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Pregnancy is an exciting but stressful time in a woman’s life. With so many things to consider, from doctors to your diet, picking out clothing for your changing body doesn’t need to add to your anxiety.
Maternity clothes have come a long, long way since your grandmother sported her baby bump (then had to hide it under a voluminous tunic). Today, it’s easy to find a range of chic, comfortable, and high-quality maternity clothes to fit every style and season of your pregnancy, from the first trimester to postpartum.
What to consider when shopping for maternity clothes
Before you invest in multiple maternity pieces, you may find it helpful to keep this in mind as you start your search.
Decide what you need
Some people may only need maternity clothes in the second or third trimester. Some women shop their closets for oversized pieces or free-flowing skirts and dresses to wear through their pregnancy. Don’t try to squeeze yourself into your clothing though. It may be worth, at the very least, obtaining a few staple items through friends or retailers to make you more comfortable in your growing body. Maybe you need a dress for a special occasion or a few items for work, so decide what you need and shop accordingly.
Make a budget
If you are excited to shop for maternity clothes, decide what to spend. High-quality and fashionable maternity clothing can be expensive, just like non-maternity clothing. Sales, hand-me-down rentals, and second-hand shops like ThredUp are all ways to save. Buy items that grow with your changing body, like pants with expandable waistlines and stretchy leggings.
Check your style
Many of your favorite shops may also offer maternity lines. Don’t feel the need to stray from your personal style when you are pregnant. If you love wearing jeans, find a comfortable pair of maternity ones. If you want to keep up with fashion trends, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for current designs. Find retailers that carry maternity collections that connect with you.
Keep it comfortable
Pregnancy hormones can disrupt sleep, skin, and even your sense of smell. Make sure any clothes you purchase feel good, and don’t be embarrassed to take a whiff of the item before you add it to your wardrobe. Retailers like Hatch take pride in producing comfortable and flattering clothing for expectant mothers.
Our top places to buy maternity clothes online
Best place to buy maternity work clothes: Seraphine
If you live in the U.K., you may already be familiar with Seraphine. For U.S. moms-to-be, you can order maternity designs (and other items) off the website, including work clothes.
Let’s face it, it can be difficult to find comfortable and professional outfits for work at any time in life, but being pregnant can make it harder. Seraphine sells beautiful, well-made blazers, shirtdresses, wrap dresses, dress pants for work, and more to help you build your (maternity) office wardrobe in (classic) style.
Specifications:
- Size range: 0-22
- Shipping policy: Standard 7 to 10 days
- Return policy: 30 days
- Price starting at: $39
What we like:
- Wide range of U.S. and U.K. sizes
- Range of pretty and polished work clothing, including blazers
What we don’t like:
- No U.S.-based stores
- Can take longer than average to receive your order
Seraphine
Seraphine sells beautiful, well-made blazers, shirtdresses, wrap dresses, dress pants for work, and more to help you build your office wardrobe
Best place to buy budget maternity clothes: Old Navy
If you need a wide range of maternity clothes that won’t break the bank, Old Navy has you (and your baby bump) covered with stylish basics like jeans, leggings, and a day dress for work and play.
Prices are low enough you could potentially make a one-and-done shopping expedition to last you through pregnancy and postpartum. Shopping tip: Old Navy made our list of the best places to buy dresses online and the best leggings for women.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00 to 20
- Shipping policy: Standard shipping is free; 7 to 9 days
- Return policy: 30 days
- Pricing starts at: $12
What we like:
- Affordable
- Tons of options
What we don’t like:
- Some complaints about customer service
Old Navy
If you need a wide range of maternity clothes that won’t break the bank, Old Navy has you covered with stylish basics wardrobe
Best place to buy plus-size maternity clothes: PinkBlush
PinkBlush sells an astonishingly vast array of comfortable and fashionable plus-size maternity clothing, ranging from flowy bohemian frocks to pretty tops. If you need a dress for a wedding, they have it. PinkBlush sells hundreds of plus-sized maternity pieces for pregnancy, including post-partum.
Specifications:
- Size range: XL-3XL
- Shipping policy: Free standard shipping on orders over $50
- Return policy: Returns accepted after 30 days
- Prices starting at: $79, but you can find sale items for less
What we like:
- The abundance of styles, fits, fabrics, and designs for maternity
- Many dresses can be worn during most stages of pregnancy, including after the baby is born
- A dedicated section of plus-size maternity wear
What we don’t like:
- You only get free shipping after you spend $50
PinkBlush
sells an astonishingly vast array of comfortable and fashionable plus-size maternity clothing, from flowy bohemian frocks to pretty tops
Best place to buy maternity workout clothes: Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga’s maternity workout clothes (over 90 items) comprise stretchy, comfortable, and high-quality pieces, featherweight racing back tanks, and its popular Spacedye Love the Bump midi maternity legging. (Which made our list of the best yoga pants for women.) These clothes keep you stylish while you sweat,and look good whether walking around or working out with your baby bump.
Specifications:
- Size range: XXS to XXL
- Shipping policy:
- Return policy: 30 days
- Pricing starts at $74
What we like:
- Super comfortable, non-constraining clothing in sustainable fabrics
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga’s maternity workout clothes keep you stylish while you sweat, and look good while working out with your baby bump
Best place to buy trendy maternity clothes: ASOS
Pregnant or not, we love ASOS for its trendy styles and up-a-notch basics, like leggings and tee shirts. ASOS maternity line offers stretchy knit pants, jersey jumpsuits, and colorful flowing dresses guaranteed to keep you feeling current and cute during your pregnancy. You can find clothes for dressing up (we like this color block pattern) or lying down. Shopping tip: ASOS made our list of the best places to buy a wedding dress online.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00 to 28
- Shipping policy: Standard; 4 to 6 days. Free for orders over $49.99
- Return policy: 28 days
- Prices start at: $35 (approximately)
What we like:
- Wide variety of styles
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- Limited options in the larger sizes (at the time of publication)
ASOS
Pregnant or not, we love ASOS for its trendy styles and up-a-notch basics, like leggings and tee shirts
Best place to buy quality maternity clothes: Hatch
Hatch makes high-quality maternity clothing that is stylish and comfortable. Easy-to-layer jumpsuits and crisp cotton button-downs, stretchy jeans, blazers for work, and flowing gowns for events –Hatch has it all. With an eye for making clothes easy for moms-to-be to grow into, you’ll find adjustable drawstrings, front-button closures, and ultra-soft fabrics. These clothes will appeal to everyone — pregnant or not.
We love how Hatch lets you shop by trimester, including the “fourth” postpartum phase, when most mothers want breathable and comfortable attire for resting, running errands, or nursing/feeding their baby. Thanks to their drapey, oversized designs, many pieces from Hatch can be worn long after the baby is born, and these investment pieces are built to last. Note: Hatch brands its sizes, so review the website to find your best fit.
Specifications:
- Size range: “HATCH sizing is customized to our brand to allow a great fit for before, during, and after pregnancy. Every style is built with room to grow. Most products come in sizes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. There are some exceptions. Styles that are mostly flowy, oversized, and forgiving are offered in Petite (P) and One Size (O/S).”
- Shipping policy: Standard delivery is four to nine days
- Return policy: 30 days
- Pricing starts at: $68
What we like:
- Incredibly comfortable and versatile maternity wear
- Great selection of jumpsuits
- Functional yet fashionable range of options
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
Hatch
many pieces from Hatch can be worn long after the baby is born, and these investment pieces are built to last
Best size range and variety for maternity clothes: Motherhood
Motherhood has one of the best sizes ranges for pregnant moms and one of the best clothing ranges from underwear to outerwear. Sizes run from 0 to 24, with a dedicated and generous plus-size clothing section. You can find clothes for all trimesters, plus a nursing and postpartum section that is size-inclusive as well.
Specifications:
- Size range: 0 to 24
- Shipping policy: Economy; 3 to 10 days (free for orders over $99)
- Return policy: 30 days
- Prices starting at: $29
What we like:
- Size inclusive
- Dedicated plus size section
- Wide variety of clothing for every trimester, plus postpartum and nursing
What we don’t like:
- Only free shipping if you spend $100 or more
- Quality can vary
Motherhood
Sizes run from 0 to 24, with a dedicated and generous plus-size clothing section
Best places to buy maternity dresses: Nordstrom
Sometimes, heading to a large department store (either virtually or in person) can be the best way to find a wide variety of options at various price points. Nordstrom carries hundreds of maternity dresses for both casual and formal occasions, from floral wrap dresses or sweet gingham checks to off-the-shoulder lace and cut-out gowns. Check out the sale maternity section, where prices are marked down by 30 percent or more to save while you stock up.
Specifications:
- Size range: Depends on the dress
- Shipping policy: Free standard shipping
- Return policy: 40 days
- Price starting at: $39.00
What we like:
- Brick-and-mortar option for trying things on
- Variety of styles for all seasons
- Great sale section
What we don’t like:
- Not all brands and designs are size-inclusive
Nordstrom
Nordstrom carries hundreds of maternity dresses for both casual and formal occasions
Best place to find formal maternity dresses: Rent the Runway
You may not feel like going out when you are pregnant (much less have to buy a dress for an occasion you may only wear once), but if you wear one of these maternity-friendly designer dresses, you might change your mind. While not all the options are black-tie-ready, you will find elegant florals from Yumi Kim and Hatch, floor-length gowns by Susana Monaco, and plenty of other maternity party dresses. When you are done dressing up, send it back and pick out maternity clothing for other occasions.
Specifications:
- Size range: Various/depending on the designer
- Shipping policy: Free shipping (2 to 5 business days)
- Return policy: Members can keep garments until ready to return; one-time rentals have 7 days.
- Price starting at: Free with membership; one-time options vary by designer
What we like:
- Designer dresses
- Do not have to commit to purchasing a formal maternity dress
- Can choose other items to rent
What we don’t like:
- Can get expensive without a membership
- Limited stock
Rent the Runway
When you are done dressing up, send it back and pick out maternity clothing for other occasions
Best place to buy maternity pajamas: Lake
Stay cool and comfy in maternity pajamas from Lake. Choose from Pima-cotton nightgowns and short and long sleep sets, and pick up a pretty floral robe from Lake’s maternity collection. This simple maternity sleep collection is geared towards comfort and is made from 100% Pima cotton.
Specifications:
- Size range: XXS to XXL
- Shipping policy: Free standard shipping with a $50 purchase
- Return policy: Accept unworn and unwashed items within 30 days of purchase
- Price starting at: $86
What we like:
- The sleepwear comes with front snaps for easy nursing
- 100% Pima cotton
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
Lake
This simple maternity sleep collection is geared towards comfort and is made from 100% Pima cotton
Best place to buy a variety of maternity clothes: Stitchfix
Stitchfix wins our vote for best variety because it has a revolving line of apparel that changes with the seasons or trimester, depending on your box. These hand-selected pieces are geared towards your style and price range, plus as your bump grows, your “personal stylist” will guide you to the best pieces for flatter and fit. Keep as many items as you want and send back the rest.
Because you set the automatic renewals, you can control how often clothing is sent to you. We think every three months for a year to receive stylish pregnancy, nursing, and postpartum at every stage of this major life event. Or just give it a try with a one-time purchase. Stitchfix provides everything you need for fast and easy returns, so you don’t have to worry about making a pregnant trek to the post office.
Specifications:
- Size range: Varies
- Shipping policy: Free shipping
- Return policy: Free returns (unwanted items must be sent back within 5 days)
- Price starting: Varies
What we like:
- Boxes can correspond with your trimester
- Curated maternity clothing
What we don’t like:
- Your stylist puts together your picks
Stitchfix
Stitchfix wins our vote for best variety because it has a revolving line of apparel that changes with the seasons or trimester
Best place to buy maternity jeans: A Pea in the Pod
If you can afford the price tag (or plan to shop its sales), this is one of the best places to pick up on-trend maternity denim from AG Gold, 7 for All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans, and Articles of Society. If you are in the market for well-made maternity jeans, Pea in the Pod is known for its wide selection of high-quality maternity wear and sells comfortable fit from fashionable designers.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS to XXL and 24 to 32
- Shipping policy: $12.95 standard shipping and 7 to 12 days
- Return policy: 30 days
- Price starting at: $87 ( for denim shorts)
What we like:
- Name-brand designs known for high-quality and well-made denim
- Sells maternity denim shorts
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
A Pea in the Pod
If you are in the market for well-made maternity jeans, Pea in the Pod is known for its wide selection of high-quality maternity wear
How to choose the best place to buy maternity clothes
Find retailers who sell a variety of high-quality pieces in a range of sizes. While you can shop larger sizes versus maternity, it is worth looking at maternity-specific collections from your favorite boutiques. These clothes are designed for changing pregnant bodies and often have built-in features like front snaps, adjustable waists, and other tailoring tricks to make them comfortable and useful for pregnant and nursing mothers.
How we selected the best places to buy maternity clothes
To help weigh your options, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to purchase clothes to fit and flatter you during your pregnancy. We combed through customer reviews and relied on first-hand opinions from mothers about the clothes they loved (and ones they did not).
We kept prices, sizing and styles in mind, and tried to showcase retailers who have carefully curated their maternity collections for high comfort and style. We also included larger stores to meet multiple price points and options for mothers of all ages and stages of pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When do you start to wear maternity clothes?
There is not one specific time when you start wearing maternity clothing. Some women opt out completely, depending on their style and budget. Many women start to wear maternity clothes when their clothing no longer comfortably fits, often in the second or even, for some, the third trimester.
What size maternity clothes should I buy?
Most maternity clothing designs follow the same non-maternity sizing, so if you typically wore a medium before pregnancy, you should start with a medium in maternity clothing, and so on. Trying maternity clothes on, just like any other piece of apparel, is a good idea to ensure a good fit.
How many maternity clothes do I need?
Most women who have gone through pregnancy recommend at least a few comfortable staples for work and home. If you plan to breastfeed, a few nursing shirts or dresses with front-opening snaps are practical.
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