can be made with a plastic backing for additional odor protection or a breathable cloth-like backsheet like pull-on diapers.  

Many choose diaper-style briefs for their additional capacity, but another reason to consider tab-style is the ease of changes. If you’re a caregiver helping a loved one with changes, someone dealing with mobility issues, or need to change your absorbent products away from home during the day, the open tabs can make changes much easier. In most situations to put on a pull-on, you have to completely take off your pants and shoes – a step that is not required for changing any tab-style diaper brief. Because the tabs can be adjusted, it can also be easier to get a secure fit with diaper-style briefs versus pull-on underwear as the elastic waistband can stretch.  

Our favorite adult diaper, and the best pick for heavy incontinence, is our best-selling MegaMax Overnight Diaper Style Brief with Tabs. The combination of all-day or all-night comfort, odor protection, and leak protection offered by a tab-style adult brief like MegaMax is simply unmatched. 

We also recommend tab-style briefs for anyone managing bowel incontinence. Since a bowel void cannot be absorbed into the core of the diaper, the side tabs are preferred for managing changes. You’ll also want to choose a plastic-backed diaper rather than a cloth-backed for extra odor protection.