Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Protective Underwear Review

 *For more information on how I do reviews see Diaper Test Methodology

 

Summary

For this review I’ll be revisiting the category of youth-focused products as a followup to my review of the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T. In this review I’ll be covering the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T to provide a more complete assessment of the Pull-Ups lineup. Although on the surface the two gendered products appear to mostly vary by backsheet design, the padding design differs in each with gender-targeted protection similar to the differences between the Goodnites Boys and Girls. When reviewing the Goodnites product I did find a small but notable difference in performance between the two so these two reviews may also add some credibility to those findings. There’s been a lot of attention toward larger youth products since my first review of this category and I understand they have benefits in terms of cost savings and filling a sizing gap between baby and adult products with limited market selection. Once again, my focus on these reviews will be assessing the largest of youth products on the market and determining whether any of these will work for larger youth/small adults. Obviously my review will have some flaws as I typically fit small/medium adult products so I do my best to extrapolate to performance for scaled down sizing.

I refer to Pull-Ups as protective underwear, but in reality they don’t quite fit the category of being protective underwear or a diaper. Rather they are a hybrid product that can be used as protective underwear by pulling them up or down, or you can use the hook & loop fasteners on the sides to change them like a diaper without removing clothing. This is a unique feature that I haven’t really come across in my reviews of primarily adult focused products. It may reflect Pull-Ups marketed purpose for toilet training as a product for transitioning out of diapers. Like the boys version there is a day and night version of the girls, this review covers the day version where the night version should be more absorbent. In terms of fit, these are again surprising and should fit significantly above the suggested weight range. I found the stretchy sides on the girls to be maybe a hint tighter than the boys version but I was still able to “wear” them for an extended time without fail, which is quite amazing given my relative size. It was far from a good fit for me and the low rise up the waist would be the biggest issue above a certain height. However, I did get a good idea of the limits of this product and, like the boys' version, feel it could reasonably work for someone up to 110 lbs (50 kg) with a waist of 24~26” (61-66 cm). Absorbency could be the biggest issue as they’re prone to leaking above a 300 ml (10 oz) wetting and these came out slightly less absorbent than the boys version, but if they fit and that absorbency is sufficient they can be purchased at a rather affordable unit price. I’d like to give a special thanks for the suggestion and donation that supported this review! Once again, all donations and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Key Features:

• Cloth-like backsheet
• Dual waistbands
• Colorful Disney character prints
• Standing inner leak guards
• Wetness indicator
• Refastenable sides
  

Pros:

• Comfortable and breathable
• Easy to change
• Highly flexible/durable

Cons:

• Low absorbency
• Thin mid/rear padding, susceptible to pressout leaks
• Very small sizing (this product is designed for youths)

 

Product Details

For the purpose of this post I will be reviewing and referring to the medium-sized 5T-6T sized Pull-Ups Girls Protective Underwear. However, other available sizes are listed below:

Packaging

Brand: Huggies Pull-Ups
Manufacturer: Kimberly-Clark Corp
Origin: USA
Units Per Bag: 14
Cost Per Unit: $
Dimensions (L x W x H): 15 cm (5.9") x 11 cm (4.3") x 23 cm (9.1")
Weight: 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Available Sizes: 2T-3T,3T-4T,4T-5T,5T-6T
Advertised Absorbency: Day-Time

1.1 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Packaging

Diaper

Backsheet: Cloth-like (non-woven)
Wetness Indicator: Yes (blue instrument outline at crotch, fades when wet)
Standing Inner Leak Guards: Yes
Leg Gathers: Yes
Product Style: Hybrid Protective Underwear
Refastenable Tabs: Yes
Number of Tapes: 1
Repositionable Tabs: Yes
Outer Color: Purple (Disney Minnie Mouse patterns)
Inner Color: White (purple sides)
Front Waistband: Yes
Rear Waistband: Yes
Folded Thickness: 1.2 cm (0.47")
Folded Length: 23 cm (9.1")
Dry Weight: 40 g (1.4 oz)
Fragrance: No
Diaper Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 53 cm (20.9") x 28 cm (11") x 16.5 cm (6.5") x 27 cm (10.6")
Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Rectangular, Rectangular
Padding Dimensions (L x fW x mW x bW): 42 cm (16.5") x 10.5 cm (4.1") x 8 cm (3.2") x 9 cm (3.5")
Padding Wing Dimensions (fPW x fPH x bPW x bPH): 1.3 cm (0.5") x 8 cm (3.2") x 0.5 cm (0.2") x 8 cm (3.2")
Padding Wing Shape (Front, Rear): Semicircle, Semicircle
Total Padding Area: 364 cm² (56 in²)
Tape Spacing (t1): 1 cm (0.4")
Tape (W x L): 11.5 cm (4.5") x 1.5 cm (0.6")

1.2 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Protective Underwear

Laboratory Absorbency Tests

Total Absorption Volume (after press out): 435 ml (15.3 oz)
Total Absorption Volume (before press out): 510 ml (18 oz)
Time to Absorb Wettings (first to last): (47 s, 44 s)
Wet Folded Thickness: 3 cm (1.2")
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 100%
Total Padding to Absorbency Ratio: 1.2 ml / cm² (0.27 oz / in²)
Press Out Volume: 75 ml (2.7 oz)

Surface Dampness Rating: 5

The padding in the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T appeared to be slightly less resistant to surface dampness than the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T. In the lab test, a bit of moisture appeared on the paper towel test in the girls version whereas the boys version showed nothing at the same point. I did find overall absorbency to be less in this protective underwear compared with the boys version so I suspect those minor differences caused this result. In real world testing, it wasn’t too different from the Goodnites XL in terms of performance.

2.1 Wet vs Dry Diaper After Capacity Test

2.2 Used vs Unused Padding After Capacity Test

"Real World" Absorbency Tests

Posture Tests

Standing-Sitting

Total Absorbed Volume: 370 ml (13.1 oz)
Total Wettings: (1 standing)
Leaked After Sitting: Yes
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 100%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 1.02 ml / cm² (0.23 oz / in²)

Standing-Sitting Rating: 2
The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T matched the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T when standing and sitting, though I felt it experienced a little more pooling. The first wetting while standing really should have leaked, there was quickly substantial pooling that failed to subside. However, the leak guards kept it completely locked away. This may be a side-effect of being far too large for this product because the barriers created an ultra snug fit. Ironically, for those more appropriately sized leaks may have occurred at the same capacity due to a looser fit. In any case, there weren’t any leaks but pooling was obvious even when walking several minutes after. It was clear that it would leak upon sitting and, indeed, there was a significant leak almost immediately upon sitting. It was again less absorbent than the Goodnites, as you might expect but overall absorbency wasn’t too different from the Pull-Ups Boys version. For youth daily needs this is likely sufficient and total absorbency would be the best indicator on what to expect here. Once again, for consistency I’m rating this relative to the absorbency metrics I’ve established in this blog. Adjusted for youth needs I’d score this better, perhaps in the range of 6 or 7 with half of an adult bladder capacity to provide a reference.

Lying Down

Total Absorbed Volume: 365 ml (12.9 oz)
Total Wettings: 1
Used to Total Padding Ratio: 99%
Padding to Absorbency Score: 1.0 ml / cm² (0.23 oz / in²)

Lying Down Rating: 1

The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T performed similar to the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T when lying down. Again this protective underwear isn’t designed for bedwetting and there’s a night version or Goodnites product lines that fulfill that role. During the first wetting there was quick pooling and leakage out through the front leak guards into the wings. By the end of the wetting the padding was nearly completely saturated. Again, absorbency wasn’t considerably different from Goodnites L/XL Boys or Goodnites L/XL girls, even though both didn’t approach that level of saturation. However, this underwear ended up absorbing less than either of those two night products or the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T, suggesting slightly more absorbency in the boys version. Once again, I’m rating the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T according to the general standard in this blog, which matches it to adult diapers. When adjusted for youth needs, performance would be considered significantly better and it would be better to look at overall absorbency to assess the performance relative to other products in this category.

2.3 Pattern of Used vs Unused Padding Test Stand/Sit (right) Lying Down (left)

Daily Wear and Bedwetting

Having previously reviewed the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T, I had a pretty good idea for what to expect from the girls version. The challenge I had with these reviews is that I’m a lot larger than the intended weight range. Nevertheless, the ultra stretchy sides used on these meant I was actually able to pull these up and functionally try them for testing. The feel was what I would expect from a smaller version of the Goodnites XL. Surprisingly, absorbency wasn’t considerably different from the Goodnites Girls XL even though the target weight range and use for the two products is quite different. It would seem many of the youth-focused products produced by Kimberly-Clark have the same core padding structure with only a modest increase in length at about 5 cm (2”) but very similar thicknesses between the Goodnites XL and Pull-Ups 5T-6T. I’ll again note that the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T has dimensions at about 80% of the Goodnites XL, so extrapolating downward based on the more generous Goodnites sizing, these could probably fit someone up to 110 lbs (50 kg) with a waist of 24~26” (61~66 cm) and still feel reasonably comfortable and manage moderate incontinence. This could make it a good choice for larger youths with special needs or very small adults, though in either case I’d recommend using it with a booster pad. Neither product is exceptionally absorbent and both are susceptible to pressout moisture when sitting after a wetting. In this case, with the core focus being on toilet training that’s probably fine as you’d expect it to be wet less frequently and changed more frequently when accidents do occur. Compared with the boys version the ultra absorbent core on the girls Pull-Ups 5T-6T is about 3 cm (1.2”) shorter at 17 cm (6.7”) vs 20 cm (7.9”) for the boys. The core padding on the girls version is also located 5 cm (2”) below the front edge of the padding vs 1 cm (0.4”) down on the boys version. This matches up with the gender differences observed between the Girls and Boys Goodnites XL and also explains why this one appeared a little more susceptible to surface dampness and slightly less absorbent in spite of the other measurements being nearly identical. When tested during daily wear I found these could manage a wetting while standing, but were far more prone to leaks upon sitting as well as initial pooling that put them at risk of leaks. With a smaller bladder (wettings of 250 m / 8.5 oz or less) or light/moderate leaks this protective underwear should manage just fine in daily wear so long as it can be changed before a second wetting. I wouldn’t recommend it for overnight wear given the rear padding isn’t great at absorption and there’s a Pull-Ups Night version or Goodnites that target bedwetting. From the perspective of someone well above the weight range, it’s nice to know that these can work and would be a feasible, if imperfect option, if I were really stuck for options and couldn’t find a larger product. Yet, I wouldn’t expect them to fit much larger than 38” hips or a 32” waist (though I’ve heard some suggestions to extend the waist fit via cutting/chaining the wings, which I’ll try to cover in a future youth product review). All said, the boys version provides a bit more value in terms of theoretical absorbency, but again these do come out quite a bit cheaper than Goodnites or adult diapers so if you find they actually work for your needs then you could gain considerable savings by using these over the alternatives.

Suitability for Bowel Incontinence: 6

The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T should perform similar to the Pull-Ups Boys 5T-6T when it comes to managing bowel leakage. Again, compared with the similar Goodnites product, the easy-change sides will be a plus in this case as the protective underwear can be removed without having to pull it all the way down (which could be messy after a bowel movement). Again, these have key features for bowel management like standing inner leak guards and dual waistbands. Though they also have a breathable design that could make them susceptible to odors. All in all, these are probably better suited for this purpose than regular protective underwear, but not quite as well suited as regular diapers.

 

Wear & Tear Tests

Fitting

The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T is designed for a weight range of 46-60 lbs (21-27 kg) and joins the boys version at the largest end of the Pull-Ups lineup. Again, the target range for this product is clearly targeted at youths. With that said, the flexibility of the product means it could actually fit very small adults or teens and there’s a generous amount of give above the 60 lbs (27 kg) limit. These can be thought of as a scaled down version of Goodnites in terms of fit. However, unlike Goodnites, these have refastenable side panels similar to what you’d find on diapers, making it more of a hybrid diaper-protective underwear design. In this way they can be changed like a diaper or pulled on like protective underwear. What’s notable is that the hook & loop fasteners are located on the front wings rather than the rear wings like you’d find in regular diapers. The rise on these is very low, ideally suited for those at or under 4 ft 10” (147 cm) tall. Yet the elastic sides, leg gathers and waistbands will support much larger waists up to 31” (78 cm) or more.

3.1 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Fastener

Ease-of-Use Rating: 9

You won’t find any difference in terms of ease-of-use between the Pull-Ups 5T-6T boys or girls protective underwear. The premise is pretty simple, you can pull them up and down like regular underwear or attach/detach the sides to change into/out of them like you would a diaper. These have a wetness indicator that appears as the blue/green outline of an instrument below the crotch that fades when wet. Again, the biggest challenge to these is in the fastener alignment if you want to put one on like you would a diaper. With the fastener on the front and facing outward you really need to get a perfect alignment of the fastener and the leading edge of the rear wing to get a proper fit. Pulling too much can lead to the rear wing overhanging the front, making it more at risk of being torn off. However, again I don’t weigh this heavily against the Pull-Ups product since this isn’t their core use case and the hybrid design is already a big market differentiator in its own right.

3.2 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Protective Underwear Fit

Comfort

Comfort Rating (dry): 9

There’s no substantial difference between the girls and boys Pull-Ups in terms of comfort when dry, which mirrors the feel of Goodnites. Consequently I rate them the same in this regard. This is accounting for a sizing that fits its target weight range. They were clearly too small for me, but I was able to get a good sense of the feel because I was able to wear them successfully. These are very flexible and highly breathable. They don’t have edges that are likely to cause much irritation. The padding is quite thin, but robust and not likely to clump or tear. Also, the design with the hook & loop fasteners facing outward makes them less likely to come into contact with the wearer’s skin.

Comfort Rating (wet): 6

There was no perceptible difference in wet comfort between the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T and the boys version even though this one did appear a little more prone to surface dampness. The padding structure in these and the Goodnites products is all very similar. The padding is quite thin, but durable, yet quite susceptible to pressout moisture in the mid-section/rear. Surface dampness was the biggest comfort detractor; I didn’t notice any additional clumping or tearing when wet. Otherwise, overstretching in the sides could cause some susceptibility to sagging after extended wear, but I wouldn’t consider that to be too big an issue for this level of absorbency.

3.3 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Topsheet and Backsheet

Durability

Dry Padding Deterioration Proportion: 8% (topsheet), 12% (backsheet)
Shake Deterioration Test: 3 shakes to deterioration

Durability Rating (dry): 9

I rate the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T highly when it comes to dry durability. The sides on this protective underwear are incredibly durable. I managed to not only wear these, but also exercise in them without any issue with the sides coming apart or significant padding deterioration. That’s saying something, because I was far too large for these and someone of appropriate fit will surely find them even more durable. What I did find was that the sides can overstretch a bit after a period of extended wear, which might result in them coming loose. With the refastenable sides any looseness could be accommodated by making an adjustment on the wing attachment. In fact, I tried refastening these several times and the fasteners will indeed hold together without much impact from multiple fastening.

Durability Rating (wet): 8

There was little difference in durability between the wet and dry state of the Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T. I found the padding was virtually identical in both states. Though I would say these are slightly prone to sagging after extended wear because the sides can lose a bit of their flexibility. Then again, it was a pretty minor issue. These don’t have a huge amount of absorbency so the weight of the wet Pull-Up is unlikely to have much impact on its structure and you’re unlikely to notice a breakdown during active wear even when wet.

3.4 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Dry Test Deterioration

Discretion Tests

Profile

Front Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")
Back Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")
Side Rise Above Waistline (Jeans, Sweatpants): 0 cm (0"), 0 cm (0")

Profile Discretion Rating: 10

The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T has the profile of scaled down Goodnites. The Goodnites products are designed for discretion and while these perhaps target a younger market where discretion may be less sensitive they inherently have a very discreet profile. The padding is thin and the waistline raise is relatively low in proportion to its sizing. The obvious caveat here is that they do have colorful Disney Characters on the backsheet, which would stand out if they were seen.

4.1 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Jeans Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

4.2 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Sweats Profile (left) vs Normal Underwear (right)

 

Noise

Noise Rating: 10

The Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T again matches the boys version for noise discretion. These are made of a very flexible material that doesn’t produce much in terms of the resistance that would typically result in noise. I can’t say I noticed much or any sound when walking or sitting. Though it is possible for the hook & loop fasteners to produce noise if shifted, they’re quite resilient and I didn’t notice any during my testing.

4.3 Pull-Ups Girls 5T-6T Noise Profile

Odor Reduction

Odor Reduction Rating: 5

I can’t say the Pull-Ups 5T-6T or Goodnites products are really great with odor discretion. They don’t have any added fragrance but a very breathable design. The padding coverage is also quite thin and of a limited area. The rear padding in particular is quite prone to surface dampness and will give off odors when wet. However, for a product that focuses on toilet training as its primary purpose odor reduction may be less of a concern.

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