Pregnancy is an incredible journey that involves numerous physical and emotional changes. It’s normal to feel both excited and apprehensive about what your body will go through during this time.
However, finding the right maternity underwear that fits well and feels good is an excellent way to boost your confidence and comfort level. Maternity underwear is specially designed to support your growing baby bump, with a higher waistband and more coverage than regular underwear.
Some options also come with built-in belly support. Choosing the perfect maternity underwear that fits comfortably and provides adequate support can make all the difference for expectant parents. Plus, you also pair them with some great maternity jeans.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Maternity Underwear: Kindred Bravely Under the Belly Maternity Underwear
- Best Seamless Maternity Underwear: KUKU PANDA Maternity Panties
- Best Plus Size Maternity Underwear: Belevation Maternity Underwear
- Best Disposable Maternity Underwear: FridaBaby Frida Mom Disposable Underwear
- Best Under Belly Maternity Underwear: Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear
- Best Over The Belly Maternity Underwear: Motherhood Maternity Panties
- Best Cotton Maternity Underwear: Aifer Multi-Pack Cotton Maternity Panties
- Best Maternity Shaper: SPANX Women’s Power Mama Shaper
- Most Adjustable Maternity Underwear: Lupantte Maternity Underwear
- Best Maternity Boyshorts: Annette Women’s Boyshort
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Maternity Underwear Picks
Kindred Bravely Under the Belly Maternity Underwear – Best Overall Maternity Underwear
- The fabric is nice
- There is an extra layer of cotton where pee leaks may occur
- Very soft
- The cross front for the underbelly is great
- These are low cut
You’ll feel comfortable wearing this underwear from Kindred Bravely day and night thanks to their perfect fit. The low-rise, crossover design ensures that they lie just below your growing baby, providing optimal comfort and relief from strain on your lower tummy during pregnancy.
What’s more, these pants are perfect for postpartum wear too! They won’t irritate c-section scars or delicate postpartum skin, and the ultra-soft, flexible fabric will naturally adapt to your changing physique without causing any discomfort. The white cotton gusset is an added bonus, providing easy monitoring of spotting or discharge during pregnancy.
KUKU PANDA Maternity Panties – Best Seamless Maternity Underwear
- Cute
- Comfy
- Breathable
- Not bad panty lines in leggings/yoga pants
- Shrinks a tiny bit in the dryer
This pair of seamless underwear features a timeless design and an unbelievably cozy fit, making them a must-have for your collection. They feature a seamless edge for a no-show thong and are covered with perforations for ventilation and rapid drying. Additionally, they only need to be thrown in the washing machine for minimum maintenance.
You may wear them after giving birth because they don’t appear at all like maternity underwear. It has a delicate and fashionable appearance thanks to the trim. And there are 6 different styles to choose from.
Belevation Maternity Underwear – Best Plus Size Maternity Underwear
- Fits any body type
- Rounds out B belly to a degree for experienced mamas
- They help keep things smooth
- Provide a little support
- It tends to get lax as time goes by with washing
You won’t care if your underwear has a granny look as long as it relieves your discomfort if the weight of your growing tummy is bothering you. Belevation underwear fit the bill in that situation. This seamless maternity underwear, suitable for plus size moms, is made of a silky nylon and spandex combination, and won’t irritate or chafe skin because it won’t produce any unwanted rubbing.
They’ll also provide cozy support without making you feel as though you’re wearing a tight pair of Spanx! Your lower back is also supported by this underwear, which have a high waistband.
FridaBaby Frida Mom Disposable Underwear – Best Disposable Maternity Underwear
- Soft
- Comfortable (after breaking in)
- Breathable
- Secure
- The pad sticks too tightly to the fabric and rips layers apart when you replace the pad
Made from a mesh-free microfiber material that feels just like cotton, these panties are designed to keep your pads (and all your other postpartum recovery layers) securely in place while providing maximum comfort.
And because they’re disposable, you won’t have to worry about anyone stealing them from the maternity ward! Unlike the hospital version, which can be see-through and fishnet-like, these panties are latex-free, ultra-soft, and breathable, making them ideal for postpartum vaginal perineal healing.
Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear – Best Under Belly Maternity Underwear
- Very comfortable and fits well
- Neutral colors
- Quality seems good
- Sizing and pictures are accurate
- Sit so low that hair may be exposed
This under-the-belly maternity underwear makes healing after delivery a breeze, especially if you have c-section scars. The full rear coverage in this low-rise maternity underwear ensures that no lines show through your clothes, giving you a smooth and sleek look.
This uses the softest and most flexible cotton fabrics that are lab-tested to ensure they are free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, meeting Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. Plus, the inner crotch lining features light colors that make it easy to spot any unusual discharge or spotting.
Motherhood Maternity Panties – Best Over The Belly Maternity Underwear
- They are so soft
- Doesn’t cut into your belly
- Wash up nicely, don’t shrink
- Comfortable
- Get one size down as they run a little large
These over-the-belly undies adjust to your body’s changing needs as your pregnancy progresses, so you can feel comfortable and supported throughout. When your baby bump is still small, keep the underwear folded down to avoid any unwanted bunching.
As your pregnancy progresses, simply extend the top panel over your tummy for added support. And if you prefer, it can still fold down and cozy up beneath your growing belly.
This underwear is designed for comfort, with a comfortable brief style, and made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Plus, each bundle includes three pairs of panties so you can have enough for daily use.
Aifer Multi-Pack Cotton Maternity Panties – Best Cotton Maternity Underwear
- Material is soft
- Hits below the belly bump
- Comfy
- No irritation
- It fits high in the back
Made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, these undies stretch to fit your body perfectly. With a low-rise design and a molded maternity brief, they provide excellent support for your growing belly. Plus, the extra-wide leg bands on these low-cut panties prevent any uncomfortable thigh cutting.
The crotch and gusset lining is made of 100% cotton, which is perfect for keeping you clean and fresh. And let’s not forget the full rear coverage, which eliminates panty lines under your favorite dresses, skirts, or trousers.
SPANX Women’s Power Mama Shaper – Best Maternity Shaper
- They stay put
- The size guide is about accurate
- They don’t come up high enough to control your below-the-bra fat
- Very comfortable
- Slightly large
This maternity shaper prioritizes comfort over compression, so you can have a soft and gentle belly band that provides support without any discomfort. And the thigh smoothing and back support? It’s all included!
This shaper uses targeted zones of support for your lower back and thighs to make sure you’re feeling (and looking) amazing throughout your entire pregnancy. And let’s talk about the cotton gusset, which not only removes VPL (Visible Panty Lines) but also allows you to ditch the panties altogether if you prefer!
Lupantte Maternity Underwear – Most Adjustable Maternity Underwear
- Soft fabric
- Great stretch
- Side button so elastic can grow with your belly
- Great deal for the price
- They definitely run big
This maternity underwear is designed with an adjustable waistband that fits you perfectly from the first trimester to postpartum. Plus, the mesh weave keeps you cool and dry, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
The high-waisted design not only supports your growing tummy but also provides a comfortable fit that stays put all day long. No more worrying about your undies rolling down or digging into your skin! And the best part? The color won’t fade, so you can wear them for months on end.
But that’s not all – the inner lining of the crotch is made of 100% cotton fabric, ensuring optimal hygiene and comfort. And speaking of hygiene, the white color of the lining makes it easy to spot any unexpected secretions.
Annette Women’s Boyshort – Best Maternity Boyshorts
- Comfortable to wear
- Pull-on closure
- Seamless fabric
- Unique design provides extra support to your belly
- A bit smaller than expected
These boy shorts are designed to gently support your growing hips and tummy with their expandable fabric and seamless below-the-bust belly coverage. Made of 89% nylon and 11% spandex, they provide mild support all around and feel super soft and lightweight on your skin.
Not only are these spandex shorts non-see-through but they’re also made of breathable, lightweight fabric that fully covers your derriere. So, whether you’re sporting a dress or braving the cold, you’ll always feel secure and comfy in these bad boys.
How To Choose The Best Maternity Underwear?
- Comfort: Maternity underwear choices include thongs, boy shorts, bikinis, and high-waisted shapes, similar to ordinary underwear. Opt for underwear that makes you feel good about yourself, whether it’s stylish or simply really cozy.
- Over/Under: Over-the-belly underwear contains a flexible panel that conceals and supports your bump. Some may only feature a breathable panel or some form of built-in, mild compression. While an under-the-belly is made to fit around your hips and beneath your pregnancy bulge, and it may be the best option during warmer months or when worn with fitting apparel.
- Material: When purchasing underwear, there are other important qualities to consider, such as a smooth and elastic fabric. To avoid chafing or discomfort, you should wear clothing made of a soft material. Pregnancy undergarments should also include breathable and cooling materials.
- Size: Calculate how much weight you may acquire during the remaining weeks, in addition to taking your present size into account. Some women commonly acquire much more than 30 pounds during pregnancy. Because it might be challenging to predict in advance, some women decide to purchase a few pairs of underwear in various sizes to account for future development.
What Is Maternity Underwear And Is It Necessary?
Maternity underwear is a type of underwear designed specifically for pregnant women. It is usually made from softer and more flexible materials than regular underwear and often has extra support in the form of built-in pads or bands. Some maternity underwear is also designed to be worn during labor and delivery.
Whether or not maternity underwear is necessary is a personal decision. Some women find that it helps them feel more comfortable and supported during pregnancy, while others find that regular underwear works just fine. In the end, maternity underwear will provide better comfort throughout your pregnancy.
How Do You Know What Size Maternity Underwear To Buy?
Many underwear brands offer size charts that can give you a general idea of what size to buy. Additionally, it is often recommended to buy underwear one size up than your regular size, as your body may change significantly during pregnancy.
How Many Pairs Of Maternity Underwear Do You Need?
You will need several pairs of maternity underwear during your pregnancy. How many exactly will depend on how often you do laundry and how often you need to change your underwear throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3-4 pairs on hand at all times.
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Underwear?
Many women find that they need to start wearing maternity underwear during the start of their second trimester, as their regular underwear may become uncomfortable or start to feel too tight.
Assuming good health prior to pregnancy, expectant mothers can typically expect to gain 25-35 pounds during their pregnancy (1). Weight gain during the first trimester is usually modest, averaging between 2-4 pounds. Subsequently, a gain of around one pound per week is typical.
