See ya later niggling seams and restrictive fabrics — once armed with the best maternity pyjamas, you can move from trimester to trimester with ease.
When it comes to nightwear, not all pyjamas are made equal (especially if you're pregnant or postpartum). Yes, you could always buy regular nightwear in a few sizes up. But maternity pyjamas don’t just allow for extra room as your body changes during pregnancy. Many of the top options have feeding-friendly buttons, side slits and extra stretchy elasticated waistbands that sit on your waist during pregnancy and on your hips after giving birth, maximising your cost per wear.
‘Maternity pyjamas are specially designed to see you through every stage of your pregnancy journey – from accommodating a growing bump to easy access for breastfeeding,’ explains Chelsey Olivier, creative and brand director at Seraphine.
‘I recommend you make the switch within your second trimester, but really when your bump starts to pop,’ says Chelsey adds. 'Definitely by the time you come to pack your hospital bag, you should have a couple of pairs ready to go. But honestly, the sooner the better – you really will notice the difference right away & the sooner you switch, the more wear you’ll get out of them.’
From printed options to matching sets and budget buys to more luxury pieces, we’ve compiled a list of the best maternity pyjamas to lounge, bounce on a birthing ball in, and catch up on some sleep in.
The best maternity pyjamas 2023
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1. La Redoute Cotton Maternity/Nursing Nightie
RRP: £36 | Sizes: 6/8-22/24 | Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
Some of the prettiest and most functional maternity pyjamas we’ve laid eyes on, this chemise is a worthwhile investment. The cotton fabric is not only super soft, but coming with elastane it's extra stretchy too, meaning this will expand and shrink with your shape as you progress through pregnancy and beyond.
The chemise comes with a wrap-over panel making feeding easy, while the lace trim neckline adds a stylish touch. You'd never know this was made for a changing body, right?
2. Topshop Maternity brushed check piped shirt and trouser pyjama set in monochrome
RRP: £39 | Sizes: S-XL | Material: 60% cotton, 40% viscose
Fan of prints? Then inject some style into your maternitywear with Topshop's gorgeous gingham-printed maternity pyjamas.
Made from 60% cotton and 40% viscose these regular-fit trousers will be kind to your tummy no matter if you're pregnant or postpartum. It comes with a button-down top which makes for easy nursing. Just add some slippers and a cuppa tea.
2. Seraphine Grey Crossover Maternity & Nursing Pyjamas
RRP: £45 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 95% viscose, 5% elastane
A maternity brand with an A-list following, Seraphine’s clothes have been worn by the likes of The Duchess of Cambridge, Jessica Alba and Anne Hathaway. And if they’re good enough for British and Hollywood royalty, then that’s good enough for us.
Crafted from a supersoft stretch jersey both the bottoms and the top will fit nicely over bumps, thanks to the wrap design and stretch of the fabric.
3. Chelsea Peers Maternity Slate Modal Button Up
RRP: £31.20 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 95% modal, 5% elastane
With a shirt-style top and long trousers, these are what we’d call proper pyjamas. They’re comfortable enough to wear to bed, yet smart enough to open the door to the postie too.
The button-front shirt means easy access for nursing post-birth, and the wide elasticated drawstring waist on the trousers can be easily adjusted to accommodate your changing frame. Made from modal and elastane this beautiful-in-blue set with white piping has comfy written all over it.
4. Mamalicious Maternity nursing strappy pyjama shorts set in sage
RRP: £28| Sizes: XS-2XL | Material: 95% viscose, 5% elastane
Taking a failsafe design and adapting it for maternity, this cute vest and shorts combo from brand Mama.licious, is perfect for a hot summer night.
The shorts are elasticated for extra stretch and comfort. While the cami top has a regular fit but with adjustable straps. Coming in a bright and beautiful pastel green, who said maternity wear had to be boring?
5. Mori Maternity & Nursing Pyjamas
RRP: £59.50 | Sizes: Small - large| Material: 100% lyocell
Heard of Mori? The London-based brand manufactures high-quality baby clothes in organic sustainable cotton and bamboo, along with comfortable and stylish maternitywear for mums. And these flattering pyjamas certainly tick that box.
Made from 100% lyocell (which has stretch for added comfort), coming with a loose-fitting design and side slits on the top, these blush pink maternity PJs leave plenty of space for your growing bump. The top also has feeding-friendly buttons down the front, while the trousers have an elastane waistband that can be worn on or below your tummy. Meaning? It will also fit post-pregnancy on the waist.
6. Newlook Maternity Grey Cami Pyjama Set with Lace Trim
RRP: £18.74 | Sizes: 6-22 | Material: 50% cotton, 50% modal
It might be the pretty lace or the flattering fit that first catches your eye, but trust us when we say that the fabric is the biggest draw here. Super stretchy and super soft, the cotton and modal blend mean you can have a comfy and breathable night's sleep (which is always important when there's a newborn or a little one on the way).
The cami comes with a V neckline, for easy feeding, while the trousers have an elasticated waist for an easy fit. We're sold!
7. Mamalicious Maternity nursing function pyjama set in pink
RRP: £35 | Sizes: XS-2XL | Material: 65% polyester, 35% viscose
For maternity pyjamas that feel more fashion than function, these pretty-in-pink pair, which come with all the fun and frills, are our top pick.
Great for now and also when the baby is born, the regular-fit shorts are designed with an elasticated waistband that can sit on or under the bump. While the tee has buttons for easy access to nursing. Trust us when we say you'll never want to take these off.
8. MOM Night dress
RRP: £44.99 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: 93% cotton, 5% elastane and 2% viscose
As you progress through your pregnancy, the prospect of having to put on both a top and bottoms becomes an unappealing one. The beauty of this nightdress is in its simplicity, with a pull-on design, T-shirt shape, and stretchy cotton fabric.
The nightdress comes with push buttons in the front, which makes it easy and convenient to breastfeed or pump. While the organic cotton it's crafted out of is grown without toxic chemicals or genetically modified cotton seeds, so you can sleep easy.
9. La Redoute Cotton Mix Maternity/Nursing Pyjamas
RRP: £48 | Sizes: 6/8-22/24 | Material: 85% cotton,10% viscose, 5% elastane
Looking for pyjamas that go the extra mile? These not only look good, but are brimming with practical features too. Take the top for example. The long-sleeved T-shirt is trimmed with delicate lace along the neckline and features a built-in nursing bra for extra support. While the high-waisted band on the bottoms hugs your bump for a secure fit. Despite the long-sleeve, trouser style, they’re surprisingly cool and would be suitable for all seasons.
10. New Look Maternity Yellow Ribbed Short Pyjama Set with Lemon Print
RRP: £19.99 | Sizes: 8-20 | Material: 100% cotton
For affordable maternity pyjamas on the high street, New Look’s offering is worth a browse. They’re comfortable and wash well, with a range of designs to choose from. This pair, with a cute lemon print is a quirky and stylish pick that's bound to add some colour and zest to your maternity wear wardrobe.
While it doesn't contain any specific nursing features, it is crafted from a light cotton blend, which will keep you looking and feeling cute and comfy as you grow. Plus, this means you can wear them postpartum too.
11. BROWN LEOPARD PRINT MATERNITY PYJAMA TROUSERS
RRP: £22 | Sizes: XS-L | Material: 100% cotton
Wild for leopard print? Take a walk on the wild side with this matching set from River Island. Coming with a wide leg, a high waist design and a chunky elasticated waist, these pyjamas are made for lounging in. The button-down shirt design makes for an easy feeding set-up and would look just as cute worn during the AM as it would during the PM. But be quick, this £22 set won't be around for long!
How to choose the best maternity pyjamas
Fit: When it comes to the fit of maternity clothes, expectant mums tend to fall into two different camps. There’s those that love the firmness and support that close-fitting clothing provides, and then there’s those that would rather not wear anything clingy, opting for breezy, floaty pieces instead. If you’re team close-fit, we’d recommend a form-fitting pyjama top, teamed with trousers or shorts that can be worn over-the bump. If you’re on team breezy, an oversized nightdress with a straight-cut would be the best choice.
Sizing: Sizing can be a minefield at the best of times, let alone when you’re pregnant. As a general rule, most specialised maternity pyjamas have been designed with your changing shape in mind, so you should be able to buy your normal size with confidence. If you’re unsure, check on the brand’s website to see if they offer any sizing guidance. Most will have a chart with measurements you can cross reference with a tape measure at home.
Fabric: An increase in blood supply and hormonal changes mean it’s very common to feel uncomfortably warm during your pregnancy. An unwelcome side effect, and one that can cause insomnia. One of the best ways to help beat the heat is to wear pyjamas made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Cotton also has the benefit of being soft to the touch, a welcome treat after a long day or the perfect partner to cosy evenings spent on the sofa. You also want the fabric to have a high elastane content too, for plenty of stretch.
Value for money: Maternity wear can be expensive, so we understand if you’re cautious about splashing out on a pair of dedicated maternity pyjamas. But as Chelsey mentioned above, the earlier in your pregnancy you invest, the more wear you’ll get from them. “As a mum of three I highly recommend buying maternity pyjamas – even if you’re not usually a pyjama person,” says Chelsey Olivier. “Chances are, you’ll be getting up more in the night for the foreseeable future, so it makes sense to make your life as easy and comfortable as possible. And our PJs aren’t just for sleeping in – they’re great as loungewear for the daytime too, which can be an absolute lifesaver in the postpartum recovery phase.”
Where to shop for the best maternity pyjamas
Not sure where to shop for the best maternity pyjamas? These are our go-to brands for pjs that put comfort first.
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