10 Postpartum Bras and Underwear To Help You Ease Into the “Fourth Trimester”
Whether you need extra support post-C-section or are eager to find a bra that gives you the support and comfort you need, these are some of the best options.
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After 40-ish weeks of watching your body completely transform, you are probably thrilled to get back to wearing your old clothes once baby arrives. Unfortunately, this transformation isn’t immediate (in fact, you’ll probably be leaving the hospital still looking a few months pregnant), and combined with the fact that you are physically healing from childbirth, there’s no getting around a need for some postpartum underwear and bras.
The best products for you will depend on your situation. Did you deliver via C-section or vaginally? Do you need a bra you can nurse or pump in? Fortunately, there are some really great options out there that have been thoughtfully designed to comfortably support you in this stage of post-pregnancy.
Bodily Mesh Undies
If you aren’t already aware of this … we’re just going to be blunt: You and your newborn will both be going home in diapers. Hospitals typically supply new birthing parents with mesh underwear, but Bodily’s Mesh Undies are a big step up in terms of comfort and style (well, as stylish as they get, at least). They have a one-size-fits-all boyshort design that is stretchy, breathable, lightweight, and washable—basically everything you could ask for in a pair of postpartum underwear. They’re made to comfortably hold in even large maxi pads and come in a pack of five, so you’ll always have another pair ready for tomorrow.
Kindred Bravely Signature Sublime Contour Nursing and Pumping Bra
Available in three colors and eight sizes, the Signature Sublime Contour Nursing and Pumping Bra from Kindred Bravely is comfortable, convenient, and cute. It features contoured molded cups and an underwire-free design, giving it a t-shirt bra feel and soft, seamless fabric that feels and looks great. The bra cups clip down, offering easy access for feeding or pumping; however, it’s recommended that you wear nursing pads between feedings/pumping sessions to avoid staining the fabric. When ready for a cleaning, this bra should be handwashed and line-dried.
Storq Recovery Briefs
The Recovery Briefs from Storq offer a mid-to-high rise design (that’s c-section-friendly) and full bum coverage, which you’ll probably want in the postpartum stage. They feature a flexible waistband to offer flexibility as your body changes, and they are available in sizes XS through XL. These briefs are made from super-soft and stretchy jersey fabric and come in seven colors (who said postpartum underwear has to be totally boring?). These underwear can be machine washed but should be laid flat to dry.
HATCH Skin to Skin Bra
If you’re looking for the comfort and support of a postpartum bra but don’t need easy access for nursing or pumping, you can’t go wrong with HATCH’s Skin to Skin Bra. It’s available in sizes S through XL and in seven colors. HATCH named it the “Skin to Skin Bra” because the soft cotton and spandex fabric “feels like a second skin” and “almost as good as being naked.” It has a loungey design without any clasps or underwire, and there’s a very good chance you’ll want to continue wearing it long after the postpartum period has ended.
Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear Briefs
Consider Frida Mom’s Disposable Postpartum Underwear Briefs for a hospital-style underwear briefs design without the mesh. This eight-pack of underwear is made of soft, breathable, and stretchy fabric that offers support and full coverage. They’re also tagless and seamless, so you won’t feel like they’re digging into you while wearing them. When you’re done wearing them for the day, simply toss them in the trash. (Note: If you’re recovering from a C-section, opt for the high waist design instead).
Ingrid + Isabel Cooling Crossover Nursing Bra
Ingrid + Isabel’s Cooling Crossover Nursing Bra is an excellent choice for nursing parents or anyone in the postpartum period who wants a comfortable bra. It’s completely seamless and features a crossover design that you simply pull to the side for easy breastfeeding. The moisture-wicking fabric is amazing because it’s breathable (which you’ll be glad for when the hormonal sweats begin), buttery soft, and stretchy.
UpSpring C-Panty C-Section Recovery Underwear
When you’re recovering from a C-section, you’ll want to make sure the postpartum underwear you choose is designed to avoid rubbing against your incision site. The C-Panty C-Section Recovery Underwear from UpSpring is designed precisely for this reason. These underwear have a high waist design and upward compression that helps promote healing in the incision area. Additionally, they have a built-in (non-sticky) silicone panel that supports the incision and can even help with the appearance of scarring. Admittedly, these underwear are a bit pricey, but no other postpartum underwear offers this much support for C-section parents.
SKIMS Maternity Pumping Scoop Bralette
Say what you want about Kim Kardashian, but the woman knows how to make sleek, comfortable, and stylish undergarments! SKIMS’ Maternity Pumping Scoop Bralette is no exception. It’s available in sizes XXS through 4X, is underwire-free, and features a clip-down design with an interior layer with a discrete slit for easy pumping (and some nursing parents say it’s also great for breastfeeding). The best part? It’s safe for the washing machine and the dryer.
Ingrid + Isabel Cooling Postpartum Compression Underwear
Much like the nursing bra featured above, Ingrid + Isabel’s Cooling Postpartum Compression Underwear offer a seamless design and cooling fabric that’s moisture-controlling and rapidly dries. These underwear feature a high waist design and offer supportive compression, so they’re great for parents recovering from vaginal or C-section births. Plus, they feature a strip of “stay-put” silicone, so you don’t have to worry about them rolling down throughout the day.
Quince Micromodal High-Waisted Maternity & Postpartum Brief
If you haven’t discovered this luxe factory-direct online retailer yet, you’re welcome. Quince offers the same high-quality products as other high-end brands at a fraction of the price by cutting out the middleman, and you would never know the difference. Made for pregnancy and postpartum bodies, Quince’s High-Waisted Micromodal Briefs are c-section-friendly, supportive, and softer than your newborn’s bottom. What’s more? They come in packs of six at an astonishingly low price.
