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Looking for maternity underwear to add to your wardrobe? Here are the 12 best maternity underwear pieces you need!
We’ve also included our tips on how to choose the best products!
Wait a minute, maternity underwear…huh?! You may be wondering, “But I already have regular underwear in my closet. Should I be wearing underwear that is specific to me being pregnant?" The answer is YES, mama!
Maternity underwear is an essential item that all mamas should have in their closets because it’s so versatile, functional, and makes you look and feel your very best throughout pregnancy (and postpartum).
It serves as a foundational piece that provides an extra layer of comfort, breathability, and function underneath clothing (versus regular, non-maternity underwear), while also featuring “grow-with-you” stretchiness as you journey through each trimester of your pregnancy. Talk about the best of both worlds! And the best part is, you can wear maternity underwear throughout your pregnancy and postpartum. Wowzers!
From maternity briefs and thongs, to shorts and bodysuits, we’ve got you covered with our best maternity underwear recommendations for each category. We’ve also included helpful tips on what to look out for when choosing the best products!
This post is all about maternity underwear.
Tips on Choosing the Best Maternity Underwear Products
All mamas can wear maternity underwear both during (all three trimesters) and after pregnancy (postpartum). Hooray!
Maternity underwear is so beneficial to wear because it provides you with an extra layer of comfort via much-needed breathability, function, and “grow-with-you” stretchiness throughout your pregnancy (versus regular, non-maternity underwear).
Many mamas who wear maternity underwear love the variety of styles that are commonly offered (from maternity briefs, thongs, and shorts), so they can select the best underwear that fits their preferences perfectly, and without compromising on function.
And most importantly, many mamas enjoy how much more comfortable and supported maternity underwear makes them feel as they wear it throughout the day (versus wearing regular, non-maternity underwear), and as their bodies journey through each trimester of their pregnancy (and postpartum).
When shopping for maternity underwear, you should look out for:
Seamless fit - This is a key feature to look out for in maternity underwear; how well does its seamless fit work to give your body a smooth, seamless shape (and reduce those dreaded visible panty lines (VPL)), while still being comfortable to wear throughout your pregnancy? The better the seamless fit, the better you will look and feel!
Soft, but durable fabric - You want to look for maternity underwear that has soft, but durable fabric (such as nylon, polyester, spandex, and cotton blends) that will feel comfortable and cozy on your belly and skin.
Also, make sure to look for maternity underwear that has a 100% cotton gusset (or crotch), for added breathability and comfort.
Stretchiness - Since maternity underwear is generally worn all day long, make sure the product has great stretch so that it comfortably hugs all of your curves in all the right places.
Quality - When comparing similar products, go with the maternity underwear that is higher in quality because it will last MUCH longer throughout your pregnancy (and postpartum).
Although it may be a bit more expensive initially, you will be saving more money in the long run by purchasing fewer products (than if you were to skimp out by going with the lower quality product).
Generally, mamas wear maternity underwear underneath their clothing (just as they would regular, non-maternity underwear). Depending on the type of underwear it is (such as maternity shorts underwear) you can also wear them as a standalone (or by itself) piece!
You can buy maternity underwear at big box retailers (like Target and Walmart), clothing stores (like Nordstrom), and online (like Amazon and on brand websites). Read on to find out our best maternity underwear recommendations, and where to buy them!
Best Maternity Underwear
Maternity Briefs
1. Kindred Bravely Under-the-Bump Bikini Underwear
The Kindred Bravely Under-the-Bump Bikini Underwear is your go-to pair of comfortable maternity underwear. These maternity briefs are perfect for all mamas because they can be worn both during and after pregnancy, and are a wonderful selection for those who recently had a C-section (due to its low-waist style)!
And what’s even better is that they come in a 5-pack, which is both super helpful and makes underwear shopping SO much easier for you! Truly among the best maternity underwear. Buy the Under-the-Bump Bikini Underwear now at Kindred Bravely.
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2. SKIMS Maternity Sculpting High Waist Brief
The SKIMS Maternity Sculpting High Waist Brief is the most comfortable and best maternity underwear you will find; not only does it give your belly and back excellent support, it also gives your butt an amazing lift! And who doesn’t want that?!
These maternity briefs have super soft fabric, and its non-compressive core allows for your bump to grow comfortably. Truly among the best seamless maternity underwear. Buy the Maternity Sculpting High Waist Brief now at SKIMS.
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3. Belly Bandit Maternity Leakproof BrieF
The Belly Bandit Maternity Leakproof Brief is among the most comfortable and functional maternity underwear you’ll ever wear. These maternity briefs are constructed with leak proof technology, including multiple layers of absorbent lining, which helps combat against bladder leaks during pregnancy, and postpartum bleeding after delivery - wowzers! Say goodbye to those mesh hospital underwear and big, bulky pads for postpartum recovery.
We absolutely LOVE that these maternity seamless underwear can grow with you throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey (and know you will, too)! Truly among the best maternity underwear EVER. Buy the Maternity Leakproof Brief now at Belly Bandit.
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4. Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear
The Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear are such an amazing pair of maternity underwear! These maternity briefs are constructed out of a super breathable, stretchy cotton fabric, which make them SO comfortable that you won’t ever want to take them off!
We absolutely LOVE that they have a non-rolling, crossover waistband (to help prevent them from sliding down), as well as being able to wear them both during and after pregnancy! Truly among the best cotton maternity underwear. Buy the Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear now on Amazon.
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Maternity Thong
5. Kindred Bravely Bamboo Thong
The Kindred Bravely Bamboo Thong is quickly going to be your new best maternity underwear friend - trust us! This is among the best maternity thongs you’ll ever find, and will ever wear!
We absolutely LOVE that this maternity thong is made out of a luxe bamboo fabric that is super breathable and comfortable (AND with a 100% cotton gusset - yay!), as well as being able to wear it both during and after pregnancy. Truly among the best cotton maternity underwear. Buy the Bamboo Thong now at Kindred Bravely.
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6. Belly Bandit Maternity Leakproof Thong
The Belly Bandit Maternity Leakproof Thong is one of the best and most functional maternity thongs you will ever own. Just like its briefs counterpart (see the “Maternity Briefs” section above), this maternity thong is also constructed with leak proof technology, including multiple layers of absorbent lining, which helps combat against bladder leaks during pregnancy, and postpartum bleeding after delivery - wowzers! Say goodbye to those mesh hospital underwear and big, bulky pads for postpartum recovery.
We absolutely LOVE that this seamless maternity underwear can grow with you throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey (and know you will, too)! Truly one of the best maternity underwear. Buy the Maternity Leakproof Thong now at Belly Bandit.
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7. KUKU Panda No-Show Maternity Thong
The KUKU PANDA No-Show Maternity Thong will quickly become one of your closet staple maternity underwear! This is one of the top-rated maternity thongs, and includes a breathable hole design (AND a 100% cotton gusset) that makes it oh so comfortable.
This maternity thong is also constructed as seamless maternity underwear that you will absolutely love. We know you’re also going to love wearing these cotton maternity underwear throughout your pregnancy AND postpartum journeys! Buy the KUKU PANDA No-Show Maternity Thong now on Amazon.
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Maternity Shorts Underwear
8. SKIMS Maternity Sculpting Short Mid Thigh
In search of the best maternity shorts underwear? Well, you’ve just hit the jackpot with the SKIMS Maternity Sculpting Short Mid Thigh! This maternity underwear give your belly an incredible shape, and their thigh length helps prevent dreaded thigh chafing (*massive sigh of relief*).
They also have an open gusset, which is super helpful for the many bathroom breaks you take throughout the day! Buy the Maternity Sculpting Short Mid Thigh now at SKIMS.
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9. Peauty “Baby Bump” Premium Maternity Shapewear
Peauty “Baby Bump” Premium Maternity Shapewear is the perfect pair of maternity shorts underwear to complete your look for special occasions, including your baby shower and maternity photoshoot!
This seamless maternity underwear gives your belly a beautiful, round shape, and is comfortable enough to wear all day long. Grab yours today! Buy the Peauty “Baby Bump” Premium Maternity Shapewear now on Amazon.
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10. Belly Bandit Thighs Disguise Maternity Support Shorts
The Belly Bandit Thighs Disguise Maternity Support Shorts are just excellent! These maternity shorts underwear are a closet staple for all pregnant mamas, and will be your go-to shorts to wear daily (especially during the warmer months)! We love that this maternity underwear supports your bump and body, while providing light compression for extra comfort throughout your pregnancy.
We know you’ll absolutely enjoy wearing them underneath just about everything (or even as a standalone piece)! Buy the Belly Bandit Thighs Disguise Maternity Support Shorts now on Amazon.
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Maternity Bodysuit Shapewear
11. SKIMS Maternity Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh
The SKIMS Maternity Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh is your go-to for all-in-one body support and comfort. This maternity underwear hugs all of your beautiful curves perfectly (without being too tight), and offers amazing smoothing and sculpting on your chest, belly, back, butt, and thighs.
It even has an open gusset, so your (many) trips to the bathroom will be a breeze! We love this maternity bodysuit shapewear so much, and we know you will, too! Buy the Maternity Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh now at SKIMS.
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12. Belly Bandit Bump Maternity Support Bodysuit
If you’re looking for maternity underwear that provides belly and back support, while also giving you the freedom to wear your favorite nursing bra, then look no further! The Belly Bandit Bump Maternity Support Bodysuit is an excellent choice for “holding you in”, while offering comfortable belly support.
This maternity bodysuit shapewear also has an open gusset, which makes going to the bathroom super easy! Truly among the best maternity underwear. Buy the Bump Maternity Support Bodysuit now at Belly Bandit.
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