The 9 Best Postpartum Underwear for the Fourth Trimester and Beyond, Tested by Real Moms
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Our top pick is the Always Discreet Maximum Protection Underwear
People / Brian Kopinski
There are many changes your body goes through after giving birth, especially during the first few weeks as you heal. Choosing the best postpartum underwear doesn’t have to be one of those daunting tasks.
Postpartum underwear is important for new mothers because it not only provides the necessary support and comfort your body needs, but also gives you protection in the weeks after you give birth. This underwear is often seamless, high-waisted, and specifically designed to avoid irritating potential C-section scars, help with absorption for postpartum periods, and help offer compression for extra support as your body starts to adjust back post-baby.
To get more insight about what to look for when shopping for postpartum underwear, we interviewed experts like Dr. Sara B. Twogood, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN in Los Angeles and co-founder of Female Health Education.
When choosing a style, she says comfort is important. “If the birth was vaginal then it is likely there will be swelling and potentially stitches that need to heal," Dr. Twogood tells PEOPLE. "If the birth was via cesarean, then ideally the underwear will not have a band around the scar. It is normal to have postpartum bleeding for weeks following delivery so underwear that can support a heavy pad is ideal, too.”
Whether you are hoping to find a supportive option to help with your postpartum bleeding or simply looking for a comfortable undergarment while your body heals, these are the best postpartum underwear options on the market and tested by real moms.
Best Overall: Always Discreet Maximum Protection Underwear
Pros
They’re thin, comfortable panties that are slightly smoothing and don’t bunch up or need readjusting throughout the day.
Our tester reported no odor or leakage during wear.
Cons
These disposable panties have a light scent, which may be a turn-off for those who dislike synthetic fragrance.
These disposable panties by Always are our top pick for postpartum underwear because, as our tester described, “I felt comfortable sleeping and walking in these, and I always forgot they were on.” During wear, they needed no readjustment and were soft to the touch. There was no leakage during the wear test — although because of heavy bleeding, the tester did need to wear a pad during use — but the underwear’s material never got damp despite the presence of witch hazel, body fluids, and dermoplast. The anti-leak material helped our tester feel comfortable both day and night.
When we spoke to registered nurse and doula Yamel Belen, it turns out that breathability is extremely key when picking the best pair of postpartum underwear: “We sweat a lot…postpartum due to the hormonal shifts. So you don't want it to be too heavy.” Our tester never felt sweaty while wearing them (despite there being no advertised moisture-wicking properties), finding them to be comfortable, smoothing, and slightly compressing, with no skin irritation reported. However, the user needs to be completely dry when putting them on, otherwise, they can feel uncomfortable (think: putting on leather pants when damp).
Finally, no odor was detected, thanks to the brand’s odor-lock technology and a light, fresh scent from the underwear itself. They’re also high-waisted and slightly high cut, which made the user’s changing belly feel secure with no visible bunching up as it began to deflate post-birth. They can be worn up to 12 hours before needing to be disposed of, although, of course, they may need to be replaced sooner due to excess fluids.
Sizes: S-XXL | Fabric: Synthetic (including polypropylene, cellulose gel core) | Care Instructions: Disposable
Most Comfortable: Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Recovery Panties
Pros
The high waist of these panties doesn’t dig into the skin and has plenty of stretch, making it a great option for both vaginal and C-section birth recovery periods.
They’re soft and incredibly breathable.
Cons
They do need some adjustment throughout the day, as the waist tends to fall with wear.
They don’t offer absorbance or odor protection, so users will need to wear a pad.
Some pairs of postpartum underwear, like our top pick, are made to collect leaks and offer odor protection, while others are made to accommodate postpartum bodies that are both in recovery and quickly changing. This five-pack of panties from Kindred Bravely is made for both vaginal and C-section births because they sit above the belly button, feature a wide waist that won’t dig into sensitive skin, are made with spandex for extra stretch, and will easily accommodate pads.
Our tester found them very comfortable and soft, with the lace at the top adding a nice decorative touch without scratching or irritation. The fabric is breathable and doesn't restrict movement. These are meant to accommodate a pad as they do not offer leak protection or stop odor, so they will prevent those just as well as a pair of standard underwear. Throughout the day, there was some readjustment required, but that’s because the waistband isn’t meant to be too tight or constricting.
Another standout of this underwear is its breathability. In fact, our tester reported that these were the most “‘breathable of the [postpartum] underwear I have tried,” thanks to the lightweight material that doesn’t cause any sweating or moisture accumulation.
Sizes: S-1X | Fabric: Rayon, spandex, cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
Best Disposable: Frida Mom High-Waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Pros
This underwear is made for the few weeks following birth, so they’re paper thin, stretchy, and can accommodate plenty of ice packs and pads.
They’re a significant step up from the pair you’ll get from the hospital.
Cons
There’s limited sizing available.
They’re not meant for long-term use; as recovery gets easier, users will likely want something more comfortable.
These microfiber and spandex disposable underwear from popular baby brand Frida are a step up from the options you get at the hospital but are similarly structured to be stretchy and super thin with an almost papery texture. They’re absorbent but are recommended to wear with a pad and made for the first six weeks of recovery for both vaginal and C-section births. With a couple of pads, there were no issues with heavy bleeding, and the moisture was distributed evenly. And despite no odor protection, no odors were detected during the testing period.
During wear, they didn’t irritate the skin, and our tester found them comfortable but they are primarily meant for the period right after birth when the user will need the most relief from recovery. They can hold plenty of ice packs and pads, but they’re not the softest pair on the market. Still, they’re high-waisted and feature spandex for stretch, which keeps them breathable and the user sweat-free.
While the brand calls these C-section-recovery underwear, anyone who gives birth can wear them — although there are only two sizes available that can accommodate waist sizes from 23 inches to 42 inches.
Sizes: Regular (28 to 42 inches), petite (23 to 34 inches) | Fabric: Microfiber, spandex | Care Instructions: Disposable
Best Mesh: Bodily Care Mesh Undies
Pros
These are a level up from hospital underwear — they’re mesh-like but washable.
The boy shorts fit are comfortable for lounging, sleeping, and doing light errands.
Cons
The fit isn’t super supportive, so they won’t maintain their shape by the end of the day.
One size fits all from sizes two to 16.
These mesh panties are a one-size-fits-all pair of boy shorts that are meant to be stretchy, lightweight, and breathable. Because they don’t have absorbent properties or odor protection, they’re made to be paired with a pad. The mesh material does feel similar to the hospital-provided underwear, but of course, they are considerably more substantial.
Our tester found them to be incredibly comfortable to sleep, lounge, and walk in, equating them to a “second skin” because of how soft they are. However, the pads a consumer might use will affect how much activity is plausible: while pads fit securely inside, they do tend to move and shift since the fit is not super supportive. And because they’re not compressive, they’re comfortable, but that does mean they’ll stretch out by the end of the day. However, after they are washed, they go back to their original fit. They also don’t offer much support at the waistband.
These Bodily mesh undies are also breathable, with no sweating or irritation recorded during testing. These one-size-fits-all pairs come in a five-pack, and if you want a breathable pair of underwear but aren’t worried about compression, this is a great postpartum choice.
Sizes: OS (2-16) | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold on delicate, line dry
Best After C-Section: Bodily All-In Panty
Pros
These are made from micromodal and elastane, so they’re incredibly stretchy and breathable.
The high waist makes them great for those who have had C-sections.
They can be worn during both maternity and postpartum periods.
Cons
Panty lines will be visible if worn with tighter pants such as leggings or yoga pants.
There is some visible pilling and shedding during use, even after washing.
Belen dispels one common misconception about C-section births: Since you are “still bleeding [vaginally] with a cesarean,” you’re going to want the same option to fit pads inside your postpartum underwear. However, something that’s more high-waisted and doesn’t risk brushing against a healing incision is also nice to have after a C-section, too. The Bodily All-In Panty is recommended by the brand if the user has had a C-section, thanks to its soft, elastic, and stretchy material that sits well above the waist and has a full back. It’s meant to be worn during the maternity period as well, so it can be a pair that will last a long time. It’s also meant to be worn with a pad, as there are no odor control or absorbent properties.
Our tester found them to be incredibly comfortable to wear, not too tight, and neither too thick nor too thin. This underwear doesn’t have a very tight weave, so they skim the body without feeling compressed, and the micromodal and elastane materials have a nice airflow to them, so they’ll be much more breathable than disposable underwear.
The biggest concern during testing was some pilling during and after wear, even after a trip to the washing machine. The pilling was more like shedding, so it could be pulled off the underwear, giving our tester pause about its lasting properties. It’s also better to wear these with looser clothing, so wearing them with a pair of leggings will likely make the line of the underwear visible.
Sizes: S-3X | Fabric: Oeko-Tex micromodal, elastane | Care Instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry on low
Best with Ice Pack: Kindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty
Pros
These come with gel packs that can be heated up or put in the fridge for hot and cold pain relief.
The slight compression offers the body plenty of support during the fourth trimester.
Cons
The thick material and compression fabric make these less breathable, so they're not ideal for sleeping.
The few months after giving birth is known as the fourth trimester because it’s normal to experience continuing aches and pains similar to pregnancy, hence the name of these panties by Kindred Bravely. They’re meant to tackle those by way of a gel pack that can be put in either the fridge or microwave for cold or hot pain relief. The set itself comes with one pair of underwear and two gel packs: they can be placed in the base to soothe perineal pain after vaginal birth, placed in the stomach opening for C-section pain or breastfeeding cramps, and worn snugly in the back for cramps after delivery (or, going forward, for menstrual cramps). The panties also feature a wide gusset to accommodate pads, have full coverage, and are made of soft, stretchy, and lightly compressing fabric. The inclusion of the pad will be what prevents odors and leakage.
The light compression fabric makes these an ideal pair of underwear for light activity or movement, and the tester found them to be smooth on the body and comfortable despite the thick material and somewhat restrictive support. This compression does work to keep the body secure, but it might not be the most comfortable for sleeping or lounging: the tester found they were breathable during the day but did cause some sweating during sleep.
These are also a bit on the pricier side thanks to the gel packs, but you can purchase additional pairs of just the underwear for a lower cost.
Sizes: S-1X | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, cotton | Care Instructions: Panty (machine wash cold on delicate, tumble dry on low), gel pack (rinse, air dry)
Best for Postpartum Bleeding: Proof Leakproof Essential Brief Period Underwear
Pros
This reusable, machine-washable underwear can absorb up to four tampons worth of discharge without needing a pad.
They can be used after postpartum recovery during menstrual bleeding as well.
Cons
The underwear is absorbent first, meaning it’s slightly less breathable and can cause some sweating.
This machine-washable underwear by Proof is designed for menstrual bleeding, which means it can absorb fluids and fight odors without the need for a pad. This particular pair is for heavier flows, which can be incredibly helpful for those who are experiencing postpartum bleeding: it has multi-layered protection that can accommodate up to four tampons worth of discharge (and can eventually be used during the user’s period as well).
Our tester, who was three weeks postpartum, found that it handled moderate bleeding well. They reported no wetness, dampness, or leaking and experienced no odor — even wearing the underwear for 24 hours. They were also comfortable, especially for activities outside the house: it was easy to move when a bulky pad wasn’t restricting them. Plus, the no-show edges will allow the user to wear them under most types of clothing without a line showing. However, they’re not high-waisted, so those who have had C-sections may prefer a different type of underwear.
While the tester found these to be both soft and comfortable, their standout trait is their ability to absorb fluid, which means that they are less breathable than cotton or disposable underwear. Over time, these can feel a little bit damp from sweat. Of course, if your main concern is postpartum bleeding, the benefits of ditching the bulkier pad will be worth the decrease in visibility.
Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: Nylon, spandex, polyester, cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, hang dry or lay flat
Best Lightweight: Kindred Bravely Grow with Me Maternity & Postpartum Brief
Pros
These are so lightweight, they feel like they’re barely there.
They’re made for the maternity and postpartum periods.
Cons
These might be best sized down, as our tester found that they bunched up and moved during wear.
Meant to be used during the maternity period, postpartum period, and beyond, these Kindred Bravely briefs are high-rise, thin, and incredibly stretchy to accommodate the different stages the body goes through during those times. As they are thin and lightweight, they don’t have absorbent properties or prevent odors but can be worn with a pad for added protection.
Our tester found these to be “super light and airy to wear,” with very thin material that had a good stretch: these are the opposite fit of compression underwear, with no binding or restriction whatsoever. The tester also found them to be the most breathable pair they tried, and are so light they feel like “next to nothing.”
Because they’re made to grow with pregnancy and accommodate postpartum weight loss, finding the right size was a challenge for the tester: if you’re purchasing these during the maternity period, you’ll likely buy them true-to-size, as that’s a period where your body will be growing. However, if you buy them postpartum, you may want to size down: our tester found that they bunched, gathered, and moved around quite a bit as their body changed post-pregnancy. Since these are under $25, users may find it worthwhile to buy a pair in a smaller size to ensure they’ll fit snugly to the body during the postpartum era.
Sizes: S-1X | Fabric: Oeko-Tex-certified nylon, spandex, cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold on delicate, tumble dry on low
Best Splurge: Hatch The Everyday Brief
Pros
This underwear is comfortable and breathable enough to wear during the day and at night — and even during light workouts.
There’s odor protection and thicker material in the gusset, so users can wear these without a pad when experiencing light discharge.
Cons
The price is higher than most pairs of postpartum underwear.
This pair of underwear from the popular maternity brand Hatch is made with pima cotton (which is known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ultra-soft feel) and a bamboo viscose gusset that’s made to wick away moisture. They also come in several floral patterns and colors, which is not always the standard for postpartum underwear.
Our tester felt that, because of the odor-resistance and the extra padding in the gusset, one could get away with not wearing a pad if they’re only experiencing light discharge and not postpartum bleeding. However, these would accommodate a pad, so they can be used for many stages of the fourth trimester. Moisture was distributed evenly and wasn’t felt throughout wear time, and they’re breathable enough to wear both during the day and at night. Our tester even found them comfortable to wear during a workout. Additionally, the tester found them comfortable even under tight yoga pants, and they held their shape without being too tight or causing any discomfort.
This underwear, while not incredibly supportive, has remained comfortable and still fits well as our tester’s body changed post-pregnancy. However, at around $24 a pair, they are certainly more expensive than other options on this list.
Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: Pima cotton, spandex, bamboo viscose | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
Things to Consider Before Buying Postpartum Underwear
Material & Style
The most important factor to look at when it comes to material or fabric is it being breathable. Dr. Twogood recommends choosing an option that has a “stretchy, breathable fabric like cotton or a cotton blend.” You should also decide whether you want an option that is either reusable or single-use since most postpartum undies are only meant for single use. The style you choose depends on your preference, but you should always opt for one that gives you more coverage. Stick to styles that are not only breathable but also absorbent, especially during your postpartum period.
Compression
A lot of times, new moms are told to look for postpartum underwear that has compression, especially if they’ve gone through a C-section. “Compression is a bit controversial,” Dr. Twogood says. “Some people swear by it and it makes them feel stronger and steadier faster. Some people hate the way it makes them feel and cannot tolerate the constriction. It does not seem to change longer-term outcomes — it won't make your belly shrink or prevent the abdominal muscle separation called diastasis all by itself. I tell my patients if it helps with pain and discomfort then use it. If it makes it worse, then don't.”
Absorbency
In terms of what you should be looking for when it comes to absorbency, Dr. Twogood explains that postpartum bleeding can change week by week. “In general, people have less bleeding after a cesarean compared to a vaginal birth," she says. "Most people have heavy periods like bleeding the week or so that gradually lighten over time. By four to six weeks postpartum, it is common to have very light spotting or bleeding”.
How We Tested Postpartum Underwear
To test the best postpartum underwear, we utilized the help of six testers in various stages of postpartum who had given birth both vaginally and by C-section. Distributed between these six were 12 pairs of highly-rated postpartum underwear for them to wear during the day, at night, and while doing daily activities, like running errands, exercising, and more. They were also asked to rate the underwear from one to five in the following categories: absorbency, odor control, comfort, fit, breathability, and value. The testers also recorded observations surrounding these categories. Finally, testers washed and dried the underwear according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Those that rated above a four with standout features made this PEOPLE Tested list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you wash postpartum underwear?
Some postpartum underwear is single-use, so make sure you choose which option you prefer first. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when it comes to washing or hand-washing reusable options to help them last a lot longer.
A few key things to keep in mind for reusable options are that you should avoid bleach, fabric softener, ironing, and high temperatures with these types of underwear. Try to pre-soak the items to help get rid of blood before washing them. If the underwear itself is machine-washable, we recommend putting it in a mesh intimates bag to help keep it safe from other items in the laundry; we also recommend air drying when possible.
When can you start wearing normal underwear after birth?
Many people opt to wear postpartum underwear for the first four to six weeks after giving birth since these types of underwear help absorb more liquids. “Timing of this depends on many factors [like] type of birth (vaginal or cesarean) — if vaginal birth, how much recovery the vulva and vagina require and the amount of bleeding,” says Dr. Twogood. “There is no ‘right timing.' It's common for postpartum people to use the typical postpartum mesh underwear for a week or two before transitioning to wearing pads with underwear — most people need more time before transitioning back to thong underwear, though.”
What size of postpartum underwear do I need?
Whether you're looking for traditional or plus-sized underwear, you may have to experiment with a few different sizes because you won’t be the same size as your maternity clothes after you give birth. Women often see a sizing reduction in their stomachs during their postpartum period. Typically, the uterus is expected to go back to its pre-pregnancy state around six months after you give birth.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Nikita Charuza is a freelance beauty and fashion editor (and new mom!) with almost a decade of digital media experience. She is also the founder of the "happy headcare" line Squigs Beauty. For this story, she interviewed Sara Twogood, MD, a board certified OB/GYN in Los Angeles and co-founder of Female Health Education.
Alida Nugent is a commerce writer for PEOPLE with an extensive background in commerce writing, editing, and strategy. She also writes for Food Network, HGTV, and Better Homes & Gardens. She specializes in tested and researched commerce content for household products, including outdoor, mattresses, vacuums, furniture, and small appliances. For this article, she digested the PEOPLE Tested insights and researched each product to determine the best postpartum underwear on this list.
Meet the Experts
Yamel Belen, is a registered nurse, international board-certified lactation consultant, doula, and founder of One Love Doula Services in Tampa, Fla.
Dr. Sara B. Twogood, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN in Los Angeles and co-founder of Female Health Education.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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Read the original article on People.
