Congratulations on your upcoming mini-me! But, before you start thinking about the early labour signs you need to look out for, it's time to deal with how to dress your new body. Yes, it's easy to throw on the most oversized t-shirt in the back of your wardrobe - it's another thing entirely to make growing a small human fashionable and above all else, comfortable. Here's everything you need to know about the best maternity clothes that are practical and stylish.
Here at Mother&Baby, we're here to help. That's why in this guide to the best clothes for a mama-to-be, we've covered everything from how maternity clothes sizes work to the best maternity clothes brands, and even included recommendations from our shopping experts. Find out more about why you should trust us here.
Best maternity clothing brands
Not sure where to turn when it comes to mum-to-be garments? Here are some of the favourite places across the UK:
• H&M
• New Look
• ASOS
• Matalan
• GAP
Instead of spending hours browsing maternity lines on the web sorting through clothes that you'll never wear, we've pulled together an extensive list of the best maternity clothes. From workout leggings to winter coats, we've found everything you need for your wardrobe.
Our pick of the best maternity clothes
Best maternity blouse
www.prettylittlething.com
Description
PrettyLittleThing is not only stylish for new mums, but it's pretty affordable, too. We love that this shirt has a shirred detailing and a bump flattering fit. Plus, it comes in three different colours - white, camel and black.
Best maternity jumpsuit
beyondnine.co.uk
Description
Suitable throughout pregnancy and beyond, this super-soft jumpsuit is made from organic cotton with 3/4 length sleeves, a low V neckline that is ideal for breastfeeding and two internal pockets. There are three different colours to choose from and even an option without pockets - but who wouldn't want pockets?
Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "I am SO impressed with this jumpsuit. It may not look like much initially and the price may feel offputting to some but it's truly a versatile staple that can be dressed down or up, whatever the occasion. I've already worn mine loads because it's just so comfy. I'm even considering it as my going-home outfit from the hospital."
Best summer maternity dress
www2.hm.com
Description
This long sleeveless dress is perfect for warmer weather. It has wide shoulder straps for added comfort as well as a practical inner top for easier nursing access.
Best maternity dungarees
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Description
Whether it's for a day working from home or a walk in the park, these dungarees can be dressed up or down. They're also designed to last the whole of your pregnancy and accommodate your growing bump.
Learn more about the best maternity dungarees for maximum comfort here.
Best maternity gym leggings
www.matalan.co.uk
Description
Stretch it out with these practical gym leggings from Matalan. Whether you're practising yoga or going for a walk, these leggings have handy details like a phone pocket, flattering panelling and sweat-wicking properties.
Best maternity mum jeans
www.newlook.com
Description
Finding a comfortable pair of jeans for pregnancy is challenging, but these under-bump mum jeans are up for the challenge. Team with a cute top or jumper for a fabulous everyday outfit.
Find more top picks for the best maternity jeans for every stage of pregnancy here.
Best over-the-bump maternity leggings
Description
Super comfy over-the-bump leggings that are a best-seller on Amazon, as they're so easy to wear every day. They're made from cotton with added Spandex to give you support and movement. They also feature a built-in, adjustable maternity support belt.
Discover the best maternity leggings that you can wear all day, every day.
Best everyday maternity dress
www.gap.co.uk
Description
Finding a maternity dress that you can chuck on with a pair of trainers can be difficult. But, this modern Softspun dress from Gapis everything you've been looking for. Who knew simple could be this cute?
Best maternity loungewear
www.missguided.co.uk
Description
We're huge fans of Missguided's maternity loungewear collection. Our favourite piece is definitely this very cute MAMA slogan jumper.
Read more about the best maternity loungewear to keep you cosy.
Best maternity pyjamas
www.seraphine.com
Description
These Black Bamboo Lounge Maternity Pyjamas are a two-piece pyjama set with crossover V neckline and easy nursing access. It's made from soft bamboo being hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and antibacterial.
Best maternity bra set
www.asos.com
Description
These soft, seam-free nursing bras are cute and comfy while ideal for nursing. This bra is the kind that stretches, with easy-to-use drop-down clips and a wide-cut underband to provide extra support.
Check out more of our picks of the best maternity bras that are really comfortable.
Best colourful leggings
loveleggings.com
Description
Branch out and invest in these light grey leggings that are cheap as chips. Not only do they give you support in all the right places, but they aren't see-through at all. Result!
Tested by Sophie Knight: "I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and I have five pairs of these - I can't remember a day when I wore anything else during this pregnancy."
Best maternity and beyond coat
www.seraphine.com
Description
Are you looking for a coat to keep you and bump warm? Well, we've found it. We love that there is plenty of room for you to grow together. Plus, it's snuggly and warm - perfect for those chilly mornings.
Once your bundle of joy is born they can even fit in your coat with a added zip-in kangaroo panel. So they can stay snug next to your chest in their sling.
Now that you've selected the best items to go in your new wardrobe, we want to help by answering some burning questions you have around these clothes.
Are maternity clothes necessary?
First up, we want to get to the bottom of whether or not maternity clothes are necessary. As your body begins to change and your belly starts to grow, you'll get a better understanding if you can maximise your current wardrobe or if you'll need to splash out on the latest maternity fashion. If you decide that you want to wear what you already have, then it's good to dig out looser-fitting garments.
Although wearing your favourite skirt a little higher might be alright in your first two trimesters, by your third, you'll probably find that this constricts you. That's why during pregnancy, you'll want to wear clothes that feel comfortable and give you that extra support. You'll be all about elastic waistbands and soft knits by this point.
How do the sizes work?
If this is your first pregnancy, you probably have a lot of questions around how maternity clothes sizes work.
According to Seraphine, "maternity clothes are expertly tailored to grow with your curves before, during and after pregnancy. Our advice is simple: No need to change, just select your regular pre-pregnancy size." Who knew it was that easy?
Can you wear maternity clothes postpartum?
This nicely leads us to our last question - can you wear these clothes postpartum? You can absolutely wear maternity clothes after giving birth.
Lots of maternity wear will actually state that they can be worn postpartum, you just need to know how to style it.