Buying maternity clothes can get expensive fast. But you don’t need a big budget to look good and feel comfortable during pregnancy. You just need a smart plan and a few tricks.
Here’s how to build a useful, versatile maternity wardrobe without spending a fortune.
Start With What You Already Own
You might already have clothes that can serve you well during pregnancy. Check your closet for items with stretch or flexible fits.
- Maxi dresses: These often have room for a growing belly and can work well for casual or dressy occasions.
- Leggings: A must-have. If they’re high-waisted and stretchy, they may last through most of your pregnancy.
- Loose shirts or tunics: Flowy blouses and button-downs can keep you comfortable while giving you a put-together look.
- Oversized sweaters: Especially useful during colder months.
Don’t rush to box everything up. Many of your regular pieces may still fit or be layered with maternity staples.
Buy Only What You Really Need
You only need a few true maternity essentials. Think about what you actually wear on a weekly basis, then buy a few versions of that.
- Jeans or pants: Maternity jeans with over-the-belly panels can be worn throughout your pregnancy and work with most tops.
- Supportive bras: Your bust size will likely change. Get fitted if you can and look for nursing bras that can work later too.
- Basic tees or tanks: Neutral-colored maternity tops can be layered easily and worn often.
- One or two dressy options: Look for a stretchy wrap dress or bodycon dress that can grow with your belly.
You’ll be wearing these for a short period. Focus on quality and comfort—not quantity.
Use the Rubber Band Trick
To extend the life of your current jeans or pants, use a hair tie or rubber band.
Thread it through the buttonhole of your jeans and loop it around the button. This gives you a few more weeks with your normal clothes before you need maternity bottoms.
Borrow from Friends or Family
Reach out to friends who’ve been pregnant recently. Many still have maternity clothes sitting in storage—and they’re often happy to share.
If you don’t know anyone directly, try asking around at work, among neighbors, or in local parenting groups.
Borrowing saves money and helps reduce waste. You might even swap items once you’re done.
Shop Secondhand First
Used maternity clothes are often in good shape. That makes sense—they’re usually only worn for a few months.
Where to check:
- Thrift stores: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local shops usually keep maternity in a separate section.
- Consignment stores: Look for spots that specialize in maternity or baby goods. They’re selective about quality.
- Facebook Marketplace: People often post entire maternity wardrobes for cheap as a bulk sale.
- Poshmark and Mercari: Great for gently used items and maternity brands at steep discounts.
Be sure to check return policies if you’re buying online. Fit may vary by brand or trimester, so flexibility matters.
Host or Attend a Clothing Swap
Set up a maternity clothing swap with friends, coworkers, or local parenting groups.
Everyone brings what they don’t need and can take home new-to-them items for free. Swaps also help you connect with other expecting parents.
Look for community events where swaps are open to the public. Libraries, churches, or parent groups may host them regularly.
Target Clearance Sections
Big-box stores like Target often carry maternity basics. Head to the sale or clearance racks for deals.
- Target’s Isabel Maternity line: Offers trendy basics at budget-friendly prices. Check online for items under $10.
- Walmart: George Maternity and Time and Tru brands cover basics like tanks and leggings.
- Old Navy: There’s often a deep clearance section online with maternity markdowns.
Keep an eye on end-of-season sales—buying ahead can save money if you know your size range.
Take Advantage of Buy Nothing Groups
Buy Nothing groups are hyper-local gifting communities. You can join a group on Facebook based on your neighborhood.
Just post that you’re looking for maternity clothes—or watch for others offering items near you.
Everything is free, and many expectant parents find what they need this way.
Stick to a Core Color Palette
If most of your maternity wardrobe is in neutral or matching tones, you can mix and match more easily.
Pick three basic colors you like (like black, gray, and white). Then throw in a few statement pieces or prints you can layer over basics.
Sticking to a capsule approach makes it easier to dress without needing tons of items.
Buy Transitional Clothes
Focus on pieces you can wear after pregnancy, especially if you plan to breastfeed.
- Wrap dresses or tops: They adjust easily and offer nursing access.
- Loose button-downs: Work great during postpartum, too.
- Stretchy tanks or camis: Useful during every stage and easy to pair with layers.
Transitional pieces stretch your dollars even further.
Choose Stretch Over Size
Fit during pregnancy isn’t just about size—it’s about flex. Choose materials like jersey knit, Lycra, and spandex blends.
These stretch with your body and recover well. Avoid stiff fabrics or complicated tailoring.
Remember: What’s comfortable in your second trimester might not work in your third. Elastic and stretch are more forgiving.
Use Maternity Belly Bands
Belly bands let you keep wearing regular pants unbuttoned. They hold everything in place and give your belly support.
You can find them for as little as $10 online or in big-box stores. They’re especially helpful during the in-between stages.
Track Price Drops
Use apps like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to get alerts on maternity items you’re eyeing.
You can also add items to your Amazon wishlist and wait for discounts. Some brands do rotating sales or send coupons after you join their email list.
Maximize Discounts and Coupons
Sign up for newsletters from maternity or baby retailers. Many send welcome coupons or monthly discounts.
Examples:
- Kohl’s: Rewards points and regular 15%-30% off codes.
- Motherhood Maternity: Sends coupons after sign-up and during each trimester.
- H&M: Member prices and email-exclusive promotions.
Shop sales during major retail events (like Labor Day or Black Friday) and combine them with storewide coupons.
Skip the Maternity Label When You Can
Plenty of regular clothes work as maternity wear—especially from brands that tend toward loose fits.
Try sizing up in:
- Maxi skirts
- T-shirt dresses
- Flared jumpsuits
- Stretchy cardigans
Target, TJ Maxx, Zara, and even Amazon offer regular clothes that fit during pregnancy if you know what to look for.
Invest in a Few High-Wear Items—Only If Needed
If you work in a more formal setting, you may need one or two polished outfits. Stick to classic cuts you can re-wear throughout the week.
You don’t need a full new work wardrobe. Pair a maternity pencil skirt or dress pants with rotating tops or jackets.
Take Photos Before Buying More
Lay out what you already have. Take photos of outfits you can make by mixing and matching pieces.
This prevents you from buying duplicates and shows you where the real gaps are. You might realize you’re set on tops but need one more pair of pants.
Plan for Postpartum Comfort
Buy with recovery in mind. Some items you use during pregnancy will serve you well afterward.
- Wrap dresses
- Supportive leggings or biker shorts
- Crossover nursing tanks
These give value over several months and help you settle into your new routine without rushing to shop again.
Watch for Local Deals and Bundles
New prenatal consignment shops and pop-up markets are popping up in many cities. Sellers often offer bundles like “5 tops for $20.”
Local garage sales and seasonal consignment events can be goldmines—look for events like Just Between Friends or local swap parties on Eventbrite or Facebook.
Ask Your OB or Midwife About Resources
Some clinics and hospitals keep lists of support groups or local aid programs. Others may have drop-off bins or lending libraries for maternity clothing.
Don’t hesitate to ask. There may be resources available to you right in your area.
Final Budget Tip: Keep Track of What You Spend
Make a list or spreadsheet of items you’ve bought and what you’ve paid. This helps you avoid unnecessary buys and stick to your clothing budget.
Document any hand-me-downs or freebies too. It can feel good to see how much you’ve saved without sacrificing comfort or style.
