What's the deal with fitted diapers?

What is it?
A fitted diaper is a diaper made with absorbent fabric sewn together into a diaper shape, but not covered with a waterproof shell. You must add a separate cover to create a completely waterproof diaper. Because the entire diaper is absorbent and not just the insert or soaker, it generally is one of the most absorbent types of diapers available.  Fitted diapers may be all one piece, where all of the absorbency is sewn in, or it may come with a separate soaker that needs to be snapped or laid in. Sometimes the soakers are multiple layers that can have layers added or removed to create custom absorbency. Fitted diapers are very popular as a nighttime solution when paired with a PUL or wool cover. Around the house, some parents use fitted diapers without covers during the day and simply change the diaper when the outside gets damp. This allows the child to have a high amount of air circulation and is great for preventing diaper rash or helping clear up existing rashes.

Fitteds, especially those that are WAHM (work-at-home-mom) made, are often made with cute or even hard-to-find fabric prints.  Sometimes these prints or diapers even become collectible and are sold and resold at much higher prices than the original diaper was sold for by the diaper maker. A common question with fitteds that use prints is...why? Why have a cute diaper that has to be covered up with a separate cover? The answer is simple: because it's cute - the same reason one might wear cute underwear they cover with clothes! Additionally, since many parents use them coverless during the day at home, they get to enjoy the prints during that time. 

What do they look like?

 SBish snapless fitted

Thirsties Fab fitted

Tangerine Baby fitted; inside showing two-layer snap-in soaker

Tangerine Baby fitted

Tetro fitted with tie closure

What size do they come in? How do they close?

These can be sized or one-size and may close with snaps or velcro, though most close with snaps. Some are also snapless, meaning they need pins or a Snappi to close. A few rare brands close with ties.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros
Very absorbent, very breathable, often made with very cute fabric, often have a high resale value

Cons
Need a separate cover, can be bulky, can be pricey

How do I care for my fitted diapers?
Most fitted diapers are made of natural fibers and need to be washed 5-6 times prior to use.  After prepping, wash using your normal cloth diaper wash routine. Be sure to attach the laundry tabs for velcro diapers. 

What are common brands of fitted diapers?
Goodmama
Twinkie Tush
BagShotRowBamboo
Monkey Snuggles
BuBuBeBe
SBish
Kissaluvs
Thirsties Fab Fitteds