The 13 Best Postpartum Underwear of 2023 | by Verywell Family

Any experienced mother will tell you that the first few weeks and months after a baby is born are a sacred, sentimental time filled with an equal mix of joy, confusion, love, and anxiety. Though it can be a time to soak up the happiness and wonder of bringing a new child into the world, it can also be an incredibly uncomfortable time. Among other things, postpartum bleeding and incontinence can make getting dressed each day a challenge. That’s why it’s essential to have a few comfortable and reliable pairs of postpartum underwear.

In comparison to regular underwear, postpartum underwear uses specific design features—like a high waist, compression fit, or moisture-wicking material—to help alleviate some of the most uncomfortablepostpartum symptoms.

When searching for the best postpartum underwear, the most important factors to consider are material and feel, says Jennifer Jolorte Doro, certified birth doula, lactation consultant, and clinical nutritionist. “You want the material to be smooth and cotton-like with a good amount of stretch or give, but not too loose. Most importantly, you want to feel comfortable but supported. It should feel slightly fitted but not too tight,” she says. Based on our research and the advice of women’s health experts, here are the best postpartum underwear styles to make moms feel comfortable and supported.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Kindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty at Amazon

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最好的芽get:

Always Discreet Incontinence Underwear at Amazon

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Best Disposable:

Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear at Amazon

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Best Mesh Postpartum Underwear:

Bodily Care Mesh Undies at Itsbodily.com

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Best After C-Section:

Bodily All-In Panty at Itsbodily.com

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Best for Pregnancy and Postpartum:

Kindred Bravely Maternity and Postpartum Brief at Nordstrom

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Best for Postpartum Bleeding:

Belly Bandit Postpartum High-Waisted Smoothing Brief at Bellybandit.com

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Best High-Waisted:

Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Recovery Panties at Amazon

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Best Hospital Postpartum Underwear:

Hansilk Mesh Postpartum Underwear at Amazon

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Best With Ice Pack:

Nyssa Postpartum Recovery Underwear at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Kindred Bravely

Pros

Includes soothing gel packs and 3 pockets to hold them in place
Appropriate for both vaginal births and C-sections
Wide gusset can accommodate extra-large pads

Cons

Only available in one color

The best postpartum underwear should make you feel more comfortable in the first few days and weeks after having a baby—and this pair can do so whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section. Made of stretchy nylon and spandex with a cotton gusset, the Kindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty will conform to your body while remaining soft and dry. The high-waisted briefs provide gentle compression that can help abdominal muscles feel more supported after pregnancy, and the wide gusset and full coverage make it easy to hold the large pads necessary for postpartum bleeding.

也许最好的特性,这条帖子partum underwear has three pockets to hold soothing gel packs. You can place one in the stomach pocket to help provide comfort to the abdominal muscles or a C-section incision, you can place it in the gusset to help alleviate perineal discomfort, or you can position one in the back to ease lower back pain. These gel packs can be used warm or cold, so they’re ideal for helping new moms get more comfortable in the postpartum stage. These underwear are only offered in black—which can be a good way to avoid stains from postpartum bleeding. Keep in mind that each pair is sold individually, so they are a pricier option.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:S, M, L, XL, XXL |Material:Nylon, spandex, and cotton |Pairs per Pack:1 |Washing Instructions:Machine wash cold gentle cycle, tumble dry low}

Pros

Designed to fit close to your body with maximum absorption so nothing leaks
Disposable
32 pairs in a pack, also available in 64-packs

Cons

Only available in one color

This super affordable disposable underwear is great to stock up on before the baby arrives. They look and feel similar to the disposable underwear you might be given at the hospital, which is a great way to combat postpartum bleeding or incontinence. Since they can be thrown away after each use, you don’t have to worry about extra laundry during the first few days of having a new baby at home, which everyone knows can be a hectic and sleepless time.

Each pair features a patented odor lock technology that helps neutralize smells. The full coverage and included leak guards help keep any wetness away from the edges, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. They’re fantastic for postpartum bleeding, but they’re also a great option for incontinence or an overactive bladder.

Price at time of publication: $42

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:S/M, L, XL, XXL |Material:Polypropylene, elastics, cellulose, and absorbent materials |Pairs per Pack:64 total (two 32-packs) |Washing Instructions:Disposable}

Walmart

Pros

Seamless and super stretchy for added comfort
Moisture-wicking material keeps you feeling dry
Boy-short style offers added support and protection from leaks

Cons

Only available in two sizes

We love that this super comfortable disposable underwear is offered in a boy-short style, so no matter how messy your postpartum situation is, you’ll feel covered and supported throughout. The material is designed to hold a pad, and the adhesive on the back sticks easily onto the underwear. You can place a pad in the perineal area to combat postpartum bleeding or position it in the stomach area to lay across your C-section incision for added protection at the scar site. The underwear is high-waisted, making it great for C-sections and vaginal deliveries alike.

We love that the underwear fits a wide range of bodies thanks to the stretchy material and seamless design. Keep in mind that they only come in two sizes, so be sure to check out the brand’s sizing instructions to find the option that’s best for you.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:Regular, petite|Material:Spandex and microfiber |Pairs per Pack:8|Washing Instructions:Disposable}

Bodily

Pros

Mesh construction is lightweight and breathable
Super stretchy
Boy-short style offers added support and protection from leaks

Cons

One-size-fits-all sizing might be challenging for some body types

Mesh underwear is lightweight and breathable, so it’s a great option for the postpartum period. We love that this set of five pairs of mesh underwear comes in a boy-short style, which helps offer added protection against any leaks. Made from nylon and spandex, these underwear are super stretchy and will stay comfortable no matter what stage of the postpartum period you’re in. In fact, the mid-waist rise and one-size-fits-all item is designed to fit anyone sized 2 to 24 (up to a 60-inch waist).

The mesh material can easily be lined with a large pad, and the black coloring helps hide any stains that might come from postpartum bleeding. Keep in mind that these don’t have a pocket to hold an ice pack or gel pack.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:One size|Material:Nylon and Spandex |Pairs per Pack:5|Washing Instructions:Machine wash cold in delicate cycle, line dry}

Bodily

Pros

Designed to transition from maternity underwear to postpartum underwear
Super high waist offers comfort after a C-section
Offered in five colors

Cons

Doesn’t have a pocket to hold a gel pack

Experts agree that after a C-section, finding reliable high-waisted underwear with gentle compression is a great way to feel more comfortable. “For women recovering from a cesarean birth, it is important to wear underwear with support, and this support should extend from the mid to lower abdomen,” says Faina Gelman-Nisanov, MD, certified OB-GYN with North Jersey Gynecology. A high waist will also help protect your incision site and keep any bandages safely covered.

We love that these versatile underwear are comfortable enough to wear throughout your pregnancy, too. The non-toxic modal material is super soft and stretchy, so the underwear will conform to your body throughout pregnancy and beyond. Offered in single, three-pack, and five-pack purchase options, these are great to stock up on as your belly starts to grow. The comfortable fabric will wick away moisture to keep you dry, and the wide gusset easily accommodates large pads.

Price at time of publication: $16 (single)

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL|Material:Micro modal |Pairs per Pack:单身,结账或5-pack|Washing Instructions:Machine wash warm, tumble dry low}

Kindred Bravely

Pros

Super-stretchy fabric grows with your bump
High rise offers comfort during pregnancy and after a C-section
Comes in three neutral colors

Cons

Doesn’t have a pocket to hold gel pack

If you’re looking for a versatile undergarment that can be used throughout all stages of your pregnancy journey, look for a transitional piece like this one. Kindred Bravely’s Grow With Me underwear is designed to be super stretchy—it’s made with nylon and spandex—so it can expand with your growing bump and still remain just as comfortable once your baby has been delivered. Offered in three neutral colors, this is a lightweight and soft option that will keep you comfortable throughout pregnancy and beyond.

With a super stretchy mid-rise and full back, these breathable panties feel like they’re barely there, so they’ll fit wonderfully under leggings or other maternity clothes. Keep in mind that these do not have a pocket to hold a gel or ice pack.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:S, M, L, XL, XXL|Material:Nylon, spandex, cotton |Pairs per Pack:1 |Washing Instructions:Machine wash in gentle cycle, tumble dry low}

Belly Bandit

Pros

The leak-resistant gusset absorbs moisture from leaks
Smooth edges eliminate panty lines
High waist offers gentle compression

Cons

Only offers sizing up to XL
Does not have a pocket to hold a gel pack

The postpartum high-waisted smoothing brief from Belly Bandit is designed to absorb and combat excess leaks. The multiple layers of absorbent lining wick away moisture from the skin, which will help keep you feeling clean and dry. The smooth, bonded edges of the panty help seal in moisture, so postpartum bleeding won’t leak out onto your clothes.

In addition to all the absorbent and moisture-wicking features of this underwear, it’s also a comfortable option to help support weakened abdominal muscles. The high-waisted panty offers gentle compression, which can help you feel supported throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Price at time of publication: $29

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:XS, S, M, L, XL|Material:Nylon, spandex, and cotton|Pairs per Pack:1|Washing Instructions:Machine wash cold in gentle cycle, hang dry}

Amazon

Pros

Affordable underwear option
Multiple colors
Wide gusset is designed to fit large pads

Cons

Does not have a pocket to hold a gel pack
Isn’t designed to be particularly absorbent or moisture-wicking

High-waisted postpartum underwear can be one of the most supportive and comfortable garments you can wear in the first few days and weeks after having a baby. We love this option from Kindred Bravely because it offers coverage and support—and it looks cute at the same time. The lace trim helps add style and a touch of elegance, which is a big divergence from typical postpartum garments. That way you can get back to feeling like yourself while wearing something comfortable.

这些产后内裤进来一群5 which makes them a totally affordable option to stock up on after delivery. Though they don’t have an interior pocket to hold a gel or ice pack, they do have a wide gusset to hold extra large pads.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:S, M, L, XL, XXL|Material:Rayon, spandex, cotton|Pairs per Pack:5|Washing Instructions:Machine wash cold in gentle cycle, tumble dry low}

Amazon

Pros

Soft and comfortable 100% cotton
High waist protects C-section incisions
Can be washed or thrown away after each use

Cons

They don’t come in any other colors and aren’t particularly stylish
Must be hand washed

Some women swear by the postpartum underwear that most hospitals use and provide after childbirth. It’s comfortable, stretchy, and disposable, so you can wear it during the messiest days and not worry about ruining it. If you want to stock up on some extra to have at home, try this option that comes in a pack of three, six, or 12. They’re made from 100 percent cotton and the extended sizing means they can fit a variety of different body shapes comfortably.

The boy-short style is designed to catch leaks, and the mesh fabric will stick to the adhesive on a maxi pad. The natural cotton fabric is breathable and lightweight, so it’ll keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day. The best part is how incredibly convenient these underwear are—if laundry is piling up you can totally throw them out, but if you want to keep them you can also hand wash them.

Price at time of publication: $28 (12 pack)

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:L, XL, 2XL, 3XL |Material:Cotton |Pairs per Pack:3, 6, or 12|Washing Instructions:Hand wash and air dry or throw away}

Amazon

Pros

Versatile 360-degree pocket lets you hold an ice pack between the legs or over the abdomen
Stretch design offers comfortable compression
Extra high waist can be worn above or below the belly

Cons

Only available in one color
Heating/cooling pads sold separately

Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a cesarean, finding a comfortable pair of postpartum underwear that can hold either an ice pack or a heating pad is a great way to alleviate discomfort. This high-waisted pair from Nyssa is made of stretchy polyester and features gentle compression, so it will help you feel supported but not restricted. The four-way stretch helps prevent leaks because it stays flush with your skin no matter how much you move. The full back provides maximum coverage, and the material won’t ride up either.

Best of all, this pair of panties has a versatile inner slot to hold an ice pack or heating pad in a variety of ways—you can place it between your legs to alleviate perineal discomfort, across your abdomen to soothe a C-section incision, or on your back for pain relief. The gentle compression helps keep the ice pack securely in place for maximum comfort. We love that the stretchy front can be worn super-high—it can even go over a pregnant belly—or it can be rolled down to sit below the waist. The fabric is soft, durable, and breathable, and the underwear can be washed in the washing machine for added convenience.

Price at time of publication: $39

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:XXS / x, x / S, S / M M / L, L / XL, 1 / 2 x, x 2 x / 3 |Material:Polyester, spandex|Pairs per Pack:1|Washing Instructions:Machine wash cold}

Amazon

Pros

Flat seams (no digging into the skin)
Fabric covered waistband won’t roll down
Wide, double-layer crotch helps protect against leaks

Cons

Does not have a pocket to hold a gel pack

Wirarpa’s postpartum underwear is super high-waisted to provide support to abdominal muscles and protect a C-section incision site. The waistband is covered in fabric, which makes it feel more comfortable against the skin while keeping it safely in place.

We love that this style offers a wide gusset area with a double-layered crotch piece. The double layer helps wick away moisture and the wide gusset can hold extra-large pads safely. At four pairs in a pack, this is an affordable set of postpartum underwear that you can rely on to help you feel comfortable and secure.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL |Material:95% Cotton, 5% spandex |Pairs per Pack:4|Washing Instructions:Hand wash or machine wash in laundry bag (cold water)}

Amazon

Pros

Compression zone helps reduce swelling and support core muscles
Gusset opening for easy bathroom visits
Stay-put waistline prevents roll down

Cons

Might need to use additional underwear or pad

Compression underwear is a great way to provide much-needed support to weakened abdominal muscles after birth. We love that this girdle-style set is made with two layers of strong fabric to help support and compress the abdominal area, waist, and hips without being too restrictive. Compression underwear is also a great way to ease swelling, and this pair offers gentle pressure that can help a few days or a few weeks after birth.

这肚子强盗产后雕刻腰带是easy to put on—simply pull it up over your belly and secure the hook and eye closure on the gusset. This girdle-style underwear also features a leak-resistant liner, but some people might prefer to use a pad or regular underwear underneath to create some cushioning between the gusset closure and your sensitive areas. Before purchasing, make sure to use Belly Bandit’s sizing guide to help you find the best fit—compression underwear should fit snugly but it shouldn’t be too tight or restricting.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:XS, S, M, L, XL|Material:Nylon|Pairs per Pack:1 |Washing Instructions:Hand wash with cold water and lay flat to dry}

Amazon

Pros

Velcro closures are easy to adjust
Firm, comfortable compression through entire torso
Doesn’t roll down

Cons

Hand wash only
Runs small

The Leonisa High-Waisted Postpartum Tummy Control Underwear is a good compromise for people who want compression but are also concerned about comfort. Large Velcro straps on the side allow you to adjust the level of compression, while the high waist covers your belly, provides support to your entire torso, and smooths out your silhouette. Although it’s designed to stay put, the underwear features eyelets on the top where you can attach bra straps to further prevent roll-down. The wide gusset also has a hook-and-eye closure for easy access if you need to go to the bathroom.

Price at time of publication: $51

^{Key Specs:
Sizes:XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL|Material:Polyamide, elastane |Pairs per Pack:1 |Washing Instructions:Hand wash with cold water and lay flat to dry}

How We Selected the Best Postpartum Underwear

When looking for the best postpartum underwear, we sought to find styles that are supportive and comfortable. In comparison to regular underwear, postpartum underwear should be designed to combat some of the most uncomfortable postpartum symptoms. For women who are recovering from a C-section, a high waist or compression fit can help support the abdominal muscles and protect a healing incision. For women who are recovering from a vaginal birth, a pocket to hold an ice pack can help alleviate soreness and pain.

In search of the best styles, we spoke to birthing and women’s health experts:

Jennifer Jolorte Doro, certified birth doula, lactation consultant, clinical nutritionist, and co-founder and chief culinary officer at Chiyo
Faina Gelman-Nisanov, MD, certified OB-GYN with North Jersey Gynecology.

What to Look for in Postpartum Underwear

Types of Postpartum Underwear

When searching for postpartum underwear, it’s important to remember that there are many different styles to choose from. In order to find the best pair for you, our experts recommend thinking about your birth experience first. “For postpartum care it is important to consider what kind of labor and delivery experience the mother had,” says Dr. Gelman-Nisanov. “If she had a regular vaginal delivery without any lacerations or repairs, she may choose something with less abdominal support than a woman who had a labor followed by cesarean delivery,” she adds.

Mothers recovering from a C-section may benefit from a high-waisted option that offers more abdominal support and incision care, such as theBodily All-In Panty. Mothers who had a vaginal delivery may want a style that features pain relief solutions, such as theNyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwearor theKindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty, both of which have pockets to hold ice packs in the perineal area.

It’s also important to consider that there are both reusable and disposable options. If postpartum bleeding is a concern, you may want to look into underwear you can just throw away without having to worry about leaks or washing more laundry, like theAlways Discreet Disposable Underwear.

Sizing

Finding the right size can be tricky in the postpartum period because of all the changes your body is going through. Most manufacturers offer a brand-specific sizing guide to help you figure out the best fit (you might need to measure your waist or hips). Others recommend purchasing the same size you wore during pregnancy or even pre-pregnancy. Keep in mind that postpartum underwear should fit snugly to provide support and compression but it should not be uncomfortable.

Fabric/Material

When searching for a pair of postpartum underwear, our experts agree that material is one of the most important factors to consider. According to Jolorte Doro, your postpartum underwear should be made of “a material that’s natural, breathable, smooth, and comfortable.” Dr. Gelman-Nisanov prefers cotton, but generally recommends any material with stretch to aid in overall comfort. “It is important to consider the comfort of the product, the level of compression, and the woman’s personal skin sensitivity to various products,” she says. All of our picks feature fabrics and materials that are breathable, natural, and stretchy.

Postpartum Comfort

The postpartum period can be a very uncomfortable time, regardless of whether you’ve had a cesarean or vaginal birth. With a C-section, postpartum women might feel discomfort in their abdominal muscles and sensitivity around the incision site. Alternatively, women recovering from a vaginal birth may have perineal discomfort, sensitivity, or pain as well as excessive bleeding. Depending on the type of delivery you’ve had, it’s a good idea to select a type of postpartum underwear that can alleviate some of that discomfort. For those recovering from a C-section, a high-waisted option, like theKindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Recovery Panties, is ideal. “The best type of postpartum underwear to wear after a C-section would be high-waisted, loose but still supportive. The wide band elastic should be wide enough to support a C-section bandage at least 2 inches wide,” says Jolorte Doro. For women recovering from a vaginal birth, look for underwear with a large gusset that can accommodate large pads, or a gusset with a pocket that can be lined with an ice pack, like our best overall pick, theKindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty.

Dr. Gelman-Nisanov also recommends compression underwear as a way to provide support and alleviate discomfort in the abdominal area. “Compression in the mid and lower abdomen provides needed support for a woman to perform daily tasks such as sit up, raise herself from her bed or chair, and carry her newborn,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of underwear is best for postpartum?

The best type of underwear for postpartum is one that is comfortable and supportive. Though there are many options to choose from, the best style for you will depend on what type of birth experience you had. If you’re recovering from a C-section, you might want a pair with a high waist, such as theKindred Bravely High-Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties, so your incision is covered and protected from touching your clothes.

If you’re recovering from a vaginal birth, you might want a pair that has a pocket to hold an ice pack to ease perineal pain, like theNyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwearor theKindred Bravely Soothing Fourth Trimester Panty. Either way, you’ll want to select a pair that has a wide and/or absorbent gusset to help with postpartum bleeding. No matter what style you choose, make sure the underwear is made of a soft, breathable, natural material that will feel comfortable against your skin.
How many pairs of disposable underwear do you need postpartum?

Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, begins right after delivery and usually lasts up to four to six weeks. Bleeding will be heaviest at first and will decrease over time. The first few days after your baby is born you might need to change your disposable underwear three or four times throughout the day, but as the amount of discharge decreases, you can switch to overnight and then regular menstrual pads. A good rule of thumb is to calculate an average of three pairs of disposable underwear for the first week postpartum, so if you’re using disposable exclusively, you’ll need to stock up on at least 20 pairs of underwear.
How long do you need postpartum underwear?

The length of time you choose to wear postpartum underwear is a personal choice that varies for different women, but it’s important to consider that your body is in recovery for many weeks after a baby is born. “The body is healing postpartum for at least six weeks,” says Dr. Gelman-Nisanov. “It is recommended that a woman avoid conceiving again until 18 months postpartum, therefore her uterus could be healing that entire time. There is no limit to when a woman should stop wearing postpartum underwear,” she adds, but she recommends “wearing them for at least six weeks, especially for a woman who has undergone a cesarean birth."
How much does quality postpartum underwear cost?

Postpartum underwear varies greatly in price depending on quality, materials, and features. Disposable underwear will be your most affordable option (a pack of 32Always Discreet Disposable Underwearcosts $21), but reusable alternatives are also quite accessible, like theBodily Mesh Undies five-packfor $14 or theWirarpa High-Waisted Cotton Underwear four-packfor $31.

The higher end of the price range will get you high-quality underwear with additional features, like theGrow With Me Brieffor $15, which can be used throughout your pregnancy and postpartum; theNyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Recovery Underwearfor $39, featuring strategically placed pockets for warm and ice packs; and theBelly Bandit Postpartum Sculpting Girdle, which costs $60 but is specifically designed to provide compression and support to help your body recover.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Denbyis a full-time product review writer who focuses on finding the best products available in the food, kitchen, home, and parenting space. She has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and has spent many years working as a professional chef throughout the New York area. She is the mother of a 16-month-old daughter and a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix, and is an expert in finding products that help her readers run a happier, cleaner, and more efficient home. Laura’s work can be found in Food & Wine, FoodNetwork.com, Forbes, Parents, and People.com.

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