Wondering what to wear in labour? Start with something comfortable, easy to move in and simple to take off or change. A loose T-shirt, nightdress, hospital gown or bikini top may be all you need. You can also choose to wear very little if that feels right for you.

You do not need a special birthing outfit. A few practical choices can help you feel ready, while leaving room to change your mind on the day.

What to wear in labour: comfortable options

Think about clothes you already enjoy wearing when you want to feel at ease. Soft fabrics, a relaxed fit and easy access are useful starting points.

A loose T-shirt: familiar, simple and easy to move around in. Choose one you will not mind getting stained.
A roomy nightdress: helpful if you prefer more coverage. Buttons or an opening at the front can make it easier to open afterwards.
A soft bra or bikini top: an option if you want some coverage while keeping the rest of your body free.
A hospital gown: a practical option if you prefer one or your maternity team recommends it for your care.
Very little or no clothing: you may find this most comfortable, particularly if you feel warm or clothing becomes distracting.

Pack a spare so you can change into something dry or fresh. There is no need to buy an expensive outfit for a job that something in your wardrobe may already do well.

Do you have to wear a hospital gown to give birth?

Ask your midwife or maternity team what you can wear at your planned place of birth. Your own clothes may be suitable for labour, while some procedures or types of care may require a gown.

If you have a preference, share it. You can ask what needs to be accessible for monitoring or treatment and discuss how to stay comfortable and covered while receiving care.

What can you wear for a water birth?

If you are planning to use a birth pool, you might prefer a bikini top, a soft bra or no clothing. A separate top is easier to leave on than a one-piece swimsuit when giving birth.

Think about how easily you can remove anything that becomes wet. Have a towel and dry clothes nearby, and check with your midwife about your pool plans.

Four things to check before packing your outfit

Movement: can you comfortably walk, lean forward, kneel and change position?
Comfort: do any seams, straps or waistbands dig in or feel distracting?
Access: can clothing be moved or opened easily for the care you need?
After birth: can you open or remove it easily for skin-to-skin contact and feeding?

If you enjoy choosing colours, pick one you like. A familiar colour or soft fabric may feel reassuring simply because you enjoy it. Comfort is personal, and there is no correct colour or style for birth.

Let your birth partner help with the practical details

Show your birth partner where you have packed your spare clothes, towel and other comfort items. Tell them whether you would like help staying covered when moving around or when people enter the room.

You can also talk about what would feel reassuring if you become uncomfortable: a fresh top, fewer layers, some privacy or help asking your midwife a question. Your partner then has simple, useful ways to support you.

What I wore for my own births

After watching Oli's birth video, parents sometimes ask about my outfit. I wore a bikini top and a small crochet beach skirt with an elastic waistband. I knew I wanted to share the recording, so the clothing gave me some privacy.

Feeling prepared goes beyond what you pack

Choosing your clothes is one small part of preparing for birth. Knowing how to use your breathing, release tension and ask for support gives you more to draw on when labour begins.

Confident Hypnobirthing teaches practical breathing and relaxation tools, with clear guidance for your birth partner. You have time to practise together and discover which words, touch and prompts feel helpful to you.

Join in-person hypnobirthing classes at Birthcare Parnell in Auckland, or prepare at your own pace with the online hypnobirthing course, available throughout New Zealand.

Confidence can be as simple as knowing what helps you feel comfortable, saying what you need and having someone beside you who knows how to help.