These Are the 16 Best Places to Buy Maternity Clothes, According to Experts
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From affordable mainstays to boutique shops
People / Alli Waataja
Ah, the joys of pregnancy. You get cute ultrasound pics to put on your fridge, you start to feel little flutters of movement inside your belly, people fawn over you and ask when you’re due… and then suddenly, one day, your clothes no longer fit. And even though a growing belly means a healthy baby, dealing with an ever-changing body can quickly make getting dressed a daunting task. Enter the beauty of maternity clothes, specially designed pieces meant to fit and accommodate a baby bump as well as all of the various weight and body changes that occur both during pregnancy and even postpartum. These days, maternity clothes are more stylish than ever, not to mention are available at a wide variety of price points across a range of different retailers. And here’s a little insider secret: If you’ve been resisting venturing into the land of maternity wear (a lá Haylie Duff), you don’t necessarily need to buy a ton of maternity-specific pieces. By your third trimester, it will probably be helpful to have clothing specifically designed for pregnancy to ensure the perfect fit, but you can also buy oversized regular pieces, or just go a few sizes up in some of your favorites, says Sydne Summer, a former fashion editor, fashion blogger, and new mom.
With that advice in mind, here are the 16 best places to buy maternity clothes.
Old Navy
What We Like
An extensive range of very affordable options across maternity and non-maternity categories
Plenty of store locations for in-store shopping, pick-up, as well as returns
What We Don’t Like
Quality can sometimes vary, depending on the particular item
Pregnant mommas know that Old Navy is a hidden gem when it comes to finding a whole host of incredibly affordable clothing options, from activewear to PJs to denim. New York City stylist and brand consultant Morgan Bienvenue says her pregnant clients especially love it for great basic staples, like T-shirts. Summer is a fan, too, calling out the maternity kits and multi-packs they offer. Plus, with the constant barrage of various sales — including added discounts and points for those who have a credit card with any of the Gap Inc. brands — you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll never have to pay full price for anything.
Return Policy: Free returns within the U.S.; can be returned via mail or in-store | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping for members on orders $50+ | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Live chat and phone | Perks: Amazing sales all the time, including extra perks for members and those who have an Old Navy/Gap/Athleta/ Banana Republic credit card
Bumpsuit
What We Like
Most of the pieces, including the best-selling jumpsuits, have tons of stretch to grow with you during pregnancy
What We Don’t Like
Returns aren't free, and everything is generally fairly expensive
Customer service is oftentimes lacking, and the return window is shorter than at many other retailers
If you’re looking to add one splurge-worthy pick to your pregnancy wardrobe that will last you your entire pregnancy (and beyond), you may want to consider one of these jumpsuits, beloved by fashionista moms everywhere. There are a variety of different cuts and styles to pick from, all made from an incredibly soft, wildly stretchy material that somehow truly does stretch and mold to your body as it grows and changes. They’re not cheap (particularly when you take into account that neither shipping nor returns are free), but given how versatile they are and the fact that they can be worn during all three trimesters, it is a worthwhile investment. The brand isn't only known for jumpsuits and rompers, though — they also have great loungewear, shapewear, swimsuits, and even evening gowns!
Return Policy: $10 return restocking fee | Delivery Options: Shipping charges vary | Return Window: Within 14 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Email or via website | Perks: 15% off when you download the app; members can earn points with every purchase
HATCH
What We Like
The site offers a great variety of basics and more stylish pieces
There are dedicated options for postpartum and the fourth trimester as well
What We Don’t Like
A return shipping fee is deducted from returns, and all the pieces generally tend to skew toward higher price points
“HATCH Collection is my favorite by far," says Summer. "It’s on the pricier side, but you can wear so many of the classic pieces years after having a baby." The retailer is a top pick for many celeb mommas too, like Meghan Markle, Jessica Alba, and Rihanna. Choose from a range of upgraded basics — think mega-comfy leggings as well as awesome options for postpartum, like these easy dresses that will make you feel somewhat stylish and pulled-together, even when you’re totally sleep-deprived. Also nice: The sizing is generous and flexible, ensuring pieces work throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Return Policy: Exchanges are free; returns cost $10-$15 | Delivery Options: $6-$40, depending on shipping method | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Online inquiry only | Perks: 10% off with email sign-up; 7-day price adjustment policy
Amazon
What We Like
Fast, free shipping and easy returns on most items, especially if you’re a Prime member
There is no shortage of options to choose from across a wide-variety of brands
What We Don’t Like
Quality varies based on the retailer/item; sizing can sometimes be a bit off as well
Who knew that the place where you buy everything from dog treats to toilet paper could also be a goldmine for maternity-wear? A quick scroll through social media reveals no shortage of influencers touting all kinds of bump-friendly pieces from the online retail giant, which are both maternity and non-maternity specific. Don’t miss out on this viral romper, and the wide variety of Summer Mae maternity bathing suits is also especially impressive. Not to mention that while you’re clothes shopping, you can easily add any and all other pregnancy and baby essentials to your cart.
Return Policy: Varies depending on retailer, but often free, especially for Prime members | Delivery Options: Varies depending on retailer, but often free, especially for Prime members | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Live chat and phone | Perks: Free two-day shipping for Prime members
ASOS
What We Like
Nice range of affordable options across all clothing categories
Asos Premier membership offers free next-day delivery on orders over $50+ (costs $25/year)
What We Don’t Like
Standard shipping costs and timing can vary based on where you live
Simple staples, fun dresses, flattering swimwear — there’s a little bit of everything to choose from across the Asos maternity offerings. That includes lots of items that are great, affordable dupes for way more expensive designer items; take this one-size crinkle swimsuit, which is very similar to one that rings in at nearly five times the price. Sales are frequent, and students can also get a 10% discount across the board.
Return Policy: Delivery costs non-refundable | Delivery Options: Varies; free next day delivery for Asos Premier member on orders over $50+ ($25 per year to join) | Return Window: Within 28 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Chat | Perks: 15% off first order; 10% student discount
Seraphine
What We Like
The website is helpfully categorized, including specific options for baby shower and maternity shoot options
Returns are free within the U.S.
What We Don’t Like
Exchanges aren’t offered, and online purchases can’t be returned in store
There’s no free delivery
This is another favorite retailer of Summer’s, who lauds it for their wide variety of versatile pieces that are great for both pregnant and nursing moms. We appreciate the way their site is structured, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, with helpful categories such as “the vacation shop,” (full of great options for your babymoon), as well as a dedicated section for maternity bridesmaid dresses. And, per Summer’s point, there are also plenty of choices for nursing moms, too.
Return Policy: Free returns within the U.S. | Delivery Options: $6.95 delivery charge | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Phone and email | Perks: Frequent sales; 10% off with email sign-up
H&M
What We Like
Both the maternity line, H&M Mama, and regular line have great options for pregnant women
They offer lots of trendier and more stylish items that are still very affordable
What We Don’t Like
Quality can sometimes be a little bit hit or miss, and certain pieces/sizes can sell-out quickly
Here’s yet another retailer that came highly-recommended from our experts, both of whom call out how affordable it is. There is a dedicated maternity line, H&M Mama, which has both basics (like these great tanks), as well as plenty of more trendy pieces. Given how affordable everything is, this is a prime place to shop for a more stylish option to wear to a one-time event (think: your baby shower or a big night out). But check out the non-maternity part of the site, too: with plenty of oversized cuts and an extensive size range in all of their pieces, it’s a veritable treasure trove of wallet-friendly yet stylish picks.
Return Policy: Free returns via mail for H&M members, $5.99 charge otherwise; free returns in store | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping for members on orders $40+ or $60+ for non-members; $5.99-$24.99 otherwise | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Chat | Perks: 15% off when you sign-up for emails and texts
Related: Who's Due Next? Celebs Who Are Expecting
Target
What We Like
There are plenty of affordable options to choose from, including fun designer collaborations
What We Don’t Like
Selection can vary based on particular store location, as well as compared to online availability
It’s not like you needed another excuse for a Target shopping spree, but do make sure to check out their maternity section the next time you’re in-store or perusing online. Along with maternity versions of some of their in-house brands (check out Auden for affordable bras to help accommodate your ever-fluctuating chest size), they also have some unique mini-brands. For example, there’s Isabel Maternity, a slightly more affordable version of maternity line Ingrid & Isabel, which has all kinds of cute basics — including these shortalls, a summer staple for any mom-to-be.
Return Policy: Free returns | Delivery Options: Free shipping on most items | Return Window: Within 90 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Live chat and phone | Perks: A variety of perks, discounts, and money back for Target Circle member
Walmart
What We Like
Plenty of very affordable picks to choose from, including packs of multiples
What We Don’t Like
Great for basic pieces, although the options for more stylish or trendy items is a bit limited
Walmart has several of their own maternity sub-brands available, including Oh! Mama and Time and Tru. While you may want to go elsewhere if you’re on the hunt for stylish or more investment-type pieces, this is a great stop to stock up on basics. In true Walmart fashion, everything is extremely affordable, and even more so when you consider that many of the staples come in packs of two or three. (This pair of highly-rated black bike shorts is a great example.)
Return Policy: Free returns in-store or by mail | Delivery Options: Free shipping on orders over $35+ | Return Window: Within 90 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Phone, via website | Perks: Walmart+ membership offers a variety of benefits
Zara
What We Like
Amazing selection of very trendy and current items at good price points
What We Don’t Like
Website can be very hard to navigate and see items clearly, shipping times can be delayed during sales
No maternity-specific items
Not in the mood to buy maternity-specific clothing? No problem. Zara has plenty of oversized, roomy cuts and styles that will still suit your growing bump — think flow-y tunic-esque dresses and billowy jumpsuits. Everything rings in at reasonable prices, and you can always expect the styles to feel super current and fashion-forward, given the brand’s European heritage. Sometimes online shopping can be a bit daunting as there are so many pieces to sift through, so prepare to tuck in for a bit and get comfy as you search (you deserve to take a load off, anyway!). We also love how easy they've made it to return your item via a few clicks.
Return Policy: Free returns in-store; $3.95 for mail | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping on orders $50+ not including discounted items; $4.95 otherwise | Return Window: Within 30 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Via website | Perks: Occasional sales with good discounts
Blanqi
What We Like
Many of the pieces have built-in support panels, making them extra comfortable, especially for later in pregnancy
What We Don’t Like
The sizing on some of the pieces can be a little tricky to determine, and may also change throughout pregnancy
According to Bienvenue, this retailer makes “the best breast-feeding bras and leggings.” The latter is what they’re known for; there are a few different options to choose from, but this belly support style is an absolute maternity must-have. The built-in support panel makes them extremely comfortable, even on bigger bumps, as is the fact that they’re seam-free and made from a buttery soft fabric. Check out their recently-launched swim collection, too — they also have a pre-owned section on their site for those looking to make more sustainable fashion choices.
Return Policy: $6 return shipping fee | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping on orders $100+ | Return Window: Within 30 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Email, text | Perks: 15% off first order
Abercrombie & Fitch
What We Like
Frequent sales with stackable discounts mean it’s easy to save money
Both the maternity and non-maternity options are worth checking out
What We Don’t Like
Shipping can take a while, and mail-in returns aren’t free
Who knew that your fave middle school shopping destination could be a good choice for this phase in your life, too? Along with a nice array of maternity-specific denim choices, many of their regular pieces — button-down, sweats, dresses — can easily be worn during pregnancy if you size up a bit. Pro tip: Check out these men’s extra-long T-shirts — Bienvenue says they double as awesome pajama tops during pregnancy.
Return Policy: Free exchanges and in-store return; $7 for mail-in returns | Delivery Options: $7-$22; free for A&F members | Return Window: Within 30 days of purchase | Customer Service Options: Chat, email, phone | Perks: A&F members have access to various perks and sometimes earlier sales
Gap
What We Like
Frequent sales with stackable discounts make the affordable prices even more wallet-friendly
Both the maternity and non-maternity options are worth checking out
What We Don’t Like
Certain maternity items can only be returned via mail
No matter whether you’re in the market for denim, loungewear, dresses, activewear, pajamas (you get the picture), you can pretty much guarantee that Gap has it — and for a great price. Add to that the fact that there’s pretty much always some kind of sale happening, and this is a great spot to build out your maternity wardrobe if you’re on a budget. The quality is also pretty much consistent across the board; we’re especially big fans of these bike shorts and these seamless bralettes (which are extra comfy, whether or not you’re pregnant).
Return Policy: Free returns within the U.S.; can be returned via mail or in-store | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping for members on orders $50+ | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Live chat and phone | Perks: Amazing sales all the time, including extra perks for members and those who have an Old Navy/Gap/Athleta/ Banana Republic credit card
Stitch Fix
What We Like
Easy to use and understand, and no permanent subscription fees are required
Shipping and returns are always free
What We Don’t Like
For those who want more control over the shopping process, this may not be the best pick
“Stitch Fix is a great option for moms who want to outsource the process of shopping for maternity clothes,” says Bienvenue. (And hey, we get it, if you don’t like shopping when you’re not pregnant, you may not find it particularly fun when you are with child.) Enter this solution — you pay a $20 stylist fee, answer some questions about your style, and receive a curated box of items selected just for you. Choose and pay for only whatever you want to keep, and that $20 stylist fee will get credited towards the total. We also like that there are options tailored toward every trimester.
Return Policy: Free | Delivery Options: Free | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Email | Perks: 25% off if you keep everything in your box
PinkBlush Maternity
What We Like
There are a variety of shipping options available, including one-business day delivery; returns are free
Dedicated petite, tall, and plus-size options
What We Don’t Like
Some reviewers note that shipping issues are common
Bienvenue says this is an awesome site to check out if you’re in the market for bump-friendly dresses. That wide selection of minis, maxis, and midis is in fact what this retailer is best known for. There’s no shortage of picks for any possible occasion, no matter whether you’re looking for a wedding-appropriate gown or flirty mini for vacay. (To that point, the expansive offerings are very conveniently categorized and easy to filter on the site.) Also nice: They almost all ring in at less than $100.
Return Policy: Free returns | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping on orders $100+ | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery | Customer Service Options: Live chat, phone, text, email | Perks: 25% off your first order; refer-a-friend bonus program
Free People
What We Like
Many of their pieces will work well not only during pregnancy but also for the postpartum period
What We Don’t Like
This retailer doesn’t have maternity-specific options
Their items don’t often go on sale
Elastic waistbands and oversized cuts are your BFFs during pregnancy (and after, for that matter), and Free People offers plenty of both. While they don’t have a maternity-specific line, given the roomier shapes of many of their items, it’s plenty easy to find cute, comfortable options no matter how pregnant you are. Plus, since it’s not maternity-specific, you can easily wear them post-baby, too. This best-selling onesie is a universal crowd-pleaser, as is this bike short & T-shirt set from its sister line, FP Movement, which also has tons of great choices.
Return Policy: Free | Delivery Options: Free standard shipping on orders $100+; $7.95-$20 | Return Window: Within 30 days of delivery for refund to original method of payment | Customer Service Options: Live chat, text | Perks: Free express shipping on orders $150+ placed via the app
What to Look For in a Place to Buy Maternity Clothes
Return Policy
“Like all women's clothing, maternity sizes can be very inconsistent between brands, or even within the same brand, so it's important to be able to return things easily if they're not working for you,” Bienvenue points out. Summer agrees, adding that a simple return policy is key; it also doesn't hurt if returns/exchanges are free.
Cost
According to Bienvenue, most people don’t view maternity clothes as investment pieces, given that being pregnant is a temporary experience. That being said, comfort and high quality are still very important, so you may want to take those things into consideration when you’re considering the general cost of maternity clothes, she adds. And, to that point, it may be worth spending a bit more on something you’ll wear all the time — say, a great pair of black leggings — and saving on something you’ll wear just once, like a dress for a special occasion, adds Summer.
Reviews
“Many retailers use non-pregnant models and just add a faux bump, so it's often hard to tell what the clothing will really look like,” explains Summer. That’s where reading reviews from real (pregnant) women can be very helpful. “Bonus points for retailers that encourage buyers to upload photos of themselves wearing the clothing,” she adds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start wearing maternity clothes?
Both experts we spoke with note that this is largely dependent on the individual, their body type, and the pregnancy. That being said, once your clothing starts to feel too tight or uncomfortable, that can be a good sign that it’s time to consider it, says Summer.
How much should you spend on maternity clothes?
Everyone’s budget is different, but it's important to remember that you may be wearing a lot of these clothes for almost a year when you consider both pregnancy and the postpartum period, says Bienvenue. To that point, Summer says it’s helpful to look at things from a "cost per wear" perspective, spending a bit more on basics that are versatile and can be worn over and over, and saving on one-offs. The good news? There are plenty of great maternity retailers with options at all price points.
Do you need to buy maternity clothes?
You don’t need to do anything, and for many women, sizing up can often be a great option for most if not all of their pregnancy. However, it can be helpful to have even a few pieces that are maternity-specific, as these will be made to give you extra room just where you need and still fit the parts of your body that haven’t grown, Summer points out.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Melanie Rud is a beauty and lifestyle writer who covers a wide array of topics. For this story, she interviewed experts Sydne Summer, a former fashion editor, fashion blogger, and new mom as well as stylist and brand consultant Morgan Bienvenue. She also researched multiple retailers selling maternity clothing as well as general retailers. Rud is currently pregnant with twins and has shopped at many of the stores and sites on this list throughout her pregnancy.
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