Maternity underwear supports your ever-changing body and keeps you comfortable from early pregnancy to postpartum. If you’re no longer satisfied with your everyday underwear, it’s time to invest in maternity underwear. Designed to accommodate your growing belly. Some pairs offer leak-proof panels or cooling panels to help deal with the various changes you experience during pregnancy, such as hormone-induced discharge, bladder leakage, and body temperature fluctuations.
According to Princess McKinney Kirk, a Phoenix-based postpartum doula and founder of postpartum abdominal support wrap BelliBind, the most important characteristics of maternity underwear are: flexibility and support. “Your stomach is bulging, your hips are widening, and everything seems to be changing, which is where stretchy underwear becomes your best friend,” says McKinney-Kirk. Maternity underwear can also help cradle your body while it heals after giving birth.
To create this list, we researched maternity underwear from name brands and consulted experts on what to look for. We also tried out many of the selected items, originally as part of our postpartum underwear test. We evaluated each product for comfort, fit, style, breathability, stretch, and support. Our picks fit a variety of budgets and tastes, and address a myriad of maternity-specific needs. When it comes to maternity underwear, ultimately prioritize what feels best for you.
our favorite maternity underwear
Why I liked it
These high-waisted shorts have everything you could want in a pair of underwear, both before and after the birth of your baby. When you’re expecting, Luxuriously soft micromodal The material (some say it feels like silk) stretches and contracts with your changing body. During childbirth recovery, Wide elastic waistband Provides just the right amount of support without being constricting.
The fabric is also OEKO-TEX certified. Free of potentially harmful chemicals. The high waist and forgiving low-cut thighs prevent C-section incisions and potential swelling, while the wide gusset accommodates postpartum maxi pads. Our postpartum tester noted, “This material isn’t a very dense weave, so it’s breathable and has plenty of airflow.”
But please be careful
Some wearers reported lack of butt coverage and frequent digging. Our testers noted that the material started to fall off after the first wear, and the seams caused noticeable panty lines under the leggings.
detail:
- style: high waist
- size: From S to XL
- material: OEKO-TEX 93% micromodal, 7% elastane
- Care instructions: Machine washable and dryable
Why I liked it
These jersey knit panties will grow with you. Think of the two as one for all your needs for comfort and support for your changing body. of Versatile wide waistband You can also wear it over your stomach for extra support or fold it down for comfort under your stomach. Available in a wide range of colors, the cotton and Lycra blend provides a forgiving fit and feel that reviewers call “excellent.” Soft, light and stretchy.
But please be careful
Some pregnant and postpartum women noted that it didn’t take long for their panties to stretch and loosen up a bit. Because the fabric is thin, the underwear will stay up when you pull it up over a step, but it may curl up even more when you fold it.
detail:
- style: above or below the stomach
- size: Small to 3x
- material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Care instructions: machine wash
Why I liked it
These over-the-vamp jersey knit shorts are Sizes up to 4X available Equipped with innovative features adjustable button design You can customize the size of the elastic waistband to accommodate your growing belly. The underwear is comfortable and provides good back coverage and full tummy coverage. Soft and breathable, provides sufficient expansion and good elasticity. Stretch without getting tired.
But please be careful
It’s less than $30 for a 5-pack, so don’t expect super high quality. Still, you only need about nine months worth of maternity underwear.
detail:
- style: on the stomach
- size: Small to 4X
- material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex. Crotch lining is 100% cotton.
- Care instructions: machine wash
Why I liked it
is known for worth the splurge For maternity wear made from soft-to-the-touch fabrics, Hatch’s seamless briefs are on point. Made from a blend of modal, nylon and elastane fabrics. full cover The briefs cover the abdomen to provide support and gentle compression, allowing for smooth movement. Comfortable enough to wear all day long, reviewers note that this underwear is also very useful when: Postpartum support.
But please be careful
Our tester said these expensive panties rolled down so much that he eventually “give up and just fold them.” The underwear’s fabric is also ribbed, so it may be perfect for those recovering from a C-section or those with sensitive skin.
detail:
- style: easy
- size: From small to extra large
- material: 84% Modal, 13% Nylon, 3% Elastane
- Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Why I liked it
These maternity shorts win major points softness and elasticitythanks to the cotton/spandex blend. Bodily’s style and fit eliminates any of the uncomfortable digging that is common with most under-the-tummy maternity panties. It’s low-cut so it doesn’t put pressure on your body, so it’s okay even if your stomach grows. without compression. After giving birth, it is also useful for c-section recovery since the waistline is low and does not irritate the healing scar.
But please be careful
The gusset is not very thick, so padding is necessary if leaks or stains occur. It also does not provide abdominal support.
detail:
- style: below the stomach
- size: Small to 3x
- material: OEKO-TEX certified micromodal
- Care instructions: Machine washable and dryable
Why I liked it
The blended fabric of these high-waisted maternity briefs is soft and breathable. Stretch for your stomach Perfect as you grow. Thanks to you seamless design and anti-roll waistbandalso creates a smooth, line-free silhouette under your favorite maternity clothes. It provides good bottom coverage and pulls up high enough to fit your growing bump, regardless of your gestational age. The fabric is thick enough to cover your newly exposed belly button.
But please be careful
These underwear tend to run a little smaller and the material isn’t very soft.
detail:
- style: super high waist
- size: Small/medium, large/extra large, 1X/2X
- material: 54% nylon, 43% modal, 3% spandex
- Care instructions: Machine washable and dryable
Why I liked it
I’m proud of these panties High absorbency Water-resistant outer fabric provides complete protection during pregnancy and postpartum. they are removes moisture from the body It has multiple layers of absorbent material to help cushion the temperature changes your body experiences. The classic fit provides just the right amount of coverage as you navigate the wonders of your new body.
Postpartum tester felt comfortable and safe By wearing it 24 hours a day during activities, he said, “I can now move around without worrying about the bulky pads.” These are not maternity panties, but they should be low-cut enough to sit comfortably under your stomach. Still, you may want to consider sizing up.
But please be careful
Because it’s absorbent and waterproof, it’s not as soft or breathable as other items. Our tester noted that it can retain heat, which can make you sweat a little.
detail:
- style: easy
- size: X-Small/Small, Medium/Large, X-Large
- material: External 75% nylon, 25% spandex. The top lining is 100% polyester. Lining is 70% polyester, 30% cotton. The bottom lining is 100% polyester.
- Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Why I liked it
Disposable underwear is ideal for those who suffer from leakage or discharge during pregnancy or postpartum. is made from non-toxic organic material Like OCS certified non-GMO cotton, it feels more like regular underwear than disposable. These briefs boast 12-hour leak protection and a curvaceous fit. The fabric is lightweight and has a built-in 4-layer core that absorbs odors and Can hold the same amount of liquid as 4 regular pads.
But please be careful
The elastic fits a little looser around the thighs, allowing for more coverage in the butt area.
detail:
- style: easy
- size: small/medium and large/extra large
- material: 100% certified organic cotton top sheet
- Care instructions: disposable
Why I liked it
This is light as a feather. Barely super lightweight Underwear can be used throughout pregnancy and early motherhood. of Breathable, soft and stretchy fabric Full-coverage styles help the underwear expand and grow during pregnancy and beyond. The waistband is also thick and doesn’t dig in, making it a style that won’t be noticeable even when worn under clothes.
But please be careful
High-cut brief styles may not be suitable for people with C-section scars. Also, if you want full back coverage, these panties are not for you. The fabric is thin so it doesn’t have much support.
detail:
- style: easy
- size: X-Small ~ 1X
- material: Body: 80% nylon, 20% spandex. Crotch lining is 100% cotton.
- Care instructions: Machine washable on gentle cycle, tumble dry
Why I liked it
Soft fabric is an attractive detail of these high-waisted briefs. Breathable cotton stretch body and 100% cotton crotch lining Supports sweating and comfort. Our tester relied on these during the healing process after a C-section complicated by painful skin irritation. The waistband stays in place so I didn’t have to readjust it multiple times. These panties provide support without being too constricting. “It didn’t feel tight on my body; it was stretchy but strong,” said a tester. If you go up a size, you can easily use it during pregnancy.
But please be careful
The amount of fabric used to create a comfortable high-waisted, full-back style makes these panties stand out under certain outfits.
detail:
- style: high waist
- size: X-Small ~ 3X
- material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex. Crotch lining is 100% cotton.
- Care instructions: machine wash
Our testing and review process
To determine the best maternity underwear for pregnancy and postpartum, we consulted experts on what to look for in maternity underwear and researched options from name brands. Some of the products on this list were also part of postnatal underwear testing conducted by our staff who had just given birth. When deciding which pairs belong to the list, we paid special attention to each of the following attributes:
- comfortable: We looked at how comfortable the underwear was in terms of waistband thickness and position, compression level, and fabric softness.
- fit: Keeping in mind the butt coverage and thigh hole size, I evaluated the fit and feel of the panties.
- Breathability: As it is common for body temperature to change during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, we evaluated how much breathability and moisture wicking the fabric could allow.
- support: We looked at whether the panties could provide light compression to help support the belly that grows during pregnancy and deflates postpartum.
- care: Although we preferred the machine wash option to make life easier, we also mentioned specific care instructions to ensure your panties last as long as possible.
our experts
We spoke to the following medical professionals and birth parents to find out what to look out for when choosing the right maternity underwear for your needs.
- Dr. Donna Adams Pickett, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Augusta, Georgia, and a recognized expert in the field of Black maternal and child health
- Audrey Blauvelt, a Boston-based mother who recently gave birth to a baby girl via C-section
- Princess McKinney Kirk is a Phoenix-based postpartum doula and CEO of postpartum belly wrap company BelliBind.
Factors to consider when buying maternity underwear
- Stages of pregnancy: During pregnancy, your belly expands to approximately 5 to 6 times its normal size. As the pelvic ligaments relax in preparation for the birth of a baby, your hips widen slightly and your buttocks widen, often requiring a larger size underwear. To avoid buying new underwear every six weeks or so, Dr. Pickett suggests choosing a pair with enough stretch to accommodate this rapid size increase.
- Comfort and safety: McKinney-Kirk recommends looking for soft materials that don’t dig in or constrict, and avoiding underwear that’s too tight to avoid putting too much pressure on your stomach or hips. “Tight underwear can cause discomfort and can also affect blood flow,” she warns. Dr. Pickett agreed, adding that pregnant women should avoid underwear that hangs over the bikini line, as it can cause chafing and irritation under the growing belly.
- size: Choosing the right size for maternity underwear can be difficult, especially when you feel like your body shape can change dramatically overnight. Most pregnancy underwear accommodates pre-pregnancy sizes, but be sure to check each brand’s size chart.
- support: Embrace the “granny panties” look, says Dr. Pickett. “Panties that sit higher on your stomach can lift and support your growing belly from below, which can reduce ligament pain and discomfort,” she says. For a little more support, McKinneykirk also suggests maternity underwear with built-in tummy panels and wide waistbands.
- style: There are two main types of maternity underwear. Overbelly features elastic panels that cover and support the ridge with light compression and breathable panels. The other is an underbelly, designed to fit around the hips and under the bump, perfect for warmer weather. We also have maternity underwear such as bikinis, boy shorts, and thongs. (Our experts say wearing a thong can make you more susceptible to vaginal infections, but using a cotton gusset can reduce this risk.) Try several styles during pregnancy, as your preferences may change.
- material: Dr. Pickett recommends panties with cotton lining in the crotch area. “There is usually excess moisture from leucorrhoea (a milky white discharge due to rapid cell turnover in the vagina during pregnancy) and sweat, which can increase the risk of yeast and bacterial overgrowth.” Look for brands with cotton panels and Lycra or spandex throughout the panties to support the uterus and stabilize the lower back.
- Stretchability: Choosing a well-fitting style will accommodate your changing body shape without feeling constricting or restrictive. Most maternity underwear is made of slightly stretchy material and is stretchy.
- Leak-proof function: Thanks to you Leukemia, leakage is something that pregnant women often experience. Thankfully, today’s leak-proof options feel less like diapers and more like comfortable, stylish options that keep you dry and confident. You may prefer washable or disposable options.
When should I start wearing maternity underwear?
Just like your regular clothes, if you feel like your everyday underwear no longer fits, it’s time to invest in maternity underwear. As your body continues to change throughout your pregnancy, you may find that your style preferences differ.
Will my underwear size change when I’m pregnant?
Generally, maternity underwear should be worn in the same size as regular underwear. However, some people may want to go up in size to give them more room to grow. Sizes vary by brand, so please refer to size chart for proper fit.
How many maternity underwear do I need?
This varies from person to person. Consider how often you’ll need to change your underwear in case of leaks throughout the day, and how often you’ll be washing them, so make sure you have as many pairs as you need between washes. You will need at least 7 pairs. Many options come in 3-packs or 5-packs to save you money.
Can I still wear maternity underwear after my baby is born?
absolutely. Professor McKinney-Kirk suggests wearing maternity briefs or high-waisted underwear to support the healing of postpartum hemorrhoids, vaginal tears, caesarean sections, etc. to give sensitive areas some breathing room.
who are we
Cheryl Fenton is a writer based in Boston. parents For 30 years, he has signed petitions for national magazines and popular websites, and has written a book or two. The mother of a 17-year-old daughter is amazed at how far maternity underwear has come since the days when she thought she was done with her husband’s boxers.
