8 Best Maternity Underwear Picks for Every Stage

When the pregnancy test is positive, it’s time to build your newborn checklist, brainstorm baby names and start curating your new wardrobe. If you work, maternity work pants are your best friend—but what’s equally as important is a solid pair of maternity underwear.

While many moms-to-be get by with raggedy old undies—that are far too stretched out—a comfy pair of underwear that is flexible and soft is perfect to rely on for several months. Here are some of the best, depending on your style and budget.

What to look for in the best maternity underwear

Let’s face it: lace and intricate designs are cute, but comfort is the top priority when looking for maternity underwear. Whether your everyday panties start to pinch or they get caught easily in your curves, maternity underwear will make your pregnancy better.

With the ideal pair of undies, flexibility and support are the top features. Look for stretchy fabrics, elastic waistbands and breathable, lightweight fabrics. Stretchy materials like spandex or lycra, blended with cotton and other natural fibers provide flexibility and accommodate a mother's growing belly.

The silhouette is another key factor to consider when shopping for maternity underwear. If you love an everyday pair of full-coverage undies for over-the-belly support, a low-rise bikini or thong style isn’t your best friend. Belly coverage feels comforting on the skin, but it also adds a little bulk. If you’re sporting a form-fitting dress, lower-cut undies will be best.

For the best fit, choose your maternity size based on your pre-pregnancy size. Ultimately, it’s key to try on different styles and brands to find one that works for you—whether they’re online or in-store.

The best maternity underwear 2023

• Best overall: Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear
• Best budget: Motherhood Maternity Foldover and Bikini Style Underwear
• Best cotton: Pact Maternity Foldover Hipster 
• Best organic: Gap Maternity Cotton Stretch Shorty
• Best plus size: Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Seamless Support Shaper Panty
• Best for leakage: Knix CoreLove Leakproof High Rise
• Best transitional: Kindred Bravely Grow with Me Maternity & Postpartum Brief
• Best extra support: Hatch The High Tuck Brief

Best overall

Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear

As your bump grows, flexible belly coverage is what this pair of undies promises. Made of cotton and spandex (for stretch!) the six-pack of our favorite maternity underwear folds over your bump for generous coverage. Or, fold below the bump for great support—offering a perfect fit for the entire pregnancy and postpartum.

We love the inner light-colored inner lining. This helps you detect any unusual spotting during pregnancy.

Pros

• Made of 95% cotton
• Can be folded up or down on the body
• Comfy inner lining
• Machine washable
• Ideal for postpartum
• Available in a pack of six
• Available in sizes S-XXL

Cons

• Runs small, so consider sizing up

Best budget

Motherhood Maternity Foldover and Bikini Style Underwear

These fold-over undies from Motherhood Maternity offer support and comfort from the first trimester to post-delivery. Made with a cotton-spandex blend, the light, breathable material can be worn over or under your bump for the perfect fit. Better yet, you can wear them under any outfit—from work attire to casual wear for a seamless look.

Better yet, the three-pack of underwear comes in stylish designs to accentuate your evolving profile—from solid pastel colors to stripes and dots.

Pros

• Made of 95% cotton
• Versatile design
• Offers support pre and post-baby
• Provides a seamless look under clothing
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns
• Available in sizes S to 3X

Cons

• Some reviewers say the underwear stretches out too quickly

Best cotton

Pact Maternity Foldover Hipster

Remember the cutesy lace undies you wore pre-pregnancy? They’re back but pregnancy-fied. Made of a soft, naturally breathable organic cotton fabric, this pair of underwear can be worn througout pregnancy and beyond. The fold-over waistband can be pulled over the belly or folded beneath it for ease.

In the style of true comfort, the low-cut leg design and cheeky silhouette are perfect for moving and grooving around.

Pros

• Made of 95% organic cotton
• Eco-conscious design
• Features chic, feminine details
• Low-cut leg design
• Machine washable
• Available in a four-pack

Cons

• Cheeky coverage, not ideal for everyone
• Moderate back coverage, better for the beginning days of pregnancy
• Only available up to size XL

Best organic

Gap Maternity Cotton Stretch Shorty

As your pregnancy winds down, cozy underwear is a must-have. Perfect for lounging around, these soft undies from Gap are ideal. The low-rise boyshorts are made of organic cotton and are ultra-cozy for bedtime. They feature an elasticized waistband and full-back coverage which provide total support while you waddle around, lovingly.

We recommend wearing these stretchy undies toward the end of your pregnancy for the ideal fit.

Pros

• Made with 92% organic cotton
• Soft, breathable fabric
• Affordable price
• Full back coverage
• Available in four skin tone shades
• Available from size XXS-XXL

Cons

• These tend to run a little roomy, so consider sizing down

Best plus size

Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Seamless Support Shaper Panty

Pregnancy shapewear? It is totally a thing, and we love this body-shaping panty. It has a soft waistband and knit-in panel that relieves pressure and provides back and belly comfort and support. Not only does it boast a flattering silhouette, but it supports your baby bump!

Thanks to its stretchy belly panel, you can wear it throughout your entire pregnancy. This sleek shaper undie has received favorable reviews online for its attention to detail and ability to smooth your hips, thighs, bum and belly.

Pros

• Provides back and belly comfort and support
• Flattering silhouette for plus-size bodies
• Remains invisible under clothing
• Machine washable
• Available in sizes 1X-3X
• Available in two colors

Cons

• Not a super breathable material

Best for leakage

Knix CoreLove Leakproof High Rise

If you need a little extra protection during pregnancy, a pair of leakproof undies is worth a try. Perfect for extra support during maternity and postpartum, Knix’s quick-drying underwear absorbs one to three teaspoons of liquid, which provides backup or standalone support against leaks with an extended gusset liner.

Available in a sleek black design, the front and back velvet shaping bands give your core structure and stability as your body grows while carrying your soon-to-be little one.

Pros

• Absorbs one to three teaspoons of liquid
• Smooth, soft fabric
• Quick-drying absorbency
• Innovative gusset technology
• Medium-bum coverage
• Machine washable
• Available in sizes S to XXXL

Cons

• On the pricier side for one pair of undies

Best transitional

Kindred Bravely Grow with Me™ Maternity & Postpartum Brief

From maternity to postpartum, a stretchy pair of undies is needed. Made of a breathable, soft fabric, this full-coverage underwear adapts to your changing body to ensure maximum comfort. Reviewers praise the light, barely there material which makes them easy to wear throughout pregnancy.

We love these high-rise maternity panties for their added coverage on your baby bump or postpartum tummy. With each wear, they grow with you during pregnancy as a time marker!

Pros

• Affordable price
• Ideal for pre and post-baby wearing
• Soft, comfy silhouette
• Made of OEKO-TEX certified* materials
• Machine washable
• Available in four colors
• Available in size S-XXL

Cons

• Some reviewers found the undies worked better for postpartum

Best extra support

Hatch The High Tuck Brief

Designed for safe + comfy C-section coverage, these sleek cotton undies from Hatch are a must-have. They feature an over-the-belly style that offers the ultimate amount of comfort from day to night. We love the double layer at the front, which creates full support for your growing belly.

Even better, reviewers detail the true bliss they feel wearing the high-waisted underwear—which you can wear to sleep—and note how seamlessly it fits into their wardrobe postpartum.

Pros

• Made of 94% pima cotton
• Sleek design
• Double-layered front coverage
• Full bum coverage
• High-waisted
• Machine washable
• Available in seven colors

Cons

• Only goes up to size XL