Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (2024)

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (1)

Maternity dressing used to be a pretty depressing affair that left most women compromising their usual style in order to stay comfortable. But now things couldn’t be more different with the internet bursting at the virtual seams with on-trend, and yes, comfy, choices—from super-glam dresses to cozy loungewear to the coolest activewear.

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To help quicken your search, we’ve drawn on our own personal experience of maternity shopping while combing the internet for the very best online stores that have pieces to suit every trimester and beyond.We also enlisted the help offashion journalist Frankie Graddon, who is well-known for her impeccable taste when choosing pieces, as well asstylist and founder of The Haute Edit LLC, Amanda Wood. After considering dozens of brands, we landed on this list to give you the best in show.

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Byrdie

At Byrdie, we’re always looking for retailers that are as inclusive as possible, so it was Motherhood’s wide range of sizes and styles that earned it the Best Overall spot. Its collection of maternity tops, trousers, dresses, and activewear starts at an XS and goes up to an XXL, in addition to a dedicated plus size section that runs up to 3X.

There’s also a great range of premium maternity brands such as Isabella Oliver, Cosabella, J Brand, and Paige, not to mention an extensive Postpartum line that has everything from plus-size nursing bras to postnatal swimwear and shapewear. See it as your one-stop shop for all things pregnancy and beyond.

Return policy: 30 days free returns | Shipping policy: Free economy shipping over $109 | Size range: XS-3X

Best Budget

H&M

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (3)

“There are so many great finds at H&M that will surprise you in their quality, fit and style for maternity wear,” says Wood. From leggings to chic oversized shirts, nursing tops, on-trend oversized sweaters, and even maternity tights, you can pick up almost everything you need for daily life. (They also sell waistband extenders, more on that below.) Most items are sized in small, medium, and large, and delivery is quick and free for orders over $25. H&M is also very affordable, so it’s a great option if you don’t want to spend lots of money on maternity-specific pieces.

Return policy: Returns can be made within 28 days | Shipping policy: Shipping is free on orders over $25 | Size range: XS-L

If you usually live in jeans, you won’t want to miss GAP’s impressive range of maternity denim. Categorized into skinny, jeggings, loose, straight, girlfriend, and overalls, there’s practically every denim style you could wish for but in a maternity-ready fit. Most are designed with a full maternity panel that sits above your bump.

While denim is where GAP really shines maternity-wise, it also boasts a great range of pregnancy essentials too, such as T-shirts, activewear, and dresses. We also love that you can shop by trimester and prepare for the baby’s arrival at GAP’s dedicated ‘Nursing Shop’, where they stock a good selection of breastfeeding-friendly tees and tanks.

Return policy: 30 days by post or in-store | Shipping policy: Free in-store and curbside pickup. Free standard shipping over $50 | Size range: Jeans come in short, medium, and long lengths and in 25-34 inch waist

Best Trendy

ASOS

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (5)

ASOS is well-known for its variety, and its maternity offering is equally generous, with over 2,000 products in its maternity section when we last checked. What makes ASOS’s maternity section extra special is that you can always pick up some great trend-led pieces in addition to the usual staple shirts and leggings. Its selection of events dresses and evening pieces is a standout and is ideal for when you need to dress your bump for a glamorous event. Delivery is usually quick, especially if you pay for ASOS PREMIER, which is its annual next-day delivery service on orders over $50, and returns can be made easily at local UPS drop-off points.

Return policy: Returns can be made within 28 days, by post | Shipping policy: Standard shipping is free on orders over $50 | Size range: US2-US16

When we asked a bunch of our friends and colleagues for their favorite place to buy maternity clothes, Seraphine came up a lot. It’s slightly more on the premium side, but the higher price points are reflected in excellent quality fabrics and designs that will last. It has good variety, too, with sections for occasion wear, swim, evening, sleepwear, and nursing, to name just a few. These are the kinds of pieces to pass on to other pregnant friends, sell on after, or just keep to the side for another possible pregnancy.

Return policy: Returns are free in the U.S. | Shipping policy: Free standard shipping | Size range: 2-16

We’re very aware that it can be a struggle to find maternity brands that offer both petite and plus sizes, so a store such as Storq feels like a breath of fresh air. Its line of maternity styles—including dresses, leggings, and loungewear—start in size petite and run to 4X, so they’ve really considered a broad range of needs and body types. They also stock essentials for pumping and breastfeeding and a lovely selection of beauty products, including belly oils and bath salts. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of their best-selling soft-cup bras before you hit the checkout, too.

Return policy: 30 days free returns | Shipping policy: Free no-rush domestic shipping | Size range: Petite-4X

Best Splurge

L’Agence

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (8)

Where to go when you’re feeling a bit spendy? “For a bit of a higher price point, I turn to brands such as L’Agence as they have so many great options that will transition from maternity to postnatal,” says Wood. Chicly named ‘Pour la Maman’, L’Agence’s line of below-bump maternity jeans is particularly covetable and comes in true-blue, white, and black washes.If you’re not a denim girl, there are also easy maternity dresses, knitwear, and foundational pieces that are so chic you’ll want to keep wearing them long after your pregnancy.

Return policy: 21 days returns policy and $8 fee | Shipping policy: Free standard shipping | Size range: Denim: 23-34; Ready-to-wear: XXS-XXL

Maternity label Hatch helpfully separates its luxe offering into first, second, third, and fourth trimesters, alongside categorized sections for everything from jumpsuits and sleepwear, to activewear and swim. We particularly love its everyday dresses and overalls that you’ll live in throughout your pregnancy and those early new baby weeks. The postpartum lounge sets are also just the thing for adding to your hospital bag, and the ‘Ultra Soft Before, During & After Legging’ are worth their weight in gold.

Return policy: 30 days returns policy, free exchanges and $10 fee | Shipping policy: $6 standard shipping | Size range: 0-4 (see size guide)

The 19 Best Maternity Swimsuits for Summer

Best Sustainable

Isabella Oliver

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (10)

Ask any British mum where they shopped during their pregnancy, and they’ll likely mention Isabella Oliver. A favorite of fashion journalist Frankie Graddon, this UK-based maternity brand is much-loved for its organic cotton and responsibly sourced fabrics and options to rent your favorites. Its website also has a pre-loved section that’s filled with repurposed, recycled, and reloved pieces, of which 50 percent of net proceeds are donated to Oxfam. They also ship to the U.S. for free on orders over $149. What’s not to love?

Return policy: 21-day returns policy | Shipping policy: Free standard US shipping on orders over $149 or $15 including duties and taxes| Size range: UK4-UK18

Best for Dresses

Les Rêveries

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (11)

While the New York-based label Les Rêveries isn’t a maternity brand, its favor of the wrap dress does make it a great place to find beautiful pieces you can wear during and after your pregnancy. “I wore a Les Rêveries wrap dress to my close friend's wedding when I was 35 weeks pregnant, which I felt amazing in,” says fashion journalist Frankie Graddon. “Occasionwear is so hard when you have a bump, but the wrap-over style meant I could adjust it to fit.” We also love that each piece of clothing is made from high-quality materials such as silk, cotton, and wool and that it’s a minority- and women-owned business. Win, win.

Return policy: 30 days for a full refund | Shipping policy: $11 for U.S. shipping | Size range: XS-L

Here Are the 19 Best Pairs of Maternity Underwear for a Comfy Pregnancy

Runner-Up, Best for Dresses

PinkBlush

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (12)

PinkBlush is known for their stylish maternity clothes, but their breathable, comfortable dresses are some of their most popular pieces. They have everything from flowy sundresses to bodycon minis, with picks that will still look as flattering post-partum as they do when you're pregnant. The majority of the dresses are XS-XL, but they also have a dedicated section for plus-sized options. You can find something for any occasion, whether that be an outfit for an upcoming wedding or for lounging around the house.

Return policy: 30 days returns policy | Shipping policy: Free standard US shipping on orders over $100 | Size range: XS-3X

Best Formal Wear

Mina Roe

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (13)

If you’re a fan of the Housewives of Dubai reality series, you may already be familiar with Mina Roe: the super glamorous maternity label owned by one of the show’s regulars, Lesa Milan Hall. Lesa launched her label in 2016 after finding it hard to find sexy, trend-led maternity wear during her own pregnancies and thought she’d fill the gap herself. As such, you can expect statement evening gowns (worthy of a reunion show), not to mention casual everyday pieces, including jersey dresses and fun slogan tees. Shipping is fairly expensive, so you might want to double-check sizing and get a few pieces all at once.

Return policy: 30 days returns policy | Shipping policy: Shipping to the U.S. costs $20 | Size range: S-XL

Best Activewear

lululemon

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (14)

If you plan on staying active during your pregnancy, you’ll need some comfortable athleisure wear that will grow with you. Lululemon is well known for its great leggings, and itsrange of ‘Align’ pantsare ideal for a bump thanks to a trademarkedNulufabric with a soft and stretchy fit. (They’re also high-rise, so they fit well over a bump). Aside from the leggings, we also loveLululemon’s oversized sweatersand tees which you can size up for extra longevity.

Return policy: 30 days returns policy | Shipping policy: Free standard shipping | Size range: 0-20

Runner-Up, Best Activewear

Girlfriend Collective

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (15)

If you're looking activewear that's completely sustainable, Girlfriend Collective is the brand for you. They don't have many items to choose from, but their maternity bike shorts and seamless leggings are a crowd favorite for their comfy and flexible fit. Both are made from recycled fishing nets, but they are lightweight and have an ultra breathable feel. An inclusive brand, they have sizing ranging from XXS to 6XL. We also love that they come in various fun, flattering colors, so they can be worn around the house or while running errands.

Return policy: 30 days returns policy | Shipping policy: Free standard US shipping on orders over $100 | Size range: XXS-6X

Meet the Expert

What to Look For When Shopping For Maternity Clothes

Material

Pregnancy can come with all kinds of strange side effects, such as itching skin and sensitivity, so you want to make sure you’re in comfy fabrics at all times. You should also look for soft, breathable materials such as cotton, silk, jersey, bamboo, and modal that will stretch with your growing body. Great examples of comfortable options are dresses, such as the wrap dress from Les Rêveries, or stretchy activewear from Lululemon. Fabrics such as rigid denim and synthetic materials like polyester are best avoided for the time being.

Shipping and Returns

If you aren’t quite sure of your size in maternity clothes and are planning on buying a couple of different sizes, make sure you check the store’s online return policy first. Most retailers offer free returns within a 30-day-period, but some charge a small fee—for example, L'Agence. It’s also wise to double-check shipping charges before getting to the checkout, as it’s never nice to be surprised with an unexpected charge that’s more than you’re willing to pay.

FAQ

  • What month do you start wearing maternity clothes?

    Women start to show at different times of their pregnancies, especially with second or third babies, so it all depends on your own experience. However, you may find that for the first three months, you can still wear most of your usual clothes, while you may opt for looser-fitting pieces to stay as comfortable as possible. Stores such as H&M also sellwaistband extenderswhich you can add to regular and maternity pants.

    “I find that most of my clients usually have to start wearing maternity clothes three or four months into their pregnancy, Woods says. “During this time, clever accessories such as a waistband extender will help you get the most wear out of your non-maternity and maternity pants”. After this point, she says, the fun really starts, and you can start to shop for maternity-specific pieces from a wide range of high-street and designer brands.

  • How do you find your size in maternity clothes?

    “When buying maternity clothes, you can usually wear the size you wore pre-pregnancy,” says Woods. “For non-maternity pieces, look for knits, jersey knits, wrap dresses, elasticated waistbands, tunic style shirts, oversized sweaters, side ruching, and blazers that have an angled closure. You should buy about one to two sizes up, depending on how far along you are”.

  • Should I buy maternity clothes or just buy a size bigger in regular clothes?

    Many pregnant women find that they do a bit of both. You might want to buy a pair of maternity jeans and other maternity-specific pants and buy a size bigger in other staples such as shirts and sweaters. “For most of my pregnancy, it was the summer, so I wore outsized or stretchy silhouettes from non-maternity brands,” says Graddon. “Roomy smock dresses and bias-cut slips were also a go-to.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Catherine Hufton is a Byrdie contributor who also writes about fashion and shopping for other titles such asElle UK,Harper’s Bazaar, andInStyle.She is also a mom to two little boys aged 1 and 4, so she has plenty of experience shopping for stylish maternity and postnatal clothes. As such, many of the retailers featured are places she has shopped herself over the past few years.

Updated byShannon Stubbs

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of maternity fashion and its evolving landscape, I can confidently say that the article provides a comprehensive guide to maternity dressing, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of expecting mothers. The recommendations are not only based on personal experiences but also draw on the expertise of fashion journalist Frankie Graddon and stylist Amanda Wood. The inclusion of reputable brands and their specific strengths adds credibility to the selections.

Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Motherhood (Best Overall):

    • Range of Sizes and Styles: Motherhood offers a wide range of sizes and styles, starting from XS to XXL, with a dedicated plus-size section up to 3X.
    • Premium Brands: The collection includes premium maternity brands like Isabella Oliver, Cosabella, J Brand, and Paige.
    • Postpartum Line: Motherhood has an extensive postpartum line, covering items from nursing bras to postnatal swimwear and shapewear.
  2. H&M (Best Budget):

    • Affordable Options: H&M provides affordable maternity wear without compromising on quality, offering items like leggings, oversized shirts, nursing tops, and maternity tights.
    • Size Range: H&M sizes range from small to large, and shipping is quick and free for orders over $25.
  3. Gap (Best Basics):

    • Impressive Maternity Denim: Gap stands out for its impressive range of maternity denim, categorized into various styles.
    • Trimester-specific Shopping: The 'Nursing Shop' at Gap allows shoppers to prepare for the baby's arrival with breastfeeding-friendly tees and tanks.
  4. ASOS (Best Trendy):

    • Variety: ASOS's maternity section offers over 2,000 products, including trend-led pieces, event dresses, and evening wear.
    • Quick Delivery: ASOS PREMIER, the annual next-day delivery service, ensures quick delivery for orders over $50.
  5. Seraphine (Best Quality):

    • Premium Quality: Seraphine is recognized for its slightly higher price points, reflecting excellent quality fabrics and durable designs.
    • Variety: The brand offers a good variety, including occasion wear, swimwear, eveningwear, sleepwear, and nursing options.
  6. Storq (Best Size Range):

    • Inclusivity: Storq stands out for offering both petite and plus sizes in maternity styles, ranging from petite to 4X.
  7. L’Agence (Best Splurge):

    • Higher Price Point: L’Agence is recommended for those willing to spend a bit more on maternity wear with options that transition well from maternity to postnatal.
  8. Hatch (Best Knitwear):

    • Trimester-specific Sections: Hatch categorizes its offerings into first, second, third, and fourth trimesters, offering a range of dresses, overalls, activewear, and sleepwear.
  9. Isabella Oliver (Best Sustainable):

    • Organic and Responsible Sourcing: Isabella Oliver is known for its use of organic cotton and responsibly sourced fabrics, with options to rent and a pre-loved section.
  10. Les Rêveries (Best for Dresses):

    • Versatility: Les Rêveries, while not a maternity brand, is recommended for its wrap dresses that can be worn during and after pregnancy.
  11. PinkBlush (Runner-Up, Best for Dresses):

    • Stylish and Breathable: PinkBlush is known for stylish and breathable dresses suitable for various occasions, with a dedicated plus-sized section.
  12. Mina Roe (Best Formal Wear):

    • Glamorous Maternity Wear: Mina Roe offers glamorous maternity wear, including statement evening gowns and casual everyday pieces.
  13. Lululemon (Best Activewear):

    • Comfortable Athleisure: Lululemon is highlighted for its comfortable activewear, especially the 'Align' pants, suitable for a growing bump.
  14. Girlfriend Collective (Runner-Up, Best Activewear):

    • Sustainability: Girlfriend Collective is praised for its sustainable activewear, including maternity bike shorts and seamless leggings made from recycled fishing nets.

The article also provides valuable guidance on what to look for when shopping for maternity clothes, emphasizing the importance of comfortable materials, shipping and return policies, and addressing common FAQs about maternity clothing. The trustworthiness of the information is reinforced by the expertise of contributors and the practical experience of the Byrdie contributor, Catherine Hufton.

Our Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes—From Stylish Workwear to Comfy Loungewear (2024)

FAQs

What is the best material for maternity clothes? ›

The best kinds of fabrics are natural ones such as cotton, modal, and bamboo, because they are soft and allow steady breathing.

Do they make maternity clothes anymore? ›

Today, a huge range of functional maternity clothes are available, so expectant mothers don't have to compromise on style or comfort.

Why are maternity clothes so expensive? ›

- The higher the volume of one style of clothing that is produced, the lower the price per garment. In turn, the less you produce, the higher the price. - Furthermore, maternity wear is specialised. Not all pattern makers can make patterns for maternity wear and not all CMT factories can make the specialised garments.

Is motherhood maternity going out of business? ›

While Motherhood, A Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity will retain their own brands, Hatch will oversee operations for all four companies under a new parent called Hatch Collective. The announcement is a unique example of a DTC retailer growing large enough to absorb its legacy competitors.

How many months pregnant do you start wearing maternity clothes? ›

Many mothers-to-be contemplate transitioning to maternity wear around the second trimester, typically between 12 and 16 weeks. Regular clothes may feel too snug for comfort as your precious baby bump grows.

Do you go up a size when buying maternity clothes? ›

- For maternity clothing we recommend staying with your pre-pregnancy size. As all pregnancies are unique and individual, maternity clothes are designed on a normal pregnancy weight gain range. Although it can be tempting to order a size up, only do so if you prefer a relaxed fit or if you have a very large bust.

How to afford maternity clothes? ›

How to Get the Maternity Wardrobe You Want Without Spending a Fortune
  1. Invest in basics.
  2. Utilize non-maternity clothes for pregnancy.
  3. Shop affordable brands for statement pieces.
  4. Give renting a go.
  5. Shop secondhand clothes.
  6. Buy a pregnancy pant extender.
  7. Spend wisely on maternity and nursing bras.
  8. Buy gift cards—for yourself.
Aug 16, 2023

How long after birth do you still wear maternity clothes? ›

When choosing the right postpartum clothes, remember that over the next 8 weeks or so, your body will be recovering and adjusting to the significant changes after giving birth. These changes will be incremental so don't expect to be able to get back into your pre-maternity clothes for some time.

Why are all maternity stores closed? ›

Patrice Luoma, a professor of entrepreneurship and strategy at Quinnipiac University, said there's a few factors that have led to the shuttering of maternity stores across the nation. One of the top causes? The emergence of online shopping, which has led to specialty retail stores closing their doors.

How much does the average person spend on maternity clothes? ›

Helping many moms-to-be with pregnancy-related questions. Fortune magazine estimates a person could spend almost $500 on average per pregnancy on maternity clothes. Wow. I believe it, considering by 2023, the global maternity wear market is valued at 7 billion U.S. dollars.

Why are so many maternity clothes striped? ›

The effect was so persistent, in fact, von Helmholtz argued in his Handbook of Physiological Optics that ladies' frocks should be horizontally striped to accentuate slenderness and height. These articles in Cosmos Magazine and the Telegraph tease out more optically useful tidbits.

Why are maternity jeans so low? ›

The jeans are contoured down lower in front (and a bit higher in the back) to fit expanding bellies…and avoid muffin top. Because these are truly cut to fit under-the-belly, bum slippage (resulting in a saggy bum) is at a minimum. These look like normal jeans! No one will ever guess that they are maternity.

Does Destination Maternity still exist? ›

1982, in Moorestown, New Jersey, U.S. U.S. As of July 1, 2020, Maternity IP Holdings, formerly Destination Maternity, operates Motherhood.com and APeaInThePod.com, under the trade names Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod, and has wholesale relationships. It is owned by a subsidiary of Marquee Brands.

Does Burlington carry maternity clothes? ›

I just had to pass along the fact that I found some really cute super cheap maternity clothes at Burlington Coat Factory. I wish I would have shopped there months ago instead of spending a fortune at Target and Motherhood Maternity. Their pants and shorts were under 10 bucks and shirts were around 5!

Does Forever 21 have maternity? ›

From comfortable maternity jeans and leggings to flowy tops and dresses, Forever 21's maternity collection caters to the fashion needs of pregnant women. It's worth mentioning that Forever 21's maternity wear offerings may vary by store and region.

Which material is best for pregnancy? ›

Natural and breathable fabrics such as cotton, jersey, bamboo, modal, linen, rayon and elastane are the best options for pregnant women. They are soft, stretchy and provide support and comfort for a growing belly. It's also important to make sure that the fabric you choose can withstand frequent washings and wear.

Which cloth is best during pregnancy? ›

Wear breathable fabrics during the entire term of the pregnancy to feel comfortable. Wear cotton fabric, especially during summer. Avoid clothes made from fabrics such as polyester, silk and rayon as these materials make you sweat a lot and hence, make you warm and uncomfortable.

What is the best material for a maternity robe? ›

Best Maternity Robe and Pajama Set

Made of breathable cotton, the robe is especially great for the hospital, where temperatures can easily fluctuate during labor and delivery. It's lightweight enough to keep you cool, but full-length sleeves provide warmth.

Which fabric is most suitable for making baby garments? ›

Cotton is also a breathable fabric, which helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating, making it an ideal fabric for baby clothes, blankets, and swaddles. Additionally, cotton muslin is lightweight and soft, which adds to the comfort level of the baby.

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