Nurses and Moms Agree, These Are the Best Pairs of Maternity Underwear (2024)

• Our Picks

• Where We Stand

• How We Researched

• What To Look For

• FAQ

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The minute you’re pregnant, chances are high that you’ll be served ads for Kindred Bravely’s fan-favorite maternity briefs. Spoiler: The stretchy pair lives up to the hype. The ultra-comfy and featherweight design, made from certified OEKO-TEX fabric, grows with you throughout pregnancy and postpartum, offering full coverage that adapts to your changing body. We’re talking no digging or seam irritation, no moisture buildup, just airy, stretchy, feel-good comfiness. Nurse practitioner Emily Silver and style expert Naina Singla both said they loved the brand and recommended this pair to clients.

Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Beige, Black, Soft Pink, Twilight | Size Range: S–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low on gentle

Look no further than Hatch’s everyday brief if you’re searching for under-bump undies with a second-skin feel. They’re cool to the touch yet supportive, featuring a hold-you-in double layer at the front and a single layer at the back (so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a diaper). Plus, they’re designed with a bamboo viscose gusset that wicks away moisture and a hidden elastic waistband for seamless comfort. Silver recommends you check out all of Hatch’s offerings, because there’s a lot of good options onsite.

Material: 91% organic Pima cotton, 9% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand, Anise, Navy Petite Rosette, Petal Stripe, Demi Fleur | Size Range: S–XL | Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Old Navy makes some of the best undies out there that are ultra-comfy and budget-friendly. The same can be said for the brand’s maternity offerings, like this cotton jersey stretch bikini. They’re just like your favorite mid-rise, high-cut-leg pre-pregnancy panties but designed to sit comfortably below your belly with just enough coverage in the back. What’s more, they feature plenty of stretch at the crossover waistband and thigh openings for a dig-free fit you can live in 24/7. We also love how the brand makes them in five different skin tones.

Material: 95% cotton, 8% spandex | Colors: Black, Dark Walnut, Maplewood, Mocha, Beige | Size Range: XS–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold

Over-the-bump undies are one of those very specific pregnancy styles that go the distance. Many support a growing bump, like this pair by Bumpsuit that’s double-lined and gently stretches with every change (and is probably the highest rise undie you’ll see on this list). But more than comfortable and accommodating through the trimesters, they also provide a styling hack unbeknownst to many mamas-to-be: they offer a thin and flexible barrier between skin and the sometimes-itchy stretch panels found in maternity jeans. So, rather than layer yet another camisole or tank under your go-to maternity tops for a potentially bulky look, these thin and breathable undies provide coverage and irritation relief. We love an undergarment that does the most in a good way.

Material: Body: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Colors: Beige, Black | Size Range: XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry on low heat

If you're not ready to give up your thongs in pregnancy, never fear, because there are maternity options! Quince recently expanded its quality-yet-affordable offerings into the maternity space, and its underwear feels luscious. Their thong is particularly nice, since it's designed to dry quickly and look and feel undetectable (without the bunching and tugging you can sometimes get with thongs). And did we mention you get six pairs for less than $40?

Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Sand, Cocoa, Black | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, tumble dry low

Jen McLellan, certified birth educator, particularly loves Belevation for inclusive maternity underwear as pairs go up to size 26. They've got good compression, an absorbent crotch, a seamless feel — which helps it feel less itchy —and an abdominal support panel. The four-way stretch fabric moves with you while the thick waistband ensures they won't roll down. For an above-the-bump everyday pick, this is the one: they even won a Mom's Choice Award.

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Nude, Mocha, Black | Size Range: 0–26 | Care: Machine-wash warm, tumble dry low

As explained by Chelsey Oliver, maternity clothes designer, bamboo is a hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating fabric with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. So these undies are a comfortable and cooling under-the-bump pick (with a hint of nylon and spandex for accompanying stretch). The non-rolling waistband is a savior for not having to adjust every five minutes. Reviewers do note that it’s best to size up.

Material: Body: 72% viscose from bamboo, 22% nylon, 6% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Soft Pink, Beige, Grey Heather, Black | Size Range: S/M-XXL/XXXL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

While not technically a maternity style, for those who like a high-cut brief, these cotton undies are incredibly comfy throughout the trimesters. They’re made from Peruvian Pima cotton, feeling lightweight and breathable with everything from oversize T-shirts and pajamas to athleisure and flowy dresses. The delicate crochet trim lends extra style points, which in and of itself is worth it when pregnancy challenges get you down. Going up a size or two from your usual makes all the difference for maximum comfort. Note: these are hand wash.

Material: 79% cotton, 15% nylon, 6% spandex | Colors: Black, White, Champagne | Size Range: S–L | Care: Hand wash cold and line dry

If you love a good Amazon find, look no further than these highly rated under-bump maternity briefs with more than 23,000 five-star reviews. The crossover waistband sits smoothly under your bump (like, way under — this is the lowest rise on this list) for optimal comfort while offering full coverage in the back. The non-itchy and breathable cotton and spandex blend is also soft and airy. And as a six-pack, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with lots of color options and patterns to choose from, including versatile neutrals, pretty colors, and even a lace option.

Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Colors: Multipacks include various neutrals, colors, and prints | Size Range: S–XXL | Care: Machine wash

For a comfortable but pretty brief to wear during pregnancy, Kelley points to this lace-adorned design by Natori. Featuring a full-coverage belly panel, they’re designed with a 360-degree stretch jersey to grow with you throughout the trimesters, with a silky smooth feel. They also offer full rear support that remains seamless under clothing and doesn’t dig thanks to the lace finish. It should be pointed out, though, that this is another pair to hand wash.

Material: Body: 62% nylon, 38% spandex; lace: 85% nylon, 15% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Black, Cameo Rose | Size Range: S-XL | Care: Hand wash and line dry

The moms we surveyed loved this pair and wore it all throughout pregnancy. This boybrief has a crossover waist, so it sits higher on the sides and lower in the middle (making it an easy transition into the first trimester and beyond). They don't dig into your waist or thighs, and the underwear doesn't shift uncomfortably as you walk. They're also pretty invisible under clothes, coming in 10 different colors to suit different skin tones.

Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane | Colors: 10 | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Care: Use a mild detergent and cool water, hand wash for extra care, air dry

If you're not familiar, a foldable waistband can be worn above or below the bump (thanks to its ability to, as the name suggests, fold over). This makes the pair more versatile, allowing you to switch between high and low-rise depending on your outfit and mood. You can also fold down the waistband in postpartum, when you don't need such a high-rise but could still do with some support. We like these that combine the crossover, foldable waistband with a bikini cut and light and breathable cotton. You’ll be reaching for these pre, during, and post-pregnancy.

Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane | Colors: 7 | Size Range: S–3X | Care: Machine Wash

Whether you just want the most support (and hate it when your underwear rides up), or you're hoping to prevent chafing between your thighs, this delivers. These boyshorts offer gentle compression from the tops of your thighs to over your bump. The expandable belly panel means you can wear it at all stages of your pregnancy. Not only is the fabric breathable and moisture-wicking, but all the seams are flat to prevent any irritation when your skin is extra sensitive.

Material: 89% nylon, 11% spandex | Colors: 6 | Size Range: S–XXL | Care: Machine wash on gentle cycle, line dry

Another non-maternity crossover style, this pair sits high on the waist then angles down to sit below your bellybutton in the center. This makes it a surprisingly functional maternity choice, since it'll sit right below your belly in pregnancy, without pinching or rolling down. The high cut leg eliminates panty lines while still providing full coverage in the back. Reviewers rave about how soft and stretchy the fabric is. And for less than $10, you get two pairs in fun colors, so you might as well stock up.

Material: 80% nylon, 20% lycra adaptiv spandex | Colors: Black/Ginger, Blazing Orange/Coral, Floral Leopard/Green, Halogen Blue Spots/White | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine washable

If you're hoping to avoid the "visible panty line" problem, these Everlane beauties are just the thing. They're not a dedicated maternity style (so size up one from your usual), but they sit just underneath the bump without riding up. No one wants to deal with unnecessary tags and seams when pregnant, and this bikini has a tagless design and a smooth waistband. Double-layered Supima cotton provides extra support while providing breathability and comfort. The moms we surveyed loved this style throughout their pregnancy when they didn't need something quite as full coverage.

Material: 92% Supima cotton, 8% elastane | Colors: Black, Gray, Burnt Sugar | Size Range: XXS–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

If you only want to buy a single type of underwear from your first weeks of pregnancy through postpartum, the aptly named "all-in panty" is your go to. Made from the softest, stretchiest micromodal fabric, this panty is crafted to accommodate your fluctuating bump. And for those who had a c-section, the wide waistband hit above the incision, so there's no rubbing or chafing. The gusset is also wide to comfortably hold a maxi pad. If you choose the three or five pack bundle, you can save on the cost of each individual pair.

Material: OEKO-TEX 93% micromodal, 7% elastane | Colors: Black, Ember, Clay, Gray | Size Range: S–3X | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Parade makes their underwear in sizes up to 3XL, which means they can accommodate growing bellies even though they're not a dedicated maternity brand. This brief is super-stretchy with a high-rise and cheeky coverage. Made from post-consumer upcycled cotton scraps and tencel lyocell, the fabric uses 95 percent less water than traditional cotton and is naturally antimicrobial. And, even though it's not a crossover style, the top still tapers up to sit higher on the waist.

Material: 75% Tencel lyocell, 19% Tencel x Refibra, 6% elastane | Colors: Eightball, Dew Drop, Vine Pop, +more | Size Range: XS–3XL | Care: Wash gentle, lay flat to dry

Postpartum dressing is just as important as the comfortable styles you wear while carrying your baby. Kelley suggests Mother Mother’s disposable five-pack of undies made from a flexible mesh material for the recovery period right after birth. “They’re clothlike, breathable, and hold a pad securely in place,” she says—a crucial feature whether you opt for ice packs, liners, or both. They’re designed for short-term use but feel like regular underwear and can be washed many times before discarding—when properly cared for, you’ll get at least 10 wears out of each pair.

Material: Polyester and spandex | Colors: Black | Size Range: One size | Care: Disposable, but to extend use, hand wash or put in a wash bag and use cool-warm water with your washing machine set to delicate; air dry or tumble dry low

Singla loves this pair from Hatch for its full coverage and high quality cotton and spandex blend. There's a double layer of fabric at the belly to provide good coverage post-C-section. Plus, it sits high on the waist, so there's no worry it will rub against the incision. Reviewers also write that this pair got them through the final stages of pregnancy, too, without feeling restrictive.

Material: 94% pima cotton, 6% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand, Anise, Petite Rosette | Size Range: S–XL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

FAQ

• What is maternity underwear, and is it necessary?

  “Maternity underwear is designed to grow with your body and add coverage and support where you need and want it,” says Kelley. Besides the extra stretch, maternity underwear tends to be softer and more breathable to accommodate extra sensitive skin. Styles range from briefs and French cuts to thongs, boy shorts, and over-the-bump silhouettes to serve as a base for any outfit in your pregnancy wardrobe. “Having the basics, like good underwear and bras, in your wardrobe is so important and will be the building blocks that keep you comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy,” says Kelley.

• How do you know what size maternity underwear to buy?

  When shopping for underwear from maternity-specific brands, Kelley suggests sticking to your regular size. “The fit of the underwear will accommodate for the shifts in your body without making it necessary to size up,” she says. Also, check out the reviews to see whether people took their regular size. If you choose to stock up on favorites from non-maternity brands, going up by a size or two will often feel the most comfortable.

• How many pairs of maternity underwear do you need?

  Kelley says the ideal maternity underwear collection should consist of around seven to ten styles that are super comfortable and keep you covered for all the different outfits you will wear and activities you love to do. “You could have something super comfortable with good coverage that will not shift around during sleep, like a great boy short," she says. “A thong or something seamless with no visible panty lines is also a good option. A bikini brief is a go-to for comfort, good coverage, and great mobility, especially during exercise where you are moving or stretching a lot.”