The Maternity Lingerie That Actually Made Me Feel Sexy
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I’ve never really been a sexy lingerie, garter belts, and crotchless panties kinda gal. I have always been an extremely libidinous person who has rarely found it difficult to access feelings of sexiness. Until pregnancy. During this maternity, I’ve felt like a dumpy, farty, acid reflux–y cow since the moment the extra pounds went on and my breasts began their slow transformation into two objects with midpoints so large you can see them from space. And while nothing is wrong or shameful in any of that — of course, my body is still beautiful, maybe even more so than it was before in a different way — it’s all made me feel not quite like myself, and that innate sexiness has been harder to access. Which is why I decided to seek assistance in the form of sexy lingerie.
Unfortunately, maternity lingerie isn’t generally designed with sex appeal in mind. This is understandable given that pregnant and postpartum women tend to have two main concerns: comfort and function. I, too, value those things and know that in my postpartum days, I will even more so. But I’ve always felt that one surefire way to feel better is to feel as though you look better, and since I’m not dying or dead — just becoming a mother, which I hope is not the same thing! — I figured there is surely some sexiness yet to be accessed. After braving mirrors, I’ve discovered there is indeed maternity lingerie out there that I can actually feel sexy in, bump and all.
So, what were my considerations and critera?
For Everyday Sexy
Cake Maternity Chantilly Lace Maternity & Nursing Bralette
This bra might not look like much to get excited about at first glance, but what I loved about it was that it was very similar in style to the bralettes I wore pre-pregnancy. This made me feel sexier than a garter-belt getup ever could have, because it allowed me feel like me again at a time when my body (and honestly, sometimes my mind) has become so foreign. It’s also very comfortable and made from stretch lace that grows with your breasts throughout pregnancy. Aesthetically, I love the plunge neckline and racerback detail. And this bra’s no-fuss nursing capabilities are well concealed, which is always helpful when you’re aiming for sexy vibes. I opted for the black version, but I think the blue one is nice as well.
Seraphine Black Lace Non-Padded Maternity and Nursing Bra
I’ve always been a sucker for a white lace bra. This one offers underwire support that flatters the breasts, as well as adjustable fit with extra back settings so you can grow and change with it. It also features non-obvious nursing clips for easy drop-down access and an extra cotton nursing panel for additional coverage that doesn’t end up looking awkward or bulky. I feel like this one is cute under clothes or as a sexy little standalone when it’s time to play with your partner.
Cosabella Ceylon Modal Nursing Chemise
A lot of my life these days, especially as we enter the nighttime hours, is spent in either oversize sweats and tees or maternity leggings, and none of that is even remotely sexy. I found that this chemise offers a nice alternative for nighttime or sleepwear if I’m starting to feel like Humpty-Dumpty and/or my partner starts teasing me about wearing the same slovenly attire all day and into the night. It’s supersoft and comfortable but sexy and does not scream “Mom,” or even “Mom-to-be,” in any way. I feel I could likely repurpose it not just through breastfeeding, which it’s designed to accommodate, but also beyond.
Momanda Lace Plunge Nursing Bralette
This is another maternity/nursing bra that looks like something I would have worn prior to pregnancy, but IMO, it’s sexy even without that context. I love the floral lace and plunge neckline, and found this bra to be both flattering and comfortable. The brand says it runs small and to size up one size in the band, which I found to be good advice. It also offers this style slightly tweaked for either more coverage or more support, and there’s a Pumping Bralette version I might have selected instead if it had been available in red.
Journelle Victoire Maternity Wireless Bra
This is just such a chic bra, and it’s a unique style as far as maternity bras go. I love the mesh and bow detailing, and I found that the fit was both flattering and comfortable. Of all the bras I tried, this was my absolute favorite, and if it still fits after I’m done nursing, I may just continue to wear it.
Hatch the Dream Feed Nursing and Sleep Bra
What makes this bra sexy to me is that the floral print allows me to let it show under a tank, tee, or button-down. And while I’m probably not going to wear it with a garter belt, it is nice to have options I can sleep next to my partner in that don’t make me look like a nursemaid, and that’s technically the main purpose this bra was designed for: sleep, as it’s both comfortable and easy to nurse in. It’s light but supportive and so wearable I basically want it times ten.
Bodily The Effortless Bra
In terms of sexiness, this one is very specific to what my partner likes most, which I’d describe as tomboy sexy, which I realize doesn’t totally translate to what is more commonly thought of as sexy when it comes to lingerie. It isn’t necessarily the look that makes me feel my most Penélope Cruz, but I feel lucky that this super-comfortable and functional bra is what turns my man on.
Fleur du Mal Charlotte Nursing Bra
Okay, so this is a very expensive way to feel sexy during motherhood, but I figured that if Fleur du Mal couldn’t make me feel sexy, no one could. This bra honestly did not disappoint in terms of its figure-flattering capabilities or comfort with soft jersey cups made from 75 percent recycled fibers and supported by underwire. I also liked the scallop lace peekaboo and bow detail flourishes. This bra should work nicely when I start breastfeeding as well, as it features easy access drop down from its silk-covered straps.
For Second Trimester
Hotmilk Heroine Plunge Nursing Bra
This is basically the perfect sexy lace underwire nursing bra. Like, look no further than this if that’s what you’re in the market for, because it ticks all the boxes. It’s super-flattering and comfortable, and it looks like any other black lace bra you’d wear if you weren’t carrying a human life inside of you. It offers cleavage, but not to an insane degree. Plus it features a drop-down nursing panel that unclips from its rose-gold hardware, which is a nice touch.
Hotmilk True Luxe Bikini Brief
If I’m being honest, I’m much less likely to wear sexy underwear on an everyday basis than I am a sexy bra, especially during pregnancy. Comfort is ultimately key. But I do love these with my Hotmilk or other black lace bras for an undressed evening. I found it to be flattering to any newfound curves in that area and as sexy as any pre-pregnancy black lace panty. I also tried the Hotmilk Goddess G-String, which I’m told is a fan favorite and which I liked, but I did find that that the extra padding I’ve acquired on my hips kind of squished out between the hip straps in a way that didn’t make me feel my most goddess-y. (Of course, every body is different!)
For Love & Lemons Celeste Sheer Robe
This non-maternity robe is ideal for maternity wear given its empire waist and flowy fit, and it can be bought in your normal size and worn well after pregnancy. I sort of want to lounge around in this through the entire postpartum period in order to counterbalance the drudgery of it all. And I just might.
Lace Maternity Bodysuit
Okay, so I didn’t actually try this one, but I would have been my own hero if I had. If it weren’t so specifically designed for short-term maternity wear and this weren’t my only pregnancy planned, I would definitely invest the $200 in this piece just for the vibes.