The Best Maternity Underwear, According to Moms
In a nutshell:
Based on a survey of parents in The Bump community and our own research, we chose the Intimate Portal Crossover Maternity Bikini Underwear as the overall best maternity undies, based on the breathable, natural materials, comfortable fit and affordable price point.
There’s no denying that the shape of your body changes during pregnancy. You expect your belly to grow, of course, but your hips also widen to make room for baby—which means you may find yourself in need of new underwear. Instead of simply sizing up on your favorite before-baby undies, consider purchasing some maternity underwear that’s cut just right for moms-to-be. “Maternity underwear is designed to accommodate a growing belly and, in many cases, is more comfortable than regular underwear,” explains women’s health expert and author Jennifer Wider, MD.
The good news is that pregnancy underwear comes in lots of different styles, so whether you prefer a thong or a pair of full-coverage briefs, there are plenty of options. Also keep in mind that there are varying cuts available, including over-the-bump and low-rise designs. Comfort is key, so try on a few different styles before stocking your underwear drawer. We recommend grabbing at least one or two pairs that provide full coverage, as they’ll come in handy for the early postpartum days as well (or go ahead and opt for postpartum-specific underwear!). Wondering where to start? We’ve got some tips about how to shop for the best maternity underwear, as well as a list of some of our favorite options.
Maternity underwear can help keep you comfortable as your body changes during pregnancy. To choose the best styles, we took the following steps:
-
We surveyed almost 350 parents and parents-to-be and asked them to share feedback on the maternity underwear they wore during pregnancy. We focused on elements like fit, fabric comfort, stretch-factor and overall style. Only pregnancy underwear with overwhelmingly positive feedback made the final cut.
-
We spoke with two ob-gyns who advised us on the best maternity underwear fit, fabric and cuts.
-
Because every parent’s experience is different, we performed extensive market research across message boards, forums and product reviews to see how these tank tops performed for a range of breastfeeding moms.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best maternity underwear
- Comfortable, crossover waistband
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Affordable price point
- Some reviewers say there’s a visible panty line
This pregnancy underwear received the most recommendations in our recent survey of The Bump community—with good reason. The bikini briefs have a low, under-belly cut and the crossover style fits nicely underneath your baby bump without applying added pressure. They’re also made from 95 percent cotton, with a touch of spandex for added stretch factor. Another cool feature is the cotton inner lining that’s purposely designed in a light color so you can detect any unusual spotting. Still not convinced? This six-pack of underwear is super-affordable, as each pair works out at less than $4 a pop.
Size range: S to XXL | Materials: 95% cotton/5% spandex
Our community says:
I like that they have cute colors and patterns, but white cotton gussets so that you can see any colored discharge. Their sizing chart is accurate, and I've worn them from week 8 to week 38 and they're only now starting to feel a tiny bit tight. - Samantha L., The Bump survey respondent
They are extremely comfortable and I like that they are below the bump. They’re soft cotton, and they stretch to accommodate the growing bump. - Gina T., The Bump survey respondent
Affordable and comfortable. - Lisa C.*, The Bump survey respondent
Best bamboo maternity underwear
- Breathable cotton and bamboo fabric
- Non-rolling waistband stays in place
- Available in a cost-effective multi-pack
- Some parents say sizing runs small
Kindred Bravely’s pregnancy underwear consistently receives rave reviews. Wondering what sets this brand apart? Each pair is made from a premium cotton blend and bamboo fabric for maximum comfort and breathability. These pregnancy panties also have a notched design that allows plenty of room for a growing belly and is ideal for postpartum recovery, especially for people healing from a c-section. Moms-to-be appreciate that they're smooth, soft and stretchy, and that they don't itch. And the non-rolling waistband won’t dig in or sag. Bonus: Get 15 percent off sitewide with code KBBMP15.
Size range: S to XXL | Materials: 95% rayon/5% spandex (body); 100% cotton (gusset)
Our community says:
It is super comfortable. - Miriam R.* , The Bump survey respondent
Soft and comfortable. Stays in place under the bump. - Alyssa P., The Bump survey respondent
Best cotton maternity underwear
- Breathable cotton fabric
- Stretchy and soft
- Rollover waistband
- Parents wish they sat higher on the waist
Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, meaning it won’t irritate sensitive skin, which is a real bonus during pregnancy. Crafted from a fine cotton knit fabric, these panties are particularly soft and stretchy. The briefs feature a foldover waist that can be pulled up over your belly or folded down, depending on your needs. They also offer full coverage for your rear end and come in a few neutral colors.
Size range: S to XL | Materials: 95% cotton/5% spandex
Our community says:
I love the Old Navy underwear because of the comfy fabric that is soft and does not feel tight on my belly. I love that it does not dig into my belly at all. - Amber V., The Bump survey respondent
I like that the underwear has grown with me, I could wear it in all trimesters. And I like the comfortable material. - Christine M., The Bump survey respondent
Best maternity underwear for the third and fourth trimester
- Suitable for pregnancy and postpartum
- High-waisted cut
- Stretchy, soft fabric
- Underwear is visible under leggings
Looking for a comfy pair of undies to wear during the end of pregnancy through postpartum? The All-In Panty by Bodily is specifically designed for this transitionary stage. The micromodal fabric is insanely stretchy, meaning it’ll adapt to fit your growing or shrinking stomach. Meanwhile, the wide waistband gently hugs your curves and is high enough to safely cover a C-section incision without causing irritation. Bonus: Stock up on other postpartum essentials and use code BUMP15 to get 15 percent off orders over $125.
Size range: S to XL | Materials: 93% micromoda/7% elastane
Our community says:
I like that I can wear them during my third trimester and also postpartum. They feel incredibly soft and stay in place without being too tight. They are not seamless, so I mostly wear dresses when wearing this underwear. - Michelle B., The Bump survey respondent
Best affordable maternity underwear
- Affordable multi-pack
- Inclusive sizing
- Comfortable low-rise fit
- Thin material may be liable to rip
Looking for affordable pregnancy panties? At less than $4 per pair, this three pack of underwear is a real steal. The low-rise crossover waistband rests just below your bump for ultimate comfort, and the material is nice and stretchy. The set is available in fun patterns or plain neutrals, but they’re such good value you can afford to buy both!
Size range: S to 3XL | Materials: 95% rayon/5% spandex
Our community says:
They are so comfortable. They’re tight and supportive without feeling too tight around the thigh openings. - Maria J., The Bump survey respondent
Best absorbent maternity underwear
- Absorbs discharge, bladder leaks and blood
- Machine washable
- Soft, stretchy fabric
- Not specifically designed for pregnancy
Next up is a downright practical option from Knix. This ingenious style fits just like regular underwear but boasts an absorbent gusset to protect you from pregnancy discharge, light bladder leaks (it happens) and postpartum bleeding. Yep, that’s right, these undies can absorb the equivalent of nine super tampons of liquid—wow! Even better, Knix replaces the need for disposable pads or liners, so it’s an eco-friendly option to boot.
Size range: XS to 4XL | Materials: 70% nylon/30% spandex (main); 100% polyester (gusset)
Our community says:
They are so comfortable. They’re tight and supportive without feeling too tight around the thigh openings. - Maria J., The Bump survey respondent
Best maternity thong
- Doesn’t cause visible panty lines
- Comes in three colors
- Some reviewers say the material is more delicate than expected
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing thongs! Case in point: This maternity thong designed just for expectant mamas. The stretchy nylon-spandex blend expands to fit your body’s changing needs, and recovers its original shape after each wear, meaning you can rock them during all four trimesters and beyond. Plus, the cotton gusset is soft and breathable. The best part? You can say goodbye to bunchy underwear and visible panty lines, as this thong is featherlight and virtually invisible under clothing.
Size range: S to 1X | Materials: 80% nylon/20% spandex (body); 100% cotton (gusset)
Best seamless maternity underwear
- Doesn’t cause visible panty lines
- Soft, seamless fabric
- Available in under- and over-the-bump styles
- Line dry only
It's no secret that Seraphine is a pregnancy favorite here at The Bump; they even won a Best of The Bump award for best maternity clothes brand. And this seamless maternity underwear is no exception; it's the perfect undergarment for any outfit, thanks to its clever cut which prevents visible panty lines. The high-rise style keeps you covered in the back and hugs your curves for a sleek silhouette. The microfiber material is silky soft, while the cotton gusset keeps things comfortable.
Size range: XS to XL | Materials: 78% nylon/22% elastane (body); 100% cotton (gusset)
Best maternity support underwear
- Supportive waistband and non-compressive core
- Cotton gusset
- Inclusive sizes
- Some reviewers say it causes visible panty lines
Skims (aka Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line) has something for everyone, including pregnant moms. This maternity underwear offers the perfect level of support, without feeling too restrictive. The over-belly briefs smooth your curves and lift your butt to enhance your natural shape. Better yet, the gentle compression may relieve some of the weight of your baby bump and ease back pain. Made for optimal comfort and fit, this pregnancy shapewear features a cotton gusset and a foldover waistband.
Size range: XXS to 4X | Materials: 76% polyamide/24% elastane
Maternity underwear comes in many different styles, from bikini briefs to shapewear and even absorbent undies. Like any other type of intimate wear, the option you choose depends on your own personal preference and comfort needs. Here are the three main types to choose from:
-
Under-belly maternity underwear. This type of maternity underwear rests just under your bump and sits low on the hips. Some under-belly styles also feature a crossover design to reduce pressure on your stomach. Wider recommends looking for “breathable materials, cotton and forgiving waistbands—which most are designed to have.”
-
Over-belly maternity underwear. Also known as high-waisted or over-bump underwear, this type sits just under your bust line, offering full belly coverage. This style of underwear provides gentle support, and some pairs even have built-in compression panels to reduce pregnancy aches and pains. “If you need support with your belly, you may want underwear with a high waist so you feel like it’s tucked in,” says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
-
Absorbent maternity underwear. This underwear typically has special fabric at the gusset (the piece of fabric that comes in direct contact with your crotch) to help lower the risks of leaks. “Up to 70 percent of women may have incontinence in the third trimester,” says Greves. “You might want some with extra absorbency.”
The same factors—quality, cost and cut—come into play whether you’re shopping for regular undies or pregnancy panties. But during pregnancy, fabric choice and sizing concerns play a big role too. Keep the following in mind to find the best maternity underwear for your needs:
-
Fabric: Fabric choice is key when it comes to selecting the best underwear for pregnancy. Some synthetic fabrics, like latex or polyester, trap heat and moisture, which can cause itchiness and irritation. Greves recommends opting for natural fabrics, like cotton or bamboo, as they’re naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. Other materials like rayon and spandex offer great stretch, so it’s okay to wear them as long as the gusset is made from cotton.
-
Sizing: During pregnancy, your body undergoes a rapid transformation in a short space of time, meaning it can be tricky to determine your correct clothing size. In general, you can select your pre-pregnancy size when shopping for maternity underwear. But always check the brand’s size guidelines—and if in doubt, get the tape measure out to double-check your measurements.
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-plus year career in digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jennifer Wider, MD, is a nationally renowned women’s health expert, author and radio host. She is a graduate of Princeton University and received her medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Christine Greves, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. She received her medical degree from the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine, where she also completed her residency.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
