Not all fabrics are made equally, and there’s nothing like pregnancy to make you realize how true this is. As beautiful an experience pregnancy can be, it’s also filled with a lot of physical discomfort – including increased sweating, swelling, aching joints, morning sickness, and of course, weight gain.

The farther along you are, the more you’ll begin to notice that your regular clothes don’t fit well anymore (or at all) and may be uncomfortable. It’s normal to gravitate towards the comfiest clothes possible to help manage your discomfort and irritability. Leggings just can’t compete with jeans!

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To ensure your comfort in pregnancy, it’s best to choose fabrics that are breathable and flexible. This way you won’t have to worry about the material being too tight or clingy on your changing body, and it will help reduce swelling and sweating.

Below, we review the best fabrics to wear in pregnancy, though we bet you’ll be rocking them long after giving birth.

6 Cotton

Not only are clothes made from cotton often inexpensive and easy to find, but they’re one of the comfiest materials available.

Lamaze explains that since cotton is a natural fiber, it’s good in terms of breathability. Cotton clothing is often soft, lightweight, and works well to absorb moisture from sweat. It’s an excellent choice in hot temperatures, both dry and humid.

However, if you sweat profusely during pregnancy, cotton clothes may not be good for a long day. The outlet warns that while it soaks up sweat, it doesn’t get rid of the moisture, making your clothing heavy, wet, and sometimes smelly. This can irritate the skin (and may cause chafing or rashes), so make sure to change if your cotton clothes become irritating.

5 Rayon

If you’re looking for an inexpensive material that’s lightweight and breathable, consider clothing made out of rayon. Made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, rayon is often praised for its softness while still looking luxurious.

Other benefits of rayon include its ability to retain shape and color well while also staying wrinkle-free.

If you sweat a lot in pregnancy, however, this may not be the best material for you, as it’s not the best at getting rid of moisture. Additionally, you have to be careful when washing this fabric, as it tends to shrink in hot temperatures. Always read the washing directions on the label before popping it in the laundry machine.

4 Bengaline

Bengaline is a material made from a blend of cotton and rayon and offers the best of both worlds. This fabric tends to have a slight shine, which offers an elegant look without being as constricting as a material like silk.

As Bellyssimo explains, this lesser-known fabric is a favorite amongst expecting mothers because it’s known to be stretchy and comfortable, especially in the summer months. It’s also good for absorbing moisture from sweat.

Plus, this fabric is relatively low maintenance. Since it resists heat well, it’s easy to throw it in the laundry machine without worrying about damage or shrinking. However, always ready the washing instructions as every clothes' garment is different.

3 Linen

Linen is a great choice in pregnancy because it’s lightweight and breathable, which will help you stay cool in warmer climates. It’s also able to absorb moisture from sweat and dry quickly, adding to your conformability in pregnancy.

Bibico explains that the other benefits of linen include its strength and durability, ability to act as a natural insect repellent, and low environmental impact (at least compared to cotton).

One downside to being aware of is that linen is notorious for becoming wrinkled more easily. So, you have to be careful with this fabric to minimize its disheveled look. But if you don’t mind using an iron or steamer, then you’ll have no problem.

2 Viscose Lycra

Lycra is the formal name for Spandex, so if you’re looking for a material that offers maximum flexibility, keep this one in mind.

As its name suggests, viscose Lycra combines the flexibility of traditional Lycra with viscose, a material that resembles cotton and silk. Bellyssimo notes that its advantages include being breathable, smooth, and having a beautiful drape.

Since this is a highly absorbent fabric, it’s recommended to wash in cold or hot water versus throwing in the washer machine.

1 Jersey

If you’re looking for a fabric that’s low maintenance but also breathable and stylish, consider clothing made from jersey material. Though jersey was originally made from wool, it’s now commonly made from cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fibers, Master Class explains its origins.

This material is a great option for pregnant people since it’s both lightweight and stretchy, offering you maximum comfort regardless of where you’re headed.

It’s also relatively easy to care for. Most times you can throw clothing made from jersey in the laundry machine, though some pieces may require a bit more delicacy, as cotton jersey has a tendency to sometimes shrink.

Sources: Lamaze, Bibico, House of U, Bellyssimo, Master Class,