It wasn’t long after holding that little stick with the blue plus sign that I realized I was going to need a whole new wardrobe. Whether it was the First Trimester Bloat or just my imagination, my pants were feeling tighter within a couple months after that first doctor’s appointment. I was equally excited and overwhlemed, recognizing that 1) I was going to have a JUSTIFIABLE REASON to buy new clothes (yay!), but 2) this could be quite the expensive endeavor…. for just a few months of wear. So I set out on a couch-shopping spree: scanning the racks from the palm of my hand, preparing for what was to come.

And then it hit me…. I had NO idea where to start. Having never shopped for maternity clothes before, and without an older sister to show me the ropes, I had no clue where to begin. When a generic Google search for maternity clothes brought up a host of images for empire-waist, tent-like tunics, I started to panic. I did not want to spend 6 months (not to mention $600) on clothes that made me feel like I was hiding my excitement behind a mumu. More determined than ever, I asked around, hit up Pinterest, dug a little deeper, and finally found what I was looking for: stylish, fun, and even affordable clothes that I could look forward to buying and wearing.

And so, this list was born. A collection of maternity wear websites, grouped by their strengths, to help all you glowing goddesses dress the bump… and those milkmakers. Happy shopping!

Best for Basics 

1. Target – The Isabel line is a staple – either because of the price point or because Target always knows how to get me to spend money. One of my non-prego friends even said “Sometimes I see those clothes and wish I could wear them.” Something tells me she will, some day.
2. Old Navy – If you find the perfect maternity tee or sweater, you can buy it in another color, or stripes, or plaid, or polka dots, or….
3. Gap – These clothes will most likely be the foundation of your wardrobe – true basics, perfect for layering… the kind of things you can wear 3 or 4 times a week when paired with different accessories. I won’t tell. Bonus points: Gap’s Starter Styles are perfect for that transitional period when all you want to do us unbutton your pants, but you don’t yet have a visible bump.
   
4. Ingrid and Isabel – Not only does this company offer easy staples like shirtdresses, but they have thought of every essential layering piece you could possibly need – including the famous BellaBand.

Best for Trendy Threads

1. asos – Thank God for the Brits. This was the first site that taught me maternity clothes can be cute, trendy, and DIRT CHEAP. Their sale racks are to die for, with some items under $20, and free shipping to boot.
2. H&M – H&M has really stepped up their maternity game in the last few years. Buy their maternity clothes online or in store, and in true H&M fashion, the price point is perfect.
3. Thyme Maternity – Thyme Maternity is Canada’s largest maternity wear retailer, and for good reason: they offer clothes for every occasion, and their Stork & Babe collection is especially on trend.

Best for a Chic Splurge

1. Hatch – I want everything on this site. The end.
   

   Hatch Collection

2. Isabella Oliver – This site features simple, flattering pieces with unique details. And if that’s not enough, the blog will tell you which celeb was seen in that dress you have your eye on.
3. Rosie Pope Maternity – This line, from the star of Bravo’s Pregnant in Heels, is all at once fashionable, easy, flattering, and fun. While these pieces are a tad on the expensive side, you’ll get a lot of wear out of them – they transition well and are super versatile. Plus, they list a phone number to call with fit questions! Genius. I’m pretty sure if I knew Rosie, we would be friends. Just sayin’.
4. Seraphine – Looking for a dress to wear to a wedding? Or a wedding dress for yourself? Looking for a suit for work?  A bathing suit? Nursing clothes that are flattering? Seraphine has it all, and is one of Kate Middleton’s favorite brands.

Best for Transitional Pieces

1. Kohl’s – Bust out those Kohls bucks (or ask your mom for hers). Kohl’s even does the guess work for you by sorting their inventory by trimesters. Easy peasy.
2. Boob Maternity and Nursing – Boob is pretty much what you would assume from the name: simple, basic pieces that transition from maternity to nursing. Bonus if you are a conscious shopper: 97% of the materials Boob uses to make their clothing are sustainable!
3. Milk & Baby – Founded by two moms who craved better options for nursing wear, this brand clearly knows what moms need for the first few months with their little one. From stylish nursing shirts to kangaroo tops, from labor gowns to mommy-and-me matching outfits, they have the 4th trimester covered.
4. Milk Nursingwear – If you’re looking for a big selection of nursing shirts that will make life easier, allowing you to feed the baby at dropoff and pump during your lunchbreak, this site is for you.

Best for the Office

1. LOFT – This classic mall brand sells maternity wear too, but exclusively online. Pretty much every item is office-friendly, and just like in-store, LOFT.com runs tons of promotional sales. My only gripe – their maternity pants don’t come in tall sizes… I’m still searching for us lanky girls.
2. A Pea in the Pod – Child of the parent company Destination Maternity, at Pea and the Pod you’ll find classic pieces aplenty, from collections by French Connection, Nicole Miller, BCBGmaxazria, and Joe’s Jeans, among others. And while you can visit their stores in person, they sometimes feature sales exclusively for online shoppers.
3. Stitch Fix Maternity – Take the guesswork out of the whole situation and hire a personal shopper to send you stuff so you can get down to business.

Best for Bargains

1. Your Friends’ Closets – No joke. When my college friend sent me a box of her old maternity clothes to borrow, it was like Christmas in September. What’s better than free? And if you’re friends, I’m guessing your taste is somewhat similar.
2. Ebay –   Talk about bargains. If you have the patience to watch your favorite items and bid when the time is right, you can score big. This is the perfect place to look for the seasonal items you might need – a  winter coat for instance. Even still… a 24-piece lot of maternity clothes in my size, worn for 5 months, for $16.00? Yes, please.
3. Gilt – Gilt offers daily deals on almost everything, but their Baby & Kids tab is the money spot for me these days. Maternity wear, strollers, carriers, nursery decor, you name it. Be forewarned: Gilt may become your daily addiction.
4. Zulily – This site is another that offers daily deals… and in the last year I have become certifiably addicted to Zulily They have really increased their maternity clothes selection since I first started this list, and I’ll definitely be shopping here for pregnancy number
5. Local Consignment Stores – During my first visit to a local maternity consignment store, I found a pair of designer jeans for a fraction of the price. And if there is one thing you deserve when you are pregnant, it’s a phenomenal pair of maternity jeans. The confidence you’ll get from knowing your butt still looks damn good? Priceless.

Best for the Weekend

1. Imanimo – Imanimo’s easy dresses are screaming for a pair of gladiator sandals, a pair of sunnies, and the farmer’s market.
2. Motherhood Maternity – The sister site to A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood Maternity offers a huge selection of cute, basic clothes at good prices. The site features collections by designers like Wendy Bellissimo and Jessica Simpson, and these casual clothes look uber comfy.
3. Everly Grey – Everly Grey has some great sales, and while their casual clothes abound, there are some office looks as well.
4. Pink Blush – I love Pink Blush’s refreshing prints and easy styles. And they offer plus sizes to boot! Their diverse collection offers something for everyone, and I’m betting one of their pieces will become your out-and-about go-to.

Best Multi-Brand Sites

1. Nordstrom – Featuring many of the brands listed above, Nordstrom’s is your one stop shop for a quick browse of all the best styles. That said, they don’t carry every style for every brand. Think of it as a Greatest Hits Collection.
2. Due Maternity – Due not only features a variety of clothing brands, but they also offer skin care products, gifts, and baby items.
3. Destination Maternity – This is the umbrella site for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity. They seem to have everything – swimwear, activewear, lingerie… you name it.

So, that should get you started… ha! If you find any other stellar sites out there in your virtual travels, let me know, and I’ll add them to the list. In the meantime, celebrate that bump, and show it off!