During pregnancy, one of the most fun things can be shopping and dressing your bump in super cute maternity clothes.
And you should absolutely show off that awesome baby belly! But, if you’re a more frugal shopper you may not want to spend a ton of money on a whole new wardrobe for those precious 9 months. Perhaps you’re asking yourself, what maternity clothes do I really need to buy?
Well, here’s the deal. You don’t have to break the bank or purchase a ton of extra “stuff”. You can start by maximizing the wardrobe you have!
There are most likely a whole lot of items in your closet that you can wear throughout your pregnancy that will work for you. So, if you’re on a budget or trying to lead a minimalist lifestyle, this is great news.
That being said, there are a few essential items that you will need to buy to accommodate that expanding bump, especially when you get into the home stretch.
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Essential Maternity Clothes
Maternity Jeans
There are so many cute styles to choose from- skinny jeans, classic boot-cut, capri or straight leg. They are an absolute must-have for pregnant moms.
The soft, stretchy panel that covers your tummy will ensure comfort the whole way through. So, as soon as your regular jeans start to feel snug around the waist, make the switch. It’s usually around the start of the second trimester.
It’s really not advised to wear anything tight and constrictive around your pregnant belly. Most maternity jeans will have 1-2% Spandex in the denim which is super helpful if the rest of you grows a little larger during your pregnancy. Denim overalls are another great option and they are adorable!
I wore maternity jeans throughout the fall and winter after I had my son. I paired them with button-down boyfriend shirts, tunic hoodies, and long sweaters. They were a staple of my postpartum wardrobe and I actually felt a bit sad when I finally packed them up for goodwill.
Maternity Shorts
Similar to the jeans situation, maternity shorts are specially designed to keep your bump comfy and cozy throughout, and once you start showing there’s not much of a workaround. However, for the first part of your pregnancy, you can wear any low-rise shorts with a waist extender or use the hair-tie loop trick.
But once you hit the second and especially the third trimester, a great pair of maternity shorts is essential.
If you are into fitness or yoga, (or even if you’re not, actually), grab yourself at least one pair of high waisted yoga shorts, bike shorts, or leggings. They are so comfy and you will be able to wear them postpartum as well while you are transitioning back to your pre-pregnancy body (AKA the 4th trimester).
Remember to give yourself some grace and practice postpartum body love and positivity too. It takes time to recover from birthing a baby, so wear comfy, stretchy bottoms of any kind as long as you need to!
Belly Band
What’s a belly band you may ask? Simply put, it’s a tube of stretchy supportive fabric you wear wrapped around your belly to cover your pants and smooth out the look of unzipped or unbuttoned pants especially early in pregnancy. By having one of these you can extend the life of your regular garments before you need maternity clothes.
Not to be confused with a maternity belt which offers a great deal of support, a belly band will still offer some support for your tummy especially in early pregnancy or postpartum.
For a breakdown of all types of maternity support garments see this article by Medical News Today.
Maternity Bra
Sore, tender boobs are often one of the first symptoms of pregnancy and you will absolutely want to keep the girls comfortable. By the end of the first trimester, you will need to get a maternity/nursing bra.
You may go up a cup size or two by the end of your pregnancy, so consider getting yourself fitted by a professional. Think soft, yet supportive (NO underwire!). Keeping your breasts supported and comfortable as they grow is super important.
If you are planning on nursing, you will most definitely want to invest in a good nursing bra. Consider holding off until you are closer to your due date to buy it though. By then you will have a very good idea of what size you will need. Nursing camis are pretty handy too due to their comfort and convenience, plus the fact that you can wear it during and after your pregnancy.
Optional Maternity Clothes
Now let’s talk about how you can maximize your existing wardrobe or just buy regular clothes in a larger size (in other words, SAVE MONEY) to wear throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Maternity Underwear
You can get maternity underwear in a wide array of styles from high-waisted, low-waisted (under the bump) to thong, depending on your preference. They even have super high-waisted! Personally, I found just having some low-rise panties that were nice and stretchy in a larger size suited me fine.
A few pairs of “granny panties” in navy or black to wear after you deliver is a good idea too. Stick with a breathable fabric like bamboo, cotton or cotton blend, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Comfort is key here, and don’t fret. If you enjoy wearing the more fun, skimpy and frilly stuff, you’ll get back to it one day!
Bathing Suit
Again, this one is a matter of choice. If you are comfortable showing off your bump in a 2 piece, go for it! However, if you prefer something a bit more modest, you may need to buy a 1 piece swimsuit designed specifically as maternity wear.
There’s nothing better than taking a dip to cool off in the heat of the summer, especially when you’re pregnant and getting a little uncomfortable. I loved the feeling of lightness and the way the pressure on my joints disappeared when I was floating in the pool.
Grab yourself a nice flowy beach cover-up too. No need to buy maternity for this as you can find something lovely and comfortable in the regular swimwear section. Tankinis are an excellent choice too, giving you the coverage of a two-piece but the comfort and convenience of a bikini!
Tops
If you’re having a summer pregnancy, you can practically live stretchy tank tops. Get them in ‘long’ or ‘tall’ size if you can find them or go to a men’s style. You will want them to be long enough to reach hip length so they will have nice coverage.
Something fun and stylish such as a spaghetti strap top or double strap tank will work too.
You can definitely find some cute maternity clothes that fit the bill here, but that’s entirely up to you. Remember you can thrift shop for all these items as well! I was able to find many items for under $10 which were basically brand new and would retail for 5X that price.
Need to dress for the ofice? Consider classic cut blazers or cardigans that you can wear open to layer over your tops. For more tips on maternity clothes for work check out this article on parents.com.
Maxidress
OK, not everyone likes wearing dresses. If you do though, like me, it’s a must. Obviously, seasonal weather plays a part in this. But if you live in a hot climate and you are 8 months pregnant, trust me, a cool, flowy maxidress will be your best friend.
Steer clear of heavy or constricting fabric, and instead choose something light and breathable to show off that bump! Gone are the days of hiding your pregnancy under a muumuu.
A sleeveless or short sleeve maxidress made specifically for maternity wear will have ruching or gathers sewn into the sides. This is a fantastic feature that will grow with you and look flattering throughout.
Alternatively, you could wear a strapless bandeau or “boobtube” style dress, midcalf or long, depending on your taste.
These can be bought in regular ladies’ wear and they are really flattering! The stretchy material on top will grow with you and keep you comfortable. Not just for maternity, you’ll be able to wear these dresses season after season for years to come.
Winter Coat
Depending on your location and your weather, you may need to invest in a maternity winter coat during your pregnancy. So much depends on style, obviously you won’t be wearing a tight waisted bomber jacket, but instead something that goes past the waist or even full length.
If it doesn’t get too frigid in your neck of the woods, you may be able to get away with a cape or poncho. I absolutely love my cozy knit poncho as a part of my fall postpartum wardrobe.
You might even want to check out something like this innovative baby-wearing hoodie jacket!It is dual purpose and perfect for bundling up your little one on a cool day.!
Shoes
You may need to invest in one pair of larger shoes at the end of your pregnancy.
Sometimes the feet will swell and cause some discomfort. So, if you can, put your feet up and rest as much as you can! And depending on the season, flip flops could be your best friend. Look for a pair with some good support or something recommended by your chiropracter.
Oofos are a great quality brand of orthopedic sandals (they also have clogs and flip flops) as far as comfort and support and I live in mine! Dr. Scholl or Tender Tootsies are two other brands to consider.
Leggings
The best thing about leggings, besides the fact that they’re comfortable as all get out, is that they are designed to expand!
You can buy maternity leggings, but honestly, you may not need to. Just wear the ones you already have as long as possible and then go a size up.
Depending on your stature, you may decide to purchase them in “tall” to help cover your tummy better. Comfy and stretchy, a good pair of leggings (or two or three), will be your best friend. And you’ll be able to keep wearing them even after you have the baby.
I really hope that you find these tips helpful as you go about the business of buying maternity clothes. It is fun to shop and find cute ways to dress and show off your beautiful pregnant body.
But if you want to keep spending to a minimum, there are definitely ways that you can make the most of your existing wardrobe!
Find what feels good and what works for your lifestyle, your taste and budget, and rock that bump!
Until next time, K.
Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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