When I found out I was pregnant, there was one thing I was sure about — nobody was going to catch me dead in a pair of those overpriced, elasticized, maternity clothes. It would be oversized sweatshirts and sweatpants for me — thank you very much . Fortunately, a lot of my feelings have changed since I became a mother, and now I’d probably just say “Wear whatever the heck you want!” Wide-banded jeans? Leggings and a crop top? A little mini dress? Pregnancy shouldn’t shoot your style.
If anything, it should give it an entirely new life, which is where knowing the best maternity clothes comes into play. But, watching your body change and dressing for every stage of pregnancy is still a world of its own. Luckily, plenty of brands are paving the path to cute, accessible and bump-friendly styles, including Amazon , Target , H&M , Bumpsuit , and Skims .
In short, shopping for maternity clothes doesn’t have to break the bank. RELATED : Best maternity dresses To help women in their four-trimester-long boat (yes, the fourth trimester still counts), I’ve consulted a handful of city moms and fashion experts for all their brand recommendations. Additionally, these moms have outlined some bump-styling tips in our in-depth FAQ section and what to consider when shopping for a baby-on-the-way wardrobe before you spend all of your hard-earned coins (we know, some options are just too cute to pass up).
For more, check out our guide to the best maternity swimsuits . Best Maternity Clothes If there was one store that brought me comfort during my pregnancy, it was probably Nordstrom. The elaborate inventory of maternity-specific clothing is a great starting place for women who don’t know what to wear, especially when it comes to tough pieces like jeans.
While Nordstrom is known for being on the pricey side, I was able to sort through and find some reasonable deals. Kindred Bravely and Angel Maternity are great for lounge pieces and intimates that are specifically built for pregnancy. But, my favorite non-maternity, maternity-friendly brand was easily Liverpool Los Angeles .
Like I said, I wasn’t a fan of jeans during pregnancy. But a jean jacket? Count me in. As far as I am concerned, Liverpool offers some of the best denim pieces.
I love the fact it doesn’t look like maternity denim. It has that shapely, slightly distressed look that gives it an edgier appeal, yet, the fabric is much softer and stretchier than your typical denim. I wore this Liverpool jean jacket throughout my entire pregnancy.
In fact, I’m pretty sure I took it to the hospital with me, and it was honestly one of the only pieces of clothing I could tolerate (besides my lululemon leggings ) Price-point: Varies per brand | Return Policy: Returns/exchanges are accepted within 30 days of purchase | Sizing: Varies by brand My maternity brand picks If there is one pair of pants that got me through pregnancy, it is the lululemon Align Leggings. I’ve sworn by these leggings my whole life, but I bought myself a pair a few sizes up as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I am so glad I made that call.
The fabric is supportive without being constrictive. Plus, the high-waisted band sits at just the right spot on a baby bump. It’s far less irritating than other leggings, too.
While these leggings are great for working out, I also discovered a lot of wonderful ways to style them while I was pregnant: throw over a cute jacket, add a purse, and sprinkle in some jewelry. There are a lot of ways to elevate the lululemon look, so it’s a little less sporty and more everyday wearable. The one thing that I didn’t love about the Align leggings , was that they were on the thin side.
I was living in Seattle for much of my pregnancy, and the windier days were a bit chilly in the pants. I’d suggest finding something slightly thicker if you live anywhere that dips below fifty degrees. But, honestly, I had no option because these were the only pants that I could fit into towards the end of my pregnancy.
Price-point: $50 – $150 | Return Policy : Purchases made within 30 days can be returned or exchanged | Sizing: XXXS–XXL | 0-20 RELATED : Best maternity leggings For the ultimate, ‘I’m-pregnant-but-I-don’t-actually-think-I’m pregnant’ look, go with anything from Aritzia’s line of Contour pieces . The Contour silhouettes are made with double-layer fabric for a supportive fit but still have a luxe, ultra-flattering look and smoothing effect. My take: the tops are incredibly underrated.
I argue they have just as much stretch as Skims , but they hold up much better over time and keep you warmer — which is ideal if you live in a chillier climate like I did. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles — cropped, extra-long, short-sleeve, long-sleeve..
.you get the picture. If you’re just starting to show and looking to flaunt a peek of your belly, the cropped version (pictured above) is a great option.
It’s not so short that you feel completely exposed, but it does break up an outfit. I loved this top so much, I ended up ordering it in multiple colors. New shades drop regularly.
Price-point: $50 – $150 | Return Policy: Within 10 days of purchase, items can be returned for a refund to the original method of payment | Sizing: 2XS – 2XL | 00-16 Maternity brand picks by Shelby Karivalis “For me, the Bumpsuit was the epitome of a pregnancy essential,” shared new mom, Shelby Karivalis. Fashion is nothing new to Karivalis — she previously worked at Alice & Olive before starting her own jewelry line . As soon as she got pregnant, she knew she wanted to create an elaborate pregnancy wardrobe.
The Bumpsuit was the base of that collection. “I had the Penelope and Gigi Bumpsuit both in black and I wore them multiple times a week,” said Karivalis. “The material is soft, stretchy and most importantly, supportive.
The Bumpsuit jumpsuits grew with me all the way from 18 to 40 weeks. They have a variety of styles for different climates which is great.” According to Karivalis, the only con is that the zipper in the back of the garment can be difficult to zip up the bigger you get.
But, it’s not close to a deal-breaker. “The Bumpsuit Jumpsuits were incredibly easy to style, I could wear them to practically anything: less formal things for work, running errands, or out to dinner. I styled it with a variety of boots and jackets.
The Bumpsuit jumpsuit is the must-have for the ultimate expecting cool girl.” Price-point: $100+ | Return Policy: After 14 days of your package being postmarked as “delivered”, it is no longer eligible for a refund | Sizing: XXS – XXL “My next go-to pregnancy style essential was the Skims dresses,” shared Karivalis. “I bought two, the soft lounge long-sleeve dress and the long slip dress with the straps.
I had these dresses with me from before I was even showing and am still wearing them 3 months postpartum.” “These Skims garments are not labeled as maternity wear, but instead ‘for everybody.’ The garments really held true to that from my experience.
The slinky fabric on these dresses really smoothed, lifted, and perfectly hugged my evolving body. I wore my regular size and did not need to size up. The same dress somehow molded to my changing body through every trimester.
” Karivalis added that the styling options are endless. She would throw on some white sneakers or slides for a more casual look. Or, to dress it up, she’d add some chunky heels , a sweater over the shoulders, perhaps a cute hair accessory, and always a nice bag .
“I wore these dresses for early fall and spring in NYC and down in Florida in the winter,” said Karivalis. “The fabric is light and airy, so best for temperatures 50 plus.” Price-point: $50+ | Return Policy: You can make a return within 30 days of placing your order for a store credit or refund | Sizing: XXS-5X | 32A-44D “Another brand, and for sure the most unexpected that I wore was Retrofete (I am shocked saying this).
I had a lot of dressy social events I had to attend while I was pregnant, and for whatever reason, Retrofete came through for me and the bump,” said Karivalis. Karivalis explained that when you think of Retrofete, you might think of the tight and sexy dresses typically being modeled by someone who is size 00. “Maternity wear and Retrofete do not seem synonymous with each other, and I would say for 90% of their garments that’s the case,” she said.
“However, I found a few dresses for upscale social events that made me feel like I nailed my pregnancy look. They were so flirty and fun, I practically forgot about all the pregnancy discomforts.” “I wore the Zoa Dress to a wedding.
It was loose, unstructured, and just draped over the bump perfectly. The next one was the Gabrielle Robe Dress , I wore this many times and even to a birthday party at 36 weeks. It’s adjustable and can accommodate a bump at any stage.
It has a lot of fabric so can also conceal the bump if you want something more subdued,” shared Karivalis. One of the drawbacks of this brand is that it’s expensive for what it is. “I wouldn’t call dresses from this designer to be timeless or a capsule wardrobe essential, therefore I would suggest trying to buy on sale.
” Price-point: $100+ | Return Policy: Items can be returned 14 days of delivery for a refund or site credit | Sizing: XXS to XXL Maternity brand picks by Elise Cloutier As an Upper West Side mom-of-one, Elise Cloutier knows all too well how to embrace New York City fashion while still finding outfits comfortable enough to wear. Like many city moms, she quickly grabbed the Skims bodysuit. But, finding pants was a little more complicated.
Cloutier was working through her pregnancy, and described her maternity styles as “all black, anything stretchy.” She explained that she would throw linen shirts over her outfits, put on some sneakers, and call it a day. Madewell, without a shadow of a doubt, puts the ‘C’ in classic — and the maternity collection has much to show for it.
Of course, many women pick up its sworn-in denim, specifically, the Maternity Over-the-Belly Perfect Vintage Jeans . But for Cloutier, it wasn’t the denim that caught her attention. As soon as she discovered, Madewell’s linen pant selection — the game was over.
These linen pants have a drawstring waist, which offers much more adjustability than your typical button or hook pants. They’re also exceptionally lightweight, making them a great option for summer wear. Price-point: $50+ | Return Policy: Madewell accepts returns of unworn, unwashed, undamaged or defective merchandise for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of the original purchase | Sizing: 00-16 | 23-33 Like so many New Yorkers, Cloutier loves a nice sundress — and with a late summer due date, she knew she would need to find a few easy Spring options to wear in her final trimester.
One of the first places she turned was Abercrombie. “I wore extra-large cotton and linen dresses when I was dying of heaviness,” she explained. Abercormbie’s selection of loose-fitting mini dresses is ideal for pregnancy, and the colorful designs make excellent options for everyday errands, as well as for special events like baby showers or weddings.
Cloutier opted for a lighter neutral shade, and described the look pictured above as follows: “Abercrombie dress, a Zara coat, and some Steve Madden sandals.” What’s more, Abercrombie also has so many pieces that aren’t maternity-specific, but that work perfectly with a bump. For more on the brand, check out our exclusive Abercrombie review on non-maternity styles.
Price-point: $50+ | Return Policy: 30 days | Sizing: XXS- XXL | 23-37 Cloutier was no stranger to Zara throughout her pregnancy. The brand is known for its oversized blazers, straight-leg pants, and loose-fitting, matching two-piece sets, making it a great option for expecting moms who want something on-trend, but still comfortable. If you’re looking for maternity clothes that are suited for warmer climates, head right to Zara’s co-ord section.
The brand is pretty averse to anything tight, and most of these sets are internationally oversized, which means you’ll have plenty of room to breathe in their clothes. Cloutier sported this two-piece set last year while she was at the beach, and the natural cut was ideal for her small bump. The pants are baggy — but intentionally baggy — which adds some dimension to a maternity outfit.
One thing about Zara is that the styles rotate frequently. Cloutier’s outfit is no longer available, but you can snatch a similar set from H&M . Price-point: $50+ | Return Policy: Returns are accepted 30 days from the shipment date of an order | Sizing: XXS-XL | 25-32 More popular maternity brands “Amazon is my go-to for pregnancy fashion,” Madison Marschall , stay-at-home mom of two and content creator, told the New York Post.
“I loved my maternity biker shorts by the brand Poshdivah and then I was also able to find so many stretchy or flowy dresses on Amazon. I love how affordable everything is.” Marschall even ordered her baby shower dress from Amazon, applauding the retailer for its wealth of options.
It’s a great place to find looks, especially if you’re looking for cheap maternity clothes. Price-point: $25+ | Return Policy: Items shipped from Amazon.com, including Amazon Warehouse, can be returned within 30 days of delivery, with some exceptions | Sizing: Varies by brand If you’re a lover of all things athleisure, Beyond Yoga is the brand you shouldn’t skip on while pregnant.
Your bump has never looked better with the brand’s put-together, comfortable fits. It also has a ‘ Beyond Birth Collection ‘ that’s full of stylish, nursing-friendly options and cute maternity clothes. Price-point: $50 – $150 | Return Policy: Items can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund to the original form of payment | Sizing: XXS-XL “Target has the best maternity leggings,” Marschall shares.
“I had one specific pair by the brand Isabel Maternity that I absolutely loved and recommend to everyone.” Additionally, Marschall recommends Isabel Maternity’s plain T-shirts — bump-friendly options she absolutely adored. Target offers inclusive sizing, too, making it an ideal place to shop for plus size maternity clothes.
It’s also affordable, which never hurts. Price-point: $25+ | Return Policy: Most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange | Sizing: XS- XXL | 25-32 For budget-friendly picks that give comfort a whole new meaning, look to H&M for all things maternity. From work-appropriate but stylish nursing dresses to wide leg jeans , there’s something for your taste and waistline.
Price-point: $25+ | Return Policy: Offers exchange or refund with a receipt, within 30 days of the purchase date | Sizing: XXS- 4XL For classic, feel-good styles, you can’t stray away from HATCH. The direct-to-consumer brand has a slew of maternity options available that we can’t stop swooning over, such as The Asher Pant ($188). What’s more, the brand is one of our favorites for occasion dressing and expanding your closet’s collection of elevated basics.
Price-point: $50-$150 | Return Policy: HATCH offers returns on products shipped within the United States within 30 calendar days from when your order is placed | Sizing: 0-3 | 24-34 An FAQ on Maternity Clothing Brands For more maternity fashion guidance, The Post consulted Madison Marschall , stay-at-home mom of two and fashion content creator, who was happy to share where to buy maternity clothes and how. “For the most part, I always ordered my normal pre-pregnancy size,” Marschall told the New York Post. “ When I was buying non-maternity specific clothing I usually got my regular size small as well, because what I was buying was either flowy or super stretchy.
Sometimes depending on the piece I would go up a size. I love doing it this way so I’m able to wear it all after I have my baby as well.” Ahead, Marschall shares her tried-and-true maternity clothing tips to style your bump in the best way possible.
Plus, she highlights some of her all-time favorite looks. “I absolutely love being pregnant and I feel the most beautiful when I am pregnant; I wanted to show off my bump as quick as a could!” Marschall shares. “It was at about 16 weeks when I realized that my spring and summer shorts weren’t going to fit.
” Her first maternity-specific purchase was a pair of maternity jeans from Abercrombie followed by a pair of denim maternity shorts and a couple pairs of maternity biker shorts off Amazon. She then ventured into buying a pair of maternity leggings and two plain short-sleeve fitted maternity tops from Target. “Other than those pieces, I just wore stretchy athletic shorts, flowy dresse and tight dresses that had lots of stretch to them!” she adds.
Ahead, Marschall outlines some tips to keep in mind before you start going on a maternity clothing shopping spree. “My first favorite maternity look is a tight dress to show off the bump but paired with a T-shirt,” Marschall advises. “I would always tie the T-shirt up above my belly or do the hack where you put a sports bra on top of your dress, then the T-shirt so you’re able to tuck the T-shirt into the sports bra.
” Her second favorite look would be biker shorts and a graphic T-shirt paired with a belt bag and sneakers, either with a denim or flannel shirt on top or tied around the waist. “I also love just a simple long flowy dress with an empire waist so it shows off the bump, paired with cute sandals.” Another good idea? Wear maternity jeans and a tight-fitted T-shirt with simple sandals or sneakers and a ball cap.
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