How to buy maternity clothes

Congratulations! Finding out you’re expecting is an exciting event, and you may be tempted to run out and buy a whole new maternity wardrobe to celebrate your impending arrival. Resist the temptation! With a little organization and forethought, it’s possible to build a fashionable maternity wardrobe without spending a lot of money.

The First Trimester

Most women can make it through their third or fourth month without buying any new clothes. Luckily, current styles favor flowing babydoll and empire waist tops that can disguise your bump, so you likely already have many pieces in your wardrobe that will work to get you through this first stage of pregnancy. Elastic hair ties and rubber bands can be used to loop around and through both the button and buttonhole of your pants and jeans to give your expanding stomach a little breathing room.

Many women purchase a product called the Bella Band at this stage…it’s like a tube top for your belly that helps keep pre-pregnancy pants comfortable closed. You can also use it later in your pregnancy to hold up maternity pants that are too big, or just to give your belly a little extra support.

Bella Band

The Second Trimester

By the beginning of the second trimester, you should have an idea of how you’re likely to carry. Some women gain most of their weight in their belly, while others also tend to gain in their thighs and posterior. This is why we discourage you from buying too many clothes upfront…if you’re one of those women who gains in their lower half, you may find you need to go up a size later in your pregnancy, so you don’t want to waste money on clothes you’ll only wear for a couple of months (or even a matter of weeks).

That being said, whenever you’re uncomfortable in your current clothes, it’s time to buy some new ones!

Maternity pants

Most stores try use standard sizing, so you can likely purchase maternity clothes in your pre-pregnancy size (just check the size charts to make sure).

Maternity pants and jeans tend to come in three types of styles: those that sit low on your belly (often called demi panel, back panel, or elastic waist), those that cover your entire belly (full panel) and those that can be worn either over or under the belly (roll panel). The fit is really a matter of personal preference, though many women prefer demi panel styles early in the pregnancy and more belly coverage in the last trimester. If you’re not sure what you’re likely to prefer, roll panel styles will give you the most flexibility.

Maternity Pants

You’ll want at least a couple of pairs of jeans and one or two pairs of pants in a neutral color (like black or brown). You’ll be able to mix these up with a number of tops to make your maternity wardrobe look larger than it really is.

Maternity Jeans

Maternity tops

Again, you’ll probably be able to purchase maternity tops in your pre-pregnancy size. There are so many great fabrics available today — like stretch jersey, modal and netting — that will grow with you throughout your pregnancy and will still look good even after you’ve given birth because they return to their natural shape. Many stores, including Motherhood Maternity, provide faux bellies that you can strap on to give you an idea of how items will fit later in your pregancy.

Keep in mind that by the very end of your pregnancy, you may be outgrowing even your roomiest maternity wear. Tops that tie in back look the most like traditional “maternity” wear, but their adjustable fit gives you plenty of room to grow. You may also want to layer in the third trimester to make sure your belly isn’t hanging out…long maternity camisoles or Bella Bands are a good option to provide additional coverage.

Maternity Tops

Maternity Dresses

Dresses are a pregnant woman’s friend. If you already own dresses in stretchable fabrics (like jersey) or with forgiving waistlines (babydoll or empire), you may find you can wear them through most or all of your pregnancy. Dresses are comfortable and easy for pregnant women to wear, so you’ll likely acquire some maternity styles as well…just add a pair of maternity tights or a long cardigan sweater to stretch your dresses into the winter months.

Maternity Dresses

Maternity Lingerie

This is an important component of your maternity wardrobe. Your breasts will likely grow larger in preparation for the baby — many women go up at least a cup size and a band size during pregnancy. If you’ve never had an official bra fitting, now is the time to do so! Buy at least two bras in your new size to get yourself through pregnancy. With your breasts getting heavier, a sleep bra with light support might also be a good investment, especially later in your pregnancy. About a month before your due date, go in for another fitting and invest in one or two nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed. You can always buy more if you find the style works for you once your milk comes in.

When it comes to underwear, many women find that their pre-pregnancy boy shorts or bikinis work just fine throughout pregnancy. But if you don’t like these under-the-belly styles, you can’t go wrong with a few pairs of comfortable maternity underwear, even if they’re not the most attractive things on earth.

Old Navy Maternity: Maternity Brief Underwear 3-Packs - Pink Multi

Maternity Sleepwear

Many women find they can make it through most of pregnancy without buying maternity-specific sleepwear…loose pajama pants or your husband’s large T-shirts or boxers may do. But you may find you’re more comfortable wearing pajama pants that sit below the belly. In your third trimester, it’s also a good idea to invest in nursing pajamas or nightgowns that will fit both pre- and post-birth. These have an elastic top that can easily be pulled down for nighttime feedings. Remember that you may want at least one nice nursing nightgown to wear while you’re recovering in the hospital.

Nursing Nightgowns

How much should I spend on maternity clothes?

As with most things, this will depend entirely on you! If you work in a professional office that requires you to wear suits or otherwise dress up, you may need to spend a little more on clothes than someone who works in a more casual environment. Stores like A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity and specialty boutiques are among the more expensive places to buy maternity wear, but it may be worth it to invest in a great pair of black pants or a nice jacket that you know you’ll wear a lot. Luckily, many of the stores where you already shop have expanded their maternity sections, though you may have to shop online rather than going into a store for the widest selection. Try the Gap, Old Navy or JC Penney for maternity clothes that are well-priced and are likely to look the most like your regular wardrobe.

And don’t forget to splurge on one or two items that make you look and feel great. They’ll really perk you up when you’re having a very “pregnant” day!