Oh, so you’re expecting! Some days you will be totally thrilled and focused on the new life you are carrying. On other days, you may wonder why pregnancy brings with it so many small aches and pains. One thing you don’t need is anything that irritates or binds your growing baby bump. That’s why it’s important to find just the right maternity underwear.
A good pair of maternity panties fits smoothly either under or over your bump and also gives you the coverage you desire in the back area. The fabric must be smooth and non-itchy. If the panties are pretty, that’s a big bonus. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel feminine and even sexy while you are pregnant.
Here are a dozen kinds of maternity underwear that will fit the needs of most women while they are expecting. These are arranged from minimal coverage to more coverage to more coverage with support.
Our Top Picks
- Hanky Panky thongs use lace that is soft and stretchy and shouldn't itch or irritate.
- Wide waistband stays flat, even under a bump.
- Most purchasers said the panties fit as expected.
- Cotton body is soft and breathable.
- Panties are quite expensive, as one would expect from a premium line.
- Panties must be handwashed.
- Some buyers said that panties did not fit as expected.
- Panties don't come in extra-small or extra-large sizes.[/su_box]
- The Tremour boy shorts feature cotton fabric that is easy-care and machine washable.
- The panties are free of phthalates, azo dyes and other potentially harmful substances.
- They are available in five sizes.
- The majority of buyers (84%) found that they fit as expected.
- Panties are reasonably priced, especially if purchasing a multi-pack.
- Hanky Panky thongs use lace that is soft and stretchy and shouldn't itch or irritate.
- Wide waistband stays flat, even under a bump.
- Most purchasers said the panties fit as expected.
- Cotton body is soft and breathable.
- Panties are quite expensive, as one would expect from a premium line.
- Panties must be handwashed.
- Some buyers said that panties did not fit as expected.
- Panties don't come in extra-small or extra-large sizes.[/su_box]
- The Tremour boy shorts feature cotton fabric that is easy-care and machine washable.
- The panties are free of phthalates, azo dyes and other potentially harmful substances.
- They are available in five sizes.
- The majority of buyers (84%) found that they fit as expected.
- Panties are reasonably priced, especially if purchasing a multi-pack.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
Why Not Stick With Regular Panties?
Some women choose to continue wearing regular panties during their pregnancies, perhaps buying some in an extra large size. During pregnancy, however, your body doesn’t just get bigger.
It gets bigger in a very specific way. Makers of maternity underwear have put a lot of time and research into designing panties that fit the special shape of a pregnant woman’s body. Why not take advantage of their research?
Some women avoid buying maternity underwear because they are trying to save money. In most cases, however, you won’t spend much for a few pair of maternity undies, and your regular undies won’t be subjected to the hard wear that comes with pregnancy.
Your favorite lacy things will be there waiting for the time when your body rebounds from its special assignment. And maternity underwear can fill in after you give birth during that time when your body hasn’t quite regained its old shape.
If you usually wear thongs or bikinis, you may think that you will have to give up your favorite cuts. Surprise! You can get your favorite scanty panties in maternity models.
Maternity Underwear Styling Choices
Maternity panties come in two basic styles: over the bump and under the bump. For comfort and for looks you don’t want panties with a band that goes right around your middle where you are the largest.
So maternity panties usually come in low-rise and high-rise styles. Which style you prefer depends upon a number of factors, including what kind of panties you have worn in the past and what style of clothing you prefer during your pregnancy.
Also, you may want to have some of both to fit the different outfits you wear or even your mood on a specific day.
Low-rise panties go under your belly and are often styled in a V-shape that fits well under a bump. Women who usually go minimalist with their underwear may be more at ease with low-rise panties.
The big advantage of low-cut undies is that they don’t really touch your actual belly, which can become super sensitive to clothing that binds it in any way. Also, with underwear that rides under your belly you won’t have a visible panty line in front.
High-rise panties usually go super high and cover your entire baby bump. Some women say that this style of panties makes them feel snug and secure, but you will want fabric that is super soft and stretchy.
You may have a panty line up top with this style of underwear, but if you don’t opt for fitted clothing, it shouldn’t matter.
Belly Button Issues
In addition to the other changes going on with your body, you may experience a navel that pops out, when your “innie” belly button becomes an “outie.”
This often occurs in the third trimester, although it can happen in the second. It is no reason for concern. The expanding uterus is simply exerting pressure on the tummy area.
High-rise underwear may smooth over the area a bit and make the belly button less obvious, but most modern women don’t mind if it shows. We have come a long way from the days when pregnant women tried to hide or minimize their bump. Today we show our bumps proudly, and a “popped” belly button is just part of the package.
Many times, however, the area around the belly button becomes super sensitive or a little itchy. That’s why it’s important to avoid any irritation from underwear.
A good moisturizer can help. Many creams are sold to minimize stretch marks, but none have been proven effective, according to Web MD.
They may, however, make your skin more comfortable, although cheaper moisturizers such as basic cocoa butter may be just as effective. Learn more about belly button issues from VeryWell.
Fabric Choices
Another factor in choosing the right maternity underwear is which fabric to choose. Some women prefer natural fabrics when possible, but in order to get the ease you will need, your panties will need at least a bit of stretchy synthetic also. Usually spandex is used for this function.
Cotton is an outstanding choice for those who want panties mainly made of a natural fabric. Cotton is breathable and cool.
Correctly used, it is also soft and washes well. Lastly, it is durable and should last through your pregnancy. Some panties that are made of other fabrics feature a cotton gusset in the crotch area for next-to-the-skin comfort and good hygiene.
Bamboo is a relatively new entry in the breathable fabric category, and some women swear by it. Besides being breathable like cotton, bamboo resists bacterial and fungal growth. Also, it is a sustainable crop that can be grown without pesticides.
The most popular synthetic for underwear is nylon, which is stretchy and silky-feeling. It is also fade-resistant, stain-resistant and very durable.
Many polyester fabrics have the same characteristics. Generally speaking nylon and polyester aren’t as breathable as natural fabrics. They may not wick moisture well and sometimes make wearers uncomfortably hot.
Microfiber and modal are newer synthetics that avoid some of the traditional issues with synthetics and are often used in blends.
Textile Safety
When you are shopping for panties, you may see a label that states that the item meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This certification means that the item has been tested and certified safe by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology.
This independent testing lab, headquartered in Zurich, tests for illegal substances, substances that are legally regulated and substances that are not legally regulated even though they are known to be harmful.
It also takes into consideration any other factors known to affect health. Textiles are tested for formaldehyde, pesticides, heavy metals and many other substances. Only a few brands of maternity panties have the Oeko-Tex certification, but some moms will want to look for that extra measure of safety.
There is a separate certification, Oeko-Tex Made in Green, for textiles that are not only free of harmful substances but also made in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly facility.
Sizing Problems
Theoretically, when purchasing maternity underwear, you should buy your regular size. The manufacturer should compensate for the fact that you have a belly that you don’t normally have.
Unfortunately, sizing for maternity underwear is all over the place. Especially for underwear that is manufactured in Asia, you may have to order up one or two sizes to get the proper fit.
Rather than buying your regular size, it’s a good idea to consult the sizing chart that most manufacturers supply along with other ordering information. It’s also smart to read the comments that previous buyers have made about fit.
Of course, some women like a snug fit and others prefer loose, so often there will be comments on both sides of the issue. Still, when you see an overwhelming number of comments stating that a certain kind of maternity underwear fits very loosely or very snugly, it’s best to pay attention.
A good strategy is to order one or two of a chosen underwear style to see how the sizing works. Reading the reviews and comments can be helpful, but there’s really nothing like putting the panties on your own body.
If you end up with panties that are way too big, don’t get rid of them. Toward the end of your pregnancy, you may be wishing for super-roomy undies.
After your pregnancy, don’t immediately toss or hide away your maternity underwear. You may find that you need the extra roominess that maternity underwear provides for a few weeks postpartum.
In addition to various parts being stretched out, you will have extra fluid for a while. Some of these panties, especially the low-cut styles, are cute enough to keep around even after you lose your post-delivery puffiness.
Best Maternity Underwear
Hanky Panky Maternity Thong
Hanky Panky claims to produce the most comfortable thongs in the world. This Hanky Panky Maternity Thong features a wide stretchy lace waistband of nylon and spandex, while the part of the panty that touches your intimate parts is organic supima cotton with just a touch of spandex.
Some health experts warn against wearing thongs during pregnancy. Secretions usually increase during pregnancy, and thongs have less fabric to absorb the moisture.
Also, some authorities believe that because thongs fit between the cheeks, they may transmit bacteria from the rear regions to the lady parts, causing infections.
Because the body of the Hanky Panky thong is made of absorbent, breathable cotton, these hazards should be lessened. The bottom line is if you like wearing something fun and flirtatious once in a while, you shouldn’t have a problem as long as you pay attention to cleanliness.
Here are some of the negatives of the Hanky Panky Maternity thong: Made in Italy, this maternity hot pant features a “cheeky” fit, according to the Cosabella website. That means you won’t get full coverage in the back. The fabric is 50% cotton, 40% polyamide (commonly called nylon) and 10% elastene (commonly called spandex). The body is all cotton for comfort, breathability and good hygiene. Available sizes are S, M and L. This panty is available in a black and in a variety of other hues. Most women would happily keep this panty in their lingerie rotation after baby is born. Here are some of the negatives of the Cosabella Never Say Never Maternity Hot Pant: The panties are in pretty pastels, some with patterns of tiny dots or flowers, making them cute enough to wear post-pregnancy. They come in packs of two, three or four. Back coverage is adequate but not generous. Sizing can be a problem with the Giftpocket panties. Most of those who bought the panties said that you should order one size larger than your usual size. Some suggested ordering two sizes larger. These panties come in sizes from M to XXXL and are made in China. Here are some of the negatives of the Giftpocket Under Bump Maternity Panties: Like the Giftpocket under-bump panties, this maternity underwear features a low V-cut front and standard coverage in the back. The waistband in the back rides a little higher than standard. These panties are available in S, M and L and come in pretty shades of nude and gray. Some buyers said that they like them so much that they are wearing them post pregnancy. Here are some of the negatives of the Hoplynn Bamboo Seamless Maternity Panties: The manufacturer states that the super low cut makes them perfect for those who have C-sections. Made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, these comfy briefs come in S, M, L, XL and XXL. They are made in China, but the company states that they are sized according to U.S. standards. They provide full coverage in the back. Here are some of the negatives of the Intimate Portal Under the Bump Panties With Lace: The no-seam design means a smoother fit under clothing, plus no irritation from ridges of fabric digging into your skin. With a notched waistline that accommodates your bump, the panties never dip low enough to compromise your modesty. The briefs also feature full back coverage and legs with a bit of a boy cut, so they never ride up. The last thing a pregnant woman needs is a wedgie! The fabric used in this maternity underwear is 89% modal, which is made from cellulose taken from particular species of trees. Because these trees are grown in sustainable forests and require much less water than cotton, modal is considered an environmentally friendly fabric. The panties also include 11% Lycra for softness that hugs the body. The panties are available in a three-pack or a five-pack. Both contain nude and black panties. Pretty colored panties make up the rest of the pack. These comfy briefs come in three sizes: XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL. Here are some of the negatives of the Kindred Bravely Under the Bump Seamless Maternity Briefs: The top part is designed without seams that might irritate your tender belly. Some users said that these panties don’t come up high enough on the belly to be considered over-the-bump. Instead the top edge tends to hit you mid-bump. Some buyers also said that the back coverage was not as generous as they would have liked. Made of a cotton jersey, these are 95% cotton and 5% spandex for a soft feel and good performance. These panties should work for post-natal wear, too. They come in a three-pack. You can choose from black, pink and gray; pastel tones; or a vibrant blue and black combo that also includes a cute stripe. Available sizes are S, M, L and XL. Here are some of the negatives of the Motherhood Maternity Foldover Panties:
Cosabella Never Say Never Maternity Hot Pant
Giftpocket Under Bump Maternity Panties
Hoplynn Bamboo Seamless Maternity Panties
Intimate Portal Under the Bump Panties With Lace
Kindred Bravely Under the Bump Seamless Maternity Underwear
Motherhood Maternity Foldover Panties
Cotton Whisper Maternity Panties With a Smile
