I wore and washed a dozen maternity pajamas, but these 7 are the real deal when it comes to comfort

The temperature-regulating fabric alone makes these Kindred Bravely pajamas a no-brainer during pregnancy: it's viscose crafted from bamboo, which is known to be one of the most breathable materials. Not only is bamboo incredibly lightweight and porous, enabling air to circulate freely, but it also has natural moisture-wicking properties, making it an excellent pick for managing those pesky hormonal fluctuations.

There are so many things I love about the Clea Bamboo Nursing Tank & Capri Pajama Set. For one, the clip-down nursing tank is bound to come in handy, especially given that this will be my first time attempting to breastfeed. The pants conveniently feature pockets, as well as a super stretchy waistband that remained comfortable even during my final two weeks of pregnancy, and I appreciate that the tank has a built-in shelf bra and adjustable straps. I also felt like I looked put-together in this set, thanks in part to flattering fit and beautiful details like satin contrast piping. Plus, since it's black, I won't be stressing about spit-up or breast milk stains.

For added versatility, you could also add on the matching Clea Bamboo Robe, which also doubles as a nursing nightgown.

Did I mention that this set is machine washable? I've been consistently impressed with the quality of Kindred Bravely's products, and these pregnancy pajamas are no different: they held up well after washing and drying, with no pilling or other issues.

Admittedly, I'd almost always choose a PJ set over a nightgown — that is, until I found this Nursing Dress from Embrace. My issue with nightgowns is that due to excess material on the bottom, they often become an uncomfortable, tangled-up nuisance during the night while I'm tossing and turning. That's not the case with this ultra-soft nightie, which boasts a relaxed silhouette that fits closer to the body, breathable Supima cotton fabric, and plush straps and underband. I love that it features a built-in bra with removable padding that can accommodate my D cup bust, because that means there's one less restrictive layer I have to deal with while trying to sleep. And since the straps are adjustable, the dress offers a surprising level of support.

With a whopping 6% elastane, it has more than adequate stretch, which is why I've been able to wear this nightgown all the way up to 39 weeks pregnant. The length is perfect: it's modest enough that I feel totally comfortable sporting it in front of people at the hospital and at home, and I'd even consider wearing it out with sneakers or sandals. I know it'll be a convenient option for nursing after the baby arrives, too, thanks to the fact that I can clip the straps down in a cinch using one hand.

You should also check out our article on the best nightgowns for more options, since many of the featured pieces are billowy and loose and most have button-front plackets that are perfect for nursing.

I've actually had pretty decent luck with the budget-friendly Amazon Essentials line — in fact, the tank tops remain a must-have basic for me. This Maternity Sleepwear Set, though, really blew me away. It's made of a breathable, supremely soft cotton blend with a touch of stretch, and it's practical to wear year-round.

The tee has a relaxed fit with plenty of room for my growing belly and a crossover tulip-hem front for convenient nursing. The tapered jogger pants feature an elastic waistband that remained comfortable from 16 weeks to 38 weeks of pregnancy. Honestly, the only thing that would make this set better is pockets on the pants.

Given the price, I was skeptical about how this set would hold up to wearing and washing, but so far, I've seen no unraveling hems, pills, or snags.

What really makes these PJs stand out, aside from how affordable they are, is that they're super cute and versatile — I can imagine wearing the whole set, or mixing and matching the separates, even out of the house with sneakers or slide sandals.

With a nursing-friendly cami, relaxed-fit pants, and modest mid-rise shorts, this versatile set has you covered through pregnancy as well as postpartum, regardless of the season. It's the kind of set that I know I'll be equally comfortable in for those middle-of-the-night feeds as I am for afternoon visitors.

All three pieces in the Basics Maternity Set are made with breathable, gently stretchy, and impossibly soft pima cotton. More importantly, though, the cami has a built-in shelf bra and the straps clip down with ease for convenient breastfeeding access.

I love the ultra-wide waistband on the shorts and pants — both of which feature pockets, by the way — which feels gently supportive yet not at all restrictive on my ever-growing belly. It's also nice to have the choice between shorts or pants — the former came in handy during the sweltering summer months in my third trimester, while I often reached for the latter during my second trimester in springtime and will no doubt continue to again this fall during my postpartum stage.

The last thing you want to put on after a C-section is anything that's too tight or that cuts into your lower abdomen near the incision. While there are certainly loose-fitting pajama sets that may be appropriate post-C-section, you truly can't go wrong with this nightgown set. The nursing-friendly nightgown features a flowy, forgiving fit and an empire elastic waistline that avoids any potential contact with your incision site, the wide hemmed skirt allows for convenient wound care, and the split-front flap enables you to breastfeed with ease. With or without the robe, I'd feel totally comfortable wearing this for hospital visits and photos because it offers plenty of coverage.

While you can totally wear the gown on its own, especially on hotter days and nights, the robe is a nice multipurpose addition. Of course, it provides an extra layer for warmth, whether in the hospital or at home, but it can also be used as an alternative nightgown with inner ties to secure it in place so it doesn't slip open. It doesn't hurt that the robe has pockets for essentials.

One huge perk to this set is that it comes in 17 different colors and patterns — with plenty of darker hues like black, navy, and maroon that are better for concealing stains. It's also important to look for easy-care PJs after you're recovering from a major surgery, and luckily, this set is machine washable.

Ingrid+Isabel has been one of my go-to maternity clothing brands: Every piece from this brand is stylish, well-made, and designed to fit through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. So, it should come as no surprise that I already have the R+R Maternity Tank and Slumber Maternity Pant packed in my hospital bag as my due date fast approaches.

This lightweight rib modal set doesn't wrinkle easily, is modest enough to wear in front of hospital staff and loved ones who visit, and couldn't possibly be more comfortable thanks to the relaxed fit around the belly and elasticized waist on the pants. The flowy V-neck tank boasts functional snap buttons to make nursing a breeze, too. Personally, when it comes to pants, I find under-bump styles like these to be way more comfortable during the final stages of pregnancy. But truthfully, the set is cute and comfy enough to continue wearing long after the baby is born.

Note: If you're due in the warmer seasons, consider either investing in the Cloud Short in addition to or in place of the Maternity Pant. I'm a notoriously hot sleeper, so I've been getting a lot of wear out of these shorts during the summer months.

Of all the pajama sets I've tested in recent months, this one from Love+Fit features my favorite fabric — a buttery soft blend of bamboo viscose and spandex that feels silky and cooling against my skin and doesn't wrinkle easily. I love that the top is long enough to cover my belly, even at nearly nine months pregnant, and the pants can be worn under the bump during pregnancy as well as more of a mid-rise fit after the baby arrives.

Because of the elastic drawstring waistband, these pants fit me through various stages of pregnancy — and multiple reviewers also noted that they're comfortable post-C-section.I don't have to compromise style or function with this set, either: it's nice enough to wear on casual outings or when visitors come over, but it also offers easy breastfeeding access thanks to the front button closures on the top.

When should I buy pregnancy pajamas?

The best time to buy pregnancy pajamas may depend on how quickly your belly grows. Maternity PJs often become especially useful starting during the second trimester. That said, if regular pajamas are even the slightest bit uncomfortable for you during the first trimester, feel free to invest in them sooner.

Most people will wear maternity PJs for a few months both before and after birth. Remember: it can take several months for your belly to go back down postpartum as the uterus slowly shrinks.

Can I wear regular pajama during pregnancy?

While you can forgo maternity-specific sets and wear regular pajamas during pregnancy, keep in mind that you'll need to size up — otherwise, you'll likely find at some point in the second trimester that they no longer fit.

The advantage to this approach is that you'll have more styles to choose from. The disadvantage, though, is that regular PJs aren't designed specifically with pregnancy needs in mind — for example, with stretchier or adjustable waistbands and nursing-friendly features. Maternity-specific sets might be worth the investment if you're planning to breastfeed, are having a C-section, or are otherwise having trouble finding comfortable pajamas.

How many sets of maternity pajamas do I need?

As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to start with two to three sets of maternity pajamas. If you do laundry less than twice a week, however, you may find that you need to invest in more than that.

Ideally, you'll need at least one set of PJs you can bring to the hospital, and one that will continue to work postpartum. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure that at least two sets provide nursing access.

Another thing to consider is whether your pajamas can double as daywear — say, for lounging around when visitors come over, running a few quick errands, or going on stroller walks.

What features are helpful for C-section recovery?

You'll definitely want to prioritize comfort following a C-section surgery — that means looking for pajamas that are somewhat looser fitting, made with soft and breathable fabrics, and have wider and higher waistband styles that won't irritate the incision site. Ideally, you'll also want to have easy nursing access without needing to lift up your shirt.

Are all maternity pajamas also nursing-friendly?

It's important to note that not all maternity pajamas are designed with nursing in mind. Nursing-friendly tops and nightgowns typically feature discreet clips, zippers, and flaps that allow for quicker and easier access at feeding times. On the other hand, maternity pajamas focus more on stretchy fabrics and forgiving fits that can grow with you.

Not sure whether you'll breastfeed or not? It might make sense to invest in just one nursing-friendly set. Even if you don't end up nursing, it's nice to have the option.