Best Labor and Delivery Gowns

Forget the traditional, scratchy, bum-out-in-the-open hospital delivery gowns. Gownies revamped them to be more fun and comfortable (but just as functional) items. Hospital-staff approved, this gown will work for labor and delivery. It’s got snaps (instead of hanging ties) running down the back, front snaps so that you can pull the front of the garb down when you need to and full coverage (read: no annoying adjustments every time you get up). Plus, it’s comfortable and bright, helping you feel better the minute you put it on.

Material: 100 percent cotton

Fetal monitoring, an epidural, IV access, nursing — all of it's possible in this cotton-meets-modal (read: super comfortable) dress that far outperforms your average scratchy hospital gown. It’s got snaps in all the right places (up and down the back and front and at the shoulders) and a sleeveless fit for medical accessibility but is simple and sleek enough to make you feel good walking around the hospital halls (because, yes, that matters). Perhaps best of all, this hospital gown looks more like a cotton dress than a medical necessity — and the dark color does a great job of hiding any yucky stuff.

Material: 58 percent cotton, 41 percent modal, 1 percent spandex

Cute floral print kimono or delivery robe? It’s hard to tell with this rosy print that’s got roomy bell sleeves, an easy-open front with a tie and a pretty lace trim (it’s sure to brighten up even the dreariest of hospital rooms). Dress up your comfy evenings at home pre-baby or wear it at the hospital after you deliver your little one. As an added bonus, because of the polyester and spandex construction, it’s entirely wrinkle-resistant — perfect when you’re shoving it in a small hospital bag at the last minute.

Material: 96 polyester, 4 percent spandex

Blake Lively shared her baby registry essentials, and included this popular labor and delivery gown from Frida Mom. Besides being super soft to the touch — not at all like your standard hospital gown — there are plenty of conveniences, like snaps in the front for skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding. For more modest moms who feel self-conscious about the open backs of traditional hospital gowns, this one has a full coverage back that won’t leave you exposed every time you get up to use the bathroom.

Material: 100 percent viscose

This comfortable dress has it all: pretty patterns, a breezy, on-or-off style, and a flattering (and adjustable!) empire waist. Even better: All of the company’s products are designed by moms, who know what they'd want from this type of dress, so you know every small detail — snaps in the back and on either side, a discreet front flap and a flattering sewn in empire waist — has been considered.

Material: 100 percent cotton

Who said comfortable can't be cute? This Ginkana maternity gown will make sure you feel your best in the hospital. The gown checks off all the must-haves of a labor and delivery gown, such as front snaps for nursing, back snaps for examination or an epidural and a soft material. Plus, the matching pillowcase means you can bring your favorite pillow from home to match on your big day while staying comfortable.

This 100 percent cotton gown will ensure you feel comfortable. You'll get front panels for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding and a flattering style that's perfect for hanging out either at the hospital or on your couch. Plus, since sizing during pregnancy can always be confusing, the company’s super detailed size chart is much appreciated. 

Material: 100 percent cotton

Mamas who prefer a simple look will favor this solid gown (choose from a wide array of colors such as black, navy and deep red) that’s also impressively functional with side buttons and buttons that run all the way down the back. The loose fit will keep you comfortable from the first contraction all the way through postpartum breastfeeding sessions.

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex

Hatch is known for high-end maternity wear that’s cute enough to wear when you don’t have a baby on the way, too. This simple pullover is no different. Our favorite part: the elastic neckline is nursing-friendly but stylish enough to let hang off one shoulder. Who knew you’d look so chic at the hospital? (Note: it doesn’t have the snaps up and down the back or at the shoulders like some other function-first gowns do, so there’s a chance hospital staff will nix it for active labor and delivery.)

Material: 100 percent cotton

Like your favorite oversized T-shirt, this labor and delivery gown is super soft and hangs just so for that easy-breezy vibe you’ll be craving when the going gets tough. There’s plenty of functionality, too. The dress has Velcro closures that extend the full length on the front and back, plus snaps on both shoulders for easy nursing once baby’s born. You’ll also love the convenient front pockets that help you keep necessities like lip balm and your phone close at hand.

Material: 65 percent polyester, 35 percent cotton

If looking and feeling your best is important to you on delivery day, slip on this stylish, bell-shaped “dress.” Though it hardly looks like a hospital gown, it has all the makings of one: easy-open access on the front for monitors and skin-to-skin and snaps in the back for epidural access. And you can’t beat the aesthetic: The sweet silhouette adds plenty of cheer to a drab hospital room, not to mention any post-delivery photo ops with your newborn.

Most hospital gowns are short-sleeved, but when you’re as exposed as you are in the delivery room, you might get a bit chilly. Stay cozy with a long-sleeved labor and delivery gown that looks more like your favorite nightgown. The stretchy fabric provides the comfort you crave, while side buttons and a button-down back provide the functionality the hospital staff wants.

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex

Who would have thought a hospital gown could look so fashionable? This cotton delivery gown has everything you need (think: a zippered back, a wrap closure for easy monitoring, a cross-wrap neckline for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin access and snaps on the sleeves). Despite these convenience features, the belted waist will make you feel more like you’re wearing your favorite everyday dress, less like you’re donning a stiff hospital gown. It’s also hand-dyed in small batches in the USA, so you know it’s of the utmost quality.

Material: 100 percent cotton