Plastic pants (also known aswaterproof pants,plastic panties,diaper covers,nappy covers,dry joggers,nappy wraps,wraps, orpilchers) are garments worn over adiaper to prevent liquid or solid waste from leaking through the fabric. They arewaterproof with a plastic texture, rather than a soft napkin texture. Plastic pants are usually made out ofpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) orpolyurethane (PU).[citation needed]
Since the 1950s, it can be used by those withcontinence problems.[citation needed] Some plastic pants have elasticated legs and waists, while others have poppers or snaps on the side.[1]
Originally, diaper covers were crafted from oiled wool.[citation needed] During the early 20th century, oiledsilk was utilized as a waterproofing agent in adultclothing. The popularity of wearing protective garments increased with the widespread availability oflatex rubber in the 1920s. For managing heavymenstruation cycles, the panties were equipped with a waterproof latex crotch insert or a waterproof panel at the back of an underskirt.
In the 1950s, plastics, particularlyPVC, replacedlatex due to their lower cost, maintenance, and noise during handling. Though modern terminology, like "rubber pants" and "rubbers", is commonly used to refer to various types of waterproof pants.
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 the diaper.[citation needed]
