The ten Finest Maternity Underwear of 2024

From the primary trimester to the postpartum interval, maternity underwear can present assist and luxury to your ever-changing physique. When you’re not snug in your on a regular basis lingerie, it’s time to spend money on maternity underwear, which is designed to adapt to your rising stomach. Some pairs even provide leak safety or cooling panels to deal with the laundry checklist of modifications you’ll expertise throughout being pregnant, like hormone-induced discharge, bladder leaks, and physique temperature fluctuations. 

In accordance with Princess McKinney-Kirk, a Phoenix-based postpartum doula and founding father of BelliBind postpartum stomach assist wraps, a very powerful options of maternity underwear are flexibility and assist. “Your stomach is increasing, your hips are widening, and every part appears to be shifting—that is the place stretchy underwear turns into your greatest pal,” says McKinney-Kirk. Maternity underwear also can proceed to assist cradle your physique after supply whereas it heals.

To create this checklist, we researched maternity underwear from well-known manufacturers and consulted consultants on what to search for. Members of our employees additionally wore lots of our choices, initially as a part of our postpartum underwear check. We assessed every product’s consolation, match, model, breathability, stretchiness, and assist. Our high picks match a variety of budgets and preferences and tackle myriad maternity-specific wants. In the end, in relation to maternity underwear, prioritize what feels greatest for you. 

Our Favourite Maternity Underwear

Why We Like It

These high-waisted panties have every part you’re searching for in a pair of underwear, each earlier than and after the delivery of your child. Once you’re anticipating, the luxuriously tender micro-modal materials (some say it seems like silk) stretches to accommodate your remodeling physique. Throughout delivery restoration, the broad elastic waistband received’t pinch and provides you simply the correct quantity of assist. 

The material can also be OEKO-TEX licensed free of probably dangerous chemical substances. The excessive waist and forgiving low-cut thighs clear C-section incisions and potential swelling, and a wider gusset accommodates postpartum maxi pads. Our postpartum tester famous that “the fabric is just not a super-tight weave, so there’s a great deal of airflow permitting for loads of breathability.”

However Take Be aware

Some wearers reported the butt protection is missing, leading to frequent wedgies. Our tester famous the fabric started shedding after the primary put on, and the seams brought about seen panty strains underneath leggings.

The Particulars:

• Model: Excessive-waist
• Sizes: Small to 3X 
• Materials: OEKO-TEX 93% micromodal, 7% elastane
• Care directions: Machine wash, tumble dry

Why We Like It

This jersey-knit panty grows with you in the easiest way. Contemplate it a two-in-one for no matter your altering physique wants for consolation and assist. The versatile broad waistband may be worn over the stomach for additional assist or folded down beneath it for under-belly consolation. Accessible in a variety of colours, the briefs are forgiving in match and really feel because of a cotton/Lycra mix that reviewers say is tremendous tender, light-weight, and stretchy.

However Take Be aware

Some pregnant and postnatal girls famous that it didn’t take lengthy earlier than the panties grew to become stretched out and a bit unfastened. As a result of the material is on the thinner facet, the undergarments keep up when pulled up over the bump however can roll additional when folded down.

The Particulars:

• Model: Over or underneath the stomach
• Sizes: Small to 3X 
• Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
• Care directions: Machine wash

Why We Like It

These over-the-bump jersey knit panties are accessible in sizes as much as 4X and have an revolutionary adjustable button design that means that you can customise the scale of the elastic waistband as your stomach grows. The underwear is snug, gives nice protection within the again, and covers the complete stomach. Gentle and breathable, these provide loads of room for enlargement and superior elasticity that stretches with out getting worn out. 

However Take Be aware

At underneath $30 for a five-pack, don’t count on tremendous top quality. Nonetheless, you solely want maternity underwear to final about 9 months.

The Particulars:

• Model: Over stomach
• Sizes: Small to 4X 
• Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex. Crotch lining 100% cotton.
• Care directions: Machine wash

Why We Like It

Recognized for his or her splurge-worthy maternity garments in feel-good materials, Hatch hits the mark with these seamless briefs. Crafted in a modal, nylon, and elastane cloth mix, the full-coverage briefs go over the stomach for assist and delicate compression that helps clean you out. Comfy sufficient to put on the complete day, reviewers be aware this underwear can also be tremendous useful for postpartum assist.

However Take Be aware

Our tester stated these expensive panties rolled down a lot she ended up “giving up and simply folding them down.” The underwear’s cloth can also be ribbed, so if you happen to’re recovering from a C-section or have delicate pores and skin, these would possibly be just right for you.

The Particulars:

• Model: Transient
• Sizes: Small to X-Massive 
• Materials: 84% modal, 13% nylon, 3% elastane
• Care directions: Machine wash, line dry

Why We Like It

These maternity panties get main factors for softness and stretchiness, because of the cotton/spandex mix. With the Bodily’s model and match, you’ll by no means get any of the uncomfortable wedgies which might be typical with most under-belly maternity panties. As a result of they’re low-cut, they don’t place any strain in your physique and your stomach is left to develop with none compression. After supply, these will also be useful for C-section restoration, for the reason that low waistline received’t irritate your therapeutic scar.

However Take Be aware

The gusset isn’t very thick, so in case you are experiencing leaking or recognizing, you may want a pad. It additionally doesn’t provide any stomach assist.

The Particulars:

• Model: Below the stomach
• Sizes: Small to 3X 
• Materials: OEKO-TEX licensed micromodal
• Care directions: Machine wash, tumble dry

Why We Like It

The blended cloth of those high-waist maternity briefs is tender, breathable, and stretches to suit your stomach completely because it grows. Because of the seam-free design and no-roll waistband, in addition they create a clean, line-free silhouette underneath your favourite maternity outfits. They provide loads of backside protection and pull up excessive sufficient to suit over your rising bump regardless of your trimester. The material is even thick sufficient to cover a not too long ago popped stomach button.

However Take Be aware

These underwear are inclined to run just a little small and the fabric isn’t very tender.

The Particulars:

• Model: Tremendous high-waisted
• Sizes: Small/Medium, Massive/X-Massive, and 1X/2X 
• Materials: 54% nylon, 43% modal, 3% spandex
• Care directions: Machine wash, tumble dry

Why We Like It

These panties boast heavy absorbency excellent for throughout and after your being pregnant, with waterproof outer cloth for additional safety. They draw moisture away from the physique with a number of layers of absorbent materials, which can assist with the temperature modifications that your physique experiences. The basic match gives average protection as you navigate your new physique’s surprises. 

Our postpartum tester felt snug and safe throughout all her actions whereas carrying these for a 24-hour interval, saying, “I felt I may transfer with out being overly aware of a cumbersome pad.” These aren’t particularly maternity panties, although they need to be low-cut sufficient to be comfortably tucked underneath the stomach. Nonetheless, you might wish to contemplate sizing up. 

However Take Be aware

Due to their absorbency and waterproofing, these aren’t as tender or breathable as a few of our different picks. Our tester famous they will retain warmth, so that you would possibly get just a little sweaty.

The Particulars:

• Model: Transient
• Sizes: X-Small/Small, Medium/Massive, X-Massive 
• Materials: Outer 75% nylon, 25% spandex. High lining 100% polyester. Internal lining 70% polyester, 30% cotton. Backside lining 100% polyester.
• Care directions: Machine wash, cling to dry

Why We Like It

Disposable underwear is good for these experiencing leaks or discharge throughout being pregnant or the postpartum interval. Constructed from unhazardous, natural supplies like OCS-certified non-GMO cotton, these really feel extra like common underwear than disposable. These briefs boast 12-hour leak prevention and a match that respects curvy our bodies. The material is light-weight, and the built-in four-layer core absorbs odor and holds as a lot liquid as 4 common pads. 

However Take Be aware

The elastic matches a bit unfastened across the thighs, and the butt space may stand to have extra protection.

The Particulars:

• Model: Transient
• Sizes: Small/Medium and Massive/X-Massive 
• Materials: 100% licensed natural cotton high sheet
• Care directions: Disposable

Why We Like It

Gentle as a feather, these barely there ultra-lightweight lingerie will final you all through your being pregnant and into early motherhood. The breathable, tender, and stretchy cloth and full-coverage model assist the underwear increase and develop as you do all through your being pregnant journey and past. In addition they boast a thick waistband that doesn’t dig in, and the model is comparatively undetectable underneath clothes.

However Take Be aware

The high-cut temporary model won’t work for these with C-section scars, and this isn’t the panty for you in order for you full protection within the again. The skinny cloth additionally doesn’t provide a whole lot of assist.  

The Particulars:

• Model: Transient
• Sizes: Small to 1X 
• Materials: Physique: 80% nylon, 20% spandex. Crotch lining 100% cotton.
• Care directions: Machine wash mild cycle, tumble dry

Why We Like It

The tender cloth is a successful element on these high-waisted briefs, with a breathable cotton-stretch physique and 100% cotton crotch lining that helps with perspiration and luxury. Our tester relied on these throughout her therapeutic course of after her C-section was difficult by painful pores and skin irritation. The waistband stayed put so she didn’t need to preserve readjusting. These panties provide assist with out being overly constrictive: They “did not really feel too tight on my physique. They have been stretchy, whereas additionally being sturdy,” our tester stated. These may additionally simply be used throughout being pregnant by sizing up.

However Take Be aware

Due to the quantity of material used to create a cushty high-waisted, full-back model, these panties are noticeable underneath sure outfits. 

The Particulars:

• Model: Excessive-waisted
• Sizes: X-Small to 3X 
• Materials: 95% cotton, 5% spandex. Crotch lining 100% cotton.
• Care directions: Machine wash

Our Testing and Evaluate Course of 

To find out one of the best maternity underwear for being pregnant and the postpartum interval, we consulted consultants about what to search for in maternity underwear and researched choices from well-known manufacturers. A number of merchandise on this checklist have been additionally a part of our check of postpartum underwear, performed by our personal staffers who had not too long ago given delivery. We paid particular consideration to every of the next attributes when deciding which pairs belong on our checklist:  

• Consolation: We famous how snug the lingerie have been by way of waistband thickness and site, degree of compression, and cloth softness.
• Match: Preserving butt protection and thigh gap dimension in thoughts, we assessed how properly the panties match and felt.
• Breathability: Physique temperature modifications are frequent in being pregnant as hormones fluctuate, so we assessed how a lot airflow and moisture-wicking the material allowed.
• Assist: We famous if the panties supplied mild compression to assist assist a rising stomach in being pregnant and a deflating stomach postpartum.
• Care: We most popular machine wash choices to make life simpler, however famous any particular care directions so you’ll be able to guarantee your panties final so long as doable.

Our Consultants

We spoke to the next healthcare professionals and birthing dad and mom to seek out out what to search for when selecting maternity underwear to fit your wants:

• Donna Adams Pickett, PhD, MD, an Augusta, Georgia-based board-certified OB/GYN and famend skilled within the discipline of Black maternal well being
• Audrey Blauvelt, a Boston-based mother who not too long ago gave delivery to a child woman through  C-section
• Princess McKinney-Kirk, a Phoenix-based postpartum doula and CEO of BelliBind postpartum stomach wrap firm

Components to Contemplate When Shopping for Maternity Underwear

• Stage of Being pregnant: Your stomach will lengthen roughly 5 to 6 instances its baseline dimension over the course of being pregnant. As pelvis ligaments loosen to organize for child’s arrival, your hips unfold barely and the underside widens, usually sparking the necessity for larger-sized undergarments. To keep away from buying new underwear each six weeks or so, Dr. Pickett suggests selecting pairs with sufficient elasticity to accommodate this speedy dimension enhance.
• Consolation and Security: McKinney-Kirk recommends searching for tender supplies that will not dig in or really feel restrictive and steering away from underwear that feels too cosy to keep away from extreme compression on the stomach or hips. “Tight lingerie may cause discomfort and even have an effect on blood movement,” she warns. Dr. Pickett agrees, including that pregnant folks ought to keep away from underwear that sits on the bikini line, as it might trigger chafing and irritation underneath a rising stomach.
• Measurement: Choosing the proper dimension for maternity underwear may be difficult, particularly when it seems like your physique can change dramatically in a single day. Most being pregnant underwear corresponds to your pre-pregnancy dimension, however remember to examine every model’s dimension chart.
• Assist: Embrace the “granny panty” look, says Dr. Pickett. “Panties that sit greater on the stomach can assist the rising tummy by lifting it up from the underside, which might lower ache and discomfort within the ligaments,” she says. For just a little additional assist, McKinney-Kirk additionally suggests maternity lingerie with built-in stomach panels or wider waistbands.
• Model: The 2 important kinds of maternity underwear are over-belly, which has a stretchy panel that covers and helps your bump with mild compression and/or a breathable panel, and under-belly, a design that rests round your hips and beneath your bump that’s supreme throughout hotter months. Maternity underwear can also be accessible in bikini, boy quick, and even thong (though our consultants say this model could make girls extra vulnerable to vaginal infections). Attempt a couple of types all through your being pregnant since your preferences might change.
• Materials: Dr. Pickett recommends panties with a cotton-lined crotch. “There’s usually additional moisture from leukorrhea (a milky discharge attributable to speedy cell turnover within the vagina throughout being pregnant) and sweat, which might enhance the chance for overgrowth of yeast and micro organism.” Search for manufacturers with cotton panels and Lycra or spandex all through the panty to assist assist the uterus and stabilize the hips.
• Stretchiness: Go for types with give, permitting them to accommodate your altering form with out feeling tight or constricted. Most maternity underwear is made with a little bit of stretchy materials and has forgiving elastic. 
• Leakproof Options: Because of leukorrhea, leaking is one thing pregnant girls ceaselessly expertise. Fortunately, right this moment’s leakproof choices really feel much less like diapers and extra like snug, fashionable selections that preserve you dry and assured. You might choose washable or disposable choices.

When do you have to begin carrying maternity underwear?

Very similar to your common garments, once you really feel like your on a regular basis undergarments aren’t becoming anymore, it’s time to spend money on maternity underwear. As your physique continues to bear modifications all through being pregnant, you might discover you like completely different types.

Does your underwear dimension change once you’re pregnant?

Usually, you must nonetheless put on the identical dimension in maternity underwear as you do in common underwear. Nevertheless, some folks might wish to go up a dimension to permit extra room to develop. Be aware that every model is completely different, so seek the advice of the scale chart to make sure you get an excellent match.

What number of pairs of maternity underwear do you want? 

It will differ for every particular person. Contemplate how ceaselessly leakage prompts underwear modifications all through the day and the way usually you wish to do laundry, then get as many pairs as you want to have sufficient between hundreds. You’ll possible need at the least seven pairs. Many choices are available in three-packs and five-packs that can assist you lower your expenses.  

Can I nonetheless put on maternity underwear after the infant is born?

Completely. McKinney-Kirk suggests carrying maternity briefs or high-waisted lingerie to assist assist your therapeutic from postpartum hemorrhoids, vaginal tears, or a C-section incision to offer your delicate areas some respiratory room.

Who We Are

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based freelance way of life author who has loved a 30-year profession of bylining in nationwide magazines and on fashionable web sites, in addition to authoring a ebook or two. Because the mom of a 17-year-old daughter, she is amazed at how far maternity underwear has come for the reason that days of carrying her husband’s boxers and calling it a day.