What you wear can affect how comfortable, confident, and relaxed you feel. And when you’re preparing for birth, comfort matters. So it’s completely normal to wonder: What do you wear during labor? Do you have to wear a hospital gown, or can you bring your own labor and delivery gown, robe, skirt, or oversized T-shirt?
If you’re having a hospital birth, you might assume the standard hospital gown is your only option. But in most cases, you can wear what feels best as long as your medical team can still monitor you, check your vitals, access an IV or epidural if needed, and help you safely during delivery.
As a birth doula, I want women to know their options. Below are several comfortable things you can wear during labor and delivery, including the pros and cons of each so you can decide which option best fits your birth preferences.
Key Takeaways
- You usually do not have to wear a hospital gown during labor unless your hospital or medical situation requires it.
- The best labor outfit allows access for monitoring, exams, IVs, epidurals, skin-to-skin, and breastfeeding.
- Popular options include a hospital gown, birthing gown, labor skirt, oversized T-shirt, robe, towel wrap, or wearing nothing at all.
- Dark colors, soft fabrics, easy-open fronts, and back access can make labor clothes more practical.
- Choose what makes you feel comfortable, supported, and able to move during labor.
Related: The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby, and Partner
What To Wear During Labor: 6 Comfortable Options
Many women are surprised to learn they have more options than the standard hospital gown. I tell my birth doula clients that as long as they wear something that allows their caregivers to perform cervical exams and monitor their contractions, blood pressure, and baby’s heart rate, they can wear whatever they’d like. Here are some of your options:
Hospital Gown
Of course, your first option is to wear the hospital-issued gown.
If you’re debating whether or not to wear a hospital gown, take a look at my pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
If you’re the mom who prefers a hospital gown, go for it! I support all women and their choices, and I want what you feel is best for yourself and your baby. Here are the pros of wearing a hospital gown during labor:
- You don’t have to purchase a new set of clothes for your labor and birth.
- You can wear a fresh, new gown that’s just for you.
- You won’t have to worry about it getting dirty, since it will be thrown away. And if you get the gown dirty, the hospital can provide another.
- The gown is designed to make patients easier to monitor, and it’s convenient for your medical team to check your vitals quickly. You can also breastfeed in it.
Cons:
If you think the hospital gown is uncomfortable, annoying, or unattractive, you don’t have to wear it. The hospital staff won’t be offended if you bring your own clothes. Here are my cons of wearing a hospital gown for labor:
- They’re one-size-fits-most, which can make them too large or too small, leaving you feeling exposed and uncomfortable.
- They aren’t made of the best material and can feel scratchy on your skin.
- Since all hospital patients wear these gowns, it can make you feel like a sick patient during labor instead of a strong, confident, and empowered woman getting ready to give birth.
- They’re ugly. The end.
Preparing for Birth? Start Here.
Birthing Gowns
Birthing gowns are one of the most popular alternatives to the standard hospital gown. They serve the same purpose as a hospital gown, but can make the laboring woman feel more beautiful and empowered. And let’s be honest, they’re so much cuter! Some of the available birthing gowns are:
1. Ekouaer Labor and Delivery Gown
This knee-length gown is made of soft, breathable fabric and comes in lots of cute, solid colors and floral prints. It can work as a labor and delivery gown because it’s very stretchy and gives your care providers easy access to whatever they need (e.g., epidural site, external monitors, vaginal checks). You can also open it in the front, which makes it perfect for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. You can even wear it around the house during the postpartum period (the first few months after baby is born).1
Related: 9 Tips for an Easier and Faster Labor
2. Hatch Collection Hatch-To-Hospital Box
The Hatch Collection hospital essentials set comes with a cozy, nursing-friendly, super-soft bamboo birthing gown! This birthing gown is a great option because it adds a touch of luxury to the hospital. In addition, this box contains a bamboo brief (with full coverage and no elastics), a matching bamboo robe, and gray socks.
3. Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown
This is another cute option that’s excellent to wear during labor. I love the feminine detail of the ruffle straps and how the snaps allow for quick breastfeeding access. This gown is also incredibly soft and stretchy, and it offers all the functional features that care providers prefer in a labor gown, including openings that extend the full length of both the front and the back. I also really like that a support person or doula has better access to the mama’s back with this gown. This way, they can use massage lotion and massage her back more easily.
Related: 7 Tips for Partners During Labor and Delivery
4. Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown
If you’re looking for more cute patterns, here’s another similar labor and delivery gown we recommend. This one is also similar to a hospital gown, which hospital staff will appreciate for its convenient features. The Velcro front opens fully for fetal monitoring and C-section incision checks, and the shoulder snaps make breastfeeding and IV access a breeze.
5. Frida Mom Delivery and Nursing Gown
Several of my birth doula clients wear this labor and delivery gown, and it’s very soft. The snaps are exactly like those on a traditional hospital gown. This makes it seamless for the staff to administer an epidural and for you to do skin-to-skin with baby as soon as they’re born. Another plus of this labor gown style is that the nurses are familiar with it and won’t be confused or freaked out by your choice. The snaps are discreet, and the dark gray color and jersey fabric will hide any stains and make it look like you’re wearing a cozy nightgown. And pockets for the win!
Related: 7 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact After Birth
6. Etsy Hospital Gowns for Labor
Wearing a cozy robe during labor is another great option, especially if you plan on having an unmedicated birth. I’ve been to hundreds of births, and most women usually end up fully naked when they’re in labor. Having a comfortable (and cute!) robe to throw on can give you the coverage you want and allow you to labor however you need. Etsy always has the cutest options, so take a peek at their birthing gown selection. I saw several photos I loved, including the one above! This is a beautiful robe you can wear during labor and after your baby is born. It has a beautiful floral design and wide, comfy sleeves.
Birthing Skirts
If you feel like a labor and delivery gown is too much and will be a hassle, you could also wear a skirt. Most women who prefer wearing birthing skirts with tops or sports bras want an unmedicated birth. However, all women can choose this option!
If you plan to get an epidural, I recommend wearing a shirt or bra that opens in the back. Here are some skirts that are perfect for labor and giving birth:
1. Fold-Over Stretch Midi Short Skirt
This basic skirt is made of soft rayon knit and comes in various solid colors, including black, navy blue, burgundy, and purple. I also love that it has a folding waistband and a midi silhouette, so nothing will show when you move into different positions. It’s an excellent option that allows for ease of access and comfort.
Related: Best Positions for Active Labor
2. Lock and Love Skirt
This casual, midi birthing skirt features an elastic waist and is easy to pull on. You can choose from multiple colors and print options and pair it with a comfortable top or nursing bra at the hospital. It also makes for cute postpartum wear! (Just note that you can only wash it by hand.)
3. Etsy Birthing Skirt
Etsy has some cute birthing skirt options, including this black wrap-style skirt. The wide waistband makes it comfortable under your belly, and the design provides easy access for IVs, monitors, an epidural (if you choose to have one), and vaginal exams. It’s made of stretchy bathing suit material, making it lightweight and easy to dry. And after birth, you can wear it as a swimsuit cover-up!
Related: Hep Lock vs. Saline Lock vs. IV: What’s the Difference?
Large T-Shirt
An oversized T-shirt is simple, familiar, and easy to pack. It can be a great option if you want something comfortable that you do not mind getting messy. Some of my clients bring their own (or their husband’s) worn-in, comfortable, oversized T-shirts. This way, if things get ruined, it doesn’t matter. Also, having those familiar scents on clothes can make you feel more comfortable and more at home, so I think this is a great option! Your care providers still have access to everything they need.
The only minor issues that could arise are getting your shirt off so you can have skin-to-skin, getting your shirt stuck on your IV tubes, and breastfeeding once baby is born. Your nurse will have to help you with these things!
Related: Top 10 Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery
Bath/Towel Wrap
A bath or towel wrap can be especially helpful if you plan to use the shower or tub during labor. It gives you coverage while still being easy to remove when needed. I’ve had a few clients use a bath or towel wrap during labor to help them get in and out of the tub or shower, and I thought it was genius! It helps you dry off and stay covered front and back.
It’s also super convenient since you can get these at Etsy or pretty much anywhere. And they’re relatively inexpensive. I’m a fan! Again, this is an excellent option for women who want a natural, med-free birth. Here are some that we recommend:
1. Turquaz Lightweight Knee-Length Waffle Bathrobe
This shower wrap is soft and breathable, and it comes in tons of cute colors, like pink, turquoise, and lavender. It has a secure Velcro adjustable fastener, so you can adjust it for comfort at the hospital. It’s also lightweight and pretty absorbent, so it will keep you feeling cool.
Related: Water Birth: Benefits, Risks, and What You Need To Know
2. SIORO Towel Wrap Bathrobe
This bathrobe is made of cotton and viscose, making it another soft, breathable option that’s perfect to wear during labor. It’s super absorbent, helping you stay dry and comfortable at the hospital. Additionally, it features an elastic top design, a magic sticker closure, and a large, convenient side pocket.
3. Casual Nights Shower Wrap Bathrobe
Here’s another cute option that has a polka-dot print! This plush shower wrap is made of fleece, which will make you more comfortable during labor. It contains removable straps and an adjustable Velcro closure. As a bonus, it also comes with a loofah soap sponge you can use at home!
4. Turkish Linen Waffle Spa Body Wrap
This smooth, double-stitched body wrap is durable and features a waffle-weave pattern. The cotton and polyester fabric make it feel lightweight, and the adjustable closure allows you to get the perfect fit. Plus, you can wear it as a normal shower wrap after labor, as it gets softer with each wash!
Laboring Nude
Some women end up laboring or giving birth with little or no clothing, especially during intense contractions or transition. It can get hot in labor. And then cold. And then hot. Taking off your clothes and putting them back on usually happens and can become tiring for the laboring mama. If that feels right to you in the moment, it is completely normal.
A lot of women aren’t comfortable with this option, but if you’re cool with letting it all out, do it! No one will think anything of it.
Everyone in the room has seen hundreds (if not thousands) of women give birth, so don’t feel like you’re the only one, because you’re not!
Related: How to Make Your Birth Fun (Or At Least Tolerable!)
Final Thoughts on What to Wear at a Hospital Birth
Here’s the bottom line: wear what helps you feel comfortable, confident, and supported during labor. For some women, that’s the hospital gown. For others, it’s a soft birthing gown, robe, skirt, oversized T-shirt, or nothing at all.
What matters most is that your care team can safely support you and that you feel as relaxed and empowered as possible. Birth is a big day, and even a small choice like what you wear can help you feel more like yourself.
