The 7 Best C-Section Underwear Picks of 2023

Written by Hayley Chalkley

Updated on July 4, 2023

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• Recovering from a cesarean delivery takes around six to eight weeks, although your body won’t fully return to normal for a year or so. During this time, you deserve a panty that’s both stylish and supportive. 
• The best postpartum underwear is soft, comfy, and breathable. 
• Natural fibers, like cotton, work well for c-section underwear.  Breathable fabrics help keep your incision area clean and dry, reducing the risk of infection.
• High-waisted underwear is a popular choice. Offering support and security while you recover from major surgery, this extra protection allows you to enjoy this special time with your new baby. 

When my youngest daughter was hours old, her big brother greeted me at the hospital with a couple of blunt observations. First, he disapproved of my choice of outfit for his newborn sister. Second, he was convinced there was still a baby left in my tummy. 

If your child has similarly charmed you, let me reassure you, your body will soon start getting back to normal. While you’re waiting though, please be kind to yourself. 

You can’t rush a c-section recovery. It takes nine months to grow a baby, and here you are; not only have you given birth to a whole new human, but you’ve had major surgery too. 

Time is the ultimate healer. Yet, you can give it a helping hand by choosing the best postpartum underwear for your needs. You deserve c-section underwear that’s soothing, supportive, and secure, leaving you free to get to know your new baby. 

So let’s take a look at the seven best postpartum underwear styles we’ve found, perfect for c-section recovery.

Best of the Best: Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum & C-Section Recovery Panties 5 Pack

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The top spot in our list goes to the maternity and motherhood specialists, Kindred Bravely.

Not only is this high-waist luxury panty designed especially for c-section moms, but it looks beautiful too. With a soft and wide lace waistband, these panties look more like lingerie than you might expect.  

Not simply a case of style over substance though, many mothers confirm they’ve worn these through pregnancy as well as their postpartum recovery. Some even reported using them as period panties, once their recovery was complete. 

Kindred Bravely panties can be a little pricier than other postpartum underwear styles. Yet, there are more expensive choices on this list. 

Machine washable for easy care and made of soft, stretchy fabric, these have plenty of room for pads. 

Fabric Type: Rayon, Spandex | Rise: High waist
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Best Value: Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Cotton Brief Underwear

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Fruit of the Loom is one of the best underwear brands. These briefs aren’t specially designed for postpartum use, but they’re perfect for the job and for your wallet.

Durable, breathable, and comfortable, these full-coverage panties are 100% cotton. Expertly woven with fine yarn, they’re super soft to the touch. With no tags or raised lettering, you can also be sure your sizing details and washing instructions won’t disappear. 

This company has a reputation for social and environmental responsibility.  They’re committed to harvesting sustainable cotton through transparent supply chains. Fruit of the Loom has sent zero waste to landfill since 2018 and is working to include more recycled materials in its production process.     

Fabric Type: Cotton | Rise: High waist
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Best Choice of Colors: Wirarpa Women’s High Waisted Cotton Underwear

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Wirarpa Women’s high waisted panties are perfect for postpartum and c-section recovery. Soft, stretchy, and comfortable, they come in a dizzying array of striking, vivid colors. Available in multipacks of four. 

The cotton-spandex mix gives a snug feeling and helps keep skin dry. Wide crotch and leg openings make these ideal to wear with maternity pads and easy to get on and off. 

Most colors are machine washable, although it’s worth checking individual packs for washing instructions, as some colors are suitable for hand washing only. 

Fabric Type: Cotton, Spandex | Rise: High waist
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Best Seller: UMMISS Cotton High Waist Underwear for Full Coverage

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Hugely popular, UMMISS Cotton high waist underwear comes in a variety of colors. Choose larger packs for the best value. With a double-layer fabric waistband sitting at the waist, these offer moderate tummy support with no compression.

Postpartum moms are pleased with how well these stay up, describing them as supportive without being too tight or restrictive. 

Fabric Type: 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex | Rise: High waist
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Best Mom-made: Upspring C-Panty C-Section Recovery Underwear

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The C-Panty has a high waist for full coverage and provides targeted compression to support recovering tummy muscles. A unique design, the C-Panty was developed by a three-times cesarean mom, backed by a medical team.  

Featuring a patented medical-grade silicon panel that helps reduce scarring and prevent itchiness, the C-Panty can help cut the risk of infection. 

You can wear the C-Panty following surgery as soon as your incision is fully closed and healed. Most moms are positive about the C-Panty, while a small number do report being unhappy with the breathability of the fabric, saying it left them feeling a little sweaty. 

Fabric Type: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex | Rise: High waist
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Best Budget Disposable: Amazon Basics Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear

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A popular single-use option, Amazon Basics Incontinence & Postpartum protective underwear boasts super absorbency. Ideal for wearing with or without extra pads, leaving you feeling secure even on your heaviest days.

Dri-fit technology and a dual odor control system keep your skin dry and comfortable and effectively neutralize odors. 

A cute lavender color, these disposable postpartum panties are suitable for sensitive skin and feel soft against your c-section incision. There is also an overnight variation for use while sleeping after your c-section, although many moms have found these to be more than adequate for night and day use. 

Fabric Type: Cotton | Rise: High waist
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Best Organic Disposable: Rael Disposable Underwear for Women

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Single-use products may not be the best environmentally. To offset this, Rael’s organic underwear is made with natural, sustainable ingredients. The organic cotton top sheet has been grown without the use of toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals. 

Described as feeling surprisingly like regular underwear, these are ideal for sensitive skin and have a 4-layer core to absorb odor and prevent leaks, even at night.

Individually wrapped, these are ideal for your diaper bag. Take these off as usual or rip at the side for easy removal. 

Fabric Type: Cotton | Rise: High waist
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Recommended Accessories

After a cesarean delivery, your body needs time to recover. You can help that process along by taking good care of yourself. 

• Invest in a large water bottle to keep you hydrated.
• Get plenty of rest while also taking some gentle exercise every day. Check with your doctor if you’ve had any complications or if your postpartum recovery isn’t going as well as you’d hoped. 
• Walking can help boost your mood, speed up the healing process, and keep your circulation and digestion moving. 
• Stay stylish and comfortable with our pick of maternity pajamas. Get cute and cozy on the move with these maternity joggers, yet another popular postpartum piece from Kindred Bravely. 
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. A good nursing pillow can help support you and your baby during those frequent feeding sessions. 
• A good quality supportive nursing bra with easy openings is essential for breastfeeding, along with a supply of the best nursing pads. 

Whether you gave birth by vaginal delivery or c-section, the postpartum period involves a significant amount of blood loss. Your body is returning to normal after giving birth. If you choose postpartum underwear without absorbency, you’ll need a good supply of pads. Maternity pads can hold more than regular period pads and tend to be longer and wider to prevent leakage.

What Kind of Underwear Should You Wear After a C-section?

The simple answer to this is whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Let’s take a look at this in more detail. 

Comfort Is Key 

You gave birth by cesarean delivery and now you need to take good care of your incision site. A high-waisted panty is likely to be the most comfortable. Fitting securely over the c-section incision, high waists help protect the skin and support your abdominal muscles.

Choose from:

• purpose-made c-section underwear, 
• high-waisted styles suitable for maternity and postpartum wear, or
• your usual underwear, as long as it’s comfortable.

If you usually wear bikini-style briefs, these may rub against your incision, causing irritation. This can slow down the healing process.

Let Your Body Breathe 

Soft, natural fibers like cotton feel comfortable against your tummy. Allowing your skin to breathe can reduce itching and irritation and help wick sweat away from your incision. 

Full-coverage underwear offers gentle support for your weakened muscles. In turn, this can help reduce swelling and give a feeling of security without digging into your skin.

Some moms prefer a feeling of more targeted compression, opting for belly bands or belts. Seek medical approval before trying these options. Always check the manufacturer and your healthcare provider’s instructions. 

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Choose Fit and Function

The best postpartum underwear fits well and leaves room for pads. Keep in mind that maternity pads can be a little bulkier than period pads. A wide crotch area can offer security and protection, especially during those first few weeks. 

Stretchy materials like spandex make it easier to take garments on and off. Extra stretch also increases the sensation of security, supports your incision area, and holds pads securely. Look for gentle, elastic waistbands in soft material. Seamless underwear cuts down the chance of skin irritation. 

Absorbent postpartum underwear means fewer or no pads. Some c-section moms love the greater coverage of disposable underwear. Others find it feels like wearing a diaper. The choice you make will depend on your personal preference.     

Celebrate With Style 

Maternity underwear for c-section moms is no longer restricted to boring colors and granny knickers. There’s a larger choice of increasingly ornate styles. 

In part, this reflects changes in the perception of c-section scars and the excess skin that can accompany them, sometimes called the c-section shelf. A sociology textbook published in 2019 found a growing trend toward celebrating c-section scars on social media. This has helped reframe them as a sign of beauty and achievement rather than something to hide, leading to even more available postpartum choices.

How to Pick the Best C-section Underwear 

Whatever type of postpartum underwear you choose, look for pieces that make you feel supported, stylish, and special. Mood-boosting chemicals released when you feel good can help speed along your c-section recovery. Reducing c-section scar pain and preventing depression, it’s all good news for you and your baby. 

The following questions can help you make the right decision for you.

What is your budget?  

A growing family can be expensive. If your budget is limited, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Your shape will change over the next few months and some styles may accommodate these changes better than others.  

Look for brands that offer multipacks, discount codes, or regular sales. You can also mix and match. Buying one or two expensive items alongside more everyday basics can give you the best of both luxury and plenty.    

Are colors and patterns important to you? 

If you shop around, you’ll find lots of multipacks available containing different colors to match all your outfits. Or you might prefer to stick to classic colors like black and white.

It’s worth remembering that the increased blood flow after birth can cause staining. Darker colors may be more practical if you’re concerned about removing stains.  

Do you prefer to keep it simple or spend more on special features?

Some maternity underwear comes with external pockets or an embedded silicon panel. The pockets fit a soothing ice pack, while the silicon panel helps reduce the appearance of scarring. Or if you prefer, you can always stick to classic designs.  

Are reusable or disposable panties best for you?

Many c-section moms choose a mix of both reusable and disposable options, but depending on your particular circumstances, one might work better than the other. Consider:

• Your washing and drying facilities
• The speed of your postpartum recovery
• Additional medical or health needs
• Extra caring responsibilities 

Another option is washable c-section panties that last for limited washes and then are thrown away. If you have strong views on the environmental impact of the different options, this may sway your decision.  

Remember: There is no one ‘right’ choice; what matters is what works best for you.  

FAQs

When can you wear regular underwear after a C-section?

After a cesarean delivery, your pre-pregnancy clothes may feel too tight and restrictive, even your underwear. 

High-waisted underwear tends to feel more comfortable in the first six weeks. If this is your preferred underwear style, you can start using your normal underwear whenever you feel ready. 

Whether you wear specially designed postpartum underwear or not, it’s important to protect the incision site to reduce swelling and promote c-section healing.  

Some maternity underwear has a built-in absorbent layer that can help you feel more secure during the first few weeks with a new baby. Otherwise, you’ll need to use maternity pads, as postpartum bleeding can last up to six to eight weeks. 

How many pairs of C-section underwear do you need?

This will depend on the type of c-section underwear you choose and the frequency of washing you plan to do. Aim for at least two pairs of reusable pants a day with at least ten to fifteen pairs in total.  

You may need to change maternity pads or disposable underwear as often as hourly in the immediate post-birth period. The flow should begin to slow down over the next day or so. Although you’ll still need to change pads regularly for a few weeks at least.

Some c-section moms opt for a mix of disposable and reusable underwear.

Disposable postpartum underwear can be useful in the first couple of days, during the night, and for outings. Your choice of style may also be influenced by other factors such as cost, washing facilities, and environmental impact.     

Can c-section underwear be worn in place of postpartum belly bands or belts?

Yes. C-section underwear offers gentle support for your muscles and can help reduce swelling. While most have little or no compression, it still provides a feeling of comfort and security, all without placing too much pressure on your body. 

Postpartum belly bands and belts provide abdominal and posture support through targeted compression. If worn incorrectly, or for too long, these can do more harm than good. 

Little research has been done on the benefits or risks of belly bands and belts, particularly in the postpartum period. If you do choose one of these options, check with your doctor to make sure it’s suitable for your situation. Too much compression can cause breathing difficulties, digestive problems, and even organ damage. 

How do you wash c-section underwear? 

Read the manufacturer’s label and follow specific washing instructions for your particular product. 

Where blood has leaked through a pad, it’s a good idea to rinse your panty in cold water to minimize staining. 

Machine washable postpartum underwear should be washed at a low temperature, in a mesh bag to protect from rips and tears.  

Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and ironing your underwear, as these can all reduce absorbency. If a panty is suitable for tumble-drying, use the lowest heat setting and air dry when possible.