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These maternity brands will see you through every trimester in style
From high-street labels to boutiques, you’ll want to wear these pieces even after your little one is born
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If you’re pregnant, you will know all too well the sting of having to surrender your favourite pair of non-stretch jeans but, as your body changes, it’s inevitable that you’ll find yourself reaching for clothes that are more comfortable, practical and supportive.
That’s not to say you don’t still want to dress nicely, though – just because you have a growing bump to keep in mind, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Case in point: Rihanna’s incredible maternity wardrobe, which has seen the Barbadian singer give us all a master class in experimental pregnancy fashion.
Now, we’re well aware belly-baring tops and sheer negligees might not be top of your shopping list but, if anything, the star has proven your sense of style doesn’t need to go on maternity leave just because you’re expecting.
The good news is there are plenty of fashion brands offering trendy togs to see you through the full nine months and beyond, from independent boutiques to those that specialise solely in maternity style, and high-street names that have ventured into collections of their own.
But is shopping for maternity wear worth it? While all bodies and bump sizes are different, and you can typically get away with wearing stretchy or flowy styles in the first trimester, most expectant mums find it more comfortable to wear clothes designed for pregnancy as their bumps grow.
If you’re worried about the expense of buying clothing you won’t wear long-term, consider adding just a few carefully selected items to your existing wardrobe and picking out styles you can continue wearing after pregnancy. Plus, when it comes to sizing, most recommend choosing your pre-pregnancy dress size, but it’s worth checking each individual brand’s sizing guideline before making a purchase.
How we tested the best maternity brands
From independent brands to much-loved high-street stalwarts, our expectant mum – who has just entered her third trimester – sifted through maternity collections to help bring you a definitive list of brands that will help breathe new life into your pregnancy wardrobe. So, whether you’re looking for stretchy basics, dresses to see you through summer or denim that’s designed to fit and flatter through every stage, consider this your one-stop shop.
Asos
From affordable trend-led pieces to wardrobe staples, Asos has one of the most encompassing ranges of maternity wear you’ll find, so, if it was one of your favourite places to shop pre-pregnancy, there’s no need to look elsewhere. The retailer sells maternity clothing from third-party brands such as Topshop, Mamalicious and Missguided, but it also has its own range that’s filled with stylish offerings spanning occasion dresses, activewear, swimwear and lingerie, so, you really can’t go wrong.
Beyond Nine
As the name suggests, Beyond Nine specialises in creating clothing that you can wear during and after the nine months of pregnancy. Described as “clothing for modern mamahood”, the brand’s range fills the gap for cool and good quality pieces that you can dress up or down, including jumpsuits, dungarees, dresses, oversized sweaters and more, all of which are made from eco-conscious fabrics.
New Look
Fed up with frumpy maternity wear? New Look’s got you covered. A stalwart on the British high street, the retailer has a huge array of pregnancy-friendly pieces that are just as fashionable as those you’ll find in its main collection. Filled with up-to-date styles, the brand has everything from summer dresses to shackets as well as wardrobe staples such as T-shirts, vests and jeans, offering both “over bump” and “under bump” waistband styles. Plus, everything comes with a brilliant price tag, which means you can stock up on more, right?
Seraphine
A one-stop shop for all things maternity, Seraphine is one of the biggest names in pregnancy and postpartum-friendly clothing and has been dressing mums for around 20 years. It’s even royalty-approved, as the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted wearing many a wrap dress from the brand when she was expecting Prince George. Seraphine offers a whole range of maternity fashion essentials, including cover-ups, evening dresses, jeans and underwear, as well as the basics. One of the things that puts off women investing in maternity clothing is longevity but that needn’t be a concern when it comes to Seraphine’s offerings, as most have been designed to benefit both mum and baby.
Gap
Gap is a haven of affordable, stylish pieces that mean you get to still feel ‘like you’, even when sporting a growing bump. You can shop everything from trendy swimming costumes for your babymoon to comfy loungewear for relaxing at home, and even activewear that’s designed to support your changing body, all without breaking the bank.
Clary & Peg
Founded by two mothers who met at an antenatal class when they were eight months pregnant, Clary & Peg delivers vintage-inspired maternity wear that’s representative of fashion through the ages – think Fifties smocks, Sixties mini dresses, Seventies maxi dresses and classic Eighties dungarees. Plus, everything is designed and made in England, and the brand puts great emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion.
River Island
Channelling what the brand does best, River Island’s maternity range oozes style. It includes everything from comfortable, cool loungewear to “of the moment” trendy pieces with added bump room that mean you and your pregnant belly don’t have to just sit around in sweats all day if you don’t want to (although those days are welcomed). The retailer’s collection feels like an extension of all its good stuff, but with your changing body in mind.
Isabella Oliver
If sustainability is important to you, consider updating your maternity wardrobe with pieces from London-based brand Isabella Oliver. This company is on a mission to create stylish clothes for expectant mums, while driving lasting positive change in the fashion industry at the same time. With a focus on environmental, ethical and sustainable style, it aims to eliminate the effects of fast fashion within the maternity sector, meaning all of its pieces are designed to fit you both during and post-birth.
Mango
Although Mango’s maternity range isn’t huge, it contains well thought out pieces that you’ll genuinely want to wear and that allow you to feel fashionable throughout your whole pregnancy. The collection includes a number of basics and essentials such as leggings and jeans, as well as a few stand-out items you can reach for long after pregnant days are over.
Mori
A brand best known for its range of organic baby clothes, Mori caters to mums, too, with its “mama by Mori” collection of comfortable wardrobe essentials. As well as mix-and-match pieces, such as T-shirts and leggings, designed to support and accommodate growing bumps, the label also offers nightwear and loungewear that can be worn through every trimester.
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From working out to lounging on the sofa, get comfy in the best maternity leggings that will have you (and your bump) covered
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