Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes

Buying maternity clothes is an essential part of any pregnancy. As your tummy grows, so does your need for new clothes in bigger sizes. Just because you are growing doesn’t mean you can’t still wear cute, stylish clothes. Maternity clothes come in lots of fun styles, and luckily you don’t have to stray from your budget to get them. You can find cute and affordable maternity clothes online so you can save your money for all the other essential baby items on your list. 

Before you start shopping, it is important to think about your lifestyle and the seasons to decide what types of maternity clothes you will need. If you work in an office or a more formal setting, you will need a workplace wardrobe in maternity sizes. If you work from home, you can go for more casual pieces to round out your closet. 

You will want to get the capsule pieces for your lifestyle. However, every pregnant mom-to-be will need the maternity basics: bras, leggings, and a great pair of jeans.

A lot of clothing stores have a maternity department, so it’s more of a matter of where to find specific items that you’ll need during your pregnancy. If you’re searching for brand-new maternity clothes, some of the top retailers you’ll want to check are:

  • Amazon
  • Target
  • Old Navy
  • Kohl’s
  • Walmart
  • Macy’s

Knowing where to buy used maternity clothing can be a huge money saver. Try these locations:

  • Thrift stores
  • Family & friends
  • Maternity Traders
  • Swap.com
  • ThredUp
  • Stitch Fix

By checking around, you should be able to find a lot of what you need. Keep reading for more detailed information about how to find maternity clothing, as well as what are the best brands.

Maternity Basics

Maternity Bras

The most crucial maternity basic you will need is an excellent supportive bra. Before your belly starts to grow, you will notice a significant and sometimes sore change in your breasts, so a good maternity bra is necessary. It is good to use a tape measure and measure yourself as you grow to ensure you are wearing the right size bra. You won’t need to invest in a nursing bra quite yet, but it’s good to know your size because you will probably need to go through a few sizes before your little one makes their appearance.

The best place to buy maternity bras online is Amazon. Amazon has a great selection of maternity bras at great prices. Affordable is the key word here because as your body is changing, you will need to update throughout your pregnancy. Amazon provides lots of reviews and pictures to see the different styles and brands. And, if you are a Prime member, you get free shipping and returns.

Maternity Leggings

Leggings are an important part of every maternity wardrobe. They can be dressed up or dressed down or even worn under dresses. There are many different styles and cuts to choose from. One of the best places to buy this maternity essential online is Blanqi. Blanqi leggings are perfect leggings for the mama-to-be. They have various styles, some over the tummy, some under the tummy, whichever you prefer they have it. The only downside is they are a bit pricey.

If you are a budget-conscious mama-to-be, then you should try The Gap or Target. Both The Gap and Target have a wide range of maternity leggings at more affordable prices. Both stores make it easy to shop online and return anything you don’t like or that doesn’t fit right. Also check Walmart for budget-friendly prices on maternity leggings.

Jeans

Every woman needs a good pair of jeans, and when you are pregnant, you need a few good pairs. Pregnancy jeans offer a stretchable pouch in the front to hold your precious belly and fit the way you want everywhere else. Whether you want a skinny cut, boot cut, or straight leg, you can find the best maternity jeans at Old Navy. Old Navy has a mix of style and colors so that you can find the perfect jeans.

Motherhood Maternity also makes excellent maternity jeans. They are a bit pricier than Old Navy and may not have the largest selection. But they do make quality maternity jeans and jean shorts.

Most Affordable Maternity Clothes

When shopping for maternity clothes, you don’t want to lose your personal style or break your budget, so it’s important to shop where you can find fashionable pieces that let you be you. An excellent place to find affordable chic styles that give you a polished look is Kohl’s. Besides great looks and prices, Kohl’s always has amazing sales. They offer discounts and bargains throughout the year so you can look classy and savvy throughout your pregnancy. 

Most Stylish and Trendy Maternity Clothing Shops

Maternity clothes come in many different styles. If you are a trendsetter and like stylish, professional attire, you can find some great maternity clothes at A Pea in the Pod. A Pea in the Pod has classy maternity looks that are great for work. You can find slacks, skirts, and dresses to keep your look on point. However, their professional look comes with a hefty price tag that might not fit your budget.

If you are looking for more budget-friendly workplace maternity, wear you can also check out ASOS and H&M. Both have stylish but more affordable looks. They both offer versatile, comfortable pieces that look great and won’t break the bank. You can easily mix and match pieces to put together a professional look for working mamas-to-be.

Maternity Swimsuits

If you are lucky enough to be pregnant during the summer or live in a warm climate, you will need a bathing suit at some point during your pregnancy. First, you have to make the big decision, should you go with a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit. Luckily for you, there are a lot of cute beach looks for the mama-to-be in both styles. Summersalt.com offers a good line of maternity swimsuits made with the comfort of the mama-to-be in mind. They have adjustable straps, side shirring, and an empire seam to help you keep everything in its place.

Another fantastic place to buy maternity swimwear online is Hatch. Hatch has both one and two pieces in a variety of styles and colors. They offer high-end pieces that are cute with quality fabrics. 

If you like to mix and match your swim pieces, you can check out ASOS and Old Navy. They both have a great selection of mix-and-match maternity pieces at a lower price point.

Best Workout Gear for the Active Mama

Are you a mama-to-be that likes to be active? Are you going to yoga, pilates, and other fitness classes? You will need stylish activewear for your gym experience. Pinkblush is a step above other stores when it comes to maternity fitness wear. They have a wide selection of tanks, active tops, sports bras, and yoga pants to keep you as stylish as ever. 

Another honorable mention for great activewear for the mama on the go is GapFit. GapFit has a lot of fun styles and patterns that you can mix and match. They have both long and short sleeves, fitted and loose yoga pants, and shorts. 

Best Second-Hand Shops for Maternity Outfits

Shopping for second-hand maternity looks is becoming more and more common. Due to the constant changing of the pregnant body, some clothes don’t get worn as much as others. There are a couple of great websites that you can find second-hand maternity clothes. They offer the same known brands and popular styles but at a fraction of the cost.

Maternity Traders has lots of cute clothes in different sizes and styles. This site for second-hand clothing lets you shop for fun maternity looks. They are a consignment shop that helps new mamas and experienced mamas find the right clothes. And after your baby arrives, you can use the site to consign your gently worn maternity treasures. You can make some extra cash and help someone else who has a bun in the oven.

Sites like Swap.com and ThredUp are second-hand sites that cater to men, women, and kids. They also have an extensive maternity section. You can shop slightly used maternity clothes in brand name styles that look great. You can get hot trendy, fashionable clothes while saving money. Not only can you find trendy maternity selections, but all the money you save, you can spend on baby gear for your little bundle. By buying second-hand, you can find some really cheap maternity clothes and still get quality brands.

Best Places for Inexpensive Maternity Clothes

There is no reason to bust your budget when buying maternity clothing. Many stores and online retailers offer up great deals. Why spend a lot on clothing you’ll only wear for a few months, especially when so many places offer great cheap maternity clothes?

One key to saving money is finding items that can last throughout your pregnancy. Buy sweaters loose enough that you can wear it as well at 6 months of pregnancy as you do at 4 months. You’ll save a lot If you get some staple pieces like dresses and comfy leggings that you can wear at many stages of pregnancy. 

For the best cheap maternity clothes, try the H&M online shop. They have some great deals on maternity clothing, especially on tights, leggings, and jeans. Also try Amazon, a one-stop shop where you’ll find a huge range of maternity clothes at every price point. Target and Walmart also offer up solid maternity options for an affordable price, so don’t be afraid to shop for your basics there. 

By saving money on all the key pieces of your maternity wardrobe, you can splurge a little on a few trend pieces to pair with them to keep your average price range down and still come in under budget.

Best Plus-Size Maternity 

Plus-size maternity clothes can be challenging to find. Luckily Target has stepped up and created a lovely line of plus-size maternity clothes. Target carries a maternity line by Isabel Maternity called Ingrid and Isabel. This is a great plus-size maternity line that offers dresses, pants, jeans, jackets, bras, and just about everything a plus-size maternity line should have. The style has cute cuts and designs to suit many tastes.

Walmart and Macy’s both carry plus-size maternity items at different price points, so you can find plus-size maternity clothes to match whatever budget.

Best Place to Buy OuterWear

Finding a good jacket or coat that will cover your growing baby bump can be a challenge. Whether you want a rain parka, a winter coat, or just a light jacket, the best place to find maternity outerwear is Seraphine.com. They offer an extensive range of styles, so no matter which season you find yourself growing, you can always be covered with one of their beautiful coats.

A few other stores that offer great selections at more reasonable prices are Amazon and Nordstrom.

Best Maternity Footwear

Don’t forget about maternity footwear. As your body grows and more pressure is put on your joints, you will want to wear supportive shoes with arch and cushion support.

Did you know that your feet grow a half size during pregnancy, and sometimes that is permanent? During pregnancy, it is common for feet to swell and retain fluid. Due to the growing size and possible swelling, it is vital to wear the right shoes during pregnancy. Experts agree you should look for a shoe that isn’t too constraining and has some wiggle room. In addition, you should avoid heels because your growing tummy can affect your balance and equilibrium, leaving you more prone to falls.

Functional maternity shoes don’t need to be ugly. You can find many cute styles at Zappos and Amazon. Both stores offer a mix of brands that are made to keep your tootsies safe and cushioned with room for them to grow. 

Shopping for maternity clothes online is easy. There are many stores to check out, and you can find something that looks great without leaving your couch. You can enjoy your pregnancy staying home indulging in cravings rather than finding a parking spot at the local mall.

What Maternity Items You Might Not Need

There are many maternity items that you don’t actually need. It’s easy to look at the items above and pick out a few things you may personally never use, but there are many things pregnant women can get by without.

Maternity Coat

Unless you live in a pretty cold area and your current coat fits snugly, you probably don’t need a maternity coat. You’ll likely be able to wear your current coats long into the pregnancy. There’s also a good chance you can layer sweaters and cardigans for many cool days, avoiding a coat during those times. You may be able to borrow one of your significant other’s coats the last few weeks for the occasions you do go out when it is very cold. 

Maternity Swimsuit

A lot of women really don’t need a maternity swimsuit. For those who swim a lot and live in a warm climate they can be great, but many women are able to wear their regular suit a few weeks into the pregnancy. You may be able to wear your suit longer if it is a bikini instead of a one-piece. If you find your current suit is getting too small, you could buy a regular swimsuit in a larger size than you normally wear instead of a maternity swimsuit. 

Maternity Pajamas

Your favorite pajamas may not fit you through your entire pregnancy, but you don’t really need maternity pajamas. Instead, put on a pair of your partner’s sweatpants, some shorts, or yoga pants and throw on a big t-shirt. You’ll save some money on something that you’ll only need for a few weeks.

Intimates

Many women make it through pregnancies without buying maternity underwear. You’ll likely be fine without it. If your breasts become too large for your regular bra, even with a bra extender, you may need a maternity bra. But you also could try a low cost non-maternity bra in a larger than normal size. You could save some money by not buying expensive maternity intimates. 

When Should You Buy Maternity Clothes?

Not only is each person different, but each pregnancy is.  Because of this, when to buy maternity clothes is different for everyone. If your style already trends more toward loose t-shirts, high-waisted leggings, casual clothes, or flowy styles, you’ll probably be able to wait longer into your pregnancy than someone who wears tailored business suits. 

Most of the time you can wait until you start to show, which for many pregnancies is sometime between week 16 and week 20. If you have a previous pregnancy then you may show sooner, but some women have no noticeable bump until later in the pregnancy. 

Here are some signs you may want to start buying maternity clothes:

  • Your clothing becomes tight and uncomfortable
  • You leave your pants unbuttoned most of the time
  • Your button down shirt no longer buttons all the way down
  • Your belly starts to poke out under your shirts

If you are the type to wear stretchy and loose clothing anyway, you may be able to wait until late in the pregnancy before you shop for maternity clothes. Those who work in an environment where businesswear is a must may find they need to start shopping earlier in the pregnancy. 

When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?

The key is to let your personal comfort and style be your guide. Start wearing maternity clothing when you find your regular clothing is too tight or uncomfortable. Maybe your jeans are getting too tight in the waist, or you find your shirts feel tight when buttoned. Whatever the case, make sure your clothing is comfortable.

You also may want to consider how things look on you. You could continue wearing your t-shirts even if they are very tight, but if that isn’t a look you like then you’ll want to upgrade to maternity wear. Your typical work attire may not look so professional if you can’t close that blazer, but if you work from home that may not matter to you. It’s all down to your comfort and personal situation.

How To Dress Without Maternity Clothes?

If you are starting to get a bump but aren’t ready to buy maternity clothing yet, there are some ways to make your current wardrobe work. Look through your closet and find any items you have from the list below. 

  • Anything with a stretch or adjustable waist, such as sweat pants or yoga pants
  • Shorts, pants, and tops you have that are oversized
  • Drawstring waisted pants or shorts
  • Empire waist dresses and sundresses
  • Baggy t-shirts and long tanks
  • Cardigans
  • Hoodies
  • Stretchy skirts
  • Wrap dresses

Don’t be afraid to go into the closet of your significant other and swipe a few of their pieces to wear for the next several months. There is a good chance they won’t miss a couple of t-shirts or a pair or two of jogging pants. Even consider some of their button-up plaid shirts, which you can roll the sleeves on and layer over one of your tank tops. 

You’ll probably find you have a substantial number of pieces you can pick from here to create your pregnancy wardrobe. Even just a handful may get you by. There’s a chance you may have to wear the same five shirts over and over, but a lot of people do that anyway. At the very least, you should have a solid basis for a wardrobe that you can fill in with a handful of key pieces of maternity clothing when you’re ready. You may even find enough pieces that will work through your entire pregnancy to avoid maternity clothing altogether.

Try a few of these tips below to make your regular clothing work while pregnant.

  • Loop a hairband through buttonhole and hook both ends on the button to let your jeans open up a little
  • Wear a long skirt with the waist pulled up above your baby bump
  • Layer a jacket or button up shirt over long t-shirts or tanks
  • Wear a babydoll dress with legging and top it with a cardigan
  • Make use of wrap dresses by loosening the tie so it’ll fit over your bump
  • Get a bra extender so you can continue using your old bras

Tips When Shopping For Maternity Clothing

The first thing to remember is not to get too caught up in it, just try to have fun. There are many places to find what you’re looking for, and a lot of clothing stores have a maternity department. You can find everything from fun dresses in floral prints to nursing bras, and there is no reason your maternity style has to be any different than your normal style. 

Look to create a maternity capsule wardrobe. Get your basics, like tank tops, leggings, jeans, and a couple of maxi dresses, then add some trendy maternity clothes and some dressier options that you can mix and match with those pieces to create a variety of looks.

Look at all options when searching for fashionable maternity clothes. Check places like Thredup or Maternity Traders for used items from big name maternity brands like Isabella Oliver, Liz Lange, Jessica Simpson, and all the other best brands for much less than you’d pay new. Try online maternity shops for the staples, like maternity tees and maternity bras. Many of these online stores have liberal return policies, so you can try the items on once it arrives and return it if it doesn’t fit.

Avoid clothing that needs to be dry cleaned, especially if you opt for a few pieces that you’ll mix and match. You don’t want to run out for dry cleaning all the time. Some pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell and react strongly to the small amount of solvent that remains in the clothing.

Don’t get overwhelmed. You may have to search a little to find the staples you like, but with a little work you will find what you want, whether that is denim shorts or beautiful dresses. 

Where To Sell Used Maternity Clothing

You’ve gone through all the baby showers, made it through nine months of pregnancy, and now you’ve given birth. Congratulations mom! So now what do you do with all those unwanted maternity clothes you no longer need to wear that are filling your closet? Luckily, there are many places that make it easy for you to make a little extra money from your gently-used items.

  • Maternity Traders 
  • ThredUp
  • Swap.com
  • Tradesy
  • Motherhood Closet
  • Ebay

These are all great places to make a little extra money from your used maternity clothing, but it’s not a complete list. There are many places you can earn cash for your items. Consider having a yard sale for your maternity items, which allows you to include anything else you have around that you’re wanting to part with to increase your earnings. Also check other online and local consignment shops. 

Where To Donate Maternity Clothing

If you want to donate your maternity clothes you have a number of options, including many charity stores and thrift stores you can donate to. Some places to consider are:

  • United Way
  • Goodwill
  • Salvation Army
  • First Option Care
  • Women’s shelters
  • Crisis and homeless shelters
  • American Red Cross
  • Local churches
  • Pregnant friends and family

Also check around your area for any pregnancy support groups who would be happy to accept your maternity items.

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