Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Maternity clothes last longest when you follow the care label, wash on a gentle cycle in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, keep heat away from elastic and dry them without wringing. Most of these clothes are soft, stretchy and worn often, and many carry on into breastfeeding, so a few simple habits keep them fitting well for longer.
Before you wash
Read the care label. It tells you the right temperature, whether the piece can go in the machine, whether bleach is allowed and how to dry and iron it. A cotton kurta and a nursing bra may need very different treatment even if they look similar.
Sort the load. Separate darks from lights, especially for the first few washes, and keep delicate bras and lingerie apart from denim, jackets and anything with heavy zips or buttons that can rub.
Close and turn. Fasten zips, hooks and buttons, and turn printed, embroidered or dark pieces inside out to reduce rubbing on the outer surface.
Wash new pieces once before wearing, particularly anything that sits against your skin, such as lingerie and nightwear.
Washing
- Cycle: use the setting on the label, usually gentle or delicate for stretch fabrics. Hand wash the most delicate pieces.
- Water: cold or lukewarm water is enough for most everyday maternity wear unless the label says otherwise. Hot water is hard on elastic.
- Detergent: use a mild detergent at the dose on the pack. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes and can leave residue. If your skin is sensitive, a fragrance free detergent is a sensible choice.
Bras and lingerie
Maternity and nursing bras are washed often and stretched every day, so they need the most care:
- Fasten the hooks.
- Put them in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use a gentle cycle or hand wash in cool water.
- Skip bleach.
- Air dry rather than using a dryer.
Having three or four bras in rotation means each one is washed less often and keeps its shape longer.
Tops and dresses with nursing openings
Nursing tops and dresses have side openings, hidden zips, panels and gathered sections. Close the zips before washing, do not pull hard on the openings, and gently reshape the garment while it is still damp. The maternity and nursing tops range includes many of these styles, so check each piece's label.
Leggings and stretch bottoms
Leggings and stretch pants rely on elastic for their fit. Wash them inside out in cool water, avoid harsh detergent and high heat, do not wring them and air dry where you can. Rotating between a few pairs, such as from the maternity pants and jeans collection, also spreads the wear.
Nightwear
Nightwear is worn for long hours and washed often, which is exactly what wears soft cotton out. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, avoid high heat, dry naturally and fold rather than hang anything that stretches. Feeding friendly maternity nightwear often stays in use for months after the birth, so it is worth the extra care.
Stains
Treat stains as soon as you can. Lift off any excess, rinse the area in cold water, apply a stain treatment suitable for the fabric, then wash as the label says. Dab rather than scrub delicate fabrics, and save bleach for items whose label allows it.
Drying
Air drying is gentlest. Reshape garments after washing, do not twist or wring them, and lay heavy or very stretchy pieces flat, because they can pull out of shape on a hanger while wet. Dry coloured clothes in the shade if you can, as strong Indian sun can fade them. If you use a dryer, choose a low heat setting only when the label allows it.
Storing between pregnancies
- Wash and dry everything completely, and check for stains you missed.
- Fold neatly and store in a clean, dry place.
- Use breathable fabric bags rather than tightly packed plastic boxes, especially in humid weather or during the monsoon.
- Label by type, such as dresses, nightwear, leggings and nursing tops, so you can find them quickly next time.
