The Ultimate
Maternity
Buying Guide
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Maternity dresses are designed with stretchy fabrics to comfortably accommodate a growing bump
- Use your pre-pregnancy size as a starting point to shop (for example, if you’re a medium in regular clothes, start with a maternity medium).
- Adjustable features like ruching & tie-backs allow longevity throughout your pregnancy.
- Wrap styles & empire waistlines are particularly bump-comfy.
Maternity tops offer extra room around the bust & belly with practical features like nursing access panels
- Tunics, wrap tops & easy-breezy billowing silhouettes are your go-tos.
- Adjustable straps & built-in shelf bras can alleviate strain on your shoulders & back.
- Wrap styles & empire waistlines continue to be flattering fits for your silhouette.
Maternity pants & leggings include stretchy waistbands & have two main styles for the later months of pregnancy
- Over-the-bump waistbands offer more warmth & support.
- Under-the-bump waistbands provide a comfier, lighter feel.
Maternity intimates, like bras, have details that allow for flexible sizing & breastfeeding
- Your bra size will fluctuate, so consider buying maternity bras at the end of the second trimester & before your due date.
- Wider straps give extra support, while multiple hook-and-eye closures let your band expand even more.
- If you plan on nursing, look for drop-down cups, pull-aside panels & nursing clips.
Maternity sleepwear
prioritizes an ease of movement with soft materials & helpful features for postpartum
- Stay cool with gentle, airy fabrics like cotton or those from bamboo.
- Plan ahead: designs with button-down fronts & hidden pull-down panels make nighttime feedings simple.
We’re here to help you find the best maternity clothes to take you from first trimester through meeting baby.
We like to start with maternity dresses. Wrap-top or empire-waist dresses will give your bump space, and stretchy fabric will accommodate your changing shape over the next few months. Choosing versatile styles in solid colors means you can dress your look up or down—providing outfits that can take you from date night to office to special occasions. For a maternity sundress style that gets you through the spring and summer, consider a smocked frock; the ruching will allow you room to grow.
Separates are the next step. For maternity tops, try wrap styles, tunics, and easy-breezy billowing silhouettes. To extend the lifetime of your favorite shirts, invest in belly bands. These are stretchy panels of fabric that bridge the gap between clothes. Loose cardigans are a nice topper, too. Now, for the best jeans for pregnancy, seek out maternity jeans with useful design features, like expandable legs and support panels to aid with lower-back pressure. And, finding the right stretchy waistband is crucial. Over-the-bump waistbands are great for those who want a little extra support, while under-the-bump waistbands work for those who want a lighter feel. Don’t forget: when you find the best pregnancy leggings for you, get a few pairs. Stocking up on these layerable basics means you’ll have plenty of cute maternity outfits.
For maternity sleepwear, prioritize comfort with breathable, supersoft fabrics. If you want something accessible for breastfeeding, try designs with button-down fronts or hidden open panels. When you pull the neck of your pajamas down, the open panel will allow for easy nighttime feeding.
What about maternity bras? Everyone’s body is different, but it could help to get fitted for a good maternity bra as soon as your regular bras become too tight. Otherwise, you’ll likely want to buy maternity bras in two stages. The first stage is at the end of your second trimester, when your cup size has expanded. The second stage is toward the end of your pregnancy, after your rib cage expands. At the second stage it’s smart to get a maternity bralette with lift-down panels for nursing so you can transition to breastfeeding with ease.
And if you’re planning for that major-moment pregnancy photoshoot, you may be wondering how to dress for maternity pictures. The top priority is to choose a dress that will give you the most flattering silhouette: typically that’s something tight above the belly and flowy underneath. Choosing something on the longer side, like a maxi dress, will give you an especially ethereal look. Doing an oufit change? If you want to try a totally different vibe, a fitted number or maternity lingerie is also en vogue for showing off the bump.
Finally, if you’re looking for tried-and-true maternity brands we have plenty of options. Among our favorites are Ingrid+Isabel, Kimi + Kai, Ripe Maternity, and Seraphine. No matter how you choose to embrace your pregnancy style, we’re here to provide plenty of cute, comfortable, and practical outfits!