The first few months of your pregnancy you might be able to get away with wearing clothes you already own. However, most women find that as soon as they start showing, they can no longer fit into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe. “A good rule of thumb for a first pregnancy is to expect to start wearing maternity clothes in your second trimester. If you’re more petite, you may find you need them sooner,” explains Maggie Gillette, fashion expert and designer. She also suggests purchasing your maternity clothes a little ahead of time, “so you already have them ready when you need them.”
But here’s the deal: Shopping for maternity clothes can be overwhelming for a few reasons. The first is that a lot of your go-to stores and brands don’t offer maternity clothing, which parlays into the second: There are a lot of options when it comes to maternity brands.
We consulted with a handful of stylist moms, who offered the lowdown on the best maternity brands of 2024 for every type of budget. The $-$$ range includes brands with a price point of under-$100 for most items and $$-$$$, around $150. If you are looking to splurge, shop the $$$$ brands, where prices get into the $300s. Keep in mind that even the most expensive maternity brands go on sale, so it’s worth checking out those that might seem out of your price range.
Also, if you are shopping for specific items, including maternity bras, jeans, or more formal attire, some brands are better than others, so we made sure to break down what each one is best for.
Nothing Fits But
Lauren Rae Levy Vigneron, a Los Angeles-based stylist, consultant and founder of the LRL Group, discovered this under-the-radar maternity brand while she was pregnant. “Offering breathable fabrics with stylishly loose, feminine fits that are snug only in the right places, these pieces will keep you feeling chic throughout your pregnancy, as well as after,” she says. Their color palettes and prints are both soft and whimsical, much like the details of the garments. “I also like that their website allows you to shop by fabric,” she adds.
Her favorite piece from the brand? The Super Comfy Pleated Jumpsuit in baby pink. “I was able to wear it throughout my pregnancy, while nursing, and again just last week, and I had my son 2.5 years ago,” she says. Many of their items are offered in “one size,” and others are offered in S through XL.
Shipping Policy: Free Global Delivery | Best for: Nap Dresses, Jumpsuits, Comfy Fabrics | Size Range: S-XL
Pink Blush
Vigneron likens Pink Blush Maternity to an online department store for pregnant women. “They are size inclusive with a section dedicated to Maternity Plus, and also offer sections for Petite-Friendly as well as Tall-Friendly shoppers,” she says. Their website offers something for literally any occasion you could encounter throughout pregnancy to the delivery room and even nursing. “They have extremely reasonable and affordable pricing on all items, which makes shopping here guilt-free, be it something you wear only a few times or for a photo shoot,” she adds. “I am a huge fan of this brand and all they offer to the maternity world.”
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Affordable Separates, Dresses, Denim, Swimwear, Nursing Clothes, Petite, Tall and Plus-Sizes | Size Range: S-3XL
Sexy Mama Maternity
Sexy Mama Maternity is the brand to hit up if you are looking for affordable dresses and gowns that are “comfortable yet still elegant,” Vigneron maintains. “They offer maternity dresses in almost every color, a variety of fabrics and lengths, and flattering fits that hug your bump,” she says.
They have great dresses for any occasion, even stunning maternity wedding gowns, and influencer-approved bump-huggers for your maternity photo shoot. They also do a good job with basics like denim, loungewear, swim, activewear and more.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Formal and Semi-Formal Gowns, Wedding Gowns and Wedding Guest Dresses, Activewear, Denim, Swim | Size Range: 00-20
Blanqi
Throughout her pregnancy, Vigneron wore Blanqi, a brand known for making the best maternity support wear, on repeat. “My favorite items to wear throughout my pregnancy were my Blanqi leggings, shorts, and tank as they all offered the support I needed to feel and look my best,” she said. “Their shorts and leggings offer support for your bump the same way their tank top does, by literally hugging your growing little one.”
The well-designed styles are “so easy to style and dress up or down, affordable, and wash so nicely offering longevity,” she adds. “This is a brand you will not be sorry to invest in, and that’s a promise.” The brand also offers “renewed original” options at a discounted price, “like-new” rejuvenated pieces that promote sustainability.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Leggings, Swim, Intimates | Size Range: S-XL
Légoe Heritage
Vigneron felt “so blessed” to stumble across this Australian-based brand early on in her pregnancy. “As a working mom in the fashion industry, it was important that I find a brand like this which gave me the gift of confidence by offering stylish, chic pieces that featured my bump without making my full look solely about my bump,” she says. She loves that they have an entire section on their site dedicated to maternity work wear, “and these styles and colors ooze feminine sophistication.”
The only drawback of ordering from the chic line is shipping. International orders over $350 earn free express shipping, but may be subject to import duties.
Shipping Policy: Free Express International Shipping From Australia for Orders Over $350 | Best for: Knit Separates and Dresses, Denim, Work Clothes | Size Range: XS-XXL
Old Navy
Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, certified image consultant and stylist, was a big fan of Old Navy Maternity while pregnant, especially for activewear. “The maternity leggings felt snug in a cozy way and the belly bands didn't fall down which is first on my style radar,” she says. She also appreciated how the overall style and color options felt “fun” and were easy to style. “It's worth getting a head to toe look with a few mix and match items so you can get creative and make the most out of your pieces,” she says. Old Navy also offers a great maternity denim collection, pajamas and loungewear, nursing bras, swimwear and clothing and work dresses. The website also makes shopping easy, with a “shop by trimester” section.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping on $50+ | Best for: Activewear, Jeans, Nursing Bras, Loungewear, Swim | Size Range: XS-XXL
Hatch
If you are looking to splurge on stylish maternity wear, Hatch should be your first stop, says Vigneron. “From pregnancy through nursing, Hatch has you covered for every possible need.” “The styles they created are quite representative of styles you would be wearing, pregnant or not,” but given the luxury treatment. Think, a perfectly crisp white button-down, a soft cotton jumpsuit or a slouchy sweater dress.
But, you get what you pay for. “Clearly, their creative team is full of maternity experts that live for fashionista moments. Their clothing is not only stylish but made from only the best quality of fabrics,” she adds. “I highly recommend checking out their collection, and if you are on a budget, splurge for their items that you can wear during maternity as well as later when you are nursing, and you can justify the investment.” She also suggests their compression socks, “as they were my third trimester best friend.”
Shipping Policy: $6 and up | Best for: Luxury, Denim, Swim, Activewear, Nursing Bras, Dresses | Size Range: XS-XL
Storq
Vigneron shops at Storq for the “coziest essentials.” “If you are looking for chic pieces that are easy to wear, dress up or down, and are made of the softest materials, this brand is for you,” she says. One of the brand’s must-have items? Storq’s Anytime Overalls, “one of my favorites for maternity wear as bumps look absolutely adorable in overalls and rompers,” she says. “I am also a huge fan of their delivery robes; being as comfortable as possible at the hospital when the big day comes is priceless,” Vigneron says.
Darlene Lebron, content creator, model, and entrepreneur also recommends splurging on Storq. “The level of comfort their clothing provided was on a whole other level,” she attests. “I also love that many of their items worked well past my pregnancy. A big plus is they carry up to a 4XL.”
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Casual Knit Separates, Sleepwear, Dresses, Nursing Bras | Size Range: XS-4XL
Beyond Yoga Beyond the Bump
Gillette recommends Beyond Yoga for stylish workout and athleisure wear, as its maternity line also naturally specializes in these categories. “These clothes are perfect for working out or just relaxing,” she says. Many of their items come in their unique technical fabrics, “Spacedye if you’re looking for support or their new Featherweight Spacedye fabric, which is lighter and less compressive,” she says. Both versions are soft, stretchy, and have UV protection. And, the majority of their athleisure separates can be worn well into the postpartum months.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping and free returns | Best for: Working out, Loungewear | Size Range: XS-XL
Bodily
Bodily has you covered when it comes to comfortable undergarments and all your postpartum self-care needs, says Gillette. “Bodily understands that your body goes through changes during pregnancy and the fourth trimester (and beyond!) and creates products that support these needs.”
From c-section friendly undies to different bras to help you along your breast-feeding journey, this brand has you covered for everything. They even offer products for women who suffer miscarriages and stillbirth.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping over $100 | Best for: Nursing Bras, Undergarments | Size Range: S-3X
Seraphine
Seraphine offers a wide range of pregnancy and postpartum-friendly apparel. “Their selection of formal wear is one of the largest around, perfect if you have some events while you’re expecting (or nursing!),” says Gillette. However, the real standout is their innovative three-in-one coats, she maintains. “Not only does the adjustable drawstring waist of the roomy design allow this coat to be worn during and after pregnancy, but the coat comes with an extra panel that lets you use it while babywearing to keep you both cozy and warm.”
Shipping Policy: Customer pays shipping | Best for: Nursing Bras, Jean, Knit Separates, Work Clothes, Formal Wear | Size Range: 2-T20
Bumpsuit
Bumpsuit started with a now-iconic one-piece jumpsuit that comes in a bunch of fun colors and quickly expanded their line to include other base later essentials like shapewear and loungewear that support your growing bump and your postpartum body. “The styles from Bumpsuit embrace the beauty of your curves, so this is the perfect brand if you’re looking for something to show off and celebrate your shape,” says Gillette. They also have a line of swimwear and the sexiest evening wear options around, like long, tight cutout dresses with high slits.
Shipping Policy: Customer pays shipping | Best for: Jumpsuits, Body Conscious Shapewear, Sexy Evening Wear, Baby Carriers | Size Range: XS-XL
Mama by Aerie
Amerikaner shops Aerie for “easy breezy” pieces. “Their oversized sweatshirts, nursing tanks, laid back knit joggers, and fun crop tops were easy to style for a growing tummy,” she says. Some of their pieces — like her favorite Aerie overall — she still wears to this day. “I purchased them a size larger so in the beginning they were loose and drapey and as I grew, they fit my belly perfectly. I wore them with cute crop tops in the summer and with oversized sweaters in the fall,” she said.
Shipping Policy: Free Standard Shipping | Best for: Nursing Bras, Sleepwear, Knit Separataes | Size Range: XXS-XXL
Quince
Quince, the sustainably sourced, price transparent, direct-to-consumer brand, recently added a maternity line. Expect the same high-quality, shockingly reasonably priced leggings, shirts, dresses, and even nursing bras in some of their trademark materials, including washable silk and cashmere. Some must-buy picks include a washable stretch silk jumpsuit, the maternity version of their bestselling washable silk slip dress and a mongolian cashmere nursing shawl.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Elevated Basics, Nursing Bras, Leggings, Sweaters | Size Range: XS-XL
A Pea In The Pod
Moms-to-be have been shopping at A Pea in the Pod for over a decade. The website is basically a virtual maternity department store, offering everything from budget-friendly basics to splurge-worthy designer denim, dresses, lingerie, and swimwear. Brands include Splendid, J Brand, Cosabella, Rachel Pally, Belly Bandit, Joe’s Jeans and their Pea in the Pod line. While some of the name brand items can get pricey, they regularly run big sales with deep discounts, so check the site often and sign up for email notifications.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Denim, Nursing Bras, Swimwear, Dresses, Knit Separates | Size Range: XS-XL
What to Keep in Mind
Shipping and Returns
When shopping online, make sure to look at the fine print in terms of shipping. A lot of brands offer free shipping (like Pink Blush Maternity), sometimes with a minimum (like Old Navy), while a few smaller retailers charge a fee. Gillette stresses the importance of also paying attention to return policies, “especially if this is a new to you brand and you’re not quite sure how it fits,” she says.
Sizing
Just like in standard-size clothes, the fit and sizing on maternity clothes will vary from brand to brand, “so it might take a little experimentation to see what works for your new body,” says Gillette. Storq has one of the widest size ranges going up to 4X.
“One way to increase your chances of having something that fits off the bat is purchasing from a brand you know that also does maternity since you already know your base size,” she notes. If you’re a fan of Aerie or Quince already, you can buy your favorite pieces in the maternity line.
Price Range
Just like regular clothes, maternity brands vary from super budget-friendly to incredibly expensive. Everyone’s budget and lifestyle are different, so how much you want to spend on maternity clothes will vary, explains Gillette. In general, she suggests investing the most in pieces that can do double duty. “A black skirt can work for the office with a blouse and with a cute t-shirt for brunch with friends,” she explains. For pregnancy, comfort is key, so she recommends spending a little more to have items that you feel great in. “Generally, think of the items you’re going to wear every day, like jeans and leggings, and consider the price per wear. For me, these are where you want to splurge.” For items that you might only wear once or twice, like a fancy top or a formal dress, you might want to consider investing less. “That said, with all the body changes that happen during pregnancy, it is worth it to purchase some clothes that make you feel good.” A retailer like A Pea in the Pod has the full range of prices and styles to choose from.
Your Questions, Answered
When do you start wearing maternity clothes?
Everyone’s body changes differently throughout their journey of pregnancy so when you start wearing maternity clothes is truly a personal preference, explains Vigneron. “While pregnant, I was so excited to style my bump and embrace the process that I started purchasing maternity clothes already for the end of my first trimester,” she said. Others can make it through their second trimester without having to purchase maternity clothes.
How do you find your size in maternity clothes?
Most maternity brand sizing correlates with your usual sizing, says Gillette. If you are a size 6 pre-pregnancy, you will probably be a 6 during. Some brands also offer clothing that is categorized by trimester, adds Vigneron, “and most brands offer charts showing how their brand fits and how any particular style may run size-wise so you know whether to size up or down if needed.”
Why Shop with Us
Leah Groth is a commerce writer and mother-of-two, who tested out lots of maternity brands while pregnant with her two children. She also consulted many experts to help round out the product list, including:
- Lauren Rae Levy Vigneron, Los Angeles-based stylist, consultant and founder of the LRL Group
- Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, certified image consultant and stylist
- Maggie Gillette, fashion expert and designer
- Darlene Lebron, content creator, model and entrepreneur