If you're pregnant during winter, a maternity coat is likely necessary depending on where you live. But don't think of this as one of those maternity items that will have no use once baby is born — a maternity coat that can take you from pregnancy to new motherhood can be a good long-term investment.
Specially designed maternity coats should be roomy enough to bundle your growing bump without feeling constrictive. It might seem like a lot to invest in, but a good coat will be a reliable wardrobe staple for the cold months ahead and will take some of the stress out of figuring out what to wear. Plus, many maternity coats are designed so you can wear them after baby arrives; an included jacket extender allows for enough space to wear baby in a carrier and keep you both bundled up.
Ahead, we've covered everything you need to know about shopping for this winter pregnancy staple, including what to look for, how to find the right size and, of course, a list of the best maternity coats and jackets.
Types of maternity coats
What sets maternity coats apart from regular jackets is their accommodation of your growing baby bump, as well as their usability beyond those nine months of pregnancy. Here's a look at some of the most common types of maternity winter coats:
- 3-in-1 maternity coats: If you're the kind of mom-to-be who's looking for an investment piece that will last you longer than just pregnancy, a 3-in-1 coat is for you. You can wear it with a small bump then add the extender panel as your belly grows. This insert zips into the coat to provide extra room over your bump, making it a great option for a coat to wear throughout your entire pregnancy. Once baby arrives, you can continue to use the panel to wear baby in a carrier against your chest while still shielding her from the cold.
- Jacket extenders: These aren't coats, but rather insert panels that can be added to your existing winter wear to help accommodate your baby bump. They simply zip into your existing coat so you can keep wearing an already-loved winter jacket without investing in a new maternity-specific one. Some moms in extremely cold climates recommend extenders so they can keep wearing the high-quality winter coats they've already invested in. And, you can use it for other seasons like light spring and fall jackets or raincoats. They might not look super elegant, but they're a smart and cost-effective solution.
Aside from 3-in-1 coats and jacket extenders, other maternity coats are similar to regular coats, but with more room. You can shop maternity puffer coats, parkas, fleece jackets and more that are designed to have enough space for your bump as you grow, so you can wear it through the end of your pregnancy. These coats, however, may not have enough room for carrying a baby later on since they lack the extender panel, so keep that in mind if that's something you might need or want.
What to look for in maternity coats
Luckily, there's no shortage of on-trend outerwear, even for the pregnancy set. You can find everything from tailored wool coats to bright puffers to weatherproof rain gear, all designed with your bump and lifestyle in mind. As with any coat, you'll want to keep some key factors in mind when shopping, such as the type of material used and what will be best for your climate.
- Material: Just like a regular coat, maternity coats come in a wide range of materials. If you’re looking for a lightweight option, check out fleece coats or sweatshirt jackets. Many parka-style jackets also work for cooler temperatures without being too bulky. For the warmest types of coats, look for options that are made with insulated fabric and run long. You might also want to check out a wool option for a more stylish cold weather option.
- Adjustability: Because your body will be changing during and after pregnancy, you’ll want to consider a few adjustable options that many maternity coats feature. The most obvious is the extender panel, which is an insert that zips into your jacket to make it larger, as mentioned previously. This way, you won’t be swimming in a too-large coat before your third trimester or won’t have to worry about it being too tight when carrying baby. Another helpful feature is drawstrings around the waist and at the bottom of the coat so you can adjust to your size and keep the warmth inside.
- Seasonality: Consider what time of year you’ll wear your maternity coat. Do you need a heavy puffer for the coldest months, a lightweight parka for cooler temperatures or a waterproof jacket for rainy days? Depending on the timing of your pregnancy, you might not need a heavy duty maternity coat if you’ll miss the coldest of months.
Do I need a maternity winter coat?
Whether you truly need a maternity coat can be a matter of preference. Many parents in the What to Expect community share tips on going through their entire pregnancy without ever buying a maternity coat. Instead, some choose to wear their usual jacket without buttoning it, buy a size up in a non-maternity coat or even wear their partner's coat.
Some women, however, do choose to buy a maternity coat because they want something specifically designed to fit their growing body. Also, for those who live in cold or windy climates, a warm maternity coat that fits you properly will best help you brave the elements.
If you don't want to buy a new coat, you can also check out companies that let you rent maternity clothes. Nuuly, for instance, allows you to rent maternity coats in addition to other maternity essentials so you can spend less than you would on getting a new coat. Many moms in the What to Expect community also suggest buying maternity coats secondhand from consignment stores or online marketplaces like Facebook and Poshmark.
How to size for a maternity coat?
Shopping for the right size maternity coat might feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Typically, your size in maternity clothing will be your same pre-pregnancy size. Many brands that specifically design maternity wear have in-depth size charts so you're not just shopping for a coat that fits you today, but will work throughout your pregnancy.
How we chose the best maternity coats
We relied heavily on first-hand reviews and recommendations from moms in the What to Expect Community. And although personal preference will always play a role in choosing the best option for you, there are millions of moms in our Community — so we were able to get a sense of which winter maternity coats most moms give their seal of approval. We also considered the factors outlined previously, including material, adjustability, and seasonality, to make sure you're looking at a wide range of options to fit your lifestyle.
Here, the best maternity coats and jackets if you're dressing for two (or more!) this winter.