How to Choose Maternity Wear (That You'll Actually Love)

Mama, if you're reading this, chances are your body is already showing signs of the incredible transformation that is pregnancy — and maybe your jeans aren't quite buttoning up the way they used to. First of all, take a deep breath. This is such a beautiful stage, and you deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated in every moment of it.

Let’s talk about maternity wear — not just any clothes, but the kind that supports your body, honors the changes you're going through, and still feels like you.

 

 

Why Maternity Wear Isn’t Just Upsized Clothing

You might be tempted to just size up your regular clothes. We’ve all been there! It seems like an easy and budget-friendly option… until you try wearing a large tee or stretchy leggings past month five and realize something just doesn’t look or feel right.

Here's why true maternity clothing makes all the difference:

• Designed for a Growing Bump: Maternity wear is thoughtfully constructed with stretch panels, ruching, and softer waistbands that grow with you. You won’t find that in your usual clothing — no matter how many sizes up you go. It just ends up looking like your clothes don’t fit you.
• Comfort in the Right Places: The fabrics are chosen for breathability and comfort. From swollen ankles to sore lower backs, maternity pieces are designed with your needs like comfort in mind — not just your size.
• Flattering Without Squeezing: Instead of hiding your bump or clinging in weird places, good maternity clothing celebrates your curves and helps you feel like yourself (but comfier!). After all, this body is also beautiful and nothing to be ashamed of.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Maternity Wear for You

Choosing maternity clothes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here's a little guide — from one mama to another — to help you build a small but mighty wardrobe:

1. Start with the Essentials

Think basics that you can mix and match:

• A comfy pair of maternity leggings. The maternity kind, they go over the belly and are normally made from sturdier fabrics than the regular ones they are so comfy and give good support. I had 1 pair that I wore all the time, they were the most comfy thing I owned and I wore those leggings until my child was a year old and they eventually fell apart from all the wear. They made me feel so comfortable after birth because they hold you together.

 

• A classic pair of over belly maternity jeans. I’m a jeans girly through and through, so this is always a winner in my books, classic styles and colours can be dressed up or down for pretty much any occasion.  They go over the belly and are so comfy. Because they close you up, they are great for avoiding those peek-a-boo moments. Especially when you get to those last few months.

 

• A few maternity-friendly tees or tanks, opt for ones that are suitable for breastfeeding. This way you get more bang for your buck because you get more wear from the items.

 

• One or two dresses (something flowy or stretchy). Also try opting for styles that transition well into your postpartum phase.

 

• A supportive bra or two — your chest will thank you. The later you get in your pregnancy the more uncomfortable bras become, in the last two months I struggled with anything underwire.

 

2. Check the Fabric

Look for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or stretchy fabrics— Cotton Lycra or Viscose Lycra blends are lovely and comfortable. They offer high stretch but still have good structure to them and are breathable. Cotton is great for breathability but often don’t offer much stretch so just ensure to check styling when choosing fabrics like that, think wrap dresses.

3. Fit Over Size

You don’t need to size up — maternity wear is designed to match your pre-pregnancy size, with adjustments for your growing belly. So if you were a medium before, you’ll likely still wear a medium in maternity clothing. It is of course very normal to put on additional weight during pregnancy so if you feel like this is the case then size up one size to ensure you are comfortable. You can also check a brands sizing guide and do a quick measure if you want to make sure.

4. Choose Pieces That Transition Postpartum

Look for styles with nursing access or stretchy designs that you can wear after birth too. Trust me, having clothes that still fit and feel good in those early postpartum days is a small but mighty blessing.

From One Mama to Another: My Maternity Wear Truth

I remember feeling so out of sorts during pregnancy — physically, emotionally, and especially when it came to clothing. Nothing fit quite right, and I was hyper-aware of the cost of a whole new wardrobe. I was on a budget, and I felt stuck in this idea that I needed to completely refill my cupboard, and it felt impossible.

Here’s the truth I wish I’d known sooner:
You really don’t need much. You really can feel good with just a few thoughtful pieces.

Capsule over clutter.
You only need a small collection of interchangeable, versatile items. Start with a few basics and build slowly. When you purchase mindfully with purpose and quality in mind, you can hold onto these pieces and re-use them later again through your next pregnancy. When you purchase classic basics, they will never go out of style.

You have time.
For most women the baby bumps only really starts showing well into the second trimester — usually around 4 to 6 months. So don’t panic on day one, you have time to figure this out. Don’t rush and panic buy, the last thing you need is spending money on stuff you realize later down the line you don’t want or need.

If I could do it again?
I’d start with some basics. I’d choose items I could wear postpartum too — because your body doesn’t “snap back” immediately a lot of these pieces can be worn throughout those early days too. Your belly will feel a bit like a jelly cup for a while and if you are breastfeeding as well, clothing that holds you together feels like the best thing in the world.

Comfort is key.
I can’t stress this enough — finding a piece that makes you feel comfortable, that fits and takes the guess work out of figuring out what to wear can make all the difference on difficult days. There is often no rationality to the emotional hormonal roller coaster you will embark on, but this is one small thing that can control. 

You’ve got this, Mama. 💛