Whether you’re in your second trimester or navigating the early days postpartum, comfy maternity underwear can make a big difference. After my C-section, it was one of the first things I bought to avoid irritating my scar and to feel a little more comfortable throughout the day. From supportive high-waisted styles to lightweight, barely-there options, the right pair, like the extra-comfy pair from Bodily that tops our list, can help accommodate your changing body during pregnancy and recovery alike.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Bodily The All-In Panty, 5-Pack
- Best value: wirarpa Women's Cotton Underwear
- Best stylish: Kindred Bravely High-Waisted Postpartum Underwear Pack
- Best pre and postpartum: Harper Wilde Bliss Highwaist Brief
We gathered feedback from moms who wore these styles during pregnancy and postpartum and consulted experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Apparel & Paper Lab on the fabric and comfort features to prioritize. When making our selections, we considered everything from materials and stretch to coverage, comfort, and overall durability.
Pros
- Very soft micromodal fabric feels gentle on sensitive skin
- Stretchy material accommodates a growing belly and postpartum changes
- OEKO-TEX 100 certified, meaning the fabric has been tested for harmful levels of certain chemicals
Cons
- Fabric thickness may feel too warm or bulky for some wearers
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Material | 93% micromodal, 7% elastane |
A Good Housekeeping ParentingAward-winning brand, Bodily undies are some of the most comfy you’ll find, whether you’re in your third trimester or you’ve just given birth. You can purchase this high-waisted design as a single, three-, or five-pack, and choose from an assortment of colors. They’re made of 93% super-soft micromodal that’s OEKO-TEX 100-certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful levels of certain chemicals.
WHAT MOMS SAY: One mom told us she wore Bodily underwear for all three of her pregnancies and was impressed by how well they held up over time. “What I liked most about the style is how soft, stretchy, and comfortable it is, especially as you grow throughout pregnancy.” Another mom, who wore them during her C-section recovery, described them as “super soft and comfortable,” though she did note that they are a little bit thick.
Pros
- Excellent value without feeling cheap
- Comfort-first design
- Made of soft, breathable cotton
- Versatile beyond postpartum
Cons
- Thicker than standard underwear
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL, 7XL |
| Materials | 95% cotton, 5% spandex |
These wirarpa undies, sold on Amazon, come in a pack of four, making them just $5 a pair. Not only do they offer great value, but they’re made of 95% cotton and feature a comfortable high-waisted design. You can choose among neutral shades or more colorful options. Just note that the care instructions advise hang drying for better durability (though tumble dry low is OK if you’re in a pinch). They’re also not officially maternity underwear, so they may not work for those in their third trimester with larger bumps.
WHAT MOMS SAY: “I wore these pre- and postpartum, and now I use them as my nighttime period underwear,” said one mom. I also purchased these first thing after getting home from the hospital and liked how they offered enough coverage for my needs at the time. Though I did find them a bit thicker than I’m used to, they were comfortable for all-day wear.
Pros
- Soft cotton material is comfortable for all-day wear
- Stretchy fabric adapts through different trimesters and postpartum body changes
- Waistband is intended to stay put without digging in or rolling down
- Lace waistband adds a more stylish, feminine look
Cons
- Lace waistband may show under fitted clothing
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X |
| Material | 95% rayon, 5% spandex |
Designed for pregnancy and postpartum, this super soft pair of underwear from Kindred Bravely was designed with mamas in mind. The high-waisted design is especially great for those who have had a C-section, and its stretchy nature makes it possible to wear even as your belly changes throughout the trimesters. The lace waistband adds a feminine touch and is designed to stay in place without digging into your skin. Just keep in mind that it might show under fitted clothing. You can choose between two packs that each come with five pairs: The first features natural shades like beige and black, while the other includes several colors.
WHAT MOMS SAY: One C-section mom raved about how these undies are made from super comfortable cotton. “This is extra important when you’re newly postpartum,” she shared. Even two years in, she admits she still owns a few pairs. “The high waistband does not cinch too much, and it's lacy, so it also lays nicely on your tummy.” She also noted that they launder nicely.
Harper Wilde Bliss Highwaist Brief
Harper Wilde Bliss Highwaist Brief
Pros
- Wide variety of styles available for different pregnancy and postpartum preferences
- “Second skin” feel according to testers
- No restrictive waistband digging into the stomach
Cons
- Pricier than basic maternity multipacks
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL,3XL |
| Material | 77% nylon, 23% elastane |
Harper Wilde sells underwear in all cuts and sizes, so there’s guaranteed to be a pair that feels good from high-waisted boyshorts to low-rise thongs and more. This high-waisted design features a 100% cotton gusset while the rest is made of a super soft and stretchy nylon and elastane. It’s also available in 10 shades, and may be pricier than basic maternity multipacks.
WHAT MOMS SAY: Our tester, who is 26 weeks pregnant, also wore these undies before pregnancy and found them great both then and now. “They’re super stretchy and feel like a second skin,” she said. She also appreciated that there isn’t a waistband to cut into her stomach. Our experts do warn to pay attention to sizing and larger bumps, since these aren’t designed exclusively for maternity.
How we choose maternity underwear
To find the best maternity underwear, we considered recommendations from more than 10 real moms, including those who wore the styles throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and after C-sections. We also consulted experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, who regularly evaluate fabrics, comfort, and durability across all kinds of apparel.
When narrowing down our picks, we focused on factors like softness, stretch, breathability, coverage, and overall fit. We also looked at what the fabric is made of, thoughtful design details like high-waisted silhouettes or non-digging waistbands, available size ranges, and value. Preference was given to styles that comfortably accommodated changing bodies throughout pregnancy and postpartum while holding up well over time. Products were selected based on mom recommendations, editor research, and expert guidance on fabric performance, fit, and comfort."
What to look for when shopping for maternity underwear
✔️Soft, breathable fabrics: Materials like cotton and modal tend to feel gentler on sensitive skin and offer better breathability for everyday wear. Many styles also include stretchy fabrics like spandex or elastane for added flexibility.
✔️Stretch and flexibility: Your body can change quickly during pregnancy, so underwear with plenty of stretch can help provide a more comfortable fit throughout different trimesters and postpartum recovery.
✔️Waistband design: Look for waistbands that stay in place without digging into your skin. High-waisted styles can feel especially supportive during pregnancy or after a C-section, and were preferred by the majority of moms we surveyed.
✔️Coverage preferences: Some people prefer full-coverage briefs or boyshorts for extra comfort and postpartum pad support, while others feel better in lightweight or minimal styles like bikinis or thongs.
✔️Care instructions and durability: Since maternity underwear often gets heavy rotation, it’s worth checking whether they require special care like hang drying. Our pros suggest opting for machine-washable and dryer-safe styles.
✔️Size range and inclusivity: Because bodies change throughout pregnancy and postpartum, a flexible and inclusive size range can make it easier to find a comfortable fit.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This story was written by GH Institute senior reviews writer and analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from parenting and lifestyle products to travel, tech, home, and more. She frequently collaborates with the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to cover apparel and comfort essentials, including pajamas, bedding, and more. For this story, she researched maternity underwear styles, consulted Textiles Lab experts, and gathered feedback from real moms, including those who wore the styles during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and after C-sections.
