Clothing and Pee Funnels
I hate getting my butt out to pee. If you’re in nature, bugs bite you and the weather weathers you. And in a more social setting, everyone can see your butt, and maybe more. No thanks. When I use a stand-to-pee (STP) device, it feels like a cheat code. I have privacy, warmth, and an unbitten butt! The clothing I wear definitely impacts that experience. Here’s a guide to how different items of clothing affect pee funnel use.
Zippered Pants or Shorts (or even Zippered Skirts)
Most STPs are designed to work with zippered pants. There’s a few ways to do this. Look at the pamphlet that comes with your model to determine what is best. Here are some different ways to approach pants:
IMPORTANT NOTE: for any of these methods to work, remember that the pee funnel must be pointed down. Clothing will push it up. That will make it spill. Don’t rush, and adjust until it is in the correct position.
Option 1: Undo your button and zipper. Least discreet, definitely the easiest. I suggest trying this first. Pull the front of your pants and underwear down as far as you need to in order to keep the pee funnel pointed down.
Option 2: Go in through the fly; do not unbutton. Rearrange underwear or go through the fly of your underwear. Most discreet; least undressing. You will still need to adjust the STP under you. This approach only works with certain models: Pstyle, Pibella, Venus to Mars, Tinkle Belle, SheWee, and Freshette can do this.
Option 3: For funnels like the SuAmiga: go in through the waistband and pull the tip out through the fly. This is easier in looser pants as you still have to position the funnel under you without squishing it.
Men’s pants have larger flies than women’s. Some people report using men’s pants in situations where they plan to use an STP for this reason. And of course, men’s underwear can be easier because it has an opening at the front. It was designed for this! But if you prefer women’s jeans and panties, have no fear. You’ll just have to tug them down a bit, and/or do a little squirming. This is easier with a harder pee funnel.
I thought I was the queen of peeing upright because I practiced mainly in dresses (which is what I like to wear). The first time I went through the zipper I peed all over myself. It wasn’t really too hard to adjust, but don’t be discouraged if this happens!
Dresses and Skirts
Unless a dress or skirt is incredibly tight, this is much easier than pants! Lift the front and adjust your underwear. The downside is that you will expose your front somewhat.
Long or voluminous dresses obviously mean that you’ll have to hold up more fabric. Practice maneuvering your STP with one hand. You can also often hold the fabric of the dress under one arm, leaving that hand free.
So if a skirt or a dress IS really tight, you’d have a wiggle it up (or down, for some skirts). That would work, but leave you in the open. I’d say consider your event and bathroom plans when making wardrobe choices. Some outfits are tricky for pee funnels!
Elastic Waist Pants, Shorts, and Leggings
You will have to pull the front down in order to keep the STP below you and pointed down.
I do not recommend squishy pee funnels for this, as they may get mushed by the elastic or the tight clothing. A trough model like Pstyle, Venus to Mars or Tinkle Belle will be easier. Pibella will also work. SheWee Extreme, Freshette, or EllaPee are also good.
I found high-waisted elastic pants the hardest thing to pee in. But I learned! If this is your look, anything is possible with practice.
Front-to-Back Zipper Pants
I cover these in the Resources section, because they are the GOAT. Just unzip the zipper as far as you need and you are good to go!
These are designed so you can squat without pulling down your pants, so they are also good for pooping or dealing with period issues in the wild.
You can get these beauties at Gnara or Ziphers. Ziphers is also available on Amazon.
Cold Weather Clothing
You want a hard funnel that will not bend or lose its shape when you’re dealing with layers. I’ve heard good reports about the pStyle for this purpose, because it is very easy to position even when wrangling layers and it is definitely hard.
Freshette is designed to withstand very cold temperatures and that 7-inch tube is long enough to stick out through layers.
Although I struggled with the SheWee Extreme, I will say, it is hard, it does have an extension tube, and it slides into pants very easily. If it works for you, it’s a great option.
Everything Else
Peeing in high heels with a pee funnel is fun, but remember to balance carefully! If your shoes are tricky, practice first.
With a one piece bathing suit or a onesie that doesn’t have legs, just pull the crotch out of the way. With a onesie that has legs, or a bodysuit, I don’t know what to tell you.
If you’ll be carrying a purse, a crossbody bag is significantly easier to manage as opposed to a shoulder bag. A backpack is obviously the best.
Many of these products either come with cases that have carabiners or the company sells them. On a hike, it’s pretty convenient to hook it to your pack.
Ask whether you need to carry the STP on your person, and plan for pockets accordingly.
Real talk: are you going to be under the influence? Wear something easy to pee in.
Know your environment, and know thyself! Are you going to be very uncomfortable lifting up a dress to pee? Get a device that works with pants. Can’t master the through-the-fly-method, but feel self-conscious about completely undoing your pants? Get zipper pants.
Practice in any article of clothing you plan to wear when you might use an STP.
Do you have a tricky uniform, unusual gear, or a unique clothing situation? I’d love to expand this section. Contact Maz at gostandingup@gmail.com