The best maternity clothes and nightwear 2024
WHAT ARE MATERNITY CLOTHES?
Maternity clothes are worn when pregnant and are designed to accommodate a growing bump. Maternity trousers, jeans, skirts and leggings usually have a large, wide, stretchy band to cover the belly, while other items will be cut to give plenty in pregnancy.
They will often be worn after the baby is born as well and some include features to make breastfeeding easier.
When to buy maternity clothes
This will entirely depend on how quickly your bump grows and your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. If it is full of smocks and maxi dresses, you can last a lot longer before buying anything and might even be able to get away with the bare minimum of maternity wear. It’s trousers and jeans that tend to stop fitting first but there are ways to make non-maternity trousers last longer. See here.
What size maternity clothes to buy
Choose clothes in your pre-pregnancy size. So if you are usually a size 12, a size 12 maternity item will be designed to fit your pregnant body. Look for clothes that will grow with you, like items made from stretchy material or with elasticated bands.
THE BEST HIGH STREET MATERNITY CLOTHES
Gone are the days when a smock and a pair of dungarees were the only maternity wear option. Many high street stores have excellent ranges of clothes compatible with a growing bump. These include:
the best specialist maternity brands
There are also some excellent specialist maternity clothes brands, which are great if you’re looking for something a bit different or for a special occasion. Here are some of the best.
An award-winning brand that was co-founded by a fashion stylist and is all about print and colour. If you want something leopard print, this is the place.
Price of a dress: £45 - £65
Sophisticated neutrals, special occasion evening wear and wedding and bridesmaid dresses. They also do a very popular maternity coat that turns into a baby-wearing coat.
Price of a dress: £39 - £269
Formal wear, occasion wear, and wedding dresses designed and made in the UK.
Price of a dress - £59 - £599
Classic designs from an ethical and sustainable company.
Price of a dress: £49 - £109
Danish brand with a wide range of clothes including sportswear, swimwear, and nightwear.
Price of a dress - £18 - £55
Pre and post natal active wear including leggings, cycling shorts and sports bras.
Price of leggings - £48
Vintage-inspired dresses, jumpsuits and dungarees, which are made in London. Everything is designed to be worn during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Price of a dress - £165 to £235
WHAT MATERNITY CLOTHES DO YOU NEED?
This very much depends on what season you are most heavily pregnant. Baggier clothes will fit for a while and waistband extenders can allow you to wear your usual skirts and trousers. But most will get a couple of pairs of maternity jeans, some over-the-bump leggings, a winter coat that will accommodate your bump, and some maternity tops and dresses. Some of these can double up as nursing clothes for a longer lifespan. You might also want to get some maternity tights and some maternity nightwear.
For maternity leggings, some of the most popular places to buy them are H&M, ASOS, and Lovall.
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