Quick Listen:
The postpartum period is a whirlwind of transformation new parents navigate sleepless nights, emotional highs, and bodies in recovery. Amid this, one often-overlooked need stands out: clothing that supports a healing body. Postpartum intimates specialized bras, underwear, and shapewear are no longer niche. They're essential, and a vibrant community of parenting creators is redefining what these garments mean. On platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, these voices share candid stories, championing comfort, inclusivity, and sustainability. They're not just influencers; they're catalysts for change, and brands like Circus are rising to meet their call.
A Surging Market Fueled by Awareness
The postpartum intimates market is experiencing remarkable growth. According to Business Research Insights, the global postpartum underwear market, valued at $2.48 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $4.41 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. This surge reflects a growing emphasis on maternal health, with specialized garments designed to address post-childbirth challenges like abdominal support and postpartum bleeding. Similarly, the maternity and nursing lingerie market, worth $3.1 billion in 2023, is expected to climb to $6.8 billion by 2033, driven by an 8.2% CAGR. Rising disposable incomes, increased workforce participation among women, and the boom in e-commerce are key drivers, but the cultural shift is equally significant.
In India, where Circus targets urban hubs like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi, a burgeoning middle class is embracing functional yet stylish intimates. Social media has transformed postpartum care into a shared narrative. Parenting creators, often new mothers themselves, use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to demystify recovery, offering unfiltered insights into breastfeeding challenges and the quest for comfortable undergarments. These creators, active in regions like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, are trusted guides, steering consumers toward brands that prioritize both form and function.
Creators as Catalysts for Change
Scroll through Instagram profiles like @desouzamesty or @gowrieparvathy, part of Circu's vibrant community, and you'll see a blend of authenticity and advocacy. One creator might post a reel celebrating a bra that doesn't irritate sensitive skin, while another shares a story about the comfort of bamboo-based underwear. These aren't glossy campaigns they're real, relatable endorsements. The maternity innerwear market, valued at $8.26 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $15.25 billion by 2035 with a 6.4% CAGR, thrives on this demand for supportive, aesthetically pleasing undergarments. Creators are pushing brands to rethink design, emphasizing size inclusivity and adaptive features for postpartum bodies.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of this movement. Parenting creators advocate for size ranges that accommodate fluctuating waistlines and sensitive breasts, challenging the industry's outdated one-size-fits-all approach. Circus stands out with its gender-agnostic prints and signature fabric mix, offering fuss-free designs that resonate with diverse consumers. By amplifying products that embrace varied body types, these influencers are reshaping market standards, particularly in competitive regions like Telangana and Haryana.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority for today's consumers, with 40% prioritizing eco-friendly options in intimate apparel, per Global Growth Insights. The global intimate apparel market, valued at $187.6 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $283.6 billion by 2033, with sustainability as a driving force. Creators are vigilant, calling out greenwashing and praising brands like Circus for using organic cotton and bamboo. In markets like West Bengal and Kerala, where eco-consciousness is growing, this focus resonates deeply.
A recent Instagram post by a parenting creator highlighted their switch to Circus after uncovering a competitor's dubious sustainable claims. The post ignited a flurry of comments, with followers sharing their own experiences and recommendations. Such transparency fosters trust and accountability, positioning Circus as a leader in sustainable intimates. The brand's commitment to eco-conscious materials and gender-neutral designs aligns with the values of urban consumers in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where environmental awareness is on the rise.
Overcoming Industry Hurdles
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Some consumers perceive Circu's playful designs as less sophisticated than those of competitors like Zivame or Clovia, a common objection in urban markets. Limited retail and digital presence in smaller cities, such as those in Uttar Pradesh or Haryana, also poses a barrier, though e-commerce is bridging the gap. As DataHorizzon Research notes, online shopping has fueled the maternity lingerie market, but broader accessibility remains critical.
Balancing style and functionality is another hurdle. Postpartum intimates must be soft yet supportive, fashionable yet practical. Creators often share frustrations with products that fall short bras that pinch or underwear that lacks stretch. Circus addresses this with its fuss-free construction, but scaling quality across a growing market is complex. The lack of performance-driven options, another objection, is a gap the brand is tackling as it competes with established players like Jockey and Enamor.
Collaborations That Resonate
Brand-creator collaborations are transforming the industry. Circus partners with influencers to design limited-edition postpartum lines, incorporating real-world feedback. These collections, often selling out rapidly, reflect the loyalty creators inspire. The broader postpartum products market, valued at $2.53 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $4.47 billion by 2032 with a 6.54% CAGR, benefits from this demand for breastfeeding accessories and recovery-focused products. Creators amplify this by showcasing practical solutions, like a Circus nursing bra that simplifies late-night feedings, as one Kerala-based influencer demonstrated in a viral video.
These partnerships also promote body positivity. Creators celebrate their postpartum bodies, encouraging followers to embrace their own journeys. This shift counters the societal pressure to snap back post-childbirth, fostering a culture of acceptance that resonates in urban centers like Delhi and Chennai.
The Road Ahead
The future of postpartum intimates is dynamic, with parenting creators at its core. They're building communities, not just promoting products. Healthcare professionals underscore the importance of supportive intimates that reduce strain and improve circulation, as highlighted in a LinkedIn analysis. The industry is moving toward customization, with brands like Circus leveraging direct-to-consumer feedback to innovate.
In India, creators in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru are setting trends, but their influence extends globally. The postpartum disposable underwear market, valued at $1.2 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2033 with a 9.2% CAGR, reflects the growing role of technology, like AI-driven demand forecasting, in meeting consumer needs. Circus is well-positioned to lead, blending sustainability, inclusivity, and creator-driven innovation.
This revolution is just beginning. Parenting creators are proving that postpartum intimates can empower, not just support. Explore Circu's offerings, join the conversation on Instagram or Pinterest, and discover lingerie that honors every stage of parenthood with comfort, style, and purpose.
Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.
You may also be interested in: Boxer Briefs vs Briefs: Which One Is Right For You?
Uncomfortable underwear shouldn't steal your confidence. At Andcircus, we craft ultra-soft, sustainable Lenzing Modal Micro innerwear for every body, XS to 5XL. From briefs to bras, our custom packs fit you perfectly. Shop risk-free with our 100% satisfaction guarantee and embrace comfort that includes everyone. #LoveEveryBody. Shop Now!