Lots of celebrities have touted using a postpartum belly band to help them recover after having a baby, but postpartum belly wrapping isn’t just a fad for A-listers. In fact, the practice of postpartum belly binding dates back centuries: Malaysian culture refers to these belly bands as bengkung, Latin Americans use a wrap known as the faja and Japanese mothers turn to a sarashi after birth. But what exactly is a postpartum belly wrap, what are its benefits and should you try one? Read on to learn more.
In this article:
Benefits of a postpartum belly wrap
Postpartum belly wrap shopping tips
Best postpartum belly wraps
Benefits of a Postpartum Belly Wrap
The technical term for these trendy postpartum belly bands is abdominal binders, and they do just that: They offer compression and support for the abdomen and lower back, while also improving circulation and breathing. Such binders have been prescribed by doctors for years following abdominal surgeries—including c-sections—but over the past decade, belly wraps designed specifically for postpartum women have flooded the marketplace. They come in several styles (postpartum girdles, belts, pull-ons and more) and with different closures (Velcro, zippers and hook and eye, among others), but the primary benefits of postpartum belly wraps remain the same across the board:
They support abdominal muscles and can aid with diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominals remain separated following pregnancy
They can aid with lower back pain and posture
They can alleviate other pain and pressure (particularly around a c-section incision)
They’re said to help reduce swelling
One thing postpartum belly wraps and bands won’t do? Magically shrink your waist back to its pre-pregnancy size. That comes primarily through diet, exercise and time—though a belly wrap may help provide a smoother appearance under clothes, similar to shapewear.
Postpartum Belly Wrap Shopping Tips
Finding the best postpartum belly band for you comes down to your unique needs. Even the most popular product on the market isn’t a hit or lifestyle fit for everyone. Here are a few things to consider before buying a postpartum belly binder:
Comfort. When it comes to belly binder efficacy, compression is kind of the whole point. That said, you should seek support, not a suffocating “waist trainer” or too-tight corset. (The goal is to alleviate pain!) Look for adjustable or stretchy styles that can adapt to your specific body, and consult your doctor to find the best option for you and your unique recovery.
Ease of use. If your post-pregnancy belly wrap is a pain to put on, you’re not going to use it. The same goes if it’s a struggle to wear while you’re completing your day-to-day tasks. Settle on a postpartum belly binder that doesn’t disrupt your life with difficult closures or annoying, hard-to-adjust bands. Only you know what you’ll find frustrating, but the options below have the most user-friendly designs we’ve seen.
Discreetness. Some belly binders are more seamless than others (think: sleeve-like bands versus multi-fastener girdles). If you like to wear fitted clothes, keep that in mind. You can also search for skin-toned styles for more of a no-show look. Many of the products below come in multiple colors.
Best Postpartum Belly Wraps
Barring any complications from delivery—and only after receiving the go-ahead from your doctor—postpartum belly bands can be worn immediately after giving birth. Most belly wrap manufacturers suggest wearing one for around 10 to 12 hours each day, for up to six to eight weeks postpartum, to receive the full benefits. With that type of constant wear, the postpartum belly wrap you select needs to be one you love. These mom-approved picks are a great place to start.
Image: Courtesy Belly Bandit
Belly Bandit Original Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrap
Tried and true for more than a decade, the no-frills Belly Bandit gets the job done with its easy-to-use wraparound design. The Velcro closure allows for 6 inches of adjustability (letting you control the squeeze factor), and the medical-grade compression elastic helps strengthen core muscles, support good posture and ease back pain (among other benefits). Not to mention, this belly wrap is covered by several major health insurance companies—making the decision to try it a no-brainer. A firm favorite at The Bump office, this belly band won a Best of Pregnancy award in 2022 .
What we love:
Designed with PowerCompress Core technology, this belly band offers firm compression and the highest level of support available
It’s 100 percent latex-free and has an easy to use Velcro fastener
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this belly band is available in sizes XS to XL
Things to consider:
The crossover Velcro fastener is reportedly visible through thin clothing
The width of the band is relatively wide, which may not suit people with a petite frame
Buy it: $50, Nordstrom.com
Image: Courtesy Belly Bandit
Belly Bandit B.F.F. Premier Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrap
Looking to step up your postpartum belly wrap game from the original Belly Bandit? Try the B.F.F., which features two adjustable panels in a latex-free, antibacterial fabric. The design is ideal for those with a shorter waist or on the petite side (those with longer torsos may find it doesn’t cover enough area), and it hugs in all the right places. Now can you see why it won a reader’s favorite Best of Pregnancy award?
What we love:
Dual compression panels can be adjusted to conform perfectly to your figure
The corset-inspired construction is designed with six additional panels to support your back, legs and core muscles
It’s 20 cm in width, meaning it’s ideal for people with slightly shorter torsos
The eco-friendly material offers optimum moisture-management
Things to consider:
- Some customers report that the B.F.F. belly band tends to ride up and scrunch at the sides
Buy it: $80, Nordstrom.com
Image: Courtesy Bellefit
Bellefit Postpartum Corset
Those recovering from a c-section might not love the idea of squeezing their incision with a postpartum belly wrap—but they can still benefit from the support a belly band offers. Enter the Bellefit postpartum corset, which features a pull-on design and hook and eye closures placed with a cesarean incision in mind. The FDA-approved device also offers adjustable medical-grade compression, a hypoallergenic fabric and back and belly support. Our favorite feature though, has to be the access flap that lets you go to the bathroom without wriggling out of the corset. Genius.
What we love:
Inner boning shapes your curves and prevents the fabric from bunching or rolling
The shaper has a reinforced abdominal panel for added support and compression
The easy-access crotch opening has three rows of adjustable hooks, meaning you can make space to accommodate a postpartum pad
It offers full panty coverage in the rear
Things to consider:
Opening and closing the hook-and-eye fasteners can be time-consuming
This structured corset tapers inwards, which is great for people with hour-glass figures, but may not suit all body types
This belly band is a slightly more expensive option
Buy it: $98, Motherhood.com
Image: Courtesy ChongErfei
ChongErfei Postpartum Support Recovery Belly Wrap
The best-selling ChongErfei postpartum belly wrap covers a lot of surface area (from low on the hips to high on the ribs), meaning you get support for your pelvis, abdominal muscles and low to mid back. It also means you can manage to avoid any “muffin top” squeezing out of the band, providing a smooth, seamless look. In other words, a postpartum win-win—which is why thousands of women gave it glowing reviews on Amazon.
What we love:
The three-piece postpartum support set includes a belly band, waist belt and a pelvic band that can be worn together for maximum support or separately for lower support
ChongErfei offer a plus-size belly band for people weighing over 190 pounds at the time of birth
Things to consider:
When worn together the three-in-one girdle is slightly bulky and may be visible underneath clothing
The longline silhouette may not be suitable for people with shorter torsos
Buy it: $26, Amazon.com
Image: Courtesy Belly Bandit
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset
This belly band is loved nearly universally by women, whether they’re postpartum or not. Double compression, side and back boning and a high back help it to contour, smooth and stay in place. Meanwhile, the adjustable closures, lightweight material and released tension at the bottom make it so comfortable, you’ll (almost) forget you even have it on. Yes, this postpartum corset is an investment—but it’s one that can be worn over and over again.
What we love:
A step-in design means you won’t have to fasten the hooks each time you put it on
It slims and smoothes your belly, waist and hips while also concealing bothersome back bulges
The stay-put technology ensures it won’t roll or bunch
This corset is virtually invisible when worn underneath clothing
Things to consider:
Belly Bandit recommends people wear this style once they’re ready to move on from a postpartum belly band
The fit of this corset runs small
Buy it: $90, BellyBandit.com
Image: Courtesy Isabel Maternity
Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Afterband Support Belt
No boning, seams or straps? Sign us up. This belly band by Isabel Maternity gets the job done simply through its stretch-knit material, which offers shaping while still letting you exercise your core muscles. Plus, it’s held in place thanks to silicone strips at the hems (so you won’t constantly be adjusting it all day). Not only does it provide all the benefits of a postpartum belly band, but it also offers extra coverage when nursing.
What we love:
The knit maternal provides targeted compression right where you need it
The seamless style is unrestrictive and easy to wear underneath any outfit
Silicone strips keep the belly band firmly in place
At just $25, the affordable price tag is hard to beat
Things to consider:
- Customers report that this belly band runs small
Buy it: $25, Target.com
Image: Courtesy Blanqi
BLANQI Everyday Lift-Up Access Underbust Postpartum & Nursing Support Tank
The benefits of a belly band with the comfort of a tank top? Yes, please. BLANQI’s postpartum support tank—another great postpartum girdle alternative—offers the same midsection compression and muscle engagement that you’d get with a traditional postpartum belly wrap, and the X-shaped back helps to support and ease lower back pain. Plus, the open bust design makes for easy breastfeeding access while at the same time providing an extra cleavage boost. Need we say more?
What we love:
The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and comfortable all day long
The tank offers 360-degree support and firm compression
The open-bust design means you can wear your own bra and have easy-nursing access
Things to consider:
- The inseam lengths run from 25 to 28" depending on the size
Buy it: $68, Bloomingdales.com
Image: Courtesy Upspring
UpSpring Shrinkx Belly Bamboo Wrap
This postpartum belly wrap—good for both vagin*l and c-section recovery—stands out from the crowd thanks to its innovative material. Bamboo charcoal fiber technology naturally increases circulation, which in turn helps reduce swelling after birth. The moisture-wicking belly band also supports the abdominal muscles and lower back, all while helping to slim your belly and waist.
What we love:
The fully-adjustable belly band offers triple-point compression
Built-in boning provides lower back support
Bamboo charcoal contains unique therapeutic properties that can help to increase circulation, speed healing and reduce swelling
Things to consider:
This belly band only comes in two sizes: S/M and L/XL
It measures 9" from top to bottom
The Shrinkx belly wrap is hand wash only
Buy it: $50, APeainthePod.com
Image: Courtesy Mama Strut
Mama Strut Postpartum Support Brace
The designer of this postpartum belly wrap has thought of everything—which makes sense, considering Mama Strut was created by a mom of three. The Velcro-strapped girdle provides belly and back support (while managing swelling), but the most genius aspect of this system is the pull-on shorts that can hold removable ice or heat packs aiding postpartum discomfort and healing. Say it with us now: Ahhhh.
What we love:
It’s available in inclusive sizes XS to 4XL
The set includes a postpartum support band with built-in shorts, plus removable underwear liners that are machine-washable
Adjustable crotch straps keep everything in place
Picked the wrong size? No worries—Mama Strut will exchange your belly band for a different one as long as it has not been worn or damaged
Things to consider:
Refer to the size guide before making a purchase. If you’re between sizes, Mama Strut recommends sizing up
The ice and heat accessory pack is sold separately
Buy it: $130, MamaStrut.com
Image: Courtesy Bumpsuit
Bumpsuit The Women’s Waist Trainer
The waist trainer by Bumpsuit offers gentle, seamless support for the fourth trimester and beyond. The elasticated fabric gently pulls in your waist, while hidden boning provides additional support and prevents rolling or bunching. It’s suitable for vagin*l and c-section recovery, and even promises to be comfortable enough to sleep in. What’s not to love!
What we love:
The stretchy fabric adapts to your changing shape and doesn’t lose effectiveness over time
The seamless style is not visible underneath your clothes
Things to consider:
- This style has no fasteners, meaning you have pull it on overhead or up over your hips to take it on and off
Buy it: $68, Maisonette.com
Image: Courtesy Loday
LODAY 2 in 1 Postpartum Recovery Belt
Intrigued by the concept of belly wrapping but not ready to go full-on postpartum corset yet? The LODAY belly band is for you. With no Velcro, snaps, wraps or straps, the LODAY band slides on and is held in place with flexible boning. It offers similar compression and smoothing benefits, just without the adjustable tightening offered by a traditional postpartum girdle or corset. (Plus, it’s easily concealed under clothing.)
What we love:
Thick fabric and spiral boning offer superior compression
It’s 29 cm in length, offering support from your hips right up to your underbust area
At under $20, it’s the most affordable option we’ve seen
Things to consider:
This belly band is made from 100 percent latex, so it may not be suitable for people with allergies or sensitive skin
The thick fabric will keep you warm in cold weather, but may be too hot during the summer months
Hand wash only
Buy it: Starting from $17, Amazon.com
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circ*mstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Postpartum Recovery Tips for Your vagin* After Birth
What to Expect During Your C-Section Recovery
Checklist: the Essential Items You’ll Need for Postpartum Recovery
