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The 14 Best Pairs of Maternity Underwear of 2025, Approved by Experts

Comfy underwear can make or break an outfit. But until you’ve experienced the turbulent body changes that come with pregnancy, you probably didn’t realize just how game-changing the best maternity underwear is for expecting parents—it’s the most essential maternity clothing, in our opinion. “Maternity underwear is designed to grow with your body and add coverage and support where you need and want it,” says designer Jennifer Kelley. Besides the extra stretch, maternity underwear tends to be softer and more breathable, accommodating sensitive skin. Styles range from briefs and French cuts to thongs, boy shorts, and over-the-bump silhouettes, serving as a base for any maternity outfit in your wardrobe.
To help you find the pairs you need during your entire pregnancy (including postpartum)—especially if you’re a new mom—we conducted extensive research on the best maternity underwear, evaluating styles based on materials, fit, comfort, and durability. After consulting with experts, surveying real moms, and drawing on our own experiences as pregnant individuals, we arrived at these top-rated choices.
Material: Body: 80% nylon, 20% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Beige, Black, Soft Pink| Size Range: S–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low on gentle
The minute you’re pregnant, chances are high that you’ll be served ads for Kindred Bravely’s fan-favorite maternity briefs. Spoiler: The stretchy pair lives up to the hype. The ultra-comfy and featherweight design, made from certified OEKO-TEX fabric, grows with you throughout pregnancy and postpartum, offering a hipster fit that adapts to your changing body. We’re talking no digging or seam irritation, no moisture buildup, just airy, stretchy, feel-good comfiness. Nurse practitioner Emily Silver and style expert Naina Singla both said they loved the brand and recommended this pair to clients.
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Material: 91% organic Pima cotton, 9% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand, Anise, Navy Petite Rosette, Petal Stripe, Demi Fleur | Size Range: S–XL | Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
No shortlist of the best maternity underwear would be complete without mention of Hatch. The maternity brand’s everyday brief is just the thing if you’re searching for under-bump undies with a second-skin feel. They’re cool to the touch yet supportive, featuring a hold-you-in double layer at the front and a single layer at the back (so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a diaper). Plus, they’re designed with a bamboo viscose gusset that wicks away moisture and a hidden elastic waistband for seamless comfort.
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Material: 95% cotton, 8% spandex | Colors: Black, Dark Walnut, Maplewood, Mocha, Beige | Size Range: XS–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold
Old Navy makes some of the best undies out there that are ultra-comfy and budget-friendly. The same can be said for the brand’s maternity underwear, like these cotton jersey stretch briefs. They’re just like your favorite mid-rise, high-cut-leg pre-pregnancy panties, but designed to sit comfortably below your belly with just enough coverage in the back. What’s more, they feature plenty of stretch at the crossover waistband and thigh openings for a dig-free fit you can live in 24/7. We also love how the brand makes them in five different skin tones.
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Material: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Colors: Beige, Black | Size Range: XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry on low heat
Over-the-bump undies are one of those very specific pregnancy styles that go the distance. Many support a growing bump, like this pair by Bumpsuit that’s double-lined and gently stretches with every change (and is probably the highest rise undie you’ll see on this list). But more than comfortable and accommodating through the trimesters, they also provide a styling hack unbeknownst to many mamas-to-be: they offer a thin and flexible barrier between skin and the sometimes-itchy stretch panels found in maternity jeans. So, rather than layer yet another camisole or tank under your go-to maternity tops for a potentially bulky look, these thin and breathable undies provide coverage and irritation relief. We love an undergarment that does the most in a good way.
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Material: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Colors: Beige, Black | Size Range: XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry on low heat
If you’re not ready to give up your thongs in pregnancy, never fear, because there are maternity options! Quince recently expanded its quality yet affordable offerings into the maternity space, and its underwear feels luscious. This thong is particularly nice, since it’s designed to dry quickly and look and feel undetectable (without the bunching and tugging you can sometimes get with thongs). And did we mention you get six pairs for less than $40?
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Material: Body: 72% viscose from bamboo, 22% nylon, 6% spandex; gusset: 100% cotton | Colors: Soft Pink, Beige, Grey Heather, Black | Size Range: S/M-XXL/XXXL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Bamboo is a hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating fabric with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. So these undies are a comfortable and cooling under-the-bump pick (with a hint of nylon and spandex for accompanying stretch). The non-rolling waistband is a savior for not having to adjust every five minutes. Reviewers do note that it’s best to size up.
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Material: 79% cotton, 15% nylon, 6% spandex | Colors: Black, White, Champagne | Size Range: S–L | Care: Hand wash cold and line dry
While not technically maternity underwear, for those who like a high-cut brief, these cotton undies are incredibly comfy throughout the trimesters. They’re made from Peruvian Pima cotton, and feel lightweight and breathable when worn with everything from oversized T-shirts and pajamas to athleisure and flowy dresses. Going up a size or two from your usual makes all the difference for maximum comfort. Note: these are hand-wash only.
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Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Colors: Multipacks include various neutrals, colors, and prints | Size Range: S–XXL | Care: Machine wash
If you love a good Amazon find, look no further than these highly rated under-bump maternity briefs with more than 26,000 five-star ratings. The crossover waistband sits smoothly under your bump (like, way under—this is the lowest rise on this list) for optimal comfort while offering full coverage in the back. The non-itchy and breathable cotton and spandex blend is also soft and airy. And as a six-pack, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with lots of color options and patterns to choose from, including versatile neutrals, pretty colors, and even a lace option.
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Material: 80% nylon, 20% Lycra adaptiv spandex | Colors: Black/Ginger, Blazing Orange/Coral, Floral Leopard/Green, Halogen Blue Spots/White | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine washable
Another non-maternity crossover style, this pair sits high on the waist and then angles down to sit below your belly button in the center. This makes it a surprisingly functional maternity choice, since it’ll sit right below your belly in pregnancy, without pinching or rolling down. The high-cut leg eliminates panty lines while still providing full coverage in the back. Reviewers rave about how soft and stretchy the fabric is. And for less than $10, you get two pairs in fun colors, so you might as well stock up.
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Material: 87% Recycled Nylon 13% Elastane| Colors: Black, dark tan, light tan| Size Range: XXS–XXL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
If you’re hoping to avoid the “visible panty line” problem, these Everlane beauties are just the thing. They’re not a dedicated maternity style (so size up one from your usual), but they sit just underneath the bump without riding up. No one wants to deal with unnecessary tags and seams when pregnant, and this bikini has a tagless design and a smooth waistband. The moms we surveyed loved this style throughout their pregnancy when they didn’t need something quite as full coverage.
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Material: OEKO-TEX 93% micromodal, 7% elastane | Colors: Black, Ember, Clay, Gray | Size Range: S–3X | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low
If you only want to buy a single type of underwear for the duration of your pregnancy, the aptly named “all-in panty” is your go-to. Made from the softest, stretchiest micromodal fabric, these briefs are crafted to accommodate your fluctuating bump. And if you have a C-section, the wide waistband hits above the incision, so there’s no rubbing or chafing post-birth. The gusset is also wide to comfortably hold a maxi pad during that delicate postpartum period. Choose the three or five-pack bundle to save on the cost of each pair.
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Material: 75% Tencel lyocell, 19% Tencel x Refibra, 6% elastane | Colors: Eightball, Dew Drop, Vine Pop, +more | Size Range: XS–3XL | Care: Wash gentle, lay flat to dry
While Parade isn’t a dedicated maternity brand, it makes underwear in sizes up to 3XL, so ideal for accommodating growing bellies. These vintage briefs are super-stretchy with a high-rise and cheeky coverage. Made from post-consumer upcycled cotton scraps and Tencel lyocell, the fabric uses 95% less water than traditional cotton and is naturally antimicrobial. And, even though it’s not a crossover style, the top still tapers up to sit higher on the waist.
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Material: Polyester and spandex | Colors: Black | Size Range: One size | Care: Disposable, but to extend use, hand wash or put in a wash bag and use cool-warm water with your washing machine set to delicate; air dry or tumble dry low
Postpartum dressing is just as important as the comfortable styles you wear while carrying your baby, and Mother Mother’s disposable five-pack of undies is ideal for the post-birth recovery period. They’re clothlike, breathable, and hold a pad securely in place—a crucial feature whether you opt for ice packs, liners, or both. They’re designed for short-term use but feel like regular underwear and can be washed many times before discarding. When properly cared for, you’ll get at least 10 wears out of each pair.
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Material: 94% Pima cotton, 6% spandex | Colors: Black, Sand, Anise, Petite Rosette | Size Range: S–XL | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Singla loves this pair from Hatch for its full coverage and high-quality cotton and spandex blend. There’s a double layer of fabric at the belly to provide good coverage post-C-section. Plus, it sits high on the waist, so there’s no worry that it will rub against the incision. Reviewers also write that this pair got them through the final stages of pregnancy, too, without feeling restrictive, so it had to have a place in our roundup of the best maternity underwear.
What to Look for in Maternity Underwear
- Fit: Cut and style are all about personal preference, but the fit of the best maternity underwear is where things get more specific. “While compression can help with certain pregnancy pains, don’t wear anything so tight it leaves marks on you,” says Jen McLellan, certified birth educator. The waistband and leg openings are other details to focus on, especially when your bump grows significantly, to avoid irritation. “You want to make sure the waistband is fit to dip under your bump slightly or up and over a full belly, and the leg opening is designed to have plenty of stretch and recovery, so it won’t cut into you,” says Kelley.
- Under or Over the Bump: There’s also the choice of whether you prefer under-bump or over-bump underwear during pregnancy and postpartum. Some people prefer the extra support from an over-the-belly design, while others prefer to avoid the extra fabric. If you’re unsure which style you prefer, consider a foldable design, so you can try them out and see which better suits your bump. For those recovering from a C-section, it’s recommended to wear high-waisted underwear styles to avoid any irritation around the scar.
- Material: There are other key features to look for when buying underwear, like soft and stretchy fabric. “Soft fabric is important so that you don’t experience chafing or irritation,” says Kelley, recommending naturally breathable fibers like cotton, modal, and bamboo. Breathable and cooling fabrics are also helpful features, as you run a few degrees warmer and tend to sweat more while pregnant, according to Kelley. “Moisture can lead to things we want to avoid during pregnancy, like yeast buildup or urinary tract infections,” says McLellan. So, look for moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo, polyester, and nylon.
Meet Our Experts
We consulted the following experts to help us pick the best maternity underwear:
- Jennifer Kelley is the former director of design at Ingrid+Isabel, focusing on intimates and bringing innovation and versatility into maternity and postpartum essentials.
- Jen McLellan, CBE, is a certified childbirth educator, founder of Plus Size Birth, and hosts the popular Plus Mommy Podcast. She’s recognized by major media outlets like The New York Times and Glamour and is a trusted expert on plus-size pregnancy and body positivity.
- Naina Singla is a recognized style expert, stylist, fashion authority, and on-air commentator who has been featured in WSJ, Forbes, InStyle, Today.com, Good Morning America, People, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, and other outlets. Singla has spoken on a broad range of topics, from seasonal fashion trends to red carpet looks and fashion week trends.
- Emily Silver, NP-C, IBCLC, is co-founder of NAPS, a newborn and parenting support service based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Why Trust Byrdie
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a seasoned editor and writer expecting her first child this year. As a Byrdie contributor, she’s constantly on the hunt for and trials products that are not only stylish but make life easier, including pregnancy-related essentials. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Marie Claire, Glamour, Town & Country, InStyle, Esquire, Women’s Health, WWD, Footwear News, Brides, and more. She previously worked in the fashion industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Art History from the University of Arizona.
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She delves deeply into all things fashion and beauty to uncover the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the top drugstore makeup essentials. She is also a mom of two boys, so she has plenty of experience with the best maternity underwear.