You can wear a hospital gown, your own labor gown, or just a sports bra and nothing else. There’s no dress code for giving birth. What matters is that your clothing allows medical access to your back and abdomen, lets you move freely, and can handle a lot of fluids without you caring if it’s ruined. Most people end up in some combination of a loose gown, grippy socks, and not much else.
Hospital Gown vs. Your Own Gown
Every hospital will offer you a standard-issue gown at no extra charge. These open in the back, tie at the neck, and give medical staff easy access for epidurals, fetal monitoring, and C-sections. They’re not flattering, but they’re functional and completely disposable, which matters when labor involves blood, amniotic fluid, and sweat.
If you’d rather wear something of your own, look for a labor gown with snap closures down the front and back. Front snaps let you open the gown for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby and for breastfeeding. Back snaps or an open back are essential if you plan to get an epidural, since the needle is placed in your lower back (typically between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae) and the area needs to be fully exposed and sterile. Brands like Frida Mom and others sell gowns designed specifically for this, with full back coverage that still opens quickly when needed, plus small pockets for things like a phone or lip balm.
A third option: skip the gown entirely. Plenty of people labor in just a sports bra, a loose tank top, or nothing at all. Modesty tends to stop mattering pretty quickly once active labor starts. Whatever you wear, treat it as disposable. Don’t bring anything you’d be upset to throw away.
Fabric and Fit for Active Labor
Labor is physical work, and you’ll likely change positions frequently. You might rock on a birthing ball, squat, get on hands and knees, or walk the hallways. Your clothing needs to stretch with you and not restrict your hips or legs. Bamboo, cotton, and modal are the most commonly recommended fabrics. Bamboo wicks moisture and works well for sensitive skin. Cotton breathes. Modal is ultra-soft and stretchy, which helps if you’re shifting positions often. Spandex blends also work. Avoid anything stiff, tight around the waist, or hard to pull on and off quickly.
If you’re considering a water birth or laboring in a tub, a sports bra or bikini top is the most practical option. Some people go in without anything on top. Whatever you choose, it will get soaked.
Footwear That Won’t Slip
The most important thing about shoes during labor is grip. Hospital floors are slick, and you’ll be walking to the bathroom, possibly pacing through contractions, and eventually shuffling around while recovering. Non-slip socks with rubber treads on the soles are the go-to choice. The hospital will usually provide a pair, but many people prefer to bring their own since the hospital versions tend to be thin and one-size-fits-all.
Non-slip slippers work too, especially if your feet are swollen. The NHS recommends being barefoot when using a birthing ball if possible, or wearing non-slip shoes or socks. Avoid anything you’d need to bend down to put on, and skip lace-up shoes entirely.
What to Wear After a Vaginal Delivery
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is heavy in the first few days, so your underwear situation matters more than your outfit. You have two main options: mesh underwear with pads, or disposable briefs.
Hospitals typically give you stretchy mesh underwear paired with large absorbent pads. These are breathable and easy to pull on, but the pad can shift around, which some people find uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing when they’re worried about leaks. If you go this route, ask for the longer, thinner pads rather than the thick bulky ones.
Disposable briefs (essentially adult diapers, though brands like Always Discreet are more streamlined) absorb a lot of blood with no shifting pad to worry about. Many new parents swear by them for the first week. The trade-off: some people develop skin irritation or rashes after a few days, and some brands are scented, which can be unpleasant on sensitive postpartum skin. If you go this route, choose unscented.
For clothing, bring a loose, dark-colored nightgown or oversized pajamas. Dark colors hide stains. A robe is useful for walking the halls and for warmth, since hospital rooms tend to run cold. Bring a going-home outfit that’s comfortable and forgiving. Think stretchy pants with a soft waistband. Your body will still look roughly six months pregnant for a bit, so pack something that fits that reality rather than something aspirational.
What to Wear After a C-Section
A C-section incision sits low on the abdomen, just above the pubic bone. Anything with a waistband that hits at that level will irritate it. High-waisted underwear is the move, ideally cotton, a size or two larger than your usual, and not tight or lacy. The goal is for the waistband to sit well above the incision with no pressure on it. Cheap high-waisted cotton briefs from any big-box store work perfectly. Size up and don’t worry about how they look.
Disposable underwear also works well in the first couple of weeks, since you’ll still have significant postpartum bleeding. The key is soft material, high rise, and gentle compression without anything pressing directly on the incision line.
For pants, choose high-waisted leggings or loose pajama bottoms. Low-rise anything will sit right on the incision. Dresses and nightgowns are often the most comfortable option for the first week or two because they avoid the waistband problem entirely.
If you have a scheduled C-section, your hospital will also ask you to arrive without makeup, nail polish, jewelry, body piercings, lotions, or perfume. These can interfere with monitoring equipment and sterile procedures. Wear glasses instead of contacts and bring your contact supplies separately.
A Simple Packing List
- For labor: A labor gown with back and front snaps (or plan to use the hospital gown), a sports bra if you want one, non-slip socks or slippers, and a hair tie.
- For after delivery: High-waisted disposable or cotton underwear (dark colors, sized up), heavy pads or disposable briefs, a loose robe, dark pajamas or a nightgown, and nursing-friendly tops if you plan to breastfeed.
- For going home: Stretchy, high-waisted pants or leggings, a loose top, slip-on shoes, and a warm layer. Bring a size you’d have worn at about six months pregnant.