Maternity panties are the second to the last item I want to shop for (don't ask about nursing bras) even at the height of euphoria over discovering that I am pregnant. There are not many options and many of them seem overpriced for such a short term of use. I really can't complain when I see 4 pairs for $17, but lets take a look at these maternity panties.

JCPenney Dividends also markets under the name Duo Maternity. These 100% cotton briefs come in high-cut or traditional and come in a package of all white or multi, which includes a blush, ecru, and two white (no black). I prefer the high-cut version personally.

What they did right:
Dividends made these panties seamless with a knit-in waistband. What that means is that there are no side seams on these panties. Unfortunately, the allotment for pregnancy size may make them rest uncomfortably in the backside. Regardless, the seamless styling helps the panties stretch all the way around so that they don't feel sloppy. As pregnancy progress, the stretch continues to expand around maintaining a comfortable fit. The knit-in waistband means a smooth transition from the fabric of the body to the top, keeping them from feeling restrictive even at the end of pregnancy. The remaining elastic around the legs is pretty standard and not uncomfortable, but not wrapped in cotton or anything fancy.

What they did wrong:
These panties come in two sizes: Misses (one size fits hips 30-52 inches) and Womens (one size fits 51-60 inches). Cotton knit is cotton knit no matter how you stack it up. For anyone on the smaller end of the Misses size or the larger end of the Womens size, there is no way to make these maternity panties comfortable. I would recommend these panties for anyone who sits (literally) in the middle of the size ranges (Misses 38-44 inches or Womens 54 to 57 inches).

Choosing maternity panties is quite an personal decision that should be based on your style preference (maternity panties are even available in thong style now) and comfort. For women who are carrying very low, maternity panties of this style may be a necessity. For women carrying higher, a size larger bikini may be every bit as comfortable and easier to get a good fit. If you are outside of the middle ranges of these panties, specialty maternity stores carrying a similar product in a larger variety of sizes.

These panties are available in some stores, on-line, and in the catalog. I have freqently found them in the lingerie section.

Recommended: Yes