Your body will go through a lot of changes during pregnancy, so you’ll need to update your wardrobe with clothes specially designed for a growing belly. Even your underwear drawer will need a pregnancy glow-up. Your favourite pair of pre-pregnancy panties are unlikely to fit you as you approach your baby’s due date.
Comfort is key during pregnancy, so you’ll want maternity pants that fit your ever-changing bump. Comfort doesn’t have to mean ugly, however, so don’t panic if you like sexy underwear; there are plenty of options out there for sexy maternity underwear in 2024. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best maternity underwear with a perfect mix of comfort, practicality and aesthetics.
Is it worth buying maternity underwear in 2024?
It’s always worth investing in products specially tailored to your changing body, so yes – buy maternity underwear. It’s not just your growing bump you need to worry about; pregnancy changes to your pelvic structure can make your hips feel wider. Pregnancy weight gain is also expected, so you’ll probably need bigger pants by the time your baby arrives.
What to look for in maternity underwear
Here are some things to consider when choosing underwear for your pregnancy and beyond:
Breathability
The best maternity underwear is made from natural fibers. Breathable cotton pants are ideal during pregnancy. Manmade fibers, on the other hand, could increase your risk of thrush, so avoid them during pregnancy when your risk of thrush is already higher.
Comfort
Pregnancy can be uncomfortable as your body grows and stretches to accommodate your growing baby. Choose comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement. no matter what you’re doing. While you might always have opted for lacy thongs in the past, it’s ok to switch to comfy maternity briefs now. Alternatively, look for more comfortable maternity thongs that offer you the best of both worlds.
Aesthetics
Many pregnant women struggle with their changing bodies. You can be thrilled about the new life growing inside you without loving all the changes happening to your body. Investing in sexy underwear might help you feel better about your pregnant body and help you to feel more ‘you’. For what it’s worth, you look beautiful anyway, and you should be proud of your mama-to-be body.
Budget
As you’ve probably already discovered, pregnancy can be expensive. It seems like there’s something new you need to buy every week, so you might be wondering how you can invest in maternity pants while also sticking to your budget. Buy pregnancy underwear, provided you can afford it, but if you’re on a tight budget, you could opt for regular cotton pants in a bigger size than you usually wear. There’s no need to splash out on maternity-specific knickers if you can’t afford them.
Longevity
Some maternity pants are designed to be worn as regular knickers long after the pregnancy is over. Generally, low-rise maternity underwear is suitable for wearing as regular pants. As you can imagine, maternity briefs worn above the bump will likely look a bit odd (and baggy) once your bump has gone.
How many pairs of maternity underwear do you need?
The answer to this question depends heavily on your laundry routine. If clothes are washed, dried and ready quickly, you’ll get away with fewer pairs of maternity briefs. You can often buy multipacks of maternity underwear, which saves you money and helps you build up your supply of maternity briefs.
Start with about four pairs of maternity briefs and see how you get on. You can always buy more if you need them as your pregnancy progresses. You’re unlikely to grow out of all your knickers at once, so you’ll likely to have some pre-pregnancy briefs that fit you.
When should you start wearing maternity underwear?
You should start wearing maternity underwear when you outgrow your regular underwear. As your bump grows, you might notice your regular knickers beginning to feel tight. At this point, it’s a good idea to switch to some roomier maternity underwear. When this happens, it will depend on the rate at which your body changes during pregnancy. Everybody is unique, so there is no right time to switch; do it when it feels right for you.
Why do you need disposable underwear after giving birth?
Postpartum underwear isn’t the same as maternity underwear; however, you can use your maternity underwear after birth if you like. When people talk about postpartum underwear, they’re usually referring to the disposable underwear many women wear immediately after the birth. These breathable briefs are designed to be worn once and thrown away, saving you the hassle of washing out stains from the postpartum period.
It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that you don’t need disposable underwear. Many people choose to use comfy briefs they can wash instead. If the idea of single-use underwear hurts your eco heart, you can simply choose to wear maternity underwear or some regular big pants after the birth: the bigger, the better. Comfort is key when you’ve given birth. It’s worth investing in a few pairs of full briefs that will sit high, in case you have a c-section.
Best maternity underwear
Top pick: Intimate Portal under the bump maternity panties
These simple yet stylish maternity panties from Intimate Portal are perfect for your growing body. The under-the-bump design allows them to fit snugly, no matter what stage of pregnancy you’re at. The full rear coverage gives comfort, and the simple under-the-bump design at the front adds an element of style to these comfy briefs. The crossover design looks great but also accommodates any bump size and shape.
Made from 95% cotton, these breathable panties are perfect for everyday briefs. The crotch inner lining is 100% soft cotton, so that you can rely on the breathability of these pants. The crotch is lined with a lighter fabric, allowing you to keep an eye on any unusual spotting or discharge you might experience during pregnancy.
There’s no need to get rid of them after the pregnancy; these chic briefs are also suitable for wearing without a bump. The low-rise front is perfect for c-section recovery, because the top won’t irritate a c-section incision. The full coverage in the rear means you don’t need to worry about seeing panty lines.
We picked these as the best maternity underwear because they’re comfortable, with a cute v-front design, and we love the ingenuity of the light-colored crotch so you can keep an eye on any unusual discharge.
Available in a 6-pack, these briefs are a great way to start your collection of maternity underwear. Order yours today.
Best for plus size: NBB Lingerie adjustable maternity panties
It’s not always easy to find plus-size maternity clothes that fit, are comfortable to wear, and also look good. Enter NBB Lingerie and their fantastic range of maternity briefs.
The NBB Lingerie adjustable maternity panties are high-rise, or high-cut full briefs, ideal for those seeking a comfortable pregnancy. The high waistband provides gentle support for your belly, so it’s perfect for people suffering from Pelvic Girdle Pain and Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction who might benefit from some support around their pelvis and bump.
The waistband doesn’t slip or roll, so you can trust it to stay in place while you go about your day. The expanding tummy section ensures a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy. Unlike other maternity briefs, which can feel baggy, these adjustable panties fit snugly for the duration of your pregnancy.
These over-the-bump panties are available in various colors, including pink, mint, and burgundy. They’re available in a wide variety of sizes, so they’re the go-to plus-size maternity underwear. Unlike other brands that often stop at an L, NBB Lingerie makes good underwear to fit real pregnancy bodies.
Take a look at these adjustable maternity panties today.
Most versatile: Motherhood Maternity fold-over briefs
Motherhood Maternity’s fold-over briefs offer versatility thanks to the clever waistband design. If you like your maternity undies best over the bump, you can wear them high; if not, you can fold them down for a below-the-bump look.
Wearing high waisted underwear provides belly support and comfort to those who like (or need) extra support around their bump without feeling restricted. This way of wearing them also allows for a seam-free look, so they look great pulled up under maternity dresses.
Worn fold over style, the waistline sits comfortably under the bump, providing a flattering aesthetic that frames your gorgeous bump. With the waistband folded, you can wear these pants after your pregnancy. They look like stylish regular knickers, so you’ll get your money’s worth out of them.
The pants are made from a cotton-spandex blend and are breathable, incredibly soft and comfortable, making them ideal for any stage of pregnancy and beyond. The fun, flattering designs look great on pregnant bodies, and you can switch how you wear the waistband, depending on your outfit, support needs and mood. These popular pants are available in a mix of colors and styles, so you can choose maternity briefs you love.
Order a multipack of the Motherhood Maternity fold-over briefs.
Best for leaks: Modibodi maternity brief
Modibodi are known for their absorbent period panties, so it’s hardly surprising they make some of the best maternity underwear on the market. Many women experience discharge during pregnancy and rely on panty liners to keep it contained. Modibodi’s maternity briefs are an eco-friendly way to soak up any discharge and leaks. If you’re experiencing leaks when you sneeze or cough, absorbent maternity panties will give you peace of mind.
If you’ve never worn washable period pants before, you might imagine an unflattering adult diaper, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Modibodi’s sleek black panties are discretely absorbent, allowing you to feel and look your best. These panties can handle postpartum bleeding, so you won’t need to spend extra money on postpartum pants.
The absorbent pants wick moisture away from your skin and keep you feeling fresh and dry. The v-waisted line sits low on your body, allowing your bump to rest above. Not only does this look flattering, but it’s also perfect for c-section mamas as it won’t irritate their incision scar during postpartum healing.
Although this product might be pricey, it’s also built to last. You can use these maternity briefs as your period pants for years to come, making them a wise investment for the eco-minded. Made from viscose bamboo, these pants are fast-drying, so you don’t need to worry about them feeling wet against your skin.
Take a look at the Modibody maternity brief today.
Best under-the-bump: Kindred Bravely maternity panties
These Kindred Bravely maternity panties are perfect for women who want underwear that will sit below the bump. If you find the feeling of tight clothing against your bump constricting, these might be the perfect pants for you. These ultra-soft, super stretchy pants are made from rayon and spandex, so they stretch with your body and provide a snug fit.
The crossover waistband looks cute and offers maximum comfort, even during the final weeks of pregnancy. The rear has full coverage, which means you can count on all-day comfort without worrying about wedgies. The gusset is made from 100% cotton for breathability and is a light color so that you can keep an eye on any unusual discharge.
If you find over-the-bump maternity underwear rolls down your bump as you move, you might be better off with under-the-bump pants. The comfortable crossover style of Kindred Bravely maternity underwear sits just below your bump, allowing your bump to be free for maximum comfort. This design is perfect for after the birth, as the low front won’t irritate a c-section scar and make you feel uncomfortable in the weeks following the birth.
Take a closer look at the Kindred Bravely maternity panties today.
Best thong: Kindred Bravely maternity thong
If you’re not ready to embrace big pants just yet, you’ll love the Kindred Bravely maternity thong. Perfect for mamas-to-be who don’t want to worry about visible panty lines and who love the look of thongs, this maternity thong was designed with comfort in mind. This cute thong is available in two classic colors, black or beige, so you can choose according to your personal preference.
The underbump waistband features a crossover design that feels and looks great. It stays in place, and you won’t need to worry about it rolling down your bump. It’s perfect for c-section mamas in who want to avoid underwear that irritates their incision site, during postpartum recovery.
The seamless design is perfect for people who hate seeing panty lines through their clothes. The luxury bamboo fabric is lightweight, super soft and beautifully breathable. The stretchy fabric accommodates your growing bump, and the soft fabric is gentle against your skin. The simple design is elegant without being too fussy. If lace is irritating your sensitive skin during pregnancy, this product is an excellent alternative for a cute aesthetic.
These thongs run small, so it’s worth sizing up when placing your order.
