Best maternity knickers, tried & tested by expectant mums
You'll be needing some maternity knickers if you're expecting a baby. Aside from all those other maternity clothes (read: maternity jeans, maternity leggings, maternity nightwear/pyjamas and a baby changing bag), moisture-wicking pregnancy underwear is a must. During your first trimester, maternity underwear might not seem like such an important purchase – but you’d be surprised at how quickly you’ll change your mind.
Far from an indulgent or frivolous buy, the best maternity knickers are often the difference between feeling as though you’re being cut in half from too-tight waistbands and, well, supreme comfort. I know which one I’d opt for. Breaking news: your body changes quickly, so you might as well adapt to it.
It seems Suki Waterhouse wholeheartedly agrees, too – even post-partum. She posted an OOTD on Instagram, sporting a pair from FridaMom, and said: “The fourth trimester has been… humbling! The postpartum period has been filled with exhilarating joy, so much laughter, tears, soo many hormones! I’m proud of everything my body has achieved and proud of the kindness and grace I’ve given myself during this recovery period.”
Put it this way: when you’ve got someone's wedding to attend, where you'll be wearing one of your best maternity wedding guest dresses, the last thing you want is your pre-pregnancy thong digging in and giving you a VPL. Maternity pants are a stretchy and sure-fire way to guarantee comfort for you, make incontinence more comfortable, and support your bump.
Maternity briefs are something you’ll depend upon come bedtime, too – alongside your body pillow and nursing bra or sleep bra. A full night’s kip is imperative when you’re creating a little human being, so some comfy maternity undies with high absorbency will only help you drift off. And no, they don’t have to be Bridget Jones-style pants, either (though, let's be honest, they look like the most comfortable pair ever).
Best maternity underwear 2024, at a glance:
- Best Overall: No VPL Over Bump Maternity Briefs Twin Pack, £19
- Best Under-Bump: Lindex Maternity 2-Pack Seamless Rib Low Rise Brazilian Brief, £15
- Best Under £10: Over Bump Briefs, £9.99
- Best Postpartum: Frida Mom Boyshort Disposable Postpartum Underwear (8 Pack), £14.99
- Best Lace: Contrast Lace Overbump Maternity Briefs, £15
- Best Multipack: MAMA 5-Pack Hipster Briefs, £12.99
How we test the best maternity knickers:
You can trust GLAMOUR's honest reviews of these knickers. We tried them ourselves, but also, we canvassed friends for their favourites, and read loads of online reviews on retailer's websites to guarantee that they are the best.
After more? Head this way for the best breastfeeding tops, this way for maternity trousers, maternity dresses and maternity loungewear. We've also got loads of maternity swimwear for your growing bump.
Find the 13 best maternity knickers below for both you and your bump's comfort. You can thank us later.
FridaMom High-waist Disposable Postpartum Underwear (8 Pack)
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 8
- Sizes available: One size
- Made from: Microfiber and spandex
- Why we love them: They're Suki Waterhouse's go-to, and they're disposable – so you don't even have to worry about how they wash. The super soft microfiber and spandex design is breathable and latex free (unlike the ones you get from hospital).
Over Bump Maternity Briefs Twin Pack
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 2
- Sizes available: S- XL
- Made from: Viscose bamboo
- Why we love them: There's nothing better than embracing bigger granny pants during pregnancy. There’s something just so comforting about them, not to mention supportive! These seamless ones are also great for wearing underneath trousers with no threat of VPL. Plus, they’re an additional layer for when it’s cold out.
Contrast Lace Overbump Maternity Briefs
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 1
- Sizes available: S- XL
- Made from: Cotton and lace
- Why we love them: There is a real dearth of pretty maternity and postpartum lingerie on the market, which is why we adore these lacey briefs from Seraphine. Available in two contrasting colours, the ‘gusset’ is made from comfy cotton, while the over-the-bump waistband is lace.
Over Bump Briefs
- Style: Over bump
- Pack size: 1
- Sizes available: S, M, L
- Made from: Nylon elastane mix
- Why we love them: The ribbed side panels on these over-the-bump briefs somehow give a more smoothed-out look – if that's what you fancy. They are also higher waisted that some styles, going right up to your bra, which we also appreciated on colder days.
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Bamboo Maternity Briefs Pack of 3
- Style: Under the bump
- Pack size: 3
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Made from: Viscose bamboo
- Why we love them: So cosy for those uncomfortable final months of pregnancy, I lived in these as my go-to everyday style, with just the right balance of stretch and support. While under the bump sounds as though it should be less supportive, the clever crossover design of these means your bump feels super secure. Also: what a bargain price for three – and no need to trawl the shops looking for several you want to splurge on.
5-pack Lace Briefs
- Style: High waist briefs
- Pack size: 5
- Sizes available: 6-28
- Made from: Cotton lycra mix with lace
- Why we love them: Though not strictly maternity, these high-waist M&S briefs were ideal at the earlier stages of pregnancy for more coverage. A great choice if you don’t want to splurge on specific maternity pants and would prefer to have something that you can wear afterwards, too.
Save when you shop for the best maternity knickers with these M&S promo codes.
MOM 3-Pack Maternity Briefs
- Style: Over bump
- Pack size: 3
- Sizes available: 8-28
- Made from: Cotton elastane mix
- Why we love them: The high-rise waist on these soft cotton knickers from Lindex makes them ideal for a growing belly. They’re also made from GOTS certified organic cotton, meaning they’re great if you’ve got sensitive skin at all. Side ruching and panelling adds extra strength to the bump support, too, which I appreciated greatly when I was at 41 weeks.
MAMA 5-Pack Hipster Briefs
- Style: Under bump
- Pack size: 5
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Made from: Cotton
- Why we love them: These H&M bargains are perfect for buying for everyday wear in the first and second trimesters in particular, when you need less support. Sitting under the bump, they’re fully lined for any leakages, and have wide sides plus good coverage at the back, so you won’t feel like you’re always pulling them up.
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- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Mamalicious Maternity 2-Pack High Waist Control Brief
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 2
- Sizes available: S- XL
- Made from: Cotton, polyamide and elastane mix
- Why we love them: Two words all pregnant women love reading: elasticated waist. These pants are great at stretching to adapt to all stages of your bump and are cheap and cheerful at just £9 a pair. The fabric is really thick, too, which is great for feeling even more supported.
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Black No VPL Over Bump Twin Pack
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 1
- Sizes available: S- XL
- Made from: Cotton and lace
- Why we love them: Very much like the other over-bump style by Seraphine, but in a slinkier finish with absolutely no VPL. Ideal for wearing to the gym underneath your leggings so you can’t see your knickers when you’re squatting and lunging (if you are that is… kudos to you!)
3-Pack Lace Trim Maternity Knickers
- Style: Under bump
- Pack size: 3
- Sizes available: S, M, L
- Made from: Cotton elastane mix
- Why we love them: With a hint of stretch, these are good for when you’re just getting used to your new bump, but it’s not so big that you’re looking for any additional help holding it up. Bonus: you can wear them postpartum too, so they are a good sustainable option.
HB Select 6 Pack Under Bump Maternity Knickers
- Style: Under bump
- Pack size: 6
- Sizes available: S-XXL
- Made from: Cotton
- Why we love them: The crossover design of these under-the-bump knickers gives a little bit of extra oomph around the belly as its expanding, without going for full-on up-to-the-naval coverage. Cheap as chips and in beautiful pastel shades, these are a great addition to your underwear drawer for everyday and take the stress out of shopping for loads of new pants.
Save when you shop for the best maternity knickers with these Amazon promo codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Over The Bump Knickers 3-Pack
- Style: Over the bump
- Pack size: 3
- Sizes available: M, L, XL
- Made from: Cotton
- Why we love them: Made from a Modal Cotton hybrid, these knickers are far too soft and comfy to only work out at £4 a pair, but we’re not going to interrogate it. We also love that they come in a selection of black and white, so you can easily match to your existing bras.
7-Pack Emma Jane Disposable Maternity Knickers
- Style: Postpartum
- Pack size: 7
- Sizes available: Medium and Large
- Made from: Polyamide
- Why we love them: Super handy for your hospital bag, these disposable postpartum knickers from Jojo Maman Bebe are unusual in that they are actually pretty – most disposable pants are grey – so I really appreciated that little dopamine hit. I found them to be really comfortable on my C-section scar, too, with no itchiness or chafing – which is a tough ask.
Do I need to buy maternity knickers?
You don't need to do anything, and if your bump is on the petite side, then you might get away with some pants a size or two bigger than usual. However, in my experience, it's great to not only have the extra support but also the peace of mind afforded by maternity knickers. Yes, I'm talking about the in-build leak-proof factor that many have.
Also, and this is silly, there's just something nice about treating yourself to pretty new pants rather than a mass of baggy cheap ones you'll want to burn postpartum.
What are maternity knickers?
Maternity knickers come in all different shapes, sizes and fabrics. You can opt for disposable briefs - like this seven pack from JoJo Maman Bébé which are great for after you’ve given birth – or something more permanent like these seamless over-bump briefs from Seraphine.
Whether or not you need maternity knickers all depends on personal preference and the size of your bump (some are bigger or smaller than others, not every body is the same). Maternity underwear is designed to fit your growing belly throughout pregnancy and so will stay in place a lot better than your regular briefs – it’s recommended you buy maternity styles to save your non-preggo pairs from stretching out, even if they do still fit.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
When should I buy maternity knickers?
Personally, I left buying maternity knickers far too late (read: mid-third trimester). One day, I woke up and realised I had an actual red line across my tummy where my woefully too small pants had dug in. ‘Oh, that’s why I keep getting a tummy ache!' I thought. I immediately did a bulk buy of cheap knickers a few sizes too big, but I learned the hard way that these just wouldn't cut it.
The maternity knickers I eventually bought were perfect throughout the third and fourth (postpartum) trimesters, when my tummy was still a little swollen and also sore post C-section. Don't do what I did: buy some you like as soon as your bump starts to get bigger – around the 20-week mark, I'd say – then you'll definitely get the most wear out of them.
