Expecting in Style: Building Your Maternity Wardrobe

Have you started to think about maternity clothes yet? Likely your bump isn't very noticeable yet but you may be finding that your jeans no longer fit. It's time put some thought into what you're going to wear for he rest of your pregnancy.


Many pregnant people can't wait to get rid of their maternity clothes at the end of pregnancy, so you may not need to spend much or any money at all. Try asking in your local neighborhood groups or Buy Nothing group to see if anyone is done with their maternity clothes and looking to pass them along.

When investing in some pieces, consider some capsule items that you can mix and match to make several different outfits. You're going to be wearing these for several months so having a variety of options to choose from is helpful.

Consider what you may already own that could double as maternity clothes. Do you have any baggy shirts or sweaters that can accommodate a growing bump? Pair them with some maternity leggings or pants and you've got a few outfits sorted already.

Buy some maternity underwear. There is nothing worse than underpants that are too tight! You might also need to go up a size with your bra or buy a bra extender if your bra no longer fits. Getting a professional fitting for a nursing bra can be helpful, but know that your breasts will likely grow again once your milk comes in, so you may need more in the future.

Do you need some more dressy items for work or events but don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes you're not going to wear for long? If so, you might consider a monthly maternity clothes rental company such as ​Rent the Runway​ or ​La Belle Bump​. (I have no affiliation with either company btw).
Select clothes that you can also wear postpartum, as your body will take a while to return to it's pre-pregnancy shape. Many maternity items are designed with nursing features, offering you more bang for your buck.
Wishing you comfort and joy in every stitch of your maternity wardrobe!