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The first few days, weeks, and — let’s be honest — months home with a new baby present a host of unforeseen challenges. The best choices for postpartum underwear doesn’t have to be one of them.
Whether your C-section scar is irritated by any contact whatsoever or you are dealing with what feels like the world’s longest post-baby menstrual period, there’s never been a better time to be a new mom. You’ve got underwear options, and they aren’t all diapers or “granny panties.”
While not everyone is willing to discuss their postpartum underwear struggles, we found quite a few been-there, done-that new parents who were happy to share their favorite underwear options — and share what could have been better.
The price key below is for the cost of a single pair, but some options come in packages, so actual costs may vary.
Price guide
- $ = under $5
- $$ = $5-$10
- $$$ = over $10
Just when you think you’ve finished the hardest part, you come home to a messy situation.
It’s called lochia, and it can last for 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. While it’s a not-so-lovely part of postpartum life, a few pairs of these underwear can ease the stress of what feels like the longest period ever.
Always Discreet Maximum Protection Underwear
Price: $
Wearing a pretty “diaper” eliminates having to find the most massive pad around and also eases the fear of leaking. If the idea of sharing the same style underwear with your infant doesn’t faze you, this is definitely the most practical option.
The brand says this design is meant for postpartum coverage, claiming there should be no concerns with fit even around your sensitive lower belly. Reviewers agreed, citing the comfort. Some even preferred them to the hospital-issued mesh undies.
Wearing disposable panties like these prevents having to pay for both huge pads and new better-fitting underwear all at once, although their throw-away nature means these are indeed a temporary option. (Of course that also means you won’t have more laundry to do!)
Hanes Premium Boyfriend Cotton Stretch Mid-Thigh Briefs
Price: $
For women who love the booty shorts but may need a bit more coverage and a bit less booty peeking out in postpartum life, these Hanes “long leg” boxer briefs bridge the gap.
The long leg concept gives a little more room for a large pad, making heavy days a bit easier. Even the most comfortable pair of pre-baby booty shorts can become cramped with a bit of postpartum weight and an overnight pad.
Reviewers loved the softness, and the fact that they don’t ride up. The other plus of buying a cheap pack of Hanes, be it this style or another, is you can throw out a pair if you have a leak.
One of somewhat unpleasant surprises for many is just how long your belly area takes to recover after birth. It can take weeks before you stop looking pregnant and, even then, things aren’t quite what they once were. It’s difficult to know how to address this area when dressing.
Some people feel better having something covering and protecting their newfound baby pooch, and find that coverage makes their clothing more comfortable. Read on if you are looking for smooth, contained, and high rise options.
Kindred Bravely High Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties
Price: $$
Sometimes it’s worth it to pay for a product that is specifically meant for postpartum life. The fabric on this underwear is ultra soft and sits quite a bit higher than other panties, allowing for the post baby belly to be a bit more secure.
It also hits well above a C-section scar, so there’s no risk of irritation there. Reviewers love this underwear because it looks beautiful at a time when not everyone feels beautiful (though you are — you just made a human!). Wide lace is the key here — nothing digging into your skin.
Many reviewers suggested sizing up for ultimate comfort and to accommodate pads during the postpartum weeks.
Innersy Cotton Soft Briefs Postpartum High Waisted Slimming Panties
Price: $$
Innersy offers an extensive variety of styles and cuts that all would serve as excellent options whether your gave birth vaginally or via C-section. In particular, the high waisted slimming panties serve multiple functions as they support the lower belly and also cover the whole booty.
They also don’t roll down, unlike some higher waisted options. Reviewers particularly liked the thickness of the fabric, remarking that they offered comfortable support without feeling binding.
Say it with me, C-section moms: Don’t touch the scar! The best advice given to moms contending with a sensitive incision area is to go high or go low with your underwear cut.
However, depending on the location of your scar, most low rise underwear still end up not being low enough, and some high rise undies can roll down or irritate sensitive skin. These tried-and-true options are scar-friendly.
Frida Mom High Waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Price: $
Frida Mom has been at the forefront of advocating for women in their postpartum recovery, with a commercial that realistically shows the difficulties of life “down there” in the early weeks of baby life.
These underwear are step 2 of 5 in their postpartum recovery plan, which involves other products meant to make self-care easier. Basically these are the more comfortable version of the hospital mesh panties, with a higher rise and better fabric blend (microfiber and spandex).
When you start running low on your stash of hospital panties but aren’t ready to go back to your regular life ones, this is a solid transition option.
Auden Seamless Bikini
Price: $$
A low rise bikini may be the way to go, especially once you are finished with monstrous-sized pads and heavy bleeding, but still have scar sensitivities.
Depending on the location of your incision, Auden bikinis may sit below it, but if not the nylon/spandex blend shouldn’t cause irritation. Reviews do say that while they don’t completely live up to their “seamless” name, the fabric is soft and they fit well.
Sometimes less is more, and if your panty is extremely soft or has a lightweight vibe, there’s less chance of irritation. In addition, a simple solution for whatever pair you choose can be to go up one or two sizes for maximum comfort.
Victoria Secret No Show Midi Brief Panty
Price: $$$
While Victoria Secret may seem like the last company to provide an excellent postpartum option, this panty makes the cut for its unique V-shaped front and “barely there” feel.
Reviewers remark that these panties sit higher on the hips, and walk the line of extremely comfortable yet also kind of sexy — the perfect combination for postpartum women. Seamless underwear such as these can also be beneficial slipping into those back-to-work pants.
Fruit of the Loom Fit for Me Microfiber Brief Panty
Price: $
Being both plus-sized and postpartum can feel daunting, as many women prefer to “size up” in postpartum underwear anyway. Women who aren’t typically plus sized may also end up sizing up into a plus size option during these few months.
Fruit of the Loom takes care of this issue for many sizes, offering up to a size 13 in these super soft “Fit for Me” microfiber panties. At such a low price, these also fall into the “throw-out-able” category if you spring a leak.
Microfiber is an excellent option for postpartum life, when some women experience sweating as their hormones return to a pre-pregnancy state, as this fabric repels moisture.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary solution for dealing with postpartum bleeding or just a more comfortable option for your healing body, it’s important to find the right underwear for you.
Feeling comfortable and confident isn’t always easy in those early post-birth weeks. Here’s hoping that finding the right pair can help you to achieve that sooner.