Pregnancy changes everything, your body, your priorities, and yes, even your underwear drawer. One minute your knickers fit like a dream, and the next they’re rolling down under your bump or digging in where they shouldn’t. Finding underwear that moves with you is essential for comfort and confidence, which is why knowing how to choose rise and coverage when you’re pregnant and postpartum can make such a difference.
Your body will shift and stretch through every stage of motherhood, so your underwear needs to stretch and recover too. Whether your preference is high-rise for support or low-rise, full coverage or something a little lighter, this guide will help you understand what works for your changing body- so you can feel good from bump to beyond.
What do “rise” and “coverage” mean in underwear?
“Rise” is how high your knickers sit on your waist and low-rise rests under your bump, while high-rise hugs above it. “Coverage” describes how much of your hips, bum, and tummy the fabric supports. The right combination of rise and coverage helps you feel secure without restriction, creating that perfect balance of hold and freedom when you move. This can also be known as ‘on the bump’ or ‘under the bump’ knickers.
Why they matter during pregnancy
As your bump grows, your centre of gravity shifts and so does your comfort level. Underwear that digs in or slips down can make everyday life harder than it needs to be. High-rise styles gently support your bump and create a smooth line under clothes, while low-rise pieces can sit neatly beneath it when you want less pressure. The goal is comfort and flexibility, not compromise.
Why they matter postpartum
After your baby has arrived, your body deserves tenderness. Hormones, swelling, and healing scars all mean sensitivity, so your underwear should feel like a soft hug, not a squeeze. Look for gentle high-rise shapes that support your lower tummy without restricting movement. Seamless designs also protect C-section scars and help you feel super comfortable as your body recovers.
How to choose the right rise for your body
Every Mutha is different.
If you crave feeling secure and would like light compression, high- rise underwear is your best friend as it holds you comfortably above the bump or around your waist postpartum.
If you prefer freedom and minimal fabric, mid-rise or low-rise works perfectly early in pregnancy or once your bump has gone down.
Whichever you decide on, they should never dig, pinch, or roll.
How to choose the right coverage for comfort and support
Coverage is all about how you want to feel.
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Full knickers give maximum support and a smooth shape which is ideal for pregnancy or recovery.
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Mid-coverage bikinis offer everyday flexibility with a flattering cut.
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Light coverage styles are perfect for days when you want something barely there.
Whatever you choose, your underwear should move with you, not against you.
The best underwear styles for pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, look for soft, breathable fabrics that stretch as your bump grows. Seamless high-rise knickers provide light support without pressure, while warp-knit designs (like ours) expand and recover. Avoid heavy seams or tight waistbands as they’ll only irritate sensitive skin. Choose fabrics designed to mould to your changing body shape.
The best underwear styles for postpartum recovery
Postpartum is all about comfort and looking after your amazing body. Choose high-rise seamless briefs that hold your lower tummy gently and feel smooth against the skin. Prioritise pieces with gentle waistbands and soft elastics; skip anything that leaves a mark. You deserve to feel supported while you heal but not restricted.
Why seamless, stretch fabrics make all the difference
Traditional maternity underwear often loses shape quickly. Our warp-knit fabric, made in Italy, is engineered to stretch and recover with your body. It means your underwear fits beautifully through every stage- pregnancy, postpartum, and well beyond, without sagging or digging. Think of it as underwear that recovers as and when you do.
Common mistakes when choosing maternity underwear
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Sizing up too much. Oversized knickers can slip and bunch- not the comfort you’re after.
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Ignoring fabric feel. Rough seams and synthetic blends can irritate hormonal skin.
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Settling for “temporary.” You’ll likely wear maternity underwear long after birth, so invest in pieces that last and still look good.
How The Mutha Project underwear adapts to you
Our underwear is designed by a mum who knows what comfort really means. Each piece is made in Europe using our innovative warp-knit performance fabric that stretches, moulds, and recovers with your body. No clips, no digging seams, just pure softness and support through every stage of muthahood.
Because once you’ve found comfort like this, there’s no going back.
You deserve comfort that lasts longer than nine months.
Explore The Mutha Project collection and find your perfect rise, coverage, and fit. Underwear designed to support you through pregnancy, postpartum, and every version of you after that.
