When Should You Buy and Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?

While plenty of the changes to your body during pregnancy are less than fun (like swelling and morning sickness), they’ll also give you the perfect excuse to update your wardrobe. You get to pick different maternity outfits that’ll accommodate your growing bump and, of course, express your personal style.

But when is it time to take a trip to the mall or start bulk-buying maternity leggings online?

Read on for pointers on which maternity clothes to buy, where to shop, and most importantly, when you should plan on doing all of this.

There’s no set timeline for when you should start wearing maternity clothes. Some women switch to them in the first trimester for some much-needed comfort while they battle early pregnancy symptoms like bloating and discomfort.

Other moms, however, wait until the second trimester. That’s the point when many moms grow a noticeable baby bump and their pregnancy really starts showing. 1

What are signs that you should start wearing maternity clothes?

Comfort is key, and exactly when you should start shopping will depend on how quickly your body changes. That said, here are some signs it might be time to explore maternity options:

• Waistbands are unforgiving: Tricks like the rubber band method (i.e., wrapping a rubber band around the button and button hole of your pants) can only work for so long. Eventually, you won’t be able to rely on these temporary waist extenders, and you’ll need new clothes.
• Clothes feel too tight or short: As your pregnancy progresses, your shirts will become too short, and your dresses may pinch at your waist or ribcage.
• You’re having button-down issues: Towards the end of the first trimester or in the early second trimester, you may notice your button-down shirts can no longer button all the way down.
• You’re just uncomfortable: If you constantly think about how your clothes fit (or don’t) and find yourself gravitating toward stretchy fabrics like spandex, you might want to switch to maternity clothes.

With all of that said, if you come across a maternity piece you love before you notice any of these signs, it doesn’t hurt to grab it while it’s still available. Just make sure to check the store’s return policies in case it doesn’t fit you later on.

Creating a maternity wardrobe doesn’t mean replacing your entire closet. Instead, focus on getting a few essential pieces you can easily mix and match.

Here’s a selection of must-have maternity clothing items to add to your wardrobe:

• Jeans: A comfy pair of maternity jeans is a game-changer. Try different designs (e.g., over-the-bump, under-the-bump, or side panel) to see which fits best. Maternity jeans offer support and prevent the annoying sliding-down feeling that pregnant women are all too familiar with.
• Leggings: These are a pregnancy staple that give gentle support without feeling too tight. Black leggings are a classic, but you can also experiment with different colors and patterns.
• Tops: Look for longer, roomier tops that can accommodate your growing bump. Stretchy fabrics like cotton, jersey, or modal are great choices. Consider buying tops with nursing-friendly features; that way, you can keep wearing them postpartum if you decide to breastfeed.
• Dresses: Many pregnant women enjoy wearing dresses, even if they didn’t before. That’s because maternity dresses are comfortable, flexible, and breathable. Choose dresses with empire waists, stretchy fabric, or wrap styles that can be adjusted as your bump grows.
• Bras and underwear: Your breasts may start to swell as early as the first trimester, and breast pain during pregnancy is a common complaint for moms-to-be. 1 It’s worth investing in comfortable and supportive maternity bras. Seamless underwear is also worthwhile, as it’s less likely to dig into your skin.
• Loungewear: Soft, comfortable loungewear is essential for relaxing at home. Think stretchy pants, oversized sweaters, and comfortable robes.

Other maternity wear to consider

Beyond the essentials, you might need other maternity wear, depending on your lifestyle.

• Maternity workout clothes: Staying active during pregnancy improves your mental well-being and lowers the risk of complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and postpartum depression. 2 You may be more motivated to exercise with comfortable maternity workout clothes like leggings, tops, and sports bras.
• Work clothes: Moms who work from home can live in leggings, sweatpants, and other casual clothing. However, many who work in offices will need to buy business-appropriate clothes, such as button-down shirts or oversized blazers (a great type of layering piece). You could also use a maternity band to extend the life of your regular work pants.
• Seasonal clothes: If you’re pregnant during the summer, you may want to pick up a maternity swimsuit. If you’re pregnant during the colder months, you’ll need a coat that can button or zip around your bump—or, again, you could use a jacket extender with your existing winter coats.
• Comfortable shoes: You may need shoes that provide good arch support if you’ll have to be on your feet for long periods of time. Many women will experience foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy, and a good pair of maternity shoes can be a lifesaver. 3

Consider writing down your new wardrobe checklist in your journal or pregnancy tracker app so that you don’t forget any of your must-haves when shopping.

Remember that your body will go through plenty of changes as you get closer to your due date. Opt for maternity clothes that’ll grow with you throughout your pregnancy and hold up well during postpartum.

On the latter point, consider what you can wear after giving birth. For example, nursing-friendly features like easy access necklines are a plus for breastfeeding moms. Roomy silhouettes and stretchy fabrics will also be comfortable when your body is still healing.

When picking clothes, choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, jersey, knit, lyocell, or modal over synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which trap heat and moisture.

Also, look for adjustable features like drawstring waistbands or ruched sides. Overall, your clothes should be loose-fitting or at least stretchable.

Before you go looking for maternity clothes, don’t forget to shop your closet first! You may already have loose-fitting blouses, dresses, and cardigans that are perfect to wear during pregnancy.

Once you’ve determined which pieces you still need, you can shop at the following places:

• Dedicated maternity brands: Some brands are dedicated to making maternity wear, and they typically offer the widest selection and easiest shopping experience. They include Motherhood, PinkBlush Maternity, and Cake Maternity, to name just a few.
• Non-maternity retailers with maternity lines: Many popular retailers, including H&M, Old Navy, and Gap, have maternity lines or curated sections of pregnancy-friendly clothing.
• Clothing rental services: If you don’t want to actually buy a lot of maternity clothes, you could subscribe to a clothing rental service, such as Nuuly or Motherhood Rental. These usually charge a flat monthly fee.
• Consignment shops: If you’re on a budget, you can get maternity clothes from second-hand consignment shops. They’re great places to find affordable, second-hand maternity clothes.
• Online marketplaces: Check out online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, ThredUp, and Poshmark for discounted maternity clothes.

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. Here are a few simple styling tips to try:

• Accessorize: Add personality to your maternity outfits with accessories like jewelry, scarves, and belts (worn above your bump).
• Layering: This is a great way to add dimension to your outfits and stay comfortable even when the temperature changes.
• Show off your bump: Don’t be afraid to show off your baby bump! Fitted tops and dresses can be a flattering way to highlight your pregnancy.
• Mix and match: Create different outfits by mixing and matching your maternity pieces.
• Splurge (a little): While you don’t need to spend a fortune on maternity clothes, investing in a few high-quality pieces that you love can make a big difference in how you feel.

While feeling your body change during pregnancy isn’t always enjoyable, on the bright side, you get to buy new clothes and build your maternity wardrobe!

Whether you’re a seasoned fashion expert or more of the “whatever works” type, shop around to find the best deal. Don’t be shy to ask fellow moms-to-be for their maternity wear recommendations.