There’s a lot to be said about maternity style, but who can look good if they aren’t comfortable to begin with? Underwear is the basic foundation of every outfit. With the changes your body is going through during pregnancy, you may find that your old underwear just aren’t stacking up anymore.
Maybe you want to ditch your old underwear for a new supportive maternity pair?
Worried that they’ll look frumpy? Or just really confused if you should buy maternity underwear at all? This best maternity underwear shopping guide should clear up any confusion.
Let’s get back to the basics and talk about maternity underwear.
Pin this to your pregnancy board!
Maternity Underwear Explained
So just what makes a pair of underwear a maternity item? Maternity underwear are made specially to adapt to changes in your body size during pregnancy. These underwear will fit your growing bump, so they are more comfortable than your regular pair.
Types of Maternity Underwear
Just as there are several styles of regular underwear, maternity underwear come in different styles as well.
Two important styles to note about maternity underwear are:
Over the bump- This style fits over your belly
Under the bump-This style is cut to fit under your belly but still stay in place
Benefits of Maternity Underwear
The obvious benefit is comfort. Wearing an item that was designed just for your pregnant body is always going to allow for better stretch and movement.
Most maternity underwear are made of breathable fabric such as cotton. Cotton underwear are recommended because they do not hold unnecessary moisture in.
Your regular underwear might be strained as you go through your pregnancy, especially during the later weeks. Stretched elastics will not provide support or comfort. Maternity underwear are designed to give you the support you need.
Best Maternity Underwear
Over The Bump
These may be the best option for you if you:
- Want the highest level of support
- Don’t want an exposed belly
- Want to prevent belly chaffing
Wirarpa Women’s Cotton Underwear High Waist Full Coverage Ladies Briefs Panties Multipack
These are made with 95% combed cotton and 5% spandex for just the right amount of stretch. They also feature a double layered waistband and crotch for added protection and comfort. They come in a pack of 2, 3, or 4 so if you like them you can save a bit of money by buying more at once.
What Moms Loved About These:
No rolling bunching or pinching
Not restrictive or tight
Have not stretched out after washing
What Moms Didn’t Like:
They will show over the top of “regular” pants
Inconsistent sizing
Please review the size chart provided by wirarpa or they suggest ordering one size up
Mama Cotton Over The Bump Maternity Underwear
These cotton underwear are sure to be breathable and help wick moisture away. They provide 360 support around your tummy and waist. They also include an adjustable button on the side so you can adjust the underwear to your personal preference.
Whats to Love:
Lots of room for your belly to grow
No rolling when bending
Doesn’t lose shape
What Moms Didn’t Like:
The seams can show, giving a panty line under some types of fabric
Can shrink if not washed properly
Gift Pocket Non Trace Maternity Underwear
These maternity underwear are made of a special blend of cotton, modal and spandex. Modal fabric is made from the fibers of the beech tree and is 50 percent more resistant to shrinkage than cotton!
They have a 100% cotton lined crotch which key for reducing down there irritation. They also have a wider leg opening circumference and an adjustable waistline. They come in several colors in a multipack ranging from 2 to 5 pairs.
What Moms Loved About These:
Soft material that is comfortable and breathable
Adjustable waist band
No big seams
What Moms Didn’t Like:
The pocket of fabric that is included under the belly was met with mixed reactions, but some moms mentioned that it was useful for ice packs while recovering from a C-Section.
Best Maternity Shape wear for Dresses
There will come a time during your pregnancy that you might want to wear a dress or skirt for an event, portraits or even your own baby shower. Shapewear during pregnancy can be flattering and yes, even comfortable!
Cotton won’t do the trick here for shaping, you’ll find a supportive mix of spandex and nylon to work well.
For full support, the Belevation Womens Maternity Shapewear comes in nude and black. The engineered support panel provides comfort while the full length underwear prevents thigh rubbing and chaffing.
Whats to Love:
Camouflages underwear lines and bulges
Smoothes your figure
Light to medium compression provides gentle comfortable support
What Moms Didn’t Like:
Had to put on with caution to prevent ripping or tearing material with long nails
Best Hybrid Maternity Underwear
Not sure if you want to choose between over or under the bump underwear? You don’t have to pick right away with Motherhood Maternity Fold Over Briefs. The high elastic waistband can fit over your over your belly or you can fold them down to your liking when you choose. That means that these are essentially multipurpose and will serve you will during every trimester of pregnancy.
What Moms Loved
Very comfortable and well made
Look and wear like regular panties
Not too tight on the belly
What Moms Didn’t Like:
Fabric stretches too much
Runs large, may need to order one size down
Under The Bump
These may be the best option for you if you:
- Prefer less visible underwear under clothing
- Like the look and feel of bikini style underwear
- Don’t want any additional “pressure” on your bump or possible irritation from fabric
Intimate Portal Under The Bump Maternity Underwear
With over 3,300 reviews and counting and an average 4.5 star rating, its safe to say these are a fan favorite amongst expecting moms.
These are 95% refined cotton and 5% spandex with a crossover front to fit under your bump. Despite being low rise in the front, the back is full coverage.
Whats to Love:
Flattering shape under belly
No extra pressure on your belly
Great value
What Moms Didn’t Like:
If wrong size is purchased, the front is too low
Intimate Portal Stay Fit Hipsters
Made of lightweight, breathable cotton, these maternity underwear offer a wide, stretchy waistband that offer moderate rear coverage.
What Moms Loved About These:
Held up after washing and drying
Can be used postpartum and after C-section
What Moms Didn’t Like:
Some thought the waistband was too thick
Lasted a few months before elastic was too loose
Piday Under The Bump Maternity Hipsters
Premium cotton low rise maternity underwear with a stretch waistband that does not slip or roll. The V shape in the front is designed to accommodate your baby bellow in comfort and style.
Whats to Love:
Wide back coverage reduces appearance of panty lines
No seams digging into hips
What Moms Didn’t Like:
Breathable fabric was great for warmer weather
The sizing ran small
When to Start Wearing Maternity Underwear
So when do you know it’s time to put away your old underwear and start wearing maternity underwear. The answer is simple; you can transition to maternity underwear at anytime. A few signs it may be time to ditch your old underwear:
You’re uncomfortable (number 1 reason)
Your current underwear is too snug
Your current underwear is not low cut
You want more coverage
Sizing Tips
You can generally buy maternity underwear in your current size. However, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s size chart before purchasing. A lot of buyers remorse can be prevented by getting the size right the first time.
If you’re still unsure after reading the sizing chart, scan the reviews. When people leave reviews on an item they are likely very happy with the product or will tell you watch to watch out for. If a majority of the reviews say get a size up, you might want to take that into consideration.
What To Look For
If you’re going to invest in buying specialty undergarments, you’ll want to get the best maternity underwear for your buck. Here is what to look for in a good pair:
Breathable fabric
These days most underwear is made of breathable fabric and cotton is pretty much the standard choice. Cotton wicks away moisture and doesn’t trap heat. Other fabrics can create environments for yeast to thrive in.
Liner
This probably seems like a no brainer, but a maternity panty with a white or light colored crotch liner is a good idea. You’ll be able to notice any changes in discharge which can be a good clue as to whats going on down there, pregnancy or otherwise.
Seams
If visible panty lines really bother you, avoid styles with raised seams.
Style
One style of maternity underwear wont be right for every outfit. Just like regular underwear, textred fabirc maternity underwear may show up under light weight clothing, Over the bump underwear may peek out from under non maternity jeans,
Care Tips for Maternity Underwear
You’ll want to take good care of your maternity underwear if you do decide to buy them. Here are some suggestions to make sure they stay in good shape after wear.
Your underwear come into contact with parts of your body that are more sensitive than others. Try using a hypoallergenic detergent or one that is fragrance free to reduce irritants that can come in contact with your maternity underwear.
The best thing I ever did for my undergarments, maternity or otherwise, was buy a garment bag especially for the washer. They are called delicates for a reason, they could use protection during the wash.
If possible, skip the dryer because the heat can break down the elastic sooner. Instead, opt to hang your maternity underwear on a drying rack.
The best maternity underwear are the ones that feel as good as they look. Use this guide to make sure you’re getting the right undergarments for your pregnancy journey.