The best maternity robes ensure you look good (and feel good), whether you’re on the hunt for something chic for your hospital bag or something snuggly to wear at home.
You could be fooled into thinking that any old dressing gown will do when you’re pregnant. However many women find that their usual tried-and-tested robe becomes less and less comfortable as their body changes during pregnancy. That’s where the best maternity robes come in. Just like a well-fitting maternity bra or a pair of stretchy maternity PJs, these specialist maternity robes are crafted for your changing body — in several ways.
‘The main difference between standard and maternity is that our dressing gowns and robes are specifically cut for pregnancy,’ explains Chelsey Oliver, creative and brand director at maternity brand Seraphine.
‘They’re more generous at the front to keep the bump covered without gaping open. The ties are also designed to sit at the empire waist, which is much more comfortable (and flattering) for pregnant and new mums.'
Maternity robes work over sleepwear, but can also be worn as loungewear. (See: open-style maternity cardigans and cover-ups). They’re a wardrobe piece you’ll find yourself wearing long beyond your pregnancy.
Not only does the open shape of a maternity robe lend itself well to breastfeeding, but many mums-to-be consider maternity robes a hospital bag staple since they double as delivery gowns and are a comfier alternative to hospital-sanctioned paper gowns. Keep scrolling to see the best options to buy now.
Best maternity robes 2023
From lightweight choices to snug designs and muted tones to colourful prints, we’ve found options for every style. We've also taken into consideration different price points, from high street to high end, so whether it’s a gift (or a gift to yourself), there are top picks no matter your budget.
In addition to maternity robes, we’ve included some maternity nightwear sets and maternity cardigans as practical alternatives to the classic, belted maternity robe.
If you’re searching for a maternity robe for labour (sometimes known as a delivery gown), Chelsey recommends choosing a super-soft, lightweight dressing gown for the hospital bag – not so much for keeping warm (as hospital wards tend to be quite warm anyway), but more as a cover-up.
‘There might be a lot of waiting around or some pacing of the corridors,’ Chelsey adds. ‘Either way, I’ve always found it’s nice to have the option of feeling a bit more covered.'
1. MORI Mama Dressing Gown
RRP: £23.80 | Sizes: S-L | Material: 100% lyocell
Soft, silky and made from sustainable lyocell, this lightweight navy-coloured robe is ideal for throwing on in a hurry. The kimono shape is flattering, with wide sleeves and a narrow belt that can be fastened above your bump during pregnancy, and on your waist postpartum. It finishes below the knee and comes with two patch pockets so it scores all the points for practicality.
If you’re looking for an option you can wear now, and again later, this do-it-all design is for you. Or, if you prefer charcoal, it's available in this hue, too.Bonus: it’s currently on sale at 60% off.
2. Mini and Me Mum To Be Bamboo Robe
RRP: £21.45 | Sizes: One Size | Material: 100% bamboo
Mini and Me's maternity and new mum robe adds a fun element to lounging around thanks to its jungle print design (although you can also opt for plain navy if that's more your style). This robe has a waist tie and not only wins style points for the print but the fabric, too: it's made from 100% bamboo, a natural fibre that's moisture-wicking and will keep you cool in pregnancy. Bonus: you can get matching swaddles and hats from the brand too, making this a lovely gift.
VIEW AT NOT ON THE HIGH STREET
3. Envie De Fraise Celestine Maternity/Nursing Loungewear Set
RRP: £59 | Sizes: XS - XXL | Material: 95% viscose, 5% elastane
This three-piece set from Envie de Fraise via maternity go-to Tiffany Rose is a lovely alternative to the more nightwear-focused maternity robe choices available online, making it a comfortable option for staying at home or going out.
The navy set includes a sleeveless top with V-neck (slits in the top mean you can nurse discreetly), jersey trousers with a waistband and a stylish maternity cardigan, which is open to accommodate your bump at all stages and has an eye-catching asymmetric hemline. The stretchy fabric is lightweight and comfy enough to wear for any pregnancy yoga or exercise you may be planning to introduce into your schedule.
4. River Island Ecru Space Dye Print Maternity Maxi Cardigan
RRP: £36 | Sizes: XS - XL | Material: 90% cotton, 3% elastane, 7% polyester
Not everyone wants to deal with the hassle of a waist belt during pregnancy, and this cotton-blend maternity robe from River Island offers a longline, open, cardigan-style alternative. With side splits, pockets, and a swirling-but-muted ecru print, it's ideal for slipping on over PJs or wearing it out with a comfy tee and leggings.
5. OCCIENTEC Women's Maternity Nursing Robe
RRP: £26.79 | Sizes: S - XL | Material: 95% modal, 5% elastane
This classic and stylish black maternity robe with white piping is both practical and timeless; to us, it looks like an excellent dupe of the spenny Agent Provocateur PJ dressing gown, oozing glamour while also prioritising comfort. It comes with 3/4-length sleeves and the adjustable belt means you can tie it as tight – or loose – as you wish. Plus, thanks to its pockets, you can keep your valuables (fine, snacks) close by.
No matter what stage of motherhood you're at, be it pregnancy, labour or postpartum, this lightweight and super soft design will keep you covered and comfy. Choose from black, navy or grey colourways.
6. Seraphine Dannie Spot Maternity & Nursing Night Dress & Gown
RRP: £60 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 95% viscose, 5% elastane
When you're thinking about maternity wear pieces to invest in, if you're anything like us, you'll want items that do what we need them to, and then some. Maternity brand Seraphine's multi-tasking nightie and maternity robe is an example of a two-for-one set that you can wear in pregnancy, labour, breastfeeding and beyond. (This nightie is also stylish enough to double as a casual warm-weather dress, don't you think?)
In a timeless navy blue polka dot print and super-soft viscose blend, you can be comfy around the clock in this knee-length robe and nightie designed to grow with you throughout your pregnancy journey. Breastfeeding? Then you'll appreciate how the night dress comes with easy-open, easy-access clips for nursing.
7. Verry Kerry Geisha Organic Cotton Kimono Dressing Gown
RRP: £180 | Sizes: S/M-M/L | Material: 100% organic cotton
If you're after a kimono-style maternity robe that you'll be living in during pregnancy, labour, the newborn months, and long beyond, then you'll want to check out the striking options available from Verry Kerry via Not On The High Street. Made from pure cotton, this luxurious kimono robe in a stunning floral print features a cotton lining, as well as an embroidered broderie anglaise trim.
The robe is practical, too, with two sets of pockets (at the front and hidden at the sides), inside ties to fasten at the front, so it can accommodate a changing body shape, and a waist belt with double loops for adjusting over your bump. We think this maternity robe has the wow factor and then some... to us, it's the very definition of maternity and postpartum 'dopamine dressing'.
VIEW AT NOT ON THE HIGH STREET
8. Bumpsuit Cloud Maternity Robe
RRP: £135 | Sizes: XS - XL | Material: 94% polyester, 6% spandex/elastane
With a celeb following that includes Chrissy Teigen and Karlie Kloss, Bumpsuit is the maternity wear label making baby bump dressing look glamorous, effortless and comfy. The brainchild of Australian-Italian model, Nicole Trunfio, Bumpsuit’s chic maternity range includes everything from body-hugging dresses to loungewear.
This buttery soft, super-stretchy Cloud maternity robe is a splurge wish list item, but one you won't want to take off, even long after you've delivered your little one. It's made from an ultra-lightweight and comfy stretch fabric (Bumpsuit's signature), so it'll work for summer, winter, and in between. With long bell sleeves and a tie belt, this robe is luxurious enough to throw on over PJs to greet all your post-baby visitors.
For more Bumpsuit, check out the range of fitted stretch dresses, leggings, bras and more online at Selfridges.
9. Pretty Little Thing Maternity Mama Robe
RRP: £29 | Sizes: 6-16 | Material: 92% polyester, 8% elastane
Maternity wear is no longer the exclusive preserve of specialist labels: you can now rock the latest influencer-approved brands, like Pretty Little Thing, throughout your pregnancy. This nicely fitting robe won't break the bank and makes a gorgeous present for a friend who's expecting. (Also: the perfect gift for yourself, and yes, you deserve it.)
With its relaxed fit and polyester and elastane blend, this maternity robe stretches around your body to accommodate your growing bump. The best part? The short grey dressing gown has 'mama' embroidered on the front. So, yeah, you could say that your name is written all over it.
Just add your favourite fluffy slippers and nightwear and you're good to go. Or if you prefer basic black, head right this way.
10. Cosabella Bella 3 Piece Nursing Pyjama Set With Robe
RRP: £108 | Sizes: S - XL | Material: 50% cotton, 50% modal
We love a coordinated set and this maternity robe from Cosabella comes as part of a three-piece nightwear look, with men's inspired PJs. The set will take the wearer from maternity through delivery and then some, and includes a nursing-friendly camisole top (with clip-fastening straps, supportive, full-coverage cups and a racerback), as well as stretchy-waistband, relaxed-fit PJ bottoms.
The robe itself has a waist tie, eye-catching contrast satin piping and a never-want-to-take-it-off fabric combo blend made up of a super-soft and stretchy pima cotton. This blush pink colour combo is a winner, or choose from pale blue, white and black options. Or, you can buy a pal the set with the cutesy-but-very-real 'Let Me Sleep' slogan across the back.
11. Boohoo Maternity Fluffy Maxi Cardigan
RRP: £15.40 | Sizes: 8-16 | Material: 70% polyester, 30% recycled polyester
You know the teddy bear coat? Well, we can't imagine dressing our bumps in anything cosier, which is why we're loving this teddy bear coat equivalent that happens to be maternity loungewear.
This maternity cardigan slips on and off easily and teams beautifully with sleepwear, so you can totally make it work as a maternity robe. But as an added bonus, you can wear it out of the house, too, over joggers or a maternity dress. Available in black and brown.
12. Musidora Cosy Maternity & Nursing Robe with Pockets
RRP: £35.74 | Sizes: S-L | Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
Bring a touch of fun to your pregnancy loungewear with this navy-coloured, floral print maternity robe. The key features include three-quarter-length sleeves, a knee-length design and two cleverly hidden side pockets at the hips. It also comes with a belt that's attached for an easy-to-wrap fit that won't fall down.
If you're partial to florals, you'll be pleased to note this robe comes in different colourways and bloom designs, including white, pink and two other blue variations.
13. Seraphine Maternity Hospital Bag Midi Birthing Gown
RRP: £31.50 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: 100% organic cotton
If you're looking for a delivery gown style maternity robe to bring in your hospital bag, this pure organic cotton version from Seraphine has every detail covered.
It has a midi length and loose fit, with poppers down the front (making it ideal for feeding and skin-to-skin bonding), and poppers at the back too, providing easy access for epidurals... as well as soothing back massages from a partner.
In addition to practical side pockets for your phone and snacks, this delivery robe has discreet side openings so you can keep it on during labour while baby is being monitored. Not only is this a soft and cosy option while you're in hospital having your little one, but this is the type of maternity item you'll be living in that first month or two (or four) after the baby is born since it's so comfortable and easy to throw on and off.
14. Baby Be Mine Maternity Labour Delivery Hospital Robe
RRP: £40.17 | Sizes: S/M-2XL/3XL | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Add some colour to your maternity wardrobe with this mint green dressing robe which comes with a belt attached that is positioned up high, to help accommodate your growing bump. Plus, the cleverly hidden side pockets are ideal to hold your phone, whether you're walking around the house or on the maternity ward.
We also appreciate the high cotton count in this handmade maternity robe, as well as the inclusive sizing, which ranges from S/M to 2XL/3XL. In addition to a range of maternity robes in different colours and prints, as well as labour and delivery gowns, Etsy shop BabyBeMineandGownies sells matching mum and baby robe and onesie/swaddle sets, which make a great present for someone who's expecting.
15. Hatch The Robe
RRP: $168 | Sizes: 0-3 | Material: 95% tencel, 5% spandex
One for our readers across the pond from leading US maternity label, Hatch. This 'super soft' robe in a stretch French terry fabric is a fan favourite that can be worn as loungewear, sleepwear, greet the guests wear...
This robe includes pockets and a belt, and is available black and oat shades too.
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How to choose the best maternity robe
Lots of factors come into play when you're choosing the right maternity robe: fit, fabric, versatility, practicality, cost and comfort. The best maternity robes will be loungewear items that leave you feeling fabulous at any and every stage of pregnancy, labour and beyond. One of the reasons maternity robes are such useful purchases is because they aren't limited to nine months and their utility can extend long beyond the new baby phase.
Some factors to consider when you're choosing a maternity robe...
Fit: A growing bump means tying your maternity robe at the waist may start to feel constricting. Since comfort is paramount, it’s important to choose a style with a higher waistband. Fastening above your bump should be comfortable enough, but if you’re finding that a bit much, simply wear your gown loose over your favourite pyjamas, or pick a cardigan-style robe that doesn't need to be fastened. Look out for pockets, which can give a maternity robe longevity and make it a more practical investment, too.
When it comes to sizing, sticking to your regular, pre-pregnancy size is a safe bet, as maternity wear has been carefully cut to accommodate your changing figure. If you’re shopping outside of the maternity department, just go one size bigger than normal - especially if it’s a floaty kimono-style or oversized design, like many of these maternity robes are. Go too large and it’ll be redundant as soon as your little one arrives.
Shape: As a general rule, maternity robes tend to be shorter in length than dressing gowns, finishing on or just below the knee, although some styles in our roundup are more midi in length.
Sleeve lengths can vary, from long to mid-length, or even short sleeves for hospital-bag delivery robes. We’d recommend shorter sleeves (or rolling longer ones up) once the baby arrives to limit sleeves getting wet, dirty, or in the way when changing or feeding.
The wrap design of a maternity robe gives you the choice of two ways to wear: crossed over and secured with the bow for extra warmth and modesty, or left open, layered over underwear or pyjamas for a more relaxed feel on hot days.
Fabric: Fabric plays a key role when it comes to finding a maternity robe. As a general rule, the softer the better. Natural fibres like organic cotton and bamboo are a winner since they tend to keep the wearer from overheating, but are also wonderfully soft for anewborn to nuzzle into. Bear in mind that your temperature naturally rises during pregnancy, so, where possible, try opting for natural fabrics with a dash of spandex or elastane to provide stretch.
Looking for more shopping inspiration? Have a browse of our guide to the best nursing pillows or take a look at our edit of the best breastfeeding bras. You might also be interested in our guide to the best gifts for new mums or our round-up of the best baby shower gifts.
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