The Best Maternity Clothes to Buy, According to Moms

Though they’re not actually maternity leggings, Lululemon leggings are incredibly popular among pregnant moms because of their amazing stretch and buttery-soft feel. The high-waist panel is a particularly excellent feature as it provides plenty of support for your bump without feeling too tight. Though they’re more expensive than other leggings, moms rave about how Lululemon Aligns hold up for years, and many report wearing these well into the postpartum period, as well as through multiple pregnancies. 

I invested in several pairs of maternity jeans when pregnant, and by far, I reached for my Levi’s skinny jeans most often because of their impressive stretch and super comfortable under-the-belly band. Even though some moms prefer an over-the-belly band, this low-rise one is surprisingly supportive, without adding all that extra fabric over your stomach. Pregnant moms also found that these jeans were more durable than they expected a pair of $35 would be, and they loved the stylish washes available. One thing to note is that several moms said these jeans stretched throughout the day and found that they had to frequently readjust them towards the end of the day.

When it comes to a maternity bra, What to Expect moms rave about the Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Made of a soft nylon-spandex blend fabric that doesn’t -irritate sensitive pregnancy skin, the bra easily stretches to accommodate your growing breasts while still providing plenty of support. The wireless design also ensures greater comfort, especially for tender breasts. The sizing options accommodate a wide range of breast sizes, with many moms with larger busts saying that it fit them well. Moms in the What to Expect community note that this bra is also extremely durable and held up for them throughout multiple pregnancies. 

Best of all, this can be used as a nursing bra, extending its value and use.

One drawback to keep in mind, however, is the foam inserts can come out when washing. If that bothers you, check out Bravado's bralette stylefor a similar feel without the inserts.

Prioritize comfort with these full-coverage maternity undies from Motherhood Maternity. Made from cotton with a touch of spandex for stretch, these undies are soft and lightweight, so you won’t you feel sweaty even if pregnancy hormones are wreaking havoc on your body temperature. The soft fold-over waistband can be worn over or under your bump, so these maternity underwear work really well throughout all stages of pregnancy. They double as great postpartum underwear, too, as many moms who had C-sections say they wore these without irritating their incision.

The Pink Blush cropped maternity pants were my go-to for work my second pregnancy when I had to dress business casual. The material was breathable enough for the warm Texas spring, and I loved the versatile cropped look that I could pair with a flowy top and a variety of shoes like flats or sandals. They don’t wrinkle easily and have large front pockets, so they’re perfect for a day at the office as they won’t look frumpy by the end of the day and can hold your phone or keycard. If you’re unsure of what size to order, Pink Blush has a great return policy, so it’s easy to swap sizes if you need to.

Another favorite among What to Expect Moms, Lulemon’s Align High-Rise Shorts are a comfortable option that can be worn long after pregnancy. These shorts share the same luxurious buttery-soft material as Lululemon’s renowned leggings, earning high praise from moms who say they basically live in them throughout pregnancies, especially those who are in their later trimesters during the summer. The supportive, non-restrictive waistband can accommodate a growing bump and provide a bit of support thanks to the light compression. These maternity shorts are also pretty versatile and great for lounging, working out, running errands and more. 

The extremely soft Stars Above pajama set is truly unmatched, according to What to Expect staff and community members. Though they’re not technically maternity pajamas, the loose-fit style and adjustable waistband makes them a perfect option for your changing body. Moms also rave about the incredibly soft modal fabric, which will feel especially great against sensitive pregnancy skin. Plus, the button-up top makes for easy breast access, should you decide to nurse your baby once they arrive. 

It's worth noting, however, that some find the pants to be slightly longer than they’d hoped, which shorter parents may want to keep in mind. If you prefer to sleep in shorts, there’s a pajama set available with that option.

For maternity tights that you can easily pull on underneath a dress or skirt, H&M’s MAMA tights are a top choice. Moms in our What to Expect community find the over-the-belly panel to be supportive and large enough to cover their bumps well into the third trimester. These soft, stretchy tights are available in multiple neutral shades, so you can match them to your skin tone or go with a basic black pair. They’re affordable and come in a two-pack, so you don’t have to worry if one pair happens to get a run. 

Some reviewers note that these tights run small, so you may want to size up. Also, they can be machine washed, but line drying is recommended.

The best maternity dresses are the perfect mix of comfortable and versatile, and this Bearsland dress offers exactly that with its soft modal fabric and maternity-to-postpartum design. You can easily dress this simple wardrobe staple up or down — pair it with tights and boots for a casual look or flats and accessories for a nicer outfit — and wear it through all three trimesters and well into the postpartum period with its nursing panel. Plus, the touch of spandex in the fabric means that it has great stretch to fit you as you grow.

Bearsland makes several versions of this maternity dress including one with long sleeves, a sleeveless design, and one with patchwork stripes.

A jumpsuit can be a great option during pregnancy because it can be worn for a variety of occasions. This Isabel Maternity jumpsuit is made of soft, stretchy lightweight jersey material, and has a belted empire waist so it won’t feel restrictive or put pressure on your bump. Moms like that it’s versatile enough to be worn alone or paired with a cardigan or jacket. And, you can go ahead and wear this jumpsuit well beyond pregnancy because of its comfortable, stretchy material. 

When you’re using the bathroom frequently (and you will be!) it can be cumbersome to have to completely take the top off and pull the romper down to use the toilet, but if you’re comfortable with that, this jumpsuit is a fantastic choice.

Like many moms in the What to Expect community, I’m a huge fan of everything Kindred Bravely has to offer. (Their clothing is so popular that it consistently earns a win in our Mom Must-Have Awards). The versatile Kindred Bravely maternity and nursing tank is the perfect pregnancy staple for layering or going braless on days when your breasts are too tender — or you just don’t want to put on a bra! Moms say that the built-in shelf bra is plenty supportive, although that might not be the case for those with larger busts.

Made of organic cotton, these tanks are comfortable and lightweight, and the bit of spandex provides plenty of stretch for your bump and breasts. And once baby arrives, you can keep wearing these tops for nursing, thanks to the handy clip-down cups.

A basic t-shirt is a staple of any pregnancy wardrobe, and when something fits well over your bump, it’s nice to have more than one version of it. Between the fit, feel and affordability, it’s no wonder that moms-to-be love stocking up on these Amazon V-necks. Designed with side ruching, this top adapts to your changing belly and provide plenty of space without being too baggy. Moms like that it’s a longer design to fully cover the belly, even on tall moms. Plus, it’s machine washable and comes in a ton of colors and patterns. For even more versatility, this shirt is also available with three-quarter sleeves or long sleeves.

A blouse that’s soft and comfy on your belly but versatile enough to wear just about anywhere, this Old Navy boyfriend shirt checks all the boxes. The design is relaxed and flowy, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a blouse that will work early on in your pregnancy and still fit through the third trimester. The buttons extend to right under your bust, giving it a more fitted look on tip. The buttons also make this a great nursing top once baby arrives. bIt’s also available in Oxford Blue, Neutral Stripe or Pink Stripe, perfect for mixing up your look whether you’re running errands or meeting up with friends during pregnancy and postpartum. 

Who doesn’t love a cozy sweatshirt, especially when the pregnancy symptoms become quite uncomfortable. This hoodie from Seraphine is the perfect pick for a sweatshirt that’ll stretch around your bump — and still be flattering after baby is here. 

Featuring a plush fleece interior, this super cozy maternity sweatshirt is crafted with stretchy side panels so it adapts seamlessly to your growing bump. Then, for postpartum wear, attach an extra panel on the front so you have enough space for babywearing with a wrap or carrier. Although it’s on the pricey side, you’ll get so much wear out of this sweatshirt — and feel comfortable both during pregnancy and postpartum.

Your healthcare provider may recommend compression socks to reduce swelling in the legs. throughout your pregnancy. If that’s the case, this pair of Comrad knee high compression socks are a popular choice with moms in our What to Expect community. Crafted from spandex and nylon, they offer plenty of stretch and a cushioned heel and toe for enhanced comfort. The graduated, moderate compression of 15 to 20mmHG suits those seeking medium support for all-day wear and really works to help reduce swelling, according to satisfied wearers. Though some reviews do mention that these aren’t ideal for people with wide calves, there are wide-calf fit options available, too.