Investing In Maternity Underwear Will Make Your Belly Feel So Much More Comfy

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Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with anticipation and excitement, but it also brings a myriad of changes to a person's body, both physically and mentally. While you should try to embrace the beautiful and natural changes of your body, it’s not always easy. That’s why it’s important to invest in simple tools that can make the journey a little better, like a great pair of maternity underwear. Hear me out.

These specially designed undergarments can be a game-changer, offering comfort, support, and confidence during the incredible process of bringing new life into the world. Maternity underwear serves a crucial role in every pregnancy, regardless of whether you're in the early stages, approaching your due date, or postpartum. They can accommodate your growing belly, of course, but can also address the various discomforts and changes that come with it.

If you google “best maternity underwear,” chances are your Instagram will become flooded with ads that make choosing the most comfortable underwear for pregnancies an overwhelming task. So we took a deep dive into researching this extremely niche, yet truly life-changing shopping category to bring you the best maternity underwear for every stage of your pregnancy.

From disposable styles for leakage to the best no-show thongs, to cotton underwear and seamless shapewear to smooth your beautiful curves, you’re guaranteed to find a pair or two worthy of your shopping. Below take a look at the best maternity underwear, per rave reviews.

The All-In Panty: 3-Pack

Bodily's All-In underwear are high-waisted skivvies made from a luxuriously soft material that stretches with you as your body transitions into postpartum. They are especially helpful for those that experience a c-section and need extra support and comfort through recovery.

Rave Review: "These are amazing, I started with the three-pack, and loved them so much more than all of my other underwear that I purchased two additional five-packs so that they could be exclusive undies during pregnancy."

Maternity Leak-Resistant Everyday Brief

If invisible protection is what you're going for, look no further. Technically considered a mid-rise, these moderate coverage panties are designed to be light absorbency to help soak up any leaks throughout your pregnancy. The breathable and buttery-soft fabric feels like a second skin while the pretty design details, like scalloped edge,s make you feel fancy at every stage.

Rave Review: "I’ve tried other brands, but they are way too thick and very uncomfortable when walking. These on the other hand are perfect and you barely feel them on. The absorbency is great for pregnancy leaks/discharge."

Read more: Best Seamless Underwear

High-Waist Underwear

Some of the best maternity underwear can be found on everyone's favorite online retailer for next day delivery, Amazon. This set from Sunnybuy feels like a thin layer of supportive activewear for your tummy. The design details support your lower and mid-back while the high-waist rise gracefully fits over the belly. They are perfect for every stage of your growing belly, including postpartum care.

Rave Review: "I bought these full-coverage briefs for my third trimester. The higher waistband gives extra support to my growing tummy and sore back. Prior to pregnancy, I had a muffin top and these really help with making me look smooth in maternity pants and not cutting my stomach in half."

Disposable Underwear

Before getting pregnant, you hear about the smell aversions, cravings, and potential discomfort, but leaks and discharge always take women by surprise. It's something that should be talked about more because it's totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of, especially in postpartum care. This pack of disposable underwear from Rael is a fantastic option because the underwear are made from nontoxic and organic materials and are so soft they feel like real underwear.

Rave Review: "These are a fantastic postpartum option! To me, these were far more comfortable than the mesh underwear and large pads provided by the hospital. I highly recommend this product to expecting mothers to include in their baby registry!"

Under The Bump Pregnancy Panties

Intimate Portal has a cult-following on Amazon of people that can't stop wearing them after they give birth. They have a low-rise crossover design that sits under the bump and looks flattering and smooth while reaching high in the back. They are the perfect pair to wear under maternity jeans, or anything really.

Rave Review: "These maternity panties are super comfy and have a great amount of stretch. I like how they sit below the belly. These are probably my favorite pairs of underwear I have, and I still wear them even though I'm not pregnant anymore lol."

Signature Cotton Maternity Thong

Light as a feather in a below-the-bump, barely-there style, these maternity thongs are for those that want to keep it bare with no sign of a VPL. The thin elastic waistband doesn't roll or pinch, and the moderate-coverage back is designed to stay in place without riding up or getting lost in the growing cheeks.

Rave Review: "I've used these for the past month and they've literally saved me throughout pregnancy. Great quality and haven't torn or anything. They stretch as you stretch and continue growing. And they're comfortable in a time in your life when not a lot is."

Sculpting Mid-Thigh Shorts

Going to a formal event while pregnant isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's surely not all rainbows and butterflies trying to find a stylish maternity dress that doesn't look too matronly. One saving grace along this journey is your shapewear. While there's no hiding the bump entirely, smoothing your skin, lifting the bum, and supporting your belly will make all the difference. Skims' "solutionwear" lives up to the name with this pair of non-compressive sculpting mid-thigh shorts. It's an extremely stretchy pair to fit all stages of pregnancy while supporting your beautiful bump. If you prefer more comfort for everyday wear, we recommend sizing up.

Rave Review: "I couldn’t love these more. I feel supported all day at work. I have a long torso and these fit me perfectly. There's no thigh-rubbing, and my tummy and pelvic floor felt supported. They make my bump look smooth, round, and cute.

The Seamless Belly Briefs

Panties aside, one of the most difficult transitions after pregnancy is going through postpartum care. Whether you have a c-section or a natural birth, your body is undergoing major changes so you're going to need a pair of underwear that can carry you through. The Seamless Belly Briefs from Hatch are a pair you can count on. With light compression, they support your tummy without feeling too tight and offer a thin layer of super soft support. While they offer full coverage up top and a brief on the bottom, they still feel hot with minimal signs of a visible panty line.

Rave Review: "I got these underwear after having a c-section and graduating from the mesh panties! These have light compression and make me feel good without being tight. They don’t irritate my incision area."

Maternity 3-Pack Panties

With over 6,000 near perfect Amazon reviews, this pair of panties earns a well-deserved spot on this list. Motherhood Maternity makes the perfect everyday underwear for expecting moms. At under $20 for a three-pack, they are made from a lightweight and reliable cotton/spandex blend to leave you feeling soft and happy like your favorite pair of sweats. The swimsuit style has a low-waist crossover design for under your bump with no added pressure.

Rave Review: "These are the most comfortable maternity panties that I’ve worn. They are soft, stretchy and do not ride up."

Postpartum Support Set

If you haven't seen an Instagram post for any of the aforementioned brands, chances are you've seen one from Thinx. While they are known for their period-proof underwear, this Postpartum Support Set is the next best thing. Thinx's signature technology comes from the absorbent and washable built-in pad that really works. They come in a few different absorbency levels and a pair of super soft sleep shorts you'll never want to take off. This set comes with two super pairs, two heavy pairs, and the sleep shorts. Pro tip: Size up if you prefer a little extra room.

Rave Review: "No joke, these underwear changed my postpartum journey. They are so comfortable and cute–no more pads and diapers! They are super absorbent. I haven’t had any trouble with leaking or spilling out! The sleep shorts are THE BEST. 10/10 recommend. Don’t hesitate."

Low-Rise Underwear

If you're someone who can't seem to make the leap over to maternity underwear, we support that journey, too. Hanky Panky panties are a great option because their one-size-fits-most (technically sizing 2-12) style of business is tried-and-true. The lacey stretch is hot, smooth, and oh so comfortable. Plus the V-style silhouette in the front and back fit perfectly under your bump and over your bum. Say goodbye to a visible panty line and invest in these for every stage of life.

Rave Review: "They fit really well, and come in a gajillion colors. I've had some health problems that have resulted in major weight swings, and they look great regardless of the size I'm at."

How our team chose the best maternity underwear

Women’s Health editors, including contributor Vanessa Powell, vetted the bestselling, top-rated maternity underwear. Our team evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best maternity underwear for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What should I look for in maternity underwear?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for maternity underwear.

Fabric

Maternity underwear is all about comfort and support. Look for underwear made from soft, buttery fabric that's gentle on the skin, especially during pregnancy when skin can become more sensitive. The fabric should feel soothing and breathable to accommodate changes in body temperature.

Stretch

Stretchiness is another essential factor, as it ensures a comfortable fit that can adapt to your growing belly. Cotton spandex blends will be your best options here.

Fit

Silhouette is another important factor to consider depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re someone that wants an everyday pair of full-coverage panties with over-the-belly support, then don’t go for a low-rise swimsuit or thong style. Belly coverage feels comforting on the skin, but it also adds a little bulk. If you’re going for a form-fitting dress, then maternity shapewear will be best for you.

When should I start wearing maternity underwear?

The second you start to notice your regular undergarments feel less than accommodating, you’re going to want to call in backup. Maternity underwear will feel like your heroic best friend.

If you’re a rare lucky one where you aren’t noticing any discomfort, try switching over when you begin to notice your body changing and it might just be something you never knew you needed. Whether your everyday panties start to pinch or they get caught easily in your curves, maternity underwear will make your pregnancy better.

So, make the switch to maternity undergarments when comfort calls, and relish the added support and peace of mind they bring as your body undergoes its remarkable transformation.

How we selected the best maternity underwear

Vanessa Powell is a seasoned stylist and fashion writer with more than a decade of experience. Previously, she was a fashion editor for People Magazine and Health Magazine. For this story, she evaluated over 20 maternity underwear that were recommended by WH editors, judging their design, comfort level, and just how great they looked. She also combed through hundreds of reviews on retailers we trust to find the best maternity underwear.

Read more about the best pregnancy products

Best Pregnancy Apps | Baby Shower Gifts | Best Baby Shower Maternity Dress | Gifts For Pregnant Women | Best Pumping Bras | Maternity Swimsuits | Nursing Sports Bras

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