Maternity Clothes: Where to Buy, When to Buy, and Where to Start
Figuring out where to buy maternity clothes is a question that usually comes up between the twelfth and sixteenth weeks, when your morning jeans no longer button and your old tops ride up over your belly. The answer depends on three things: how far along you are, what you plan to wear after giving birth, and how much time you want to spend shopping. This guide answers all three questions in order: when to buy, where to buy, and where to start.
When should you buy maternity clothes?
There is no single date, but there are reliable points of reference.
First quarter: nothing, or almost nothing
Your belly isn't visible yet, but your waist is getting wider and your breasts are becoming more sensitive. The only worthwhile purchase is a comfortable, non-underwired bra. Otherwise, an elastic waistband extender or low-rise pants will suffice. We discuss this in more detail in the section on when to start wearing maternity jeans.
Fourth and fifth months: the first purchase
This is when most women buy their first pair of maternity pants. The high or low waistband and adjustable waist allow you to wear them right through your pregnancy and into the weeks afterward. A pair of adjustable maternity jeans bought at this stage will last six to eight months—it’s the item that offers the best value for money throughout your entire pregnancy.
Sixth and seventh months: complete
Your old tops no longer cover your belly. Two or three long tops, a dress, and—depending on the season—a sweater or a light-weight piece. This is also a good time to buy pieces that you’ll be able to wear while breastfeeding; we’ll come back to that later.
Last Month: The Suitcase and the Night
A nightgown or pajamas that open at the front, a soft tank top, and a loose-fitting outfit for leaving the hospital. The maternity hospital bag checklist has it all.
Buying too early means your clothes will be too small by the eighth month; buying too late means wearing uncomfortable clothes for weeks. The sensible approach: buy a pair of pants in the fourth month, and the rest as needed.
Where can I buy maternity clothes?
Five channels, each with a specific purpose.
Brands specializing in maternity and nursing wear
They design styles tailored to accommodate the growing belly and later the nursing chest, using fabrics that hold up to repeated washings. This is the best option for structured pieces: pants, jeans, dresses, and sweaters. 23 Mai Paris ’s maternity collection features pieces designed to be worn during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, such as maternity and nursing T-shirts and maternity and nursing sweaters. The benefit is simple: a purchase made in the fifth month can still be worn a year after the baby is born.
General-purpose retailers
Maternity sections at major retailers and ready-to-wear brands. Pros: low prices and fitting rooms. Cons: limited collections, standard cuts, and clothes that can’t be worn after giving birth. Fine for a basic go-to item or a formal outfit worn just once.
Secondhand
Resale platforms and parent groups. Maternity clothes are rarely worn there, so they’re in good condition. Ideal for items worn for just three months, like a winter coat or a party dress. Less so for nursing tops, whose elastic closures tend to wear out.
Brick-and-mortar stores
These are useful for trying on your first pair of jeans when you don't yet know your maternity size. To find a store, the "Retailers " page lists our partner retailers. Many moms try on clothes in-store and then finish their purchases online.
New items online, with free returns
It has become the main channel, provided you check two things: an accurate size guide with measurements in centimeters, and a shipping and return policy that allows for free exchanges. The brand's FAQ generally answers questions about delivery times.
Where to Start: The Five Pieces That Are Most Useful
If you can only buy five things, here's the order.
Maternity pants or jeans: worn almost every day for six months. Choose a pair from the maternity jeans collection with an adjustable waistband rather than a fixed waistband—it will adapt as your belly grows. The comparison between23 Mai Paris and ten other jeans brands will help you choose.
Two long, stretchy tops: ideally designed to be nursing-friendly, just like maternity tops with discreet openings, so you don't have to buy new ones after the baby is born.
A dress: the most comfortable item to wear in the third trimester. Maternity dresses made of stretchy " knit ," like the INDIA maternity and nursing dress, can also be worn afterward.
A sweater or a sweatshirt, depending on the season, from the maternity sweater collection.
A non-underwire bra, to be replaced with a nursing bra during the final month. The guide to measuring your nursing bra size explains how to choose the right one.
Buy clothes that can also be worn while breastfeeding
This is the most effective way to avoid buying two separate wardrobes. A classic maternity top doesn’t open; a maternity and nursing top has a panel or slit that allows access to the breast. The price difference is minimal, but the difference in how long you can wear them ranges from twelve to twenty-four months. The article “Maternity vs. Nursing Clothing” details what sets the two apart, and “How to Dress as Your Body Changes” provides guidance on fit differences between the two periods.
Budget: How Much Should You Set Aside?
For a basic wardrobe of five to seven pieces from a specialty brand, expect to pay €200 to €350. That may seem expensive compared to a general-interest store, but when spread over eighteen months of wear, the cost per item per month drops below €3. Maternity clothing sales and private sales let you buy key pieces at the right time, as long as you plan ahead by one season. If you’d rather spread out your purchases, a gift card is an easy way to let your friends and family chip in.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which month should you buy your first pair of maternity pants?
For most women, this happens between the fourth and fifth months, when the button on their usual jeans no longer fastens, even with an extension. A pair of adjustable-waist jeans bought at this time can be worn through the end of the pregnancy and for the weeks following the birth.
Should you choose your usual size?
Yes, with specialty brands, which account for the belly in their patterns. Choose the size you wore before pregnancy and check the inseam length in the size guide. Going up one size will result in hips and thighs that are too wide.
How many pieces of maternity clothing do you need in total?
Five to seven items are enough for a basic wardrobe: one or two pairs of pants, two or three tops, a dress, and a sweater or jacket, depending on the season. If they’re nursing-friendly, they can still be worn for a year after the baby is born.
In summary
To figure out where to buy maternity clothes, start by thinking about when you’ll need them: pants in the fourth month, tops and a dress in the sixth, and nightwear in the final month. Buy your core pieces from a specialty brand that caters to breastfeeding, supplement with secondhand items for seasonal pieces, and save general-purpose stores for last-minute needs. Five well-chosen pieces cover all your essentials and will last up to two years after the birth.
