10 best maternity underwear, according to an expert

Between the weight gain, breast soreness, swollen ankles, and all the other body changes that come with pregnancy, it can be a long and uncomfortable nine months. That can be even more so with the wrong choice of undergarments, specifically bras and maternity underwear. 

When shopping for maternity or pregnancy underwear, you’ll want something breathable, non-chafing, and not at all itchy or binding/constricting. It’s designed to accommodate a changing body, and whether you want a style that hugs your bump or sits just below it is a personal choice. 

For 20 years, I’ve been the go-to guide for empowering women with style while helping them find the best bras, undies, and shapewear for their shape, size, and comfort needs. From my best-selling book, The Bra Book, to appearances on NBC’s Today Show, I’ve helped millions of women look and feel their best with upbeat advice. I’m also a mom, so I know the importance of having undergarments that keep up with our busy, active lifestyles. 

How to shop for maternity underwear:

There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for maternity underwear.  

Fabrics: Material matters more than ever when you’re expecting. Hormones can make you hotter than usual, meaning you want something breathable (like Cotton, bamboo, or breathable nylon) or somewhat cooling (like a lightweight seamless Microfiber). You also don’t want anything that can rub against or irritate your skin in any way. Typically, you will want something with a good amount of stretch to accommodate your growing bump. 

Style: You don’t have to choose a pair specifically designed for maternity. Often, you can find a suitable style in the regular underwear section. You need to decide what you’ll be most comfortable in, whether you want them to sit just under your bump, mid-bump, or pull up over it. If you opt for mid-bump, you’ll want to pay attention to the waistband. Elastic may help it stay where you want it without rolling down, but could also painfully cut into your belly. A boy short style may sit comfortably below your bump but could also ride up on the legs. Try some different styles to see what works best for you. 

Fit: In the first trimester, you may fit fine in your regular size. But as your weight increases, you may need to purchase 1-2 sizes larger. While it sounds like a significant expense, the good news is you’ll likely be wearing that same pair post-pregnancy, and then you’ll move into the smaller size as you shed the pregnancy pounds. 

Absorbency and Protection: This could also be an issue for pregnant women, especially in the later trimester when you could have more discharge and eventually bloody show. You’ll want something that can safely absorb all bodily fluids while keeping you dry and comfortable while you’re wearing them. 

How many pairs of maternity underwear do I need?

Like your regular supply of undies, you’ll want plenty to rotate as the months roll on. Seven pairs is a good rule of thumb, so you’ll have one for each day of the week without having to do your laundry too frequently (what mom or mom-to-be wants more laundry??)

10 best maternity underwear 

With all this in mind, and based on my expertise, I’ve selected ten styles you should shop for to keep your lady parts comfortable and protected while you’re expecting.

Honeylove

Crossover Brief

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$30

This mid-waist brief is a perfect mid-bump option for everyday comfort and ease of wear. The soft microfiber fabric provides stretchy support, and a bonded tummy panel offers a waistband that won’t dig in. Mesh side panels flatter and add comfortable smoothing under all your clothes!

SHOP HONEYLOVE

Essential Bodywear

Ruby Cheeky Panty

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$21

The ideal below-bump option, this Ruby boyshort style from Essential Bodywear offers light coverage with a peek of cheek. At the same time, the soft, stretch lace fabric allows for extra comfort, as does the 100% cotton gusset lining, which makes for breathability and optimal absorption. They also have a comfortable elastic waist with no dig-in and no side seams for extra comfort.

SHOP ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR

BRABAR

Comfy Hi-Leg Bikini 3-pack

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$30

If stretchy is the game, then this 3-pack panty from BRABAR is the name! They will mold to and grow with you and are perfect to pick up for the first trimester. Made from 92% breathable nylon and 8% stretchy spandex, this seamless, lightweight bikini is invisible and lays flat under clothing. The hi-leg bikini rise sits below the belly button.

SHOP BRABAR

THINX

Classic Hi-Waist

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$35

While these are specifically made for absorbing fluid during heavy periods, they are a great option when experiencing normal pregnancy discharge. The hi-waist style has mesh panels on the side for breathability and stretch, plus an extended gusset for full-back coverage.

SHOP THINX

BLANQI

Seamless OverBelly Support Panties

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$18

Comfort is key, which is where these Over Belly Support Panties come in. Engineered with flat elastic to be extra gentle on tender skin, these buttery-soft, ultra-breathable undies enlist an expandable belly panel to accommodate your growing bump. Lightweight yet surprisingly supportive, your search for comfy maternity undies is officially over!

SHOP BLANQI

Intimate Portal

Under Bump Bikinis

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$21.99

Sometimes less is more, and such is the case with these under bump bikinis. They feature a cross-design low-rise waistline in the front to hug and rest comfortably under your bump.  Plus, they’re 95% cotton so they’re soft and breathable, and they come in plenty of prints and colors to hide any spotting.

SHOP AMAZON

Kindred Bravely

Grow With Me Hipster

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$15

Dreaming of super-soft, ultra-lightweight underwear that stretches with you but doesn’t stretch out? This airy Grow with Me Hipster is your dream come true! Made of stretchy fabric designed to adapt to your changing body, these premium maternity panties will comfort you through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Light as a feather, breathable, and durable, this full-coverage maternity underwear has a V-shaped waistband that sits just below your baby bump or postpartum tummy.

SHOP KINDRED BRAVELY

Natori

Bliss Materntity Boy Short

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$30

If it’s full coverage you’re looking for, look no further than these Natori boyshorts. These feature a full panel in the front that pulls up and over your bump, plus full coverage in the rear, all in super soft Pima cotton.

SHOP NATORI

Old Navy

Rollover Waist 2-pack

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$19.99

A customer favorite, these unique pregnancy panties feature a front panel that either rolls up — or down — for added support. The super soft fine gauge cotton knit has a comfortable stretch up to a size 20.

SHOP OLD NAVY

Spanx

Mama Short

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$32

Sometimes you require more support for that growing belly, and these Mama Shorts from Spanx do the trick. The biker short style offers non-compression support from below the bust to thighs, and a belly band that grows with you. The garment is specially zoned to provide lower back support with control that’s both comfy and flattering!

SHOP SPANX