What I’m Actually Wearing Under It All: Maternity Undergarments I Swear By
Maternity Shapewear & Undergarments
Supportive staples from bump to baby (and beyond)
From the “is this bloat or a bump?” stage to postpartum and everything in between.
If you’ve ever wondered when to start transitioning into maternity undergarments, you’re not alone. Honestly, finding supportive, comfortable, and flattering layers during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job, your body is changing daily, and what worked in your first trimester might not make sense in your third.
Whether you’re early on, navigating the in-between stage, or in the home stretch, the right undergarments can help you feel like yourself again: supported, smoothed, and maybe even a little confident naked (a win, tbh).
Over the past few months, I’ve tried a mix of maternity-specific and bump-friendly staples that have adapted with me as my body has grown (and changed again). From soft everyday briefs to shapewear I can actually breathe in, here’s what’s been worth it.
PS: If you’re looking for maternity or nursing bras, I rounded up some of my most-worn styles here and a few others I tried here.
SHAPEWEAR SHORT (XL - USE CARALYN15)
LEGGINGS (XL - USE CARALYN20)
Where To Start:
First Trimester To Bump
In those early weeks, you might not need full-on maternity underwear just yet, but trust me, comfort becomes a top priority fast. Look for high-rise styles with soft stretch and wide waistbands that don’t dig in or roll down. Basically, anything that lets you exhale.
Toward the end of your first trimester (or early second), your regular shapewear might start feeling a little… aggressive. That’s usually your sign to swap in maternity-specific pieces that stretch with your bump instead of squishing it.
Think of your maternity undergarment drawer as a little evolving capsule:
– A few comfy, go-to underwear options for everyday
– Shapewear with gentle lift and smoothing (especially under dresses or fitted outfits)
– And postpartum pieces that help you feel supported as your body recovers and readjusts
It doesn’t have to be a total overhaul, just a few smart swaps that meet you where you’re at.
underwear Favorites
Stretchy, Supportive & Surprisingly Cute
These are the undies that have earned a permanent spot in my drawer, pregnant or not. I’ve been rotating these throughout this pregnancy, and they’ve all passed the ultimate test: comfort, stretch, and no awkward panty lines.
Chantelle SoftStretch Brief – One Size & One Size Plus: These are the MVPs. I’ve loved them for years, and pregnancy only made me love them more. The stretch is unreal, they adapt to your body like magic, no matter the trimester. Seamless, ultra-soft, and lay totally flat under clothing. If you’re someone who wants underwear that feels invisible, these are worth every penny. I recently bought these and they are VERY similar!
Amazon Maternity Underwear (Pack of 5): An affordable, no-fuss staple. These have a nice high rise that offers gentle belly support, they’re breathable, and they wash surprisingly well. Perfect for everyday wear, especially when you need backups between laundry days.
Skims Maternity High-Waisted Brief: These feel luxe, but they perform. That signature Skims buttery stretch, with a belly-hugging waistband that doesn’t dig. They’re sleek under fitted dresses or leggings, great from early bump through third trimester.
On My Radar: Bodily. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’ve heard amazing things from friends (especially postpartum). Their size range is inclusive (small–3X), and I love what they stand for. If you’ve worn them, let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
PS: I also put together a whole post here that solves your most common panty problems, everything from working out to postpartum to seamless styles under leggings.
underwear Favorites
SHAPEWEAR THAT SUPPORTS
(NOT SQUEEZES)
Let’s be clear: shapewear during pregnancy should never squeeze. The goal is to support, not compress, your growing bump, back, and hips. The right pieces can offer gentle smoothing, lift, and light back support… without making you want to rip them off after an hour.
These are the pieces I’ve actually worn and felt good in, from earlier weeks to the home stretch:
Shapermint Maternity Shorts (Sized S–4XL): A Properly Fitting Bra Club fave for a reason. These offer light smoothing through the hips and thighs, gentle belly lift, and even a little back support. Inclusive sizing, comfy waistband, and no rolling. Use CARALYN20 at Shapermint.
Spanx “Fit-to-You” Shorts: A smart pick for that second-to-third trimester stretch. These grow with your belly thanks to a seamless waistband and super-flexible material. Great under fitted dresses when you want a little smoothing without the squeeze. Use CARALYN15 at Spanx.
Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Shapewear Shorts: Lightweight and breathable, these feel like a second skin (without the suffocation). They’re perfect for daily wear, especially in warmer weather when anti-chafe protection is key. No digging, no drama.
PS: Not sure how shapewear should fit? I’ve got you. I broke it all down in this guide to help you feel confident, not constricted.
Gentle Hold, Thoughtful Fit
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
The postpartum phase comes with enough surprises… your underwear shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re looking for softness, light shaping, or a little extra support as your body heals and readjusts, these options have been my go-tos (or highly requested by this community).
EBY Full Coverage Brief: These feel like butter. Seamless, soft, and stretchy in all the right ways, perfect for those early postpartum days when comfort is everything. They gently adapt to your body without squeezing. Use code CARALYNFS15 at EBY.
Soma Vanishing Tummy Brief: A longtime favorite for a reason. These offer a touch of tummy support with a smooth, invisible finish under clothes. Ideal once you’re ready for a little shaping again, but still want that all-day wearability.
Shapermint High-Waisted Panty: If you’re craving a bit more core support, especially in the early weeks, these deliver. The high-rise waistband holds everything gently in place without any digging or rolling. Supportive, smoothing, and surprisingly comfortable. Use code CARALYN20 at Shapermint.
better than basic
MATERNITY-Friendly TIGHTS
Look… Wearing dresses or skirts in pregnancy (and postpartum) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style, enter the tights that get it. These are built to stretch with you, smooth in the right places, and support (vs. squeeze) your bump and legs.
Shapermint Tights: Not technically maternity, but they work. These best-sellers offer gentle support through the belly and legs, with a soft-yet-durable fabric that holds up for all-day wear. Smooth under dresses or skirts and surprisingly bump-accommodating. Use code CARALYN20 at Shapermint.
Sheertex Tights: If you’ve ever snagged a pair of tights within five minutes of putting them on, these are for you. Made with Sheertex’s famously indestructible fibers, they’re stretchy, supportive, and nearly impossible to rip. Ideal for bump life and beyond.
Memoi Maternity Tights: Designed with a soft belly panel and light leg compression, these are great for more dressed-up looks, think workwear, events, or anytime you want that smooth, put-together finish without sacrificing comfort.
On My Radar: I’ve also seen a few promising options pop up lately. I came across these tights that are plus-size, non-maternity, but could be an option for something to stretch over the bump (sized XL-4XL). Noosh maternity tights have been popping up on my feed. They are sized XS-XL. Have you tried them? Let me know your thoughts!
move with you
maternity leggings
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this pregnancy, it’s that a great pair of leggings can make all the difference. These all feature bump-friendly waistbands that stretch with you, offering support without squeezing or slipping.
I’ve been especially loving this pair (they also come in a flare version!) and wear size XL. They’ve held up beautifully through long days, errands, lounging, and everything in between.
Quick fit tip: If your leggings are rolling at the waistband, it’s usually a sizing issue, not a design flaw. Try adjusting your size up or down depending on how far along you are and where you carry your bump.
Whether you’re newly pregnant or nearing the finish line, these are the leggings that feel good and work hard.
THANKS FOR READING!
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this: maternity undergarments should never make you feel squeezed, only supported. The right pieces will grow with you, not fight against the changes your body is beautifully making.
Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or soaking up those final weeks, investing in a few well-fitting essentials can go a long way in helping you feel more comfortable, confident, and like yourself underneath it all.
Looking for more fit tips or product recs? You can explore more under the Undergarments tab on my blog, or feel free to reach out anytime. I love hearing from you and always want to help where I can.
xx CMK
