A protective undergarment includes a sling that is suspended from an outer shell. The sling forms a pocket in which a reusable or disposable absorbent pad can be positioned. The sling has arcuate, stitched end edges at both the front and the rear of the sling. The garment thus fits better will less chance that portions of the sling at opposite ends of the pocket will be exposed to moisture. The sling can also be attached to and detached from the garment by using hook and loop fasteners that can be partially covered so that abrasive corners are not exposed. The same overlying layers can be used on tabs for securing the protective undergarment around the waist.