Finding clothes during pregnancy is exciting. This can feel like a lot to handle at times. Tracking down outfits that fit your changing body, style, and budget isn’t always easy.
We love what it ‘s like . Ths is n’t just a storage list . It ‘s a complete template to facolitate you establish a comfy , utile , adn fsshionable gestation Closet without tensrness or outlay tooo much . We need to serve you denounce sagely .
To start off, here are our top picks for where to buy maternity clothes.
- Best Overall Selection: Old Navy & Gap
- Best for Budget-Finds: H&M and Target
- Best for Workwear & Investment Pieces: Seraphine
- Best for Rentals & Sustainability: Nuuly / Rent the Runway
- Best for Basics & Comfort: Kindred Bravely
Before You Shop: 3 Essential Questions to Answer
Think about your needs before you start shopping. Taking time to plan will save you money and stress in the long run. These three questions will help you make better choices and avoid buying things you won’t wear.
When Should I Start Buying Maternity Clothes?
There’s no perfect time to start. You should begin looking for maternity clothes when your regular clothes start feeling tight or uncomfortable. Many women notice this late in the first trimester or early in the second.
Pay attention to your body. If you’re using hair ties to keep your jeans closed, or if your shirts feel snug across your chest and belly, it’s time to shop. This middle phase is real, and it’s normal to feel like nothing fits right.
Start with items like a soft belly band that lets you wear your old pants longer. As you move into your second trimester, your body changes more, and real maternity clothes will become much more comfortable.
How Do I Figure Out My Maternity Size?
The response is fairly unsubdivided . Mostt mark Propose utilize your pre-pregnancy sizing as a starting tip . If yoou Don medium bfore , you ‘ll likely outwear spiritualist in maternity dress too .
Each brand sizes things differently. Always check the size chart before buying anything, especially online. Don’t just guess.
For the best fit, know two key measurements: your bust (at the fullest point) and your hips. Maternity clothes already have extra room for your growing belly, so these other measurements help find your true size.
What Fabrics and Features Actually Matter?
Comfort is the most important thing during pregnancy. Good fabrics and designs can make a huge difference in how you feel every day. Look for soft, breathable materials with plenty of stretch.
These fabric types and features work best for changing bodies.
- Fabrics: Natural fibers like cotton, modal, and bamboo feel great. Jersey knit is perfect for its softness. Anything with some spandex or elastane will stretch as you grow.
- Features: Ruched sides on tops and dresses look good over your bump at any size. For pants, look for full panels that go over your belly or under-belly bands if you want less pressure. Crossover tops are smart buys because you can use them for nursing later.
The Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes: A Curated Guide for 2024
We’ve searched through many stores to find the best options for you. This list covers every need, whether you’re building a whole new wardrobe or just need a few key pieces.
For Everyday Style & One-Stop Shopping
Old Navy / Gap
- Best for: Lots of affordable basics, workout clothes, casual dresses, and some really good maternity jeans.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Pros: They have big sales often. The online selection is huge, and sizes are pretty consistent.
- Cons: Quality can vary between items, and stores might not have much selection in person.
Target (Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel)
- Best for: Stylish, budget-friendly pieces you can get during a normal Target trip. Their basics, trendy tops, and Crossover Panel jeans are very popular.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Pros: The designs often look more stylish than other cheap brands. It’s super convenient to shop there.
- Cons: Stores often have limited stock, so what’s online might not be at your local Target.
For Budget-Conscious Shoppers
H&M (MAMA line)
- Best for: Fashion-forward basics that look current. Their leggings, sweaters, and soft nursing bras are really good.
- Price Range: $
- Pros: The prices are very low, and the style feels modern and European.
- Cons: Sizes often run small, so you might need to size up. Most items are only available online in the US.
For Workwear & Special Occasions
Seraphine
- Best for: High-quality, well-designed work clothes, nice dresses for baby showers or weddings, and pieces worth investing in. Royals and celebrities wear this brand.
- Price Range: $$$
- Pros: The fabric quality and construction are excellent. Many designs work for nursing later, making them more useful.
- Cons: Prices are much higher, so it’s better for a few special items rather than filling your whole closet.
For Sustainable and Rental Options
Nuuly / Rent the Runway
- Best for: Trying expensive brands without the high cost, finding a standout dress for events, or keeping your wardrobe fresh without buying everything.
- Price Range: $$ (Subscription)
- Pros: It’s better for the environment by reducing waste. You can try non-maternity brands in larger sizes that fit over a bump, solving the “I’ll only wear this briefly” problem.
- Cons: You return the clothes, which might not work for items you want to keep.
After testing by Wirecutter, they found that trying different brands helps you see what works for your body. Rentals are a perfect, low-risk way to do this.
Beyond a List: How to Build a Smart Maternity Capsule Wardrobe
You don’t need to replace your entire wardrobe. The goal is to buy strategic pieces that work in many ways. A “capsule wardrobe” approach works perfectly here.
A maternity capsule wardrobe is a small collection of quality basics that mix and match easily. This saves money, makes getting dressed simpler, and creates less waste.
With just a few key items, you can create many different outfits for almost any occasion. Here’s a sample 10-piece capsule to start with.
| Category | Item | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Bottoms | 1 pair of dark-wash maternity jeans | The base for casual outfits. Works with everything. |
| 1 pair of black leggings/pants | Super comfortable. Works for errands or the office. | |
| Tops | 2-3 ruched t-shirts (neutral colors) | The ruching grows with your bump, and they layer well. |
| 1 button-down shirt or tunic | Looks nice for work, but also works open over a tee on weekends. | |
| 1 cozy, versatile sweater | Great for layering in any season. Choose a classic style. | |
| Dresses | 1 black or neutral jersey dress | The most useful piece you’ll own. Works for office, dates, or weekends. |
| Layers | 1 open-front cardigan or blazer | Pulls any outfit together and adds polish or warmth. |
| Support | 2 comfortable maternity bras | Must-have for proper support and all-day comfort. |
These few pieces make endless combinations. For example: Outfit 1 (Work): Black Pants + Neutral Tee + Blazer. Outfit 2 (Weekend): Jeans + Ruched T-shirt + Open Cardigan. Outfit 3 (Date Night): Black Jersey Dress with nice accessories. You need less than you think.
Beyond the Bump: Shopping for the Fourth Trimester & Nursing
Your clothing needs continue after birth. The “Fourth Trimester”—those first few months with your baby—brings new changes, and you’ll want soft, comfy clothes that work for healing and feeding your newborn.
Try to “Buy Once, Wear Twice” when you can. In your third trimester, look for pieces that also work for nursing. This makes your purchases more valuable and helpful in those early weeks.
Most women wear their maternity clothes for weeks or months after giving birth. Comfort matters most, so don’t rush to put them away.
Look for these nursing-friendly features when shopping:
- Crossover or surplice-style tops and dresses
- Button-front shirts, dresses, and jumpsuits
- Tops with a lift-up or double-layer panel
- Henley-style shirts with a few working buttons
- Wrap dresses that adjust easily for access
Our Final Tips for a Stress-Free Shopping Experience
Keep these final tips in mind as you shop. Small advice can make a big difference in your experience.
- Read the Reviews. Always do this. Real feedback on sizing, how fabric holds up after washing, and how items fit over a bump helps a lot.
- Don’t Remove Tags Right Away. Wear new items around your house first. Sit, bend, and move to make sure they’re truly comfortable before keeping them.
- Embrace Your Body. Your body is doing something amazing. Focus on feeling good. The size on the tag doesn’t matter.
- Think Beyond “Maternity” Labels. Don’t limit yourself. Sometimes a flowy regular dress, open cardigan, or stretchy leggings one size up work perfectly and can be worn much longer after pregnancy.
FAQs About Where to Buy Maternity Clothes
- When should I start shopping for maternity clothes?
Start when your regular clothes feel uncomfortable, typically late in the first trimester or early second trimester when you notice your pants getting tight. - What are the most budget-friendly places to buy maternity clothes in 2025?
H&M’s MAMA line and Target’s Isabel Maternity offer stylish, affordable options with frequent sales and modern designs. - Are maternity clothes rental services worth it?
Yes, services like Nuuly and Rent the Runway let you try expensive brands without commitment, perfect for special occasions and reducing waste. - What essential maternity pieces should I invest in first?
Start with dark-wash maternity jeans, black leggings, 2-3 ruched t-shirts, and a versatile jersey dress that can be dressed up or down. - Can I find maternity clothes that work for nursing after pregnancy?
Yes, look for crossover/surplice styles, button-front designs, and wrap dresses that offer easy nursing access to maximize your wardrobe’s longevity.
