Maternity Underwear

What changes in maternity underwear

The main difference is where the waistband sits. Over-bump briefs have a high, soft band that comes up over the bump and stays flat under clothes; under-bump styles sit low on the hips and are cooler, but can roll as the bump grows. Most people end up preferring one and buying several of the same style.

Fabric does more work here than in most categories, because these are pieces worn every day. Cotton-rich knits breathe, modal and microfibre feel smoother under fitted clothes, and seamless or laser-cut edges avoid a visible line. A wide, unelasticated waistband is usually more comfortable against a stretched stomach than a narrow band.

Postpartum needs are different again: high-waisted briefs that sit above a caesarean scar, styles roomy enough for a maternity pad, and soft bras without underwires are common in the first weeks. Some brands label pieces specifically for that period, and the listings show what each brand states.

This page covers the maternity underwear family. Nursing bras, which open for feeding, are collected on their own page. Sizing varies between brands, and each publishes its own chart.