Why Maternity Kaftans Are So Comfortable During Pregnancy

Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.

A maternity kaftan works because it has almost nothing to outgrow. There is no waistband, no zip at the side and no fitted seam across the bump, so the same piece that feels roomy in the second trimester still fits in the ninth month and in the weeks after birth. In Indian heat, a loose cotton kaftan is often the most comfortable thing you can wear at home.

What a maternity kaftan is

A kaftan is a loose, straight or flared garment that drapes from the shoulders. Maternity versions usually fall to the knee or ankle, have wide or bell sleeves, and often include nursing zips or a wrap front so you can feed without undressing. Some come as a single nighty; others are kaftan kurta sets with matching pants that you can wear out of the house.

Why so many women live in them

Nothing presses on the bump

Kaftans hang from the shoulders rather than gripping the waist, so there is nothing to dig in or leave marks by evening. That makes them easy to sit in for long stretches, whether at a work from home desk or on the sofa.

They suit hot, humid weather

Cotton and modal kaftans let air move around your body. In summer and monsoon months that matters more than almost anything else in a pregnancy wardrobe. Check the fabric on the product page before you buy, as some printed kaftans use synthetic blends.

They make feeding simpler

Kaftans with nursing zips or a wrap front let you feed at 3 a.m. without taking anything off. Wear one with a feeding bra underneath and you have a full night feeding outfit.

One piece covers a lot of the day

You can sleep in a kaftan nighty, wear it around the house, receive visitors in it and, with the right print and some sandals, step out for a short errand. Kaftan kurta sets work better for clinic visits or family lunches.

Kaftan, gown or pajamas?

Many women end up with one or two kaftans for everyday wear and a gown for dressier moments.

When a kaftan is most useful

• Second and third trimester, when your usual nightwear starts to feel tight.
• In your hospital bag. A loose kaftan with front opening is easy to change into after delivery and makes early feeds and skin to skin contact simpler.
• Night feeds, when you want to open a zip rather than fumble with buttons.
• The weeks after birth, when a loose fit that does not press on your tummy feels better than anything with a waistband.

How to choose one

• Fabric first. Look for cotton or soft cotton blends, especially for summer and for sleeping.
• Length. Knee length is cooler on hot days; ankle length feels cosier in an air conditioned room and works better for visitors.
• Nursing access. If you plan to breastfeed, check for zips, a crossover front or side openings before you buy.
• Size for now. Kaftan cuts are already generous, so buy your current size rather than going up.
• A print you like. You will wear it often.

What to wear underneath

Soft, well fitting maternity underwear and a supportive bra make long lounging days more comfortable. If you are pumping or feeding often, a nursing bra saves you from changing every few hours, and a nursing pillow helps you keep your shoulders relaxed during feeds.

A small loungewear capsule

You do not need a wardrobe full of pieces. For most women this is enough:

1. One or two kaftan nighties for sleep and daily wear
2. One nursing pajama set for cooler nights
3. One gown or kaftan kurta set for photos and visitors
4. A pair of comfortable maternity pants to mix with nursing tops

You can browse kaftan nighties and other options in feeding nighties and maternity night suits. Buying one in the second trimester gives you the longest wear from it.