A new Canadian brand, SLEAKS, appeared on Dragon’s Den (November 2025) and it’s already changing the conversation around bladder health with the its washable leakproof underwear. The line is thoughtfully designed for today’s women navigating everything from postpartum recovery to perimenopause and menopause. At the helm is Kathy Vurinaris, a fashion industry visionary.
Drawing on her successful career in fashion and product design, Vurinaris set out to create washable underwear that looks and feels like everyday underwear while delivering reliable leak protection. The result is SLEAKS, an innovative Canadian-designed product helping to redefine bladder leak protection and restoring confidence for women on the go.
What makes SLEAKS leak-proof?
Unlike period underwear, SLEAKS is engineered specifically for bladder leaks using patented Aqualok™ leak-proof pouch technology, multi-layer absorbency, and breathable bamboo fabrics designed to keep moisture away from the body.
While bladder leaks affect 1 in 3 women, the topic is still often brushed aside. Too many women continue to rely on bulky disposables or period underwear that simply isn’t made for the kind of protection we need…or want. SLEAKS founder Kathy Vurinaris set out on a mission to offer a better solution, inspired by her own mother, who refused to wear traditional “adult diapers.”
She wanted underwear that delivers discreet, dependable support when women need it most. After all, we know all too well that bladder leakage can happen at various stages in our lives.
So what makes this brand unique? We check in with Vurinaris to learn more!
How is SLEAKS different from other leakproof undergarments in the marketplace today?
Vurinaris: SLEAKS has created a patented waterproof pouch that sets it apart from all other leakproof underwear in the market. This pouch has a small keyhole that the liquid enters, it is then absorbed into multiple layers of absorbent fabric. The liquid is locked in the pouch so that it feels dry to the touch all day. We also have a boost pad that can be inserted into the pouch doubling the amount that can be absorbed.
Typical period underwear absorbs 38ml, while SLEAKS absorbs 75ml in the underwear alone, and an additional 72ml with the pad insert for a total of 142ml. Or 3X the average period underwear. SLEAKS is also tested with urine, not blood which has completely different viscosity.
You have had a successful career in the garment industry – why did you decide to venture on your own?
Vurinaris: There are 2 reasons why I decided to start SLEAKS.
First, I aged out of work. I had to take some personal time for illness about 8 years ago, and when I returned to the job market, no-one was willing to hire me. Women who have had an executive position who are looking for work in their midlife face serious ageism. I knew if I wanted to continue working, I had to start my own thing. I was also conscious that in my career, I had contributed tons of landfill with fast fashion and beauty, and I wanted to do something that was sustainable.
SLEAKS was something that did that. Each pair is good for 100 washes, so if we convert someone from disposables to washables, each pair can potentially divert up to 20kg of non-biodegradeable waste from landfill.
While I was looking for my next opportunity, I also moved my mother into a home. She is independent and physically capable but using a walker. She was moving from her home that had an ensuite bathroom and was nervous about making it in the middle of the night so me asked to take her to the drug store to find a solution.
Standing with her in front of the incontinence aisle, she looked at me and said, “ I am not wearing diapers, you need to design something better”. Being a product development executive (formerly with Club Monaco and Joe Fresh) and familiar with the drug and grocery retail space. I knew I could do better and I saw a real gap in the market. That is how SLEAKS was born!
How did the appearance on Dragon’s Den help?
Vurinaris: Dragons Den was great for the exposure to SLEAKS, and many of the clips of my segment went viral on social media. Unfortunately, the deal I negotiated hasn’t happened. Our official launch was actually the day of the airing of my Dragons Den segment and we definitely saw a nice spike in sales. We have been able to leverage the clips from the show.
Where can we get them? SLEAKS washable leakproof underwear is available at sleaks.ca
Watch SLEAKS on Dragon’s Den here.
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General Facts About Incontinence: (source: The Canadian Continence Foundation)
Almost half the Canadian population does not know what the word “incontinence” means, despite the fact that 3.3 million Canadians experience it!
There are three types of incontinence: Stress, Urge, and Overflow
Incontinence is not a disease. It is a symptom of something else going on in the body, and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
In one study, 74.5% of respondents reported that day-to-day activities had been modified at least a little because of urine leakage.
People suffering with incontinence experience various emotions during. incontinence—84.3% reported feeling embarrassment, 73.4% reported feeling discouraged, and 83.1% reported feelings of frustration.
Most Common Causes of Incontinence:
- Weakening of the pelvic floor
- Perimenopause and Menopause
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Obesity
- Hereditary
You can learn more about incontinence here.
Next Read: Gorgeous Canadian Swimwear Brands We Love
(Lead in photo: Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash