Maternity clothes – the complete guide
What to buy, when and in what size. A wardrobe for three trimesters, fabrics, cuts that last beyond the birth, and things that aren’t worth it.
In-depth guide 6 min read
Maternity and nursing clothes
What to buy, what to adapt and what will still be useful after the birth.
Maternity clothes are worn for a few months, so it pays to choose with care. For each type we explain when it is useful, how to choose the size, which materials work, what to watch out for and whether you will still wear it after the birth. We do not sell anything and we do not include paid links.
- During pregnancyLeggings, trousers, dresses, tops and winter wear.
- For breastfeedingTops, vests, hoodies, nightdresses and bras.
- For babywearingCoats, hoodies and inserts for two (links to the Babywearing section).
Start here
How to choose maternity leggings
Over-bump panel or under-bump waistband? How to choose the size, fabric and thickness, what makes good winter maternity leggings, and how long you will wear them.
In-depth guide 4 min read
Clothes for breastfeeding – what is really worth it
How nursing tops, hoodies, dresses and nightdresses work, which designs open with one hand, which fabrics to choose and how many items are enough.
In-depth guide 4 min read
More guides in this section
- When to start wearing maternity clothes There is no right week. How to tell it is time, what your everyday wardrobe can still cope with, and in what order to buy maternity pieces.
- Winter maternity clothes How to dress for winter in pregnancy. A maternity coat or an insert for your own coat, lined leggings, layers, and what you will still use when carrying your baby.
- Nursing tops and vests Short sleeves, long sleeves, a vest under a hoodie or a shirt for work. How to choose a nursing top that opens with one hand and stands up to frequent washing.
- Nursing hoodies How to choose a hoodie for breastfeeding. A zip-up hoodie, a double-layer one or one with side zips, fabrics, and the difference between a nursing hoodie and a babywearing hoodie.
- Nightdresses for the hospital and for breastfeeding How many nightdresses to pack for the maternity hospital, why they should open at the front, which fabrics to choose and when pyjamas are better. For night feeds at home too.
- Nursing bras How to choose a nursing bra and a maternity bra. Types of drop-down cup, why it shouldn’t dig in, when to buy and how many.
- Maternity dresses, trousers and tops A practical overview of maternity trousers, jeans, dresses and tops. Waistband types, cuts that grow with the bump, and pieces that work for breastfeeding too.
From other sections, but it belongs here
Babywearing
Babywearing coats, hoodies and inserts
How a babywearing coat, a softshell jacket with an insert, a warm babywearing hoodie and an insert for your own coat work. What to check so your baby’s face stays clear and they don’t get too warm.
Coming later
- Maternity swimwear
- Workwear in pregnancy
- Altering everyday clothes for pregnancy
We will publish these topics only once we have checked them against reliable sources. Until then, better nothing than a half-finished text.