THERE'S no getting away from it, postpartum is a messy and uncomfortable time. It’s not the moment to gleefully get out your pre-pregnancy underwear, but instead to find a pair that can support you through the post-birth weeks.
It’s a time of huge emotional and physical upheaval and ensuring everything is at hand to keep you as calm and comfortable as possible will help as you settle into life with a new arrival.
You’ll need a style and design that is comfortable and can accommodate maternity pads, you might even want to consider disposable pants that you can throw away after a few wears.
Carefully considering what underwear to go for is particularly important if you’ve had a caesarean. NCT suggests looking at loose-fitting, high-waisted briefs and avoiding bikini-fit underwear that could irritate your scar.
Whatever your needs, we’ve searched far and wide to help find the perfect pair for you.
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Best postpartum underwear at a glance:
- Best disposable: Amazon
- Best for comfort: TutuEsther
- Best for sleek lines: UpSpring
- Most breathable: CARER BEAUTY
- Best for piece-of-mind: PULIOU
Best for comfort: TutuEsther high waist postpartum underwear, £19.99 for four from Amazon
- TutuEsther high waist postpartum underwear, £19.99 - buy here
Made from a breathable super-soft fabric, these high-waisted briefs from TutuEsther combine comfort and support and will be great for everyday wear, helping you get a good night’s sleep (well, as good as possible with a new born).
A four-inch, double-layered waistband offers light compression to support your stomach and back post birth and is suitable post-caesarean.
They’re even available in a range of colours and styles.
Best for sleek lines: UpSpring post-baby panty
- UpSpring post baby panty, £24.99 - buy here
This underwear from UpSpring provides full-torso slimming from bra line to hips, with targeted compression to support weakened abdominal muscles.
Made from nylon and spandex, the underwear will hug your shape and is available in nude and black.
If you’ve had a caesarean these pants are not recommended, but UpSpring does suggest its C-Panty C-section recovery panty, which has a silicone panel for C-section incision pain relief and scar healing.
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Best disposable: Women's seamless postpartum underwear
- Women's seamless postpartum underwear, £9.98 for three pairs - buy here
These disposable shorts have been designed especially for postpartum from a breathable, stretchy material that will ensure maternity pads stay in place and reduce the risk of leaks.
They are suitable for women who have had a caesarean as they have a high waist and the fabric will allow your scar to breathe.
While they are designed to be disposed of eventually, they can be washed and re-worn.
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Most breathable: CARER BEAUTY postpartum panties for women
- CARER BEAUTY postpartum panties for women, £27.99 - buy here
These disposable maternity pants are light and breathable, providing comfort at a time when you’re likely to be feeling rather sensitive.
The high-waist won’t put pressure on your stomach or irritate surgical scars and these are suitable for post-caesarean use.
They are also designed to hold maternity pads in place securely, offering peace of mind.
While they are disposable, they can be hand-washed and reused.
Best for piece-of-mind: PULIOU postpartum underwear
- PULIOU postpartum underwear, £15.99 for three pairs - buy here
PULIOU’s high-waisted postpartum underwear has been designed with three layers of protection against leaks. A soft, easy-clean lining, absorbent middle layer and breathable outer layer.
Despite offering extra protection this underwear will not feel bulky or cumbersome – and are made from a super-soft fabric for comfort.
Best brief: Modibodi postpartum control brief
- Modibodi postpartum control brief, £30 from Modibodi - buy here
These briefs from Modibodi are smooth and supportive with built-in protection against leaks. An absorbent antimicrobial lining battles against odour and bacteria, while also repelling stains and leaks.
Meanwhile cross-bonded panels offer support, tummy control and back support. The simple black design also provides a sleek finish.
Best for budget: Marks & Spencer pure cotton high rise full briefs
- Marks & Spencer pure cotton high rise full briefs, £8 for seven pairs - buy here
M&S have long been the go-to every-day brief for many women and while they have not been designed specifically for postpartum, they will offer comfort on a budget.
Made from 100% cotton the high-rise shape and full coverage at back will offer you some support, although it may be worth considering if you want to go up a size to accommodate maternity pads.
Best for tummy control: Post maternity shaping briefs
- Post maternity shaping briefs, £29 for two pairs - buy here
Seraphine’s post maternity shaping briefs are designed to make you feel supported and streamlined with targeted tummy control optimised for postpartum.
Made from stretch cotton these briefs offer comfortable light support that will leave you feeling confident and looking great. The classic design is available in a black and white twin pack.
Best for support: High-waisted postnatal support pants, £18 JoJo Maman Bébé
- High-waisted postnatal support pants, £18 - buy here
These pants from JoJo Maman Bébé offer support to your stomach and back post-pregnancy, improving your posture to reduce aches and pains.
The seamless design and invisible tummy control will also offer a smooth silhouette, helping you feel more like your old self. It’s no wonder this is one of the company’s bestselling designs.
Best for stretch: BABYGO postpartum knickers, £14.95 from BABYGO
- BABYGO postpartum knickers, £14.95 from BABYGO - buy here
BABYGO’s postpartum knickers are designed to feel like a second skin and will cling to your shape, providing gentle compression without riding up or rolling down.
The triple-layer gusset offers added protection against leaks, with antibacterial, absorbent and waterproof layers.
Comfort is also guaranteed thanks to a seam-free design and light, flexible fabric.
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