Introducing the best maternity clothes on the market today. These clothes are stylish, comfortable, and cute. I am rounding up the best from the most affordable maternity clothes to the best maternity exercise clothes.
When your body is changing and growing during pregnancy it can become challenging to feel like you look good. It can also be a challenge to feel comfortable! Your favorite clothes fit awkwardly. Your waistband digs into your tummy. And the maternity clothes you see look even more frumpy. No more! Enter my list of the best maternity clothes.
I worked with my researcher, writer, and athlete Rachel Penate to come up with the best maternity clothes on the market today. Rachel and I asked fellow mother runners, including my thousands of Instagram followers, and scoured sites and reviews.
We bring you the ultimate list of the best maternity clothes including the best maternity clothes brands, best amazon maternity clothes, best affordable maternity clothes, and the best maternity exercise clothes to wear so you always feel cute and comfy–no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in! Let’s go!
Related: 17 Ways Running Mentally Prepares You for Labor
Essential Maternity Wardrobe Pieces
Maternity Tops
As the weeks tick by, and your belly grows, comfort is the name of the game when it comes to clothing. Starting at the top, build your maternity wardrobe with some comfortable staples (cotton ts and tanks) and embellish upon them with fun and flowy tunics or button downs.
Best Places to Buy Maternity Tops:
- Target has some excellent options for affordable and comfortable maternity tops. Favorites include the Ingrid & Isabel V-Neck Maternity T-Shirt, the Ingrid & Isabel 2pk Tank Top Bundle, and the Ingrid & Isabel Long Sleeve Scoop Neck 2pk.
- Along with comfortable maternity staples, Pink Blush is your one-stop shop for some cute and trendy tops fit for going out or staying home. Pink Blush has many options for button down shirts that can also be utilized postpartum for breastfeeding mothers.
- Motherhood Maternity and H&M Maternity are also great options for affordable and comfortable maternity top staples. From t-shirts to long sleeves to tank tops to button downs, these two stores have many more options to choose from!
- Gotta have it: The cozy button down you can wear postpartum.
Related: Can You Run a Marathon Pregnant?
Maternity Leggings
Perhaps the most important part of your maternity wardrobe, maternity leggings can be the hidden linchpin to your comfort these 40 weeks. From lounging around the house to layering underneath a comfortable sweater, maternity leggings are here to support you as your body and baby grows.
As you shop for maternity leggings, bear in mind that there are two styles for maternity waistbands: full coverage (hugging the entirety of your belly) and under the belly support (falling just below the belly). If you are unfamiliar with how these styles feel, make sure to try on both before purchasing.
Related: 8 Clever Tips for Running While Breastfeeding
Best Places to Buy Maternity Leggings:
- If you’re looking for a tighter-hugging and highly supportive legging, Blanqi is your go-to stop for both high performance and high-support. Constructed with their belly support band technology, Blanqi’s maternity and postpartum leggings are unlike any other.
- For cheaper options, you can find leggings at pretty much every maternity outlet. For Amazon buyers, you can find the highly rated Ewedoos Maternity Leggings in 6 fashionable colors.
Related: Best Belly Bands for Running While Pregnant
Maternity Dresses
There is no shortage of cute and stylish maternity dresses on the market today. To get the most out of your maternity dress styles, bear in mind different cuts and styles that can be utilized postpartum. Look for dresses with easy access to breastfeeding (i.e. buttons, flowy shirts that can be layered, etc.) and shirts with comfortable coverage around a postpartum belly. You’ll love the versatility of these dresses as your belly grows and after your baby is born!
Best Places to Buy Maternity Dresses:
- Like their basic Ts and tanks, Gap and Target offer great selections for some dress staples.
- While their dresses are on the more expensive side, Pink Blush Maternity truly has the cutest and most stylish dresses on the market. If you want everyday looks or need more formal wear, the quality, look, and longevity of these items are worth their price.
- Gotta have it: The button down maternity dress you can nurse in postpartum.
Related: Best Belly Bands for Running While Pregnant
Maternity Jeans
As a staple of any wardrobe, maternity jeans (and denim shorts) in all styles can be found to help you find comfort as you grow. Like maternity leggings, bear in mind that there are two styles for maternity waistbands: full coverage (hugging the entirety of your belly) and under the belly support (falling just below the belly). If you are unfamiliar with how these styles feel, make sure to try on both before purchasing. note of the
Best Places to Buy Maternity Jeans:
- Virtually all of these retailers have great maternity jean options. Expect to pay the same prices you would for a new pair of jeans. Here are some links order of cheapest, to most expensive: Target, H&M, Motherhood Maternity, Gap, Pink Blush, Madewell.
Related: Can You Drink Electrolytes While Pregnant?
Maternity Activewear
As the body of research grows on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, so too do the options for maternity activewear. Staples include: leggings/shorts, tops, bras, and (if needed) belly bands.
Best Places to Buy Maternity Activewear:
- Senita Mom, Nike Maternity, Blanqi, and Gap.
- For a list of recommended maternity running bras, check out this selection here.
- For a list of recommended maternity running tights, check out this selection here.
- For a list of recommended maternity belly bands, check out this selection here.
- Gotta have it: A comfortable active tee, specifically this Rabbit tee and tank!
Related: The Complete Guide to Running While Pregnant
Where is the best place to get maternity clothes?
While you can find a small selection of maternity clothes in stores like Target or Motherhood Maternity, your best bet is to always buy online. Since it’s such a niche category of fashion, you’ll find the best and most robust selections via the world wide web. Most brands can also be found on Amazon in addition to their direct retail website.
Tips for Finding Comfy – and Affordable – Maternity Clothes
Always shop sales and clearance.
Many companies (like Gap and Pink Blush) have seasonal sales of up to 60% off. Peruse their websites or sign up for newsletters to receive up-to-date information on sales and promotions.
Thrift reliable brands.
This includes sites such as ThredUp or Poshmark. You can also find a variety of groups on Facebook that resell maternity clothing or a small selection at your local Goodwill.
Always buy from stores with generous return policies.
What looks like it might fit you online, may not actually fit you in person. Always make sure to try on items when you receive them and size up or down if needed.
Lend/ borrow from friends who are no longer pregnant!
Most wear maternity clothes for one season and then donate or store until another pregnancy comes along. Reach out to some friends who may have clothing in storage and see if they’d be willing to part with or lend until your baby arrives.
If you plan on having multiple children, buy quality-made staples that will last many years.
Love Your Maternity Wardrobe
You are not destined to feel uncomfortable and frumpy throughout your pregnancy. It’s possible to look so stylish and be so comfy, that you may miss your pregnancy days!
Also, you don’t have to give up running while pregnant! I love coaching pregnant runners. Learn more about my run coaching here!
Get more inspiration to run while pregnant »