Buying maternity clothes is not as fun as you might think. Since I’m expecting in an entirely different season this time around I knew I would need to purchase some new clothes to get me through the warm months of summer. Since most of us know someone who is pregnant who might need some clothing suggestions and/or maybe you yourself are expecting and find yourself in need of some ideas, I decided to share a few brands I’ve liked so far.
If spending any sum of money is in your budget, then finding maternity clothes is a lot easier. If you are more like me, then sticking to a budget is essential for me to consider when buying clothes to fit the bump and I. Just like no two pregnant woman look the same, I’m sure maternity clothes fit each person completely differently.
I’ve also found buying a size up in regular clothes is not usually very comfortable or flattering, yet I still find myself doing it from time to time. My 24 week bumpdate photo on the left is a great example of me squeezing into a non-maternity tank. The photo on the right was taken after my 24 week bumpdate photo, and the bump and I look better and I was more comfortable because the shirt was meant for an expanding belly.
My top brand picks are below and why. Please share in the comments if you have a favorite store or brand to recommend. Maternity wear can be a challenge to find. The below favorites are just that. I’ve not been compensated in any way for my opinion.
#1-Motherhood Maternity Website
Both the tank and shorts are from Motherhood Maternity.
Most Motherhood Maternity stores that I’ve been to leave much to be desired. They either only carry the basics and nothing stylish or they have such a small inventory that it is not helpful to find what you are looking for. I bit the bullet and ordered a large online order knowing I could return or exchange what did not fit. I happened to be going to a store a couple of weeks after placing my online order where I did just that.
My favorites from Motherhood Maternity are some of their basics like their multi-pack t-shirts and tanks. I’ve also tried shorts from multiple places, and the only place I found shorts I liked that fit well was here. Last time around I bought my favorite nursing bras (a favorite for those first days home, at night and weekends later on) from here along with several nursing camis (#1 and #2) that were lifesavers postpartum. Most of the prices are affordable and they offer sales frequently (20% off non-sale items until 07/13 right now). I have found the quality is decent for these items.
#2-Old Navy Maternity
One of my go to places to purchase versatile basics that can be mixed and matched during my last pregnancy was Old Navy. This time around I checked them out early on. I find that Old Navy maternity runs big. Some of the items in their smallest size were too big for me. That is frustrating when you find something at an affordable price, but you know it will never work.
I did find some great dresses at Old Navy.com (my nearest Old Navy does not carry maternity wear) that I will be able to wear my entire pregnancy (body con-pictured below and maternity maxi-pictured above). The t-shirt body con dress has been a favorite of mine so far. It is a bit big at this stage, but with a belt it gives you enough shape and room to grow, which I sure did the last time I was pregnant.
The $7 dress!!
With coupon codes and reward coupons I scored one of these dresses for $7.17 total cost (with free shipping). I NEVER pay full price at Old Navy. There is always a sale or coupon code to be used. I also have a GAP credit card and get rewards that I accumulate and use often. Their maternity pack of leggings fit awesome, too.
Definitely plan to try on their clothes. A small in one shirt could fit perfect and in another style be huge. Their jeans fit ok, but the shorts were a no go for me. Again, try them and return them if they don’t work for you. Some maternity wear can be returned to the store, BUT some must be returned by mail.
If you are looking for stylish and more unique attire, then Pink Blush Maternity is a great place to look. During my last pregnancy, I bought several maternity cardigans that still fit and look great even after baby. These are great for breastfeeding mamas, too.
This time around I was of course looking for summer wear. Somehow another long sleeve cardigan ended up making it to my mailbox, but Wisconsin summer nights can be cool and I will be pregnant in the fall still. I also bought a tank top, a couple 3/4 sleeve shirts and a dress.
When it comes to sizing and fit, I also find Pink Blush to be hit or miss. Some of their stuff is seriously sooo cute, but the fit can run big. I mean real big. Some of their shirts are meant to be flowy, but one of the shirts I bought my husband thought was a dress and he said that wouldn’t even fit you on your due date and it was a size small. Another shirt I bought on clearance in a size medium because the smalls were sold out and it fit perfect (pictured above-it came with a different belt I don’t love so I switched it out with one I already owned). I also found a maxi dress that is so cute along with a few other great finds.
When you order go with your regular size and be prepared for some of it to work out great and to need to possibly return others. Also, do not pay full price for your entire order. Like their facebook page to see coupon codes they post on the regular.
#4-Target 
This pregnancy I haven’t made it to the Target maternity section…YET. Last time around the Liz Lange line fit great and was cute and affordable. I have a maxi dress and multiple shirts that I’m wearing this time around again. I’m sure their summer stuff won’t disappoint. Their maternity clothes run true to size in my experience.
#5-Gap
My favorite pregnancy jeans are from the Gap. I bought them the last time I was pregnant. What I love best about them is the dark wash and skinny fit for a pregnant mom-to-be and the demi panel. Mine are a darker wash than what I could find online, but the linked ones are close. Online carries more sizes and washes than you might find in a store IF your nearest store carries maternity. Their sizes are also designed to be bought in your regular pre-pregnancy size. I found this to be true during my last pregnancy. Gap is another store I almost always find coupon codes for online.
No pregnant mama wants to feel frumpy. I strongly believe we feel as good as we think we look. Taking care of yourself by eating well and exercising goes a long way, but we still need some style and comfort to feel our best. Maternity wear can be expensive, but investing in a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched or dressed up or down will make you feel much better about yourself and the new body you are rocking.
What were/are your go to maternity wear finds? I’m working on a maternity active wear post as this has been the biggest struggle in my experience with dressing the bump.
Sarah
sneaksandstilettos.com 