Quick answer

Buy knickers during pregnancy in soft, breathable fabrics with a waistband that sits either below your bump or gently over it, depending on what feels best. Start with your pre-pregnancy size in a stretch-friendly cut, then size up if you feel pressure or digging. Soft cotton underwear for pregnancy, like the Sukie Cotton Full Brief, is a reliable everyday choice.

Sukie Cotton Full Brief

Sukie Cotton Full Brief

Your body changes quickly during pregnancy, and the knickers that felt fine last month can suddenly dig, roll or feel too tight. The goal is simple: underwear that stays put, does not press on your bump, and feels comfortable against skin that may be more sensitive than usual.

This guide covers the practical decisions: over bump vs under bump knickers, which fabrics to look for, how to size maternity briefs, and when a multi-pack makes more sense than buying singles. It is written for everyday comfort, not just the hospital bag.

Over bump vs under bump knickers: how to choose

Over bump knickers have a high waistband that stretches over your belly, holding the fabric in place without rolling down. They suit later pregnancy, when a low band tends to slip or press. Under bump knickers sit below your belly on the hips, which many people find cooler and less restrictive, especially in early pregnancy or during warm weather.

There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on your bump shape, how much you move during the day, and whether you prefer light support or a barely-there feel. Many people end up with both: under bump for daytime and over bump for longer days, travel or the final trimester.

  • Choose over bump if your current knickers roll down or you want gentle support.
  • Choose under bump if you feel restricted by high waistbands or overheat easily.
  • Try one of each before buying a full set.

Fabric and fit: what to look for

Soft cotton underwear for pregnancy is a practical default because it breathes and feels gentle on skin. Look for a cotton gusset and a waistband that is wide and flat rather than thin and elastic-heavy, since narrow bands are more likely to dig. If you prefer a smoother feel under leggings or dresses, a lightweight microfibre can work well, but check that the gusset is still breathable.

Fit matters more than size on the label. The waistband should lie flat without leaving a deep mark, and the leg line should not cut in. If you are between sizes, size up rather than down. A full-coverage back helps prevent riding up, which becomes more noticeable as your bump grows.

  • Check the gusset: cotton is the most breathable option.
  • Avoid tight, narrow waistbands that leave marks.
  • Size up if you feel any pressure across the belly.

How many pairs and what to buy first

Start with three to five everyday pairs that you can rotate through the week. Multi-packs are efficient because they give you consistent fit without hunting for singles. A mix of cuts is useful: a high-rise full brief for coverage and a lower-cut style for days when you want less fabric around your middle.

If you are unsure about sizing, buy one pack first, wear and wash it, then add more. Pregnancy is not the time to stock up on ten identical pairs in a size you have not tested. Comfort is personal, and a small trial run saves returns later.

  • Begin with a 2 or 3 pack to test fit before buying more.
  • Keep at least one darker colour for days when you want low-maintenance laundry.
  • Replace any pair that leaves red marks or rolls down repeatedly.

Decision rules for buying maternity knickers

Product facts that help

  • 3 Pack Sukie Cotton Full Brief: High-rise waist, full-coverage back, lace trim detailing and a 100% cotton gusset in Velvet Morning. The high rise can sit over a growing bump, and the cotton gusset supports breathability for everyday wear.
  • 2 Pack Sukie Cotton Full Brief: Includes one Summer Floral and one Velvet Morning brief, both with a high-rise waist, full-coverage back and lace trim. A two-pack is a low-commitment way to test whether a full brief cut suits your bump before buying more.
  • 3 Pack Sukie Micro Boyleg: Soft, lightweight microfibre with a low hip fit, full-coverage support and delicate lace trims along the waistband and legline. A good under-bump option if you prefer a smoother feel and less fabric across the belly.
  • Be You High Cut Mesh Brief: Soft mesh with a wide folded waistband, mid-rise waist and high-cut leg line finished with sheer organza elastic. The wide folded band can feel less diggy than a thin elastic, and the high-cut leg suits under-bump wear.

Who these styles suit

Best for

  • Everyday comfort in mid to late pregnancy when you want coverage and a stable waistband
  • Anyone who prefers soft cotton against sensitive or itchy skin
  • People who want to test a cut before committing to a larger set

Not for

  • Those who want a very low-rise, minimal-coverage fit for the whole pregnancy
  • Anyone looking for compression or medical-grade support garments
  • People who need plus-size maternity ranges beyond the sizes shown

The best knickers during pregnancy are the ones you forget you are wearing. Start with a soft cotton full brief for coverage, add a lower-cut style for days when you want less fabric, and size up if anything digs. Buy a small pack first, then build from there as your shape changes.