Between weight gain, breast pain, swollen ankles, and all the other body changes that come with pregnancy, it can be a long and uncomfortable nine months. This can happen even more with the wrong choice of underwear, especially bras and maternity underwear.
When shopping for maternity or maternity underwear, you’ll want something that breathes, doesn’t chafe, and doesn’t itch or bind/tighten at all. 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, helping them find the best bras, underwear and bras for their shape, size and comfort needs. From my best-selling book, the bra book, in appearances NBC’s Today Show, I’ve helped millions of women look and feel better with upbeat tips. I’m also a mom, so I know the importance of having underwear that keeps 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: Hardware matters more than ever when you expect it. Hormones can make you hotter than usual, which means you want something breathable (like cotton, bamboo, or breathable nylon) or somewhat cool (like a lightweight, seamless microfiber). You also don’t want anything that can rub or irritate your skin in any way. Typically, you’ll want something with good stretch to accommodate your growing bump.
Style: You don’t need to choose a pair specifically designed for maternity. You can often find a suitable style in the regular underwear department. You have to decide what you’re most comfortable with, whether you want them to sit right under your stroke, mid-stroke, or pull over it. If you choose the mid-rise, you’ll want to pay attention to the waistline. The elastic can help it stay where you want it without rolling down, but it could also cut painfully into your belly. A boy short style can sit comfortably under your bangs, but it could also come up on the legs. Try a few different styles to see what suits you best.
Suitable: In the first trimester, you may fit well into your normal size. But as your weight increases, you may need to buy 1-2 sizes bigger. While it sounds like a major expense, the good news is that you’ll likely wear the same pair post-pregnancy and then go down a size as you shed the pregnancy pounds.
Absorption and protection: This could also be a problem for pregnant women, especially in the last trimester when you could have more discharge and eventually bloody appearance. You’ll want something that can safely absorb all body fluids while keeping you dry and comfortable while wearing them.
How many pairs of maternity underwear do I need?
Just like your regular supply of underwear, you’ll want plenty to rotate in as the months go by. Seven pairs is a good rule of thumb, so you’ll have one for every day of the week without having to wash your clothes too often (what mom or mom-to-be needs more clothes??)
The 10 best maternity underwear
With all of this in mind and based on my expertise, I’ve picked ten must-shop styles to keep your lady parts comfortable and protected while you wait.
