16 best maternity nightwear pieces, reviewed by mums
Good, comfortable maternity nightwear is absolutely essential when you're expecting – and, if you're anything like us, we predict you'll pretty much live in yours.
As well as the best maternity leggings, maternity knickers and maternity loungewear, maternity pyjamas and nighties are a great thing to stock up on for your pregnancy wardrobe and beyond, carrying you through your fourth trimester when - again, if you're anything like us - you probably won't leave the house all too much. I actually still wear my maternity pyjamas over a year on because they're so damn comfy.
The best maternity nightwear, at a glance:
As any pregnant woman can attest, the nine months you're carrying your precious cargo isn't always the most comfortable, what with back pain, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, headaches, heartburn, swollen feet and lightening crotch (Google it) all seemingly par for the course. So if you're not spoiling yourself with some new ultra comfortable, loose-fitting, soft-as-butter pyjamas right now, when are you?
Ditch the itchy lace, niggling seams, and tight, unbreathable fabrics in favour of flowing, breathable cotton nightwear that feels as good as it looks. When you're contending with a burgeoning bump, night sweats and constant trips to the bathroom, great maternity nightwear is an investment worth making. Anything to help you feel a bit more comfortable when you cosy up to that body pillow at bedtime, right?
With stretchy waistbands that comfortably cover your bump and support it – without making you feel like you’re being squeezed – and tops that allow for breastfeeding later down the line, maternity nightwear forms the base for most pregnant women’s wardrobes, as, trust me, you'll spend a lot of time in bed. Plus, if you're looking for the perfect mum-to-be gift, maternity nightwear is a perfect contender.
Spoiler: we've even done all the research for you…
How we tested the best maternity nightwear
Editors Bianca London and Charlie Teather are happy to admit they spent an almost-embarrassing amount of time in bed during their pregnancies, so tracking down the best maternity pyjamas was crucial. We put them through their paces for comfort, breathability and ease of wear. We also tried the best maternity nightwear out during our postpartum eras to see how they fared during breastfeeding. We have tested a range of brands at varying price points to bring you the definitive guide to the very best maternity nightwear to carry you through your pregnancy and beyond.
Why you can trust us
Contributing Editor, Bianca London, and freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, both become mums over the last few years, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
We didn't want to lose our personal style identities - which, conveniently for those of you reading this for inspo, are very different to one another's - but we also wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in our lives. And if we were finding this balance hard to strike, after working our whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, we figured others must be too. So, we made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate maternity fashion guides. If for nothing more than for us to refer back to if/when we ever do this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people…
Here is the best maternity nightwear to add to your wardrobe immediately.
Why we love it: The beauty of a shirt set is not only that you can undo the lower buttons towards the end of your pregnancy to maximise space and comfort, but also that they double up so effortlessly postpartum for those breastfeeding. The floral pocket and double waistband is such a beautiful design accent, and the two colour options feel almost too perfect for those expecting…
- Made from: 100% cotton
- Colours available: Blue, Pink
- Sizes available: XS-XXL
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Why we love it: Not strictly maternity, but this pair works perfectly if you size up. They're unisex so automatically fall a little looser than most, but the fabric is so soft and cosy that they're exactly the thing you want to be cuddling up in if you find yourself in the midst of a winter pregnancy.
- Made from: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane
- Colours available: Glacier Plaid, Merlot Red Plaid
- Sizes available: XXS-XXXXL
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Why we love it: Comfort, comfort comfort. Need we say more? The cotton of these pyjamas is so wonderfully soft, and makes them feel far more expensive than they are. The button-down neck is a great aesthetic design detail, but crucially doubles up as a useful one postpartum if you're breastfeeding.
- Made from: 100% Cotton
- Colours available: Blue
- Sizes available: 4-18
Why we love it: A super cute set thanks to the pink gingham print, this pair of pyjamas gets bonus points for the extra fabric panel stretching up above the waistband to fit over and cocoon your bump.
- Made from: 100% cotton
- Colours available: Pink mix
- Sizes available: S, L
Why we love it: All too often ‘maternity wear’ scrimps on fun prints and fabrics, so if you find yourself craving something a little more that way inclined then you need look no further than Chelsea Peers. Pioneers of signature hand-drawn prints splashed across the most comfortable loungewear, this giraffe set is one of our favourites in the entire current collection. ‘Maternity’ or otherwise.
- Made from: 95% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, 5% Elastane
- Colours available: Navy, Cream
- Sizes available: 6-28
Why we love it: Another super soft, super affordable nightwear staple, this short-sleeve set is a great option to throw in your hospital bag if you're not a nightie girl. Skimming over the bump and with a loose, drawstring waistband that can of course be cinched in post-birth, such a loose, light-weight set is a must for those inordinately hot labour wards.
- Made from: 100% Cotton
- Colours available: Grey
- Sizes available: 4-18
Why we love it: Perhaps my (Charlie's) favourite pyjama brand of all time, there is quite literally nothing in my PJ drawer that compares to the comfort of an Eberjey set. I wore my Gisele pyjamas before pregnancy, throughout my pregnancy, and have worn it many (many!) times postpartum. Incredibly soft and with the perfect amount of stretch, they're a total staple for me - maternity and beyond.
- Made from: 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% Spandex
- Colours available: 19
- Sizes available: XS-XXL
Why we love it: A striped pyjama is a classic for a reason, but these satin-look ones feel a little more elevated. Perfect for Christmas morning, a minimoon, or just a weekend spent wearing nothing but PJs (not only allowed but totally encouraged during pregnancy!), this blue set is a really great feel-good option.
- Made from: 100% Polyester
- Colours available: Blue Stripe, Leopard Print
- Sizes available: XS-XXL
Why we love it: It may be the height of winter, but if there's one thing most pregnant women can agree on it's that it is too hot. It may say otherwise on the weather app, but it is TOO HOT. And that's before the intense central heating of the labour ward hits you. If you're finding your body temperature soaring and just need something lightweight to lounge in, then look no further.
- Made from: 100% Oeko-Tex® Linen
- Colours available: Green Stripe, Brown Check, Green Check
- Sizes available: 6-22
Why we love it: Muslin fabric is about to become your best friend when it comes to clearing up your baby's spit-ups, so why not get in on the action a little earlier via this super soft pyjama set?
- Made from: Cotton 100%
- Colours available: Blue, White, Pink
- Sizes available: XS-XXL
Why we love it: Seraphine has really cornered the market for luxurious, stylish maternity wear that is also practical, too. Case in point is this 2-piece set, which doubles up as a pair of nursing pyjamas once you’ve had your baby. Super-soft and hypoallergenic, it’s also sweat-wicking, which is great when you’ve got the night sweats during the fourth trimester (one of those things no one tells you about).
- Made from: Bamboo viscose
- Colours available: Black and pale blue
- Sizes available: XS to XXL
Why we love it: Another one of those clever 2-in-1 sets, the double-layered top of this JoJo Maman Bébé is ideal for nursing postpartum, with clever side slits that allow easy access for baby. We also appreciated the extra support from the over-the-bump panel in the fourth trimester, when everything is still a bit swollen and delicate.
- Made from: Viscose and elastane mix
- Colours available: Blue, pink, grey, mocha
- Sizes available: S-L
Why we love it: You can’t go wrong with a Breton stripe – even at bedtime. This comfy set from La Redoute boasts a button-down top (ideal for postpartum breastfeeding) and a drawstring waist, plus slightly thicker jogging-bottom-esque trousers.
- Made from: Cotton
- Colours available: Navy and white stripe
- Sizes available: 8-18
Why we love it: Double layered, the pyjama top of this set is ideal for breastfeeding, making it something that you’ll get loads of wear out of. The cosy jersey panel on the waist of the trousers adds an extra level of comfort and support. There’s also a short-sleeved version, if you prefer. Bonus points for the pockets, too!
- Made from: Viscose elastane mix
- Colours available: Blue, mocha, grey, pink
- Sizes available: S-L
Why we love it: Elizabeth Scarlett's pyjamas are amongst the softest and prettiest out there, and have the added bonus of being eco-friendly too. We love this pair for pregnancy - just size up for ultimate comfort.
- Made from: Cotton sateen
- Colours available: Pink print
- Sizes available: XS to XXL
Your maternity nightwear FAQs, answered:
What to look for in maternity nightwear
When looking for maternity nightwear it is important to take the fabric, longevity and practicality into consideration. Chelsey Oliver, Chief Creative Officer at maternity brand Seraphine, told us: “We use breathable fabrics that are super soft and ultra comfortable – perfect to help you get a restful nights sleep whilst pregnant.” It's also worth looking for nightwear with clever features that are essential when in hospital, such as poppers down the front and back, pockets for phone and holes in sides for monitoring wires. Want your ensure your maternity nightwear is a good investment? Look for pieces that have a nursing function built in, meaning you can continue to wear these pieces in your postpartum journey and beyond.
What to wear during and after labour
It's totally up to you, and whatever you feel most comfortable in is best, but we found that button-down options were great to whip open post-birth for skin-to-skin and if you're keen to try breastfeeding. Soft fabrics are, of course, top of the agenda too, while loose silhouettes and low waistbands tend to be a good idea. Darker colours are often a good idea post-labour and provide peace of mind when you might be bleeding. As for the birth itself, you might be in a hospital gown, or a super flowing nightie is a great option.
More maternity content
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.
