When you're pregnant, it can be difficult to find clothes that are comfortable and flattering - and it can be even harder to find comfortable underwear. Your breasts and body will be taking a new shape - one you may not even recognise. The best maternity underwear for pregnancy should be supportive yet cosy. We know it's hard enough being pregnant that you shouldn't have to worry about your bra stabbing into your side.
Finding the right underwear can also become an expensive habit. Having to buy a new pair of pants the bigger your bump gets can become exhausting. You may struggle to find anything that you like and get fed up. But fear not, we have found chic underwear that you will love.
What is different about maternity underwear?
As your body changes, it's going to be uncomfortable staying in your pre-pregnancy underwear. Maternity underwear is designed with extra stretch and support. If you can still fit in your pre-pregnancy pants or briefs that's great. But unfortunately, they will stretch like crazy as your bump gets bigger. Then you'll still have to buy new ones after your baby arrives.
Do I need to buy maternity underwear?
Investing in a pair of good maternity briefs will keep you comfortable. Some shapewear styles will have extra support for your bump. When it comes to bras, you have a plethora of options, whether you go for a nursing bra or a maternity sleep bra, there is plenty to choose from.
Once your bundle of joy has arrived, your body may not snap back straight away. You may find that your boobs are now a little bigger and your tummy is a little jigglier. Your new beautiful body may need some more supportive underwear - maternity pants and bras are often a fabulous fit.
We've found the best maternity underwear that you'll love during your pregnancy - and which you can still feel good in, after your baby has arrived.
The best maternity underwear
www2.hm.com
We know that any sleep, no matter how little, is important. This soft, non-wired nursing bra is perfect for feeling secure during the night, with a wrap-over front and no fasteners. The seamless, soft material makes it extra comfortable, so you won't feel like you're wearing a nursing bra while you sleep.
Size: S, M, L, XL (UK 6-22)
Key features: Soft with no wires or fasteners, crossover front design, adapts to breast shape changes during pregnancy, available in a choice of oclours
Material: 89% Polyamide, 11% Elastane
One reviewer said, "These are the first maternity bras I have found which fit and still have room for more growth. Usually, you find they are tight around the body, but these fit nicely and do not leave marks on your skin. They are also a very nice material so it doesn't feel like you are restricted and your skin can breathe."
www.seraphine.com
These super-soft briefs are a sleek choice and rest comfortably over your bump. They also sit high on your back to keep you securely covered. You can pick up this twin pack, available in pink or black.
Size: XS, S, M, L, and XL (UK 6-18)
Key features: Seamless, comfortable over bump fit, soft microfibre, zero VPL
Material: 78% Nylon, 22% Elasthane, 100% Cotton lining
www.seraphine.com
You don't have to sacrifice a lacey bra when you're pregnant. Seraphine have you covered when it comes to comfort and style together with this bra available in pink and mocha or black.Size: 32B - 38FKey features: No underwire, pretty lace trim, easy nursing access, fully adjustable, supportive, soft micro-fibre material
Material: 87% Polyamide, 13% Elastane, Lace: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
Review: "I love this. I ordered the bra and matching briefs as a Christmas gift to myself and am thrilled. It's the nicest nursing bra I have had in over 3 years of feeding and I plan to order the navy too as soon as my size is available."
www2.hm.com
These simple briefs are essential for your maternity wardrobe. The mid-rise design sits below your bump but with high coverage, you will still feel comfortable. We love that they will last throughout pregnancy and can be used postpartum with reviewers finding the fit to be spot on.
Size: XS, S, M, L, and XL (UK 6-22)
Key features: Seamless, under bump fit with high back, available in a choice of colours
Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane, 100% Cotton lining
One customer said, "These are the pants. The pants! So incredibly comfy and soft, with lots of stretch, and don't dig in anywhere. I went for a medium, I am normally a size 8-10 and didn't want to risk any tightness. I am currently 18 weeks and confident these will last the rest of my pregnancy and beyond. I will undoubtedly buy more."
You've probably heard of Medela for its award-winning breast pumps, but did you know they also made maternity bras? This seamless sleep bra will make sleeping easier (although it can't help with a waking baby, unfortunately). Available in black or white. Size: S, M, L
Key features: No clips or hooks, crossover front design, adapts to breast shape changes during pregnancy
Material: 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane
One reviewer said, "The best sleep bra you can find, and with an affordable price tag at that. Ever since I knew about my pregnancy, I tried to put aside money for my child. I struggled with cheap bras and existing ones. To be honest, every women's body changes so much during pregnancy that most of us won't be able to use our regular clothes for a long time - I'm still not back in them yet four months after birth and not sure I ever will be. So I decided to buy these because sleeping without a bra was uncomfortable, especially when feeding, your other breast is leaking all over the place and my existing bras were never meant to sleep in."
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Made from soft cotton, this underwear is designed to fit snug under your bump during pregnancy and after. The lace detail makes a nice to change to the usual maternity underwear, whilst also being practical. Available in black or white.
Size: S, M, L (UK 8-18)
Key features: Designed to fit during and after pregnancy, super comfortable, soft stretch cotton, pretty lace trim
Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane
One reviewer said, "These fit lovely and are very comfy. I'm usually a 14 and I bought M. As my bump gets bigger, I may need L at some point. They also fit well under my bump."
www.simplybe.co.uk
Super smooth and comfy, this moulded nursing bra has moulded cups made from breathable foam for shape and support to give a smooth look under clothes. It also features a subtle lace trim and internal sling which give support when the useful drop down cups are being used for feeding.
Size: 32C-38GG
Key features: Comfy and supportive, breathable, underband is shaped to sit neatly around your bump
Material: 56% Polyamide 21% Polyester 13% Elastane 10% Cotton
www.modibodi.co.uk
These absorbent undies are perfect for handling pregnancy leaks and are designed especially for expectant mums. It helps protect you from the unexpected, helping to stay clean, dry, comfy and fresh. They sit just under the hips and the V-shaped dip means that you won't be having to buy new underwear as your bump gets bigger. A sustainable option instead of using pads and liners, they're eco-friendly.
Size: 10/S, 12/M, 14/L, 16/XL, 18/2XL
Key features: Absorbent, sits comfortable under a baby bump, breathable with Breathable Modifier Technology, soft
Material: 95% Bamboo Viscose, 5% Spandex, Gusset: Merino Wool, Polyester, Polyamide
One reviewer said, "I've not worn any other type of underwear for my whole pregnancy! Great shape, great material, great fit, great absorbency, great comfort and great look... Just perfection! Can't speak highly enough! Go up a size from your normal fit, and you'll be one happy mama-to-be."
www.very.co.uk
Coined as Bravado’s stretchiest bra yet, Restore is the super soft, ultra-comfortable garment that will feel less like a restrictive pull and more like a supportive hug. The contemporary, pull-on style allows for an effortlessly chic look, designed with a feminine crossover styling and wide bottom band, the knitted bra is perfect for pregnancy, nursing (thanks to pull-away cups) and beyond.
Size: S, M, L, XL (UK 32B-46E)
Key features: Stretchy, wire-free, removeable foam inserts, easy access for nursing, adapts with your changing body, choice of colours (available from Bravado)
Material: 83% Recycled Nylon, 9% Virgin Nylon, 8% Spandex
Review: "This is genuinely the comfiest bra I've ever worn, while still being really supportive. I love the range of colours, the fabric feels soft and the design isn't frumpy at all - which I've come to expect from anything dubbed a 'maternity bra'. Really impressed!"
www.seraphine.com
Made from soft bamboo viscose, these maternity briefs will have you living in absolute comfort. The material is super soft, helps regulate temperature faster than cotton and even offers antibacterial properties. These are a must for a comfortable mum and bump.
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL (UK 6-18)
Key features: Seamless, comfortable under bump fit, true to size fit
Material: 76% Bamboo Viscose, 16% Nylon, 8% Elastane
uk.cakematernity.com
With stunning lace and a plunge-cut, who knew nursing bras could be so sexy? As well as making you feel good, the cotton lined side slings and easy-feed dropdown cups will leave you feeling comfy and ready to breastfeed. Available in three colours; black, beige, and brown.
Size: 32B - 38G
Key features: Flexi-wire for support, life and shape, five hook and eye, easy-feed drop down cups, beautiful design
Material: 74% Nylon, 14% Elastane, 7% Cotton, 5% Polyester
One reviewer said: "At last a bra that's flattering, supportive and fits perfectly. I've lost count of the number of bras I've purchased throughout my four pregnancies. I was reluctant to try another but I'm so glad I did. I bought one and was so impressed I purchased another two within the same week. The quality is lovely, and I'm certain I could wear them beyond my breastfeeding journey. Maternity bras need to be comfortable. You'll be wearing them 24hrs a day. Thank you CAKE!"
uk.cakematernity.com
Create a matching set with these lacy briefs from Cake Maternity that are perfect for that blend between comfy and a little bit cheeky. Also available in black, beige, or brown, the fully lined front panel provides discretion and the elasticated waist it designed to sit comfortably during pregnancy and postpartum.
Size: S, M, L, XL (UK 10-16)
Key features: Fully lined cotton front, sits under the bump, no VPL, lacey details, matches the Truffle Lace Nursing Bra
Material: 53% Nylon, 19% Polyester, 17% Cotton, 11% Elastane
Review: "Super comfy, especially for a lacy underwear."
Where is the best place to buy maternity clothes?
If you're looking to expand your maternity wardrobe beyond underwear, Mother&Baby has got you covered. Read more about where to find clothes to dress your growing bump in our guide - top 32 stores to buy maternity clothes in the UK or online.
We haven't forgotten tall or petite mums either, check out our guide to find the best maternity clothes for tall women, and the best jeans for petite mums, as well as where to buy plus-size maternity clothes.