The Best Postpartum Underwear For Easing Into Life As A New Mom

This machine-washable, cotton/spandex postpartum underwear has received more than 1,500 five-star ratings on Amazon! They’re designed with a super wide waistband, are available in sets of five (three multicolored sets as well as one all-black set), and come in sizes Small through XX-Large. Spencer noted that these would likely offer light abdominal support and a flexible fit. “The fit [for underwear like this] should feel comfortable and lightly ‘hugging’ without feeling restrictive to avoid excess pressure downward to the pelvic floor,” she says.

Postpartum underwear definitely doesn’t have to be “fancy” to get the job done. Spencer says that some moms rely on drugstore options, like disposable underwear from Depends (pictured) or Always (see below). As she explains, “These products are intended to manage urine leakage — not heavy bleeding — though many moms report that absorption and breathability is sufficient for postpartum with the addition of an extra pad for the early days of heavier bleeding.”   Silhouette is designed to not be bulky — because no one wants that — and to feel like regular underwear. And also like typical underwear, they’re available in several colors and sizes: black, pink, teal, berry, and lavender in small, medium, and large/extra large. Each box contains 52 pairs.

Amazon now makes its own disposable postpartum underwear to compete with the usual-suspect brands, and it’s become a very popular choice, earning more than 8,000 five-star reviews! The underwear is hypoallergenic and is made with cotton for softness and comfort. Sizes range from S–XXL, and each package includes 20 pairs.  One mom wrote a review to say, “With my previous baby that I delivered few years back I wasn’t able to find anything as good as hospital pads. This time around Amazon ‘underwear’ worked so well. A must buy for postpartum.”  

This option is similar to the mesh underwear that hospitals give new moms. The polyester/spandex blend makes it lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and comfortable — and the lack of an elastic waist makes it a good choice for wearing after a C-section. Spencer says that something like this would work well for early postpartum when combined with a pad. Sizes range from XS–3XL.  One relatable review noted, “I frikkin love these to death. They are the exact comfort you need after giving birth. … I had a C-section and it was perfect for not irritating my incision. Yes they are not sexy but who cares you’re not trying to be sexy after something like that. And honestly they really aren’t bad at all. They are like super soft comfortable mesh booty shorts.”

The Always Discreet line is a common choice for moms postpartum, Spencer says. Always calls this product “boutique underwear,” and there are two colors to choose from. The underwear is super absorbent and is designed to feel like real underwear. Note that it has a “light, fresh scent” — so if you have a sensitive nose, you might want to give this a miss.  One of the almost 7,000 five-star reviews notes, “I used the hospital underwear and their pads last pregnancy and it was not effective at all. … These were recommended by a few experienced moms so I decided to give them a try. I used them in the hospital after giving birth recently and I’m currently using them up until this point. Total game changer!”

This set of reusable, machine-washable postpartum underwear is wildly popular on Amazon — and for good reason. The mostly cotton fabric comes with a little bit of spandex for stretch. The style provides light compression, and the high, wide waistband shouldn’t irritate a C-section scar. (The underwear is also tag-free.) “These look like they would offer just a little abdominal support with a flexible fit, which is an ideal combination for postpartum,” says Spencer. Not only does this underwear have a wide size range of XS–3XL, but the sets of five offer a ton of color combinations. All-white and all-black sets are also available.

Here’s another cult-favorite set of postpartum underwear. At first glance, this machine-washable postpartum underwear looks just like any other super high-waisted style of regular underwear, and that has to be part of the reason these have more than 8,000 five-star reviews. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors (black, gray, blues, purples, orange, etc.) in an inclusive size range of S–5XL (ranging from a 26” waist to 45”).  “These look like they have less of the ‘tummy control” feature,’ which may be more comfortable for very early postpartum swelling, bleeding, etc.,” says Spencer. 

This is the C-section version of Frida Mom’s disposable postpartum underwear. “Though still very much ‘disposable,’ these are thicker than the mesh styles offered by the hospital and last through more than one pad, and some moms appreciate the improved aesthetic,” says Spencer. She adds that this design looks like it would allow you to move freely and comfortably.  One new mom shared, “At first I tried the ones from the hospital but wow … they are extremely loose and just feel like you’re trying to wear rags. I had these (thank goodness) in my hospital bag and quickly switched to them. They did great! They fit comfortably and still allowed enough room for the giant pads and ice packs you will be stuffing down there after a baby just exited the premises. I highly suggest these for anyone after just giving birth!” 

Kindred Bravely is well-known for their bras, but the brand has a lot more to offer. With its wide lace waistband, this soft, C-section-friendly style is very pretty as postpartum underwear goes! It’s available in black and a dark beige as well as several jewel tones, all in sizes S–XXL.  One grateful mom wrote, “I had a C-section 4 days ago and took these with me to the hospital. As soon as I was allowed to shower, I put these on right after and felt amazing. These hold the ginormous hospital pads in place just as well as regular sized pads. … By far, these are the best thing I’ve purchased to aid my recovery thus far!”