A belly band is a stretchable, tube-like fabric designed to wrap around your belly during your pregnancy. It is worn over the top of your pants, helping moms wear non-pregnancy clothing a bit longer. Although belly bands do not offer the same support as other maternity belly belts, they do provide comfort while wearing your pre-pregnancy clothing. To avoid buying a brand that fits poorly, check out our recommendations for the best belly band. Additional information can be found in the product reviews.
Best Belly Bands for Pregnancy
The Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband has an easy sizing chart that helps you determine the right fit for your pre-pregnancy body as well as your expanding belly. It is also ideal for multiple birth pregnancies. Diravo Maternity Belly Band however, does not provide a maternity sizing chart, making it more difficult to choose the perfect size.
Ingrid & Isabel Everyday Bellaband
The Ingrid & Isabel Everyday Bellaband is available in four colors: black, midnight, nude, and white. It has a silicone strip that helps hold up your pants, even if left unbuttoned. Although it is not adjustable, its 84% nylon and 16% cotton fabric provides a snug fit.
I like the thickness of this belly band because it gives you the option of folding it over for extra support. Its strong elastic keeps your pants smooth underneath. Unfortunately, the band loses elasticity with frequent washing. It is, therefore, important to follow the laundering instructions on the tag.
The product’s website has a convenient chart to help you choose the correct size. This chart takes your pre-pregnancy pant and hip/waist size into account. There are even recommendations for pregnant mothers of multiples.
Pros
- Comes in several colors, including midnight
- Snug fit that can fold over for extra support
- Elastic around the bottom helps hold pants up
- Sizing chart is easy to use
Cons
- Frequent washing causes the band to lose elasticity
Women’s Maternity Belly Band by Diravo
The Women’s Maternity Belly Band by Diravo is available in a three colors: white, black, and gray. The band is made of nylon and spandex, with extra reinforcements around its top and bottom. According to the reviews, this belly band works well. Some mothers, however, complained that it easily rolls up, especially later in the pregnancy as the belly enlarges.
The Diravo Bands are machine washable, and will maintain their shape even with daily use. You can position it above or under your belly bump for comfort. Unfortunately, online sizing can be difficult for determine the best fit. There are no maternity-specific sizes, and it is only available up to a size large.
The material used for this product makes it a great belly band to wear in the summer. It is breathable which prevents excessive sweating.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Holds shape well
- Can position above or below your bump comfortably
- Thin and breathable
Cons
- Maternity-specific sizing is not provided
- Tends roll up over larger pregnancy bellies
Belly Bandit Belly Boost Band
The Belly Bandit Belly Boost Band functions as both a maternity support band and a belly band. The spandex and polyamide blend give your bump, back, and pelvis the extra support needed, all while allowing you to wear your regular clothes longer.
This material is nice and flexible, but still provides compression. The side ruching helps moms to wear it as their babies and bellies grow. A unique feature is the cooling WonderWeave fabric, making the band both breathable and supportive. It also prevents lotions, creams, or oils from soaking through the fabric. This is great news; your expensive stretch mark creams won’t go to waste!
This belly band fits a bit tighter than others which gives maximum support of your growing baby bump. Just remember: if you dislike very tight clothing, order one a size larger. Also, be prepared for it to occasionally roll up over your belly.
Pros
- Provides coverage, comfort, and support
- Helps relieve back, belly, and pelvic pain
- Comes in black and nude
- WonderWeave fabric prevents lotions from seeping onto clothing
Cons
- Tight fit rolls up at the bottom
Gratlin Women’s Maternity Support Belly Band
The Gratlin Women’s Maternity Pressure Reduction Support Belly Band is sold in a two-pack, with color options such as black, white, gray, beige, pink, and navy. One of its key features is a wider lower support band to hold the weight of your belly. The knitted waist area also relieves pressure on your back.
This belly band not only helps to support your body, but also holds your non-maternity pants in place during the first trimester. The materials used in the Gratlin belly band are 92% polyamide and 8% spandex. This makes it very stretchy and accommodating, but also tight enough to smooth out the appearance buttons and pants.
The sizing chart makes it easy to select the best fit, taking into consideration your current pregnancy size. However, this may not be the best belly band for plus-size mothers; the largest size offered is extra large. Another downside of this band is the thickness of the material which may be too hot during warm weather months.
Pros
- Thicker bottom band for support and stability
- Knitted waist and back area for added support
- Stretchy for comfort
- Included sizing chart
Cons
- Thickness of the band can be hot during warmer months
- Does not come in plus sizes
Playtex Women’s Cool Comfort Maternity Band
While many options on this list are fully belly bands with coverage that extends from under the bust down to the hips, the Playtex Women’s Cool Comfort Maternity Band is a smaller option. This band will support the underside of your belly without going all the way up to your bra.
Made from 88% nylon and 12% spandex, the Playtex bands have a little more elasticity than other products. There is no uncomfortable seam on the stretchy material, and no itchy tag. True to its name, these bands really are breathable, and great for summer or warm climates.
One thing to note is that these are NOT high compression bands. Instead, they are true pant extender bands, and not for belly support. They work well during the early stages of pregnancy, and for a smooth belly look postpartum. They most likely will not provide enough support during the third trimester, however.
These bands are available in a two-pack for a very low price. If you prefer lighter coverage, you must try this option!
Pros
- Light and breathable
- Less compression
- Stretchy material
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Little support
- May leave a weird seam mark on the lower part of the belly
BLANQI Everday Support Bellyband
This BLANQI Everyday Support Bellyband is a soft, but provides a good amount of support. The material is a 90% nylon 10% spandex microfiber blend that fits nicely under most fabrics.
This band provides a variety of levels of belly support. The portion that covers your belly is sheerer and less tight, while the section on the periphery of your belly has the greatest amount of compression. In addition, the back portion gives a moderate level of back support. Wearing this belly band gives is a smooth look without too much pressure on your tummy. Pro tip: turn it around after your pregnancy to get tummy support postpartum.
This product is thin and not bulky. It works well on its own, but also when worn under maternity pants. It’s like having a support sling for the belly. This prevents strange “bumps and lumps” (including the dreaded back fat overflow) from showing.
This product comes in white, black, or nude colors. For some mothers, nude may be the best option because it is less obvious!
Pros
- Different levels of support
- Soft and stretchy microfiber
- Not too bulky
- Neutral color options
Cons
- No silicone band to keep it in place
- Thin enough that some pant zippers and buttons are still visible
Best Pregnancy Pants Extenders
A belly band is extremely helpful when your tummy is expanding. The M like Mama Bamboo Belly Band is made of stretchy, soft 70% bamboo fibers, making it very comfortable. The Rheane Maternity Belly Bands, however, tends to roll but feels more snug on your growing belly.
M Like Mama Bamboo Belly Band
The M Like Mama Bamboo Belly Band comes in two colors, white and black, and with two extenders. The bamboo material expands as needed, but also provides support and a snug fit.
The included waist extender is a nice feature. You can use this to cover the gap created by leaving your pants unbuttoned during pregnancy.
The fabric is incredibly soft and stretchy. It’s a blend of 70% bamboo, 20% organic cotton, and 10% spandex. As an added benefit, the company offers a six-month warranty in case of a defective band. However, it should fit well; there is an easy-to-use guide to help you select the right size.
The one critique is that it is not thick enough to conceal the front of your jeans. It would not be a good choice when you are wearing a form-fitting shirt that shows off your bump.
Pros
- The blend of materials is very soft
- Stretchy fabric expands as you grow
- Expanders for your pants included
- Comes with a white and black belt
Cons
- Not thick enough to conceal the top of pants
Rheane Seamless Belly Band
The Rheane Seamless Belly Band is available in white, black, and grey colors. It is made of 92% cotton and 8% spandex. A silicone layer around the bottom helps to secure your loose pants, and remains “sticky” after washing.
The top of the band is designed to surround your baby bump or lie beneath it, depending on where you need more support. The silicone strip keeps the band in place, eliminating the need to re-adjust it when sitting, bending, or moving around.
The sizing chart for this product is a bit unusual. It uses fruit to describe your body type. My advice is to use the “apple” measurements if you have an “all belly” pregnancy, or the “pear” measurements if your hips have grown with your belly. This band stretches to fit a wide variety of body types, including plus-size moms. In the reviews, many moms complained that the lack of an upper silicone band was frustrating because the top of the band did not stay in place. Buying the correct size seems to reduce this from occurring.
As an added bonus, the company offers an option that includes pant extenders. It’s everything needed to continue wearing your normal pants as long as possible!
Pros
- Withstands washing well
- Can be positioned around your bump or underneath it
- Silicone strip holds pants in place
- Soft and stretchy
Cons
- Top might slide down
- May be too snug for some moms
Best Plus Size Belly Band
Belevation Maternity Support Band
The Belevation Maternity Support Band is available in black or gray. It is designed for women of pre-pregnancy sizes 0-26. It may be difficult to determine your correct size, however, because there is no specific sizing chart. The company recommends purchasing one size larger than your usual pant size.
The fabric design features a four-way stretch mechanism that allows movement while providing pelvic support. The band is made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex. It gently lifts your belly using compression to reduce lower back pain. Additionally, the fabric has moisture-wicking to evaporate sweat.
This band’s seamless design and support panels help to relieve the discomfort of your growing belly. One downside is the lack of elastic or material to hold the band in place. This may cause it to roll out of place on larger pregnancy bellies.
Pros
- Four-way stretch grows with your belly
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- No uncomfortable seams
- Provides some lower back and pelvic support
Cons
- Might roll up during 2nd or 3rd trimesters
- Difficult to determine the right size
Comparing the Best Belly Bands
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Ingrid & Isabel Everyday Bellaband | 9.8 | 8.6 | 28.00 |
| Belly Bandit Belly Boost Band | 8.5 | 8.0 | 24.95 |
| Belevation Maternity Support Band | 9.8 | 8.6 | 17.90 |
| Women's Maternity Belly Band by Diravo | 9.9 | 8.6 | 15.99 |
| Rheane Seamless Belly Band | 9.8 | 8.2 | 13.97 |
| BLANQI Everday Support Bellyband | 7.5 | 8.2 | - |
| Playtex Women's Cool Comfort Maternity Band | 3.9 | 8.4 | - |
| Gratlin Women's Maternity Support Belly Band | 6.4 | 7.8 | - |
| M Like Mama Bamboo Belly Band | 6.5 | 8.8 | - |
How to Choose a Belly Band
The most important aspect of choosing a belly band is that it serves its purpose well. It should fit comfortably, without rolling or sliding down off your expanding belly. As you choose, here are some things to consider.
Materials Used
Rough, scratchy material that rubs the belly all day is uncomfortable. The ideal belly band should be made of a breathable material such as cotton or bamboo with spandex or Lycra. These provide softness and comfort with support and elasticity.
Functionality
A belly band should accommodate your growing belly. Some accomplish this with elastic material and compression, while others use Velcro or other fasteners to let you adjust it as needed.
In addition to adjustability, consider how likely it is that the band will stay in place. Some belly bands have an elastic or rubber material around the edges to prevent them from rolling up.
The band’s width may also affect its functionality. Those that extend more are less likely to roll around on your belly bump.
Durability
Even though you do not plan to wear your belly band for years, it should last for the duration of your pregnancy. The fabrics used in some bands might deteriorate or lose their flexibility after a few washes. Follow the garment care directions closely.
Style
Belly bands are generally worn underneath clothing. It is possible, however, to still have some fabric peeking out. Belly bands are rather affordable, so some mothers purchase more than one, and in several colors.
Fit
Belly bands are designed to be flexible while still having a some level of compression support. While wearing your band, you should not feel restricted or pain while bending, sitting, or walking. If so, you may need a larger size.
When shopping online, measure your belly with a tape measure to size appropriately. Choosing a company that has a return policy also helps, just in case!
FAQs – Belly Bands for Pregnancy
What is a belly band?
Belly bands are a thick strip of fabric that looks like a “tube top” for your belly. It typically extends from under the breasts to the lower pelvis, and is intended to provide back and pelvic support. Its main purpose is to accommodate a growing tummy, and reduce stress on the back and pelvis.
Realistically, you will spend nine months being pregnant (although it can seem like an eternity). Investing in lots of maternity clothes is not practical for everyone’s budget.
A belly band allows you to continue wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes a bit longer. It covers the upper portion of jeans and pants so that they can be left unbuttoned in order to accommodate the belly.
Most belly bands offer gentle compression to support the lower back and hips. These areas are subject to the most strain as your belly grows, and your center of balance shifts.
How is a belly band different from a maternity belt?
Maternity belts are more rigid than belly bands. They wrap around the lower tummy, and support the lower back, hips, pelvis, and abdomen. Not all mothers need this much support, but these belts can be particularly helpful in reducing back pain.
Another major difference is that maternity belts are often worn over clothing. Most surround the lower belly, and have buckles or velcro closures. They are typically more narrow than belly bands.
What are the most supportive belts and belly bands?
Pregnancy or maternity cradles are like “suspenders” for your belly. A large piece of fabric covers the underside of the belly, and attaches to side abdominal and shoulder straps. These are most often found in medical supply stores, and can be adjusted or molded to fit specific needs.
It is not uncommon to find maternity cradles as an accessory to belly belts for use later in your pregnancy. When used together, maternity belts and cradles offer the most support.
How do I choose a maternity band?
Pregnant mothers should choose whichever support is needed. Belly belts and maternity cradles are best saved for the end of the second trimester when back pain or pelvic pressure develop. Belly bands are helpful to use earlier in the pregnancy, just as you are sizing out of your clothes. Since belly bands are rather inexpensive, they are a good early investment to reduce spending on maternity clothing.
You can also find out more about postpartum girdles (for support after baby), as well as comfy maternity underwear and maternity bras.
Do I wear a belly band over pants or under them?
This decision depends on the look you are going for as well as the amount of support you need.
Some moms use belly bands and belts for style only. If you want to hide unbuttoned pants or extend your shirt coverage down a little lower, then belly bands are perfect! Just wear one over your pants and under your shirt for a smooth, totally covered look.
If you need extra support, a stronger compression band gives a little extra “lift” to your tummy. The compression can help hold up your belly, and reduce hip discomfort or back pain. For this purpose, many moms wear belly bands under their normal maternity clothes as an extra layer of support.
