Even pregnancy hormones and hot flushes aren’t enough to shield from the biting British cold, so having some great winter maternity clothes when you’re pregnant in those frostier months is a must.
As well as our usual maternity-wear go-to stores like Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, , you can also find some great bits at other high-street staples like H&M, Esprit and even Newlook, which all have some to-die-for maternity clothes that most of us have been keeping — and wearing — long after the baby is out and about.
Best at a glance:
-
Best overall winter maternity clothes: Esprit 3-in-1 Padded Quilted Jacket, buy on Esprit
-
Best winter maternity clothes for price: Maternity Rust Knit Split Hem Midi Dress, buy on Newlook
-
Best winter maternity clothes for nursing: Fleece Sweatshirt, Maternity & Nursing Special, buy on Vertbaudet
And, if your looking for budget-friendly items that you won’t be scared to accidentally spill hot chocolate on or maybe you're in the house for the day, we have some nice comfy maternity basics.
Even the most optimistic mothers-to-be soon start to realise that they will not, in fact, still be able to wear their favourite winter items throughout their pregnancy, even if they just “take it out a little bit here” or “keep the buttons undone”. There’s no way around it, ladies; you’re going to need to stock up on at least some maternity basics, and, to make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of the must-haves for anyone going through pregnancy in winter.
Best winter maternity clothes for comfort
Description
Before we go anywhere, let's talk boobs. Boobs at nighttime. You need to look after your breasts during pregancy, before baby even arrives, and we can't deny how troublesome they can be in bed. So invest in a good sleep bra, and - trust us - getting dressed in the morning will be a lot more pleasant if one of your boobs hasn't escaped to make a cup of tea downstairs before you've even got out of bed. These Medela sleep bras are super comfy - you won't even realise you're wearing it - and they might make you sleep easier, too.
Review: "I honestly cannot find fault with this bra. I bought 2 and they are amazing for breastfeeding and sleeping in. The white colour does seem to become a bit see through when you wear it as it shows your nipple and areola but that shouldn't matter if you're wearing it underneath a top. It's so comfortable and the material is really soft."
Pros
- Designed without hooks or closure clips
- The bustier provides seamless support during sleep
Cons
- Machine wash only
Best winter maternity clothes for three-way detachable
www.esprit.co.uk
Description
This gorgeous three-way quilted parka is just what you need to keep your growing belly in, and the biting cold out. You’ll get your money’s worth too because it has detachable inserts that, when included, make loads of room for a bump or a baby in a carrier, and when removed, turn it into a normal, non-maternity coat. It also comes in a navy version.
Pros
- Weather resistant outer fabric
- Quilted and padded
Cons
- Only szes 8-18 available
Best winter maternity clothes for design
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Description
A cross between a cardigan and a wearable blanket, this soft and cosy grey drape maternity and nursing cardy form Jojo Maman Bébé is perfect for wrapping around you on chillier days. Stylish and in neutral colours that go with anything, it’s a must for any new mama’s wardrobe, and can easily be worn well after pregnancy too.
Editor and mum-to-be Sophie Knight says: "I have this cardie (and another in navy) and I'm wearing it every day throughout winter. It's versatile, comfy, and easy to throw on over a T-shirt. I'll definitely keep wearing it when baby arrives, too, as it'll be simple over a breastfeeding vest."
Pros
- Designed to fit during and after pregnancy
- Versatile design
Cons
- Machine wash only
Best winter maternity clothes for creativity
www.vertbaudet.co.uk
Description
There’s nothing like a soft fleece jumper to warm your cockles in the winter, and this embroidered maternity sweatshirt from French mama and kiddie brand, Vertbaudet, is on our wish list. It has an elegant scoop neckline, and buttons on the side to allow plenty of room for a growing bump.
Pros
- Press-stud fastening on the raglan sleeves for easy breastfeeding
- Straight hem
Cons
- Only two colours available (blue, brown)
Best winter maternity clothes for warmth
www.newlook.com
Description
This rib maternity dress is sure to keep you nice and warm and, best of all, comfortable, especially when paired with a nice pair of thick tights or leggings. The split hem is the perfect lounge item for relaxing around the house, but stylish enough to be worn out, too.
Review: "Such a gorgeous shade of green! I wore this to my baby shower as I am much more of a comfortable and casual dresser. It fits perfectly, whilst not clinging to the wrong areas! I got so many compliments on it - New Look really know how to do maternity well."
Pros
- Soft knit fabric
- Slim fit
- Bump accommodating
Cons
- Not suitable for hand-wash
Best winter maternity clothes for denim
www.uk.isabellaoliver.com
Description
This high-quality pair of over-the-bump boyfriend jeans from Isabella Oliver is so comfortable and stylish, you’ll never want to part with them, even after you’ve given birth (shhh, wear them with a long top and no one will ever know). One mum raved, “These were unbelievably comfortable, the belly band is so soft. I started wearing them at 11 weeks and they worked beautifully.”
Pros
- Crafted in stretch organic cotton denim
- Classic boyfriend jean cut
Cons
- Only colour available to classic denim wash
Best winter maternity clothes for a snug fit
www2.hm.com
Description
Available in six awesome earthy colours, these Mama joggers from H&M's conscious line will be your staple pair of tracksuit pants throughout your pregnancy, and possibly beyond. Made from a cotton-polyester mix with a wide-ribbed waist that fits snugly over the tummy, you’ll never want to take them off.
Pros
- Wide cotton jersey panel for best fit over the tummy
- Side pockets and covered elastication at the hems
Cons
- Only sizes available are XS and S
Best winter maternity clothes for everyday wear
www.next.co.uk
Description
Dsigned with an over-the-bump waistband, that will help blend into your beautiful changing shape. Soft, comfortable, and available in either black or navy, these maternity essential leggings from Next are a basic item for everyday wear, and the price is great too.
Review: "Over the bump leggings quite supportive comfortable 2 pack."
Pros
- Ideal for lounging at home
- Comfortable
Cons
- One review says the material is too thin
Best winter maternity clothes for nursing
www.seraphine.com
Description
Comfortable enough to be worn at home, all day, every day, and chic enough to go out in, this ribbed maternity and nursing midi dress from Seraphine is a versatile item that looks great at each stage of your pregnancy. It has an elegant crew neckline and the top lifts up for easy nursing access so you can still get plenty of wear out of it even when the baby arrives.
Pros
- Soft & stretchy ribbed knit
- Easy fit
Cons
- Not too clingy
Best winter maternity clothes for stretch
www.johnlewis.com
Description
A good set of tights is a must in any winter wardrobe, but alas, none of your old faithfuls will fit you as that baby starts to grow. This £9 set of 100-denier opaque maternity tights with matte finish from John Lewis have a bump-shaped front panel that stretches with your belly, staying comfortable, no matter how big your bump gets.
Pros
- Feature a specially shaped front panel for soft comfort to support you as you grow
- Complete with reinforced toes for added comfort.
Cons
- Only size available: M
Best winter maternity clothes for adjustable waist toggles
direct.asda.com
Description
When a coat is too much, and a cardigan is not quite enough, a good jacket, like this longline throw-on version from George at Asda, is just right. It has long sleeves, a high collar, and a wrap-style front meaning that you will still be putting it to good use during those first few nursing months too.
Review: "Ordered for my Daughter she’s very pleased with coat lovely and warm and panel is great for her as she’s having twins! Very good price."
Pros
- Longline
- Removable panel for once child is born
Cons
- Not suitable for tumble drying
Best winter maternity clothes for a relaxed fit
www.apeainthepod.com
Description
Pyjamas — and especially maternity pyjamas — haven't exactly been synonymous with sophistication in days of yore, but this three-piece nursing sleep set from A Pea in the Pod has come along to change all that.
Review: "The most comfrotable and asoft PJ set for nursing mama. You won't want to get out of these."
Another review said: "My mother in law bought these for me off my registry and I'm forever grateful! They are so comfortable. Small fits really well, but im a bit short and the pants are long, which I personally don't mind. I wouldrather them be long than short. They are super soft."
Pros
- Nursing 3 Piece Sleep Set
- Clipdown Nursing Function
Cons
- Only sizes xs available
Best winter maternity clothes for knit
www.newlook.com
Description
Perfect for your growing bump and beyond, these stylish cream knit trousers are the perfect addition for your wardrobe. Made from a snug knit fabric and a comfortable elasticated waist, pair them with the matching top for your desired chic look.
Pros
- Online exclusive
- Matching items available
Cons
- One colour available (cream)
Remember, pregnancy is a time when many of us experience physical discomfort. These include sore muscles and back and breast pain.
Wearing the right clothes is very important, as this is because wearing comfortable items can help reduce uneasiness, and make your pregnancy journey more bearably.
However, most women prefer not to buy a new wardrobe, while some do. This is completely up to you, but investing in the most vital pieces is key, as most of these items can be worn again.