It was a lot of trial and error (and even more purchases and returns) when it came to maternity fashion throughout my pregnancy, but here’s what I’ve learned over those nine months:
Quick Links:
When to Buy
Maternity Bands
Maternity Jeans–Sizing
Maternity Jeans–Styles
Maternity Tops
Dresses
Cardigans
Maternity Sweaters
My #1 Style Tip
My Maternity Fashion
Maternity Fashion: When To Buy
This–like everything else with this post–is going to be different for everyone, but I’ll tell you what worked for me. I found I did not need maternity tops until my third trimester. Even though I had a pretty big belly, prior to my third trimester most maternity tops were way too long for me and I preferred to wear my regular longer tops. Keep in mind that height comes into play here (I’m only 5’4″), plus my pre-pregnancy tops were mostly loose and flowy. If you don’t need maternity tops yet but are antsy to buy some, I recommend buying styles that will be suitable for the weather you’ll have during your third trimester just to play it safe. If you need maternity tops sooner than that you can always buy them then, but you don’t want to be stuck with summer maternity tops only to find you didn’t need to wear them until November.
I needed maternity jeans much sooner. I started wearing a maternity belly band (reviewed below) around week 15, and maternity jeans around week 20. I would recommend getting maternity jeans as soon as your regular jeans are no longer comfortable, because that elastic waistband is sheer bliss. There’s no reason to hold out and be uncomfortable.
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Maternity Fashion: Maternity Bands
I started out using the BeBand maternity band to hold my regular jeans up when I could no longer get them comfortably buttoned, but I found that I preferred looping a rubberband through the button hole instead. I didn’t like that the maternity band would roll and ride up in the back. I had to adjust it nearly every time I got up from a sitting position. That said, the maternity band was still my best option during the period of time when my regular jeans were just starting to get too snug at the waist and I couldn’t find a rubberband small enough to close the gap between my button and my buttonhole, and for when my belly grew so large that a rubberband was no longer large enough to close that gap. Overall, I do think the $16 I spent on the BeBand maternity band at Target was worth the money because it did help me get more wear out of my regular jeans than I otherwise would have.
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Maternity Fashion: Maternity Jeans
I started wearing maternity jeans around week 20 of my pregnancy and I loved them! After weeks of messing with buttons that didn’t button and zippers that didn’t zip, it was a little feel of heaven once I finally caved and gave in to that sweet elastic.
Let’s start with sizing:
The biggest mistake I initially made was buying maternity jeans that were too large. I assumed I would be kissing my pre-pregnancy size goodbye, so I bought my first pair of maternity jeans one size larger. While overall they fit okay, the biggest thing that bothered me is that after wearing them for a few minutes I started having that saggy butt look going on in back. With my belly growing to unrecognizable proportions I found that the more fitted I kept things everywhere else the better I looked and felt. Baggy jeans just weren’t doing it for me. I finally bought some maternity jeans in my pre-pregnancy size and they fit wonderfully–not too tight, no extra looseness, and no baggy butt!
Here’s what I figured out about maternity pants and how to decide what size to get. If you tend to find your pre-pregnancy self in between sizes, ask yourself what it is about a pair of jeans that would make you have to go up a size? For me it’s my waist. My waist is pretty much straight up and down (it doesn’t curve in like most people’s) so when jeans don’t fit me, it’s usually there. Well for maternity jeans the waist is all elastic, so you really don’t have that problem. Get the smaller size. Now if your problem spot is in the butt, hips, or legs and that’s why you would typically go up a size in some regular jeans–try the larger maternity size. I’ve found that maternity jeans will fit you just like regular jeans in the butt, hips, and legs.
Now if you’ve got a pretty good idea of what size you should be buying early in your pregnancy, but are worried about what size will work for you later on in pregnancy as you gain more weight, ask yourself where you tend to carry your weight when you’ve got a few extra pounds on you. When I was heavier I carried pretty much all of my weight in my belly, and my hips and legs stayed about the same. Knowing this, I figured that even if I gained more than I wanted to during this pregnancy it would probably all be in my mid-section–and again, that’s where your maternity pants are all elastic, so you’re good. If you tend to gain weight in your legs, hips, and/or butt, you may want to consider buying a size up to last you more throughout your pregnancy.
Next–maternity jean styles:
I tried on A LOT of maternity jeans throughout my pregnancy and as far as waistlines go I found that I was on the two extremes–I liked the “hidden panel” or “secret panel” low-rise jeans and the “full panel” maternity jeans the best.
As for the hidden panel, I only liked them if the “panel” was denim (picture 1)–not the thick elastic (picture 2).
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Photo Credit: Gap
My other favorite waistline is the “full panel” or “high panel.”
Waistlines I did not like were the “real waists” or “adjustable” waists, and the “demi-panel” waists.
Let’s start with the “real waist” jeans:
Demi-panel or “medium panel” maternity jeans are similar to the hidden panel jeans reviewed above, only the thick elastic panel comes up a little higher on your belly:
Photo Credit: GapBack to Top
Maternity Fashion: Maternity Tops
Just like with maternity jeans, you’re going to want to buy your regular pre-pregnancy size for maternity tops. If you’re looking to buy maternity tops before you actually need them, it may be a little difficult to know if the maternity top you’re trying on is going to fit you a few months down the road. A lot of maternity stores have little belly pillows you can strap around your stomach to give you an idea of how your tops will fit when your belly gets bigger, however, I found these to be unrealistic. My best advice when it comes to fitting a maternity top is to look at the arms and shoulders. If the arms and shoulders fit you well then you’re on the right track. If the arms and shoulders are too big on you then put the top back. No matter how big your belly gets, it’s highly unlikely your arms and shoulders will also “grow into” the top.
As for styles, my personal preference for maternity tops were tops that hugged my baby bump all the way to the bottom. I thought this was a much more flattering look versus styles that hung straight down from the outermost point of my bump.
I found I was able to wear a lot of my regular, longer-length tops even into my third trimester. I also continued to shop my favorite non-materninty stores, buying tops in my regular size, but in longs, or just looking for tops that looked extra long. I’m only 5’4″ tall so luckily this worked well for me. I found that regular tops in “long” versions tended to offer more style and color varieties than maternity lines. For example, most of Gap’s maternity tops come in very limited colors–mostly neutrals. But if you check out their regular women’s clothing line you can find the same top in non-maternity in an array of colors. I found that purchasing these non-maternity tops–in the extended length sizes–worked great.
Another tip for your regular tops is to layer a longer tank top underneath them. I found this to be a great way to get some more wear out of my regular tops that were just beginning to get too short in length.
One staple in my maternity wardrobe were maternity camisoles. I wore this seamless camisole (I bought one in each color) nearly every day of my pregnancy once my bump started showing. It was super comfortable, and I found it made my tops lay nicer.
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Maternity Fashion: Dresses
I loved wearing dresses throughout the first half of my pregnancy (summer and fall) and cardigan sweaters throughout the second half of my pregnancy (fall and winter). When you get to that point at the beginning of your pregnancy where it practically takes an engineering degree to rig your regular jeans to stay up, trust me on this–flowy cotton dresses are a breath of fresh air. No zippers. No buttons that don’t quite button. Nothing tight around your belly. And best of all–easy bathroom access! I found I did not need to buy maternity dresses–my regular ones worked just fine. By the time my belly got really large I was no longer interested in wearing dresses because of our cold Wisconsin winters.
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Maternity Fashion: Cardigans
Cardigans were my go-to wardrobe item once the weather started getting cooler–which for me was in my third trimester. Being pregnant, I also tended to feel warmer than usual so layering was my best option since I could take off my cardigan if I started getting too hot. I bought one maternity cardigan early in my pregnancy, but later found that I didn’t really need it. My regular cardigans worked just fine–I either wore them fully open, or partially open with them tied, belted, or buttoned above my bump. I’m also finding cardigans to be invaluable during this post-partum period for hiding spit-up covered shoulders before leaving the house to run errands–a little trick I’ve used more times than I care to admit.
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Maternity Fashion: Maternity Sweaters
Maternity sweaters are tricky for the same reason cardigans are a lifesaver–even when it’s cold outside, you still tend to feel warmer than usual. Even though the end of my pregnancy came in the middle of a blistering cold Wisconsin winter, I only had one maternity sweater–and it was very lightweight, which turned out to be perfect. Anything thicker or heavier would have had me easily overheated–and it’s not like you can strip off your sweater if you get too hot in the middle of the work day! I purchased my maternity sweater at the end of summer, right when the new fall styles hit the stores. I think this was the trick to getting a lightweight sweater, because when the cold weather hit and the winter styles came out I found them to be way to thick and heavy for this pregnant woman.
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My #1 Style Tip
My number one pregnancy style tip is to embrace it! I absolutely loved being pregnant and loved my changing body and growing baby bump. I loved wearing form-fitting clothes that accentuated–rather than hid–my belly. I also had fun with my bump–“accessorizing” it with belts, pins, and fun graphic tees. I think you’ll find you’ll have a lot more fun with fashion when you’re pregnant if you decide to embrace it!
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My Maternity Fashion
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I’ll be honest. I never wore maternity jeans because I walked into a store saw a 125 price tag and turned around and walked out. But, that said, I wish you had been able to write this back when I was first pregnent. I can say I probably looked like a homeless person for the majority of my pregnancy haha. Sad part is, no prego pics because of that
Thanks for the tips
Great post! I have to say, I loved my BeBand and still use it now, 3 months after the baby was born. I like to use it so that when I pull my shirt up to nurse, my belly isn’t exposed. Sometimes I just wear a nursing tank, but the BeBand is a good option for when I just have on a nursing bra.
i am coming out of lurkdom to say you are, officially, the cutest pregnant lady (and most fashionable, too!) on the planet. you wore pregnancy VERY well
while i am not knocked up, i’m saving this post for later. thanks for sharing all your valuable info!
This was very helpful! I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and just having issues with my jeans. I think I’m going to have to take plunge and get some maternity jeans soon – this info was great. THANKS!
Great advice! I am pregnant with my second child and my only wish is that I could look as cute as you! If only you were 5’10” and a size 14 like me so I could figure out what the heck I can wear. My torso is already much longer than average so finding tops long enough (especially in the third trimester) or dresses long enough or jeans long enough…..sigh. You are so cute. I am sooo jealous. Thanks for the great blog.
Oh and one more thing, being 3rd trimester pregnant in south Texas – there’s another challenge for you to help me with. I get super swollen and chubbo looking, but its hot as hell and all maternity summer stuff pretty much makes you look naked…sigh.
Great post! I wish I would have had this before I was pregnant, but I think I did pretty well. I wish I had your wardrobe!
Very helpful! My favorite jeans have been the low rise elastic waist – I don’t love the feeling of tons of layers encasing my belly. What I loved the most were long or maternity tanks – they let me wear my non-mat. tops for much longer, and because they are snug fitting, I’d use them to help keep my non-mat. pants up and my open button/fly lying flat. Long sleeve crew neck mat. tees were my other go-to item – LOVE them! I also preferred the slimmer fitting shirts – I feel GIANT in most of the tenty tops.
loved my jeans from target… liz lange..
I was also able to wear regular tops and sweaters up until the last 2 months or so. I wore hubby’s t’s around the house and I also borrowed a few tops from friends. I couldnt see the point in buying new tops that I would wear for 2 or 3 months BUT I needed the room in the belly by the end.
I agree about the jeans. Unfortunately, for me I didn’t discover Gap maternity jeans until my second pregnancy. In my first pregnancy I have both jeans from Motherhood and high end designer jeans neither of which were comfortable the entire time. But my Gap maternity jeans have been awesome.
Agree w/ Sarah – def the cutest pregnant lady ever! You’ve proved that you can still be pregnant & stylish – w/o being in a tent! I’m 13 wks pregnant & you’re my maternity fashion icon LOL.
One question – how is the Coach diaper bag working out? I bought a diff style, but the inside is the same…wondering if there’s enough room / etc.
i am not the first to state but definitely agree. HOW CUTE YOU ARE as a pregnant woman!? Hopefully I’ll be as trendy as you when I have babies!
This is THE MOTHER of ALL maternity fashion posts.
You are so helpful! I loved your style pre-during-post Kate, hats off to you for keeping it real AND cute!
:kiss
This post couldn’t have come at a better time as I’m currently 14 weeks pregnancy and I’ve just had to start doing the rubber band trick with my jeans!
Thank you for all your tips, it’s so helpful and you looked great throughout your pregnancy.I will be referring to this post A LOT x
Here’s one thing I don’t understand–why are the inseams of maternity pants so short?! I can’t tell you how many times I tried on “long” maternity pants that had an inseam of only 32 inches! Yeah, my inseam is 36 inches. It was a *nightmare* finding work-appropriate maternity clothes!
FANTASTIC post!!! I’m making baby #3 ( I have a 3 1/2year old and 20 month old) and am loving all your stylish tips and tricks. Since I’ve gotten rid of all my maternity clothes from the first 2 times
(baby 3 was a happy surprise) you’ve got me excited to hit the stores!
Awwww all these pictures of your growing belly make me SMILE from ear to ear!! I miss you so much D! You were the cutest pregnant chick EVER!
Thanks for all the helpful hints. I just found out on Monday we are expecting so your post came at such a great time. I had no idea how many options there would be. Thanks so much!! You seriously are right up there for the most cute pregnant lady around!! Thanks again.
Great tips! Thank you. I’m at week 20 today and it’s my first day in maternity jeans. Man what a comfort difference. I acutally went shopping this past weekend for jeans and bought a few tops but not in the maternity section. I stuck to the regular section and went a size up for most. Let’s just say I love that the flowy look is in!
You made pregnancy look so good! I had always thought that I’d be a fashionable pregnant girl but I’m afraid I didn’t do quite as well as I’d planned…of course I went on bed rest right after I’d finally invested in some cute pregnancy clothes so I should be easy on myself about it…anyway, thanks for sharing these thoughts! I, too, did the whole rubber band in the pants thing — it worked so well!
Thank you for all your insight…I’m tucking this away for someday when we are blessed with a little one! One thing I have wondered – by wearing your regular tops pregnant, did they stretch out so much that you are unable to wear them now? Just curious! Also, I think part of what made you so damn cute pregnant was that you LOVED being pregnant – your joy showed!
I am not pregnant…but this post is saved for whenever that happens. Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge!
Great advice! I am new to your blog, and love all your style tips! I am 24 weeks pregnant (with my second), and got some great ideas from this post….thanks! I especially love your use of belts/flower accessories above the waist, super cute!
Thanks for posting this! I love your maternity fashion – it has been very inspirational.
Will definitely save this post for the near future! I can only hope that I’m able to rock a pregnant belly as well as you did. I truly enjoy your blog!! Thanks!
Thank you for this very informative blog. I’ll have to save this for future reference. And you are definitely one cute and fashionable preggo. One question for you though: You pretty much covered everything, but what about bra and panties? When should I plan on needing bigger sizes, if at all?
This post came at the PERFECT time! Thank you!! I’m 19 weeks pregnant and just trying to figure out maternity clothes. I really hate most maternity tops/shirts, so I love your advice on that. If only you lived closer to me so that you could take me shopping!
You always have the best write-ups and advice on stuff like this. Not too long, just the info I need. I’m not even pregnant (nor have I had kids) but I found this so interesting and am saving it for someday when I am pregnant. Thanks!
Thanks so much for your comments everyone–you’re all so sweet! I just loved being pregnant and this was a fun post to write. I’m glad so many of you have found it helpful! 😀
@Jessica Pruett–Yeah, I would have had the same reaction to a $125 price tag on maternity jeans! My maternity jeans are from Gap and Old Navy and I’m happy to report that I didn’t spend over $30 on any of them. Actually I didn’t spend more than $30 on any maternity item that I purchased. I just shopped the clearance and used coupons when I had them. Considering you don’t wear them for long it just seems ridiculous to drop a lot of money on maternity clothes!
@Catherine–That is such a great idea!! I think you may have revived my use of the BeBand with that tip. Thanks!
Thanks Sarah–that’s so sweet of you to say!
@Amy–Congrats to you! And yes, don’t wait to get yourself into an elastic waistband. Oh, it’s just heaven!
@Carol–Oh man, I can imagine how tough that must be finding inexpensive maternity clothes when you’re so tall. Grr! Maybe the people at Gap will read this post and start a “Maternity Tall” option like they have a “Tall” option for their regular clothes. *crossing fingers* I’m sure there’s quite the market for it! And you probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m totally jealous of your height. I wish I were taller! And being pregnant during a Texas summer does NOT sound like my idea of a good time, you poor girl. I’m so happy Kate was a winter baby!
Thanks Julie!
@Carey–I totally agree with everything you said. Sounds like we had a similar experience with maternity wear.
Thanks Gabe; you’re too kind. I’m liking the Coach diaper bag. It’s large enough that I can fit everything in it that I need, and it’s small enough that it keeps me from throwing a bunch of crap in there that I don’t need. So far it’s working out really well. I hope you enjoy yours too!
Thanks Juls, Leah, and Allison–seriously, you girls are all too kind! Thank you so much! 😀
@Emma–Congrats on your pregnancy, and I’m so happy I could help!
@Meredith–Normally I’d say I wish I had your problem, but I can imagine how frustrating that must have been when you’re so limited with maternity wear.
@Janis–Congrats on Baby #3! Hope you have fun shopping!
Awww, thanks Beth!
Thanks Sharon–and congrats on your pregnancy!
@Nicole–Welcome to the world of maternity jeans. I think you’ll like it there!
Thanks Good Egg!
@CampDallas–Thank you so much; that’s really so sweet of you to say. 😀 And nope, surprisingly my regular tops did not stretch out after wearing them when I was pregnant. I totally thought they would’ve, but amazingly enough it didn’t happen!
Thanks Jenna, Eva, and Kimberly!
@Sweet Tangerine–Thank you, and congrats on your pregnancy!
@Tina–I bought some maternity undies from Motherhood Maternity early on in my pregnancy b/c I thought I’d need them. They were “one size fits all” which I thought was interesting, and that also made think I couldn’t go wrong with the sizing. It turns out I didn’t need them at all during my pregnancy. I was able to wear my regular underwear all throughout. On the plus side, however, I found that they came in handy AFTER my pregnancy b/c they sat higher than my regular undies, which was something I def. needed since I had a c-section. As for bras–my breasts didn’t grown too much during my pregnancy so I was also able to stick with my regular bras. I bought a nursing tank, and a nursing sleep bra at the end of my pregnancy just to be prepared, and didn’t buy a “sized” nursing bra until after Kate was born. The lactation nurses in the hospital told me that your breast size about 10 days post-partum is the size you’ll probably remain while you’re nursing. So, short answer long, I’d say hold off on both until you need them b/c you just never know if–or what size–you’ll need. Hope that helps!
@Dee–Congrats on your pregnancy! I’d love to go shopping with you, but I’m sure you’ll still have plenty of fun without me!
Thank you so much Shelley!
girl you rocked it!!! i just love your style! i’m pregnant with our 2nd and these are great tips! i did a post a while back with maternity fashion finds…i’m LOVING these!!!!
I’m so glad you posted this! As you know, you were a HUGE help to me when I had these questions. I’m glad you were able to help out some other PG girls! Love you!
you are the cutest thing ever! I have a 3 year old and will never have another baby, but I will be sending your blog to all those who are pregnant around me. you managed to look adorable for your entire pregnancy. love your blog!
Thank you so much girls–I’m so glad you found this post helpful!
Thank you for all these information. My honey bun needs a good set of cheap maternity clothes for hip moms which she could wear whenever we go out.
These can be some good baby shower gifts! Along with a nice maternity bra, this could really make the mother, and the baby, happy.
I’m pregnant with my first baby and these are useful tips for me. i did a post a while back with maternity fashion finds…i’m loving these. Thank you for all these information.