Best Postpartum Underwear

These adorable, high-waisted undies combine style and function. Although the brand specifically recommends them for C-sections, moms who have given birth vaginally will also love these soft, comfortable panties. The classic, feminine design can help you feel a little more human during those tougher early days. The wide design offers plenty of room for large pads, and if you find yourself still sporting a pair when your baby is 3, 6 or even 12 months old, we won't blame you for one second.

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex (excluding lace) for the body; 100 percent cotton for the gusset

Breathable? Check. Comfortable? Check. Lower in price than others? Check. Won’t be upset if you bleed all over them? Check. You can’t go wrong with these classic undies. Sure, they might not be what you normally wear — but the postpartum period doesn’t last forever. The bonus of these is you can buy a bunch in a size up (to fit your pads and those frozen Tucks!) at a much more affordable cost than some other brands. You can keep them for your next pregnancy or just toss them after if they get ruined.

Material: 100 percent ring-spun cotton

These panties will fit right in with the rest of your intimates, especially if you are already a boy short-style lover. The seamless fabric gives you that “barely there” feeling. Plus they’re pretty seamless (even while giving full coverage) for when you want to head out of the house in leggings. Bonus: you’ll enjoy wearing these even after the postpartum period. The only downside is that for some, boy shorts tend to ride up. If you’ve had that problem, just keep reading.

Material: 95 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex

If you’re a fan of the hospital underwear and pad combo, these fit the bill. They’re particularly great for the first days of postpartum when you may be bleeding quite a bit or your C-section incision is especially tender. While they’re ultimately disposable, since they’re washable up to five times, you can get a few uses out of each, making them a bit easier on the wallet and the planet. Plus, you’ll find these useful whether you have a C-section or vaginal delivery.

Material: 94 percent polyester, 6 percent spandex

These are basically a pad and underwear in one. Although Always designed these rave-reviewed undies for incontinence, new moms have been using them for the postpartum period with great success. The catch? You don’t want to rely on these alone for the fourth trimester since they’re not very breathable — they’re best for overnight use only. You can get one large pack for a comparatively affordable price to carry you through the heavy-bleeding phase. You won’t be worried about leaks overnight when pads tend to shift, either.

Material:  Polypropylene and polyethylene (fabric-like materials), cellulose, polyester, polypropylene, absorbent gel, elastics, perfume-like mixtures for Odor Lock technology

Yes, this well-made, multi-tasking undergarment is pricey, but it comes with several features that parents recovering from a C-section will appreciate. There's a silicone panel that sits over your scar to help reduce irritation, and the high-waisted silhouette and nylon-spandex material will help hold you in as your body recovers from surgery. You can get it in sleek black or nude — and the material is luxe enough to help you feel a little pampered while you recover.

Material: 92 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex

Simple and sporty, these basic cotton stretch briefs get the job done. The all-over soft fabric is comfortable and stretchy, too. That plus the larger leg holes mean you won’t feel any constriction. The higher waistband won’t rub a C-section incision, either. But these work after a vaginal delivery, too, because they’re roomy enough for pads and ice packs.

Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex

Made mostly of cotton with just a touch of spandex, these undies will give you extra support without making you feel like you've been stuffed into a girdle. They also work for C-section recovery, thanks to how high they go up. The waistband is wide, which helps prevent it from rolling down, and there are several different color options.

Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex (with 100 percent cotton gusset)

If you’re looking for low-cut postpartum underwear, these have your name written on them. Don't let the word "maternity" fool you, either — although these super-cute bikini undies work well during pregnancy, you can continue to wear them after delivery, thanks to the flexible crossover style. These are offered in packs of three or six and are available in a variety of colors and patterns. 

Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex (with 100 percent cotton gusset)

Many moms report that these comfortable undies work well after a C-section or a vaginal delivery. They’re designed to grow with you through pregnancy into the postpartum period, making them the most versatile on our list. The waistband can either be left up for extra support or folded down — whichever you prefer. They're sold in packs of three; you can choose solid neutrals or pick a set with either a fun polka dot or cute stripe pattern.

Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex

If you’re looking for postpartum underwear that provides a bit of extra structure or support (like you’d get from a postpartum belly band), this adjustable underwear-wrap hybrid might check all the boxes. It's designed for moms who have given birth either vaginally or by C-section (offering protection for the incision), and also has a double compression layer over the stomach area. Rather than hooks or zippers, the waistband has velcro that's easy to reposition to get just the right fit. While they’re a little pricier than others — and probably not a good fit for the early postpartum period — many say these can be very worth it.

Material: 84.3 percent polyamide, 15.7 percent elastane