5 Best Maternity Clothes to Buy

When many women think of maternity clothes, “stylish” and “functional” are rarely two adjectives they often use to describe these types of clothing. Years ago, there was simply no such thing as cute maternity clothes. The good news is that the days of drab, shapeless garments designed to hide your developing pregnancy are gone, along with the highly limited selection of nursing apparel that was available to our mothers and grandmothers!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8 in 10 mothers are now breastfeeding their newborns at birth. That means that there are more options for maternity clothes and clothes for nursing moms than ever before. We understand that your pregnancy is as unique as you and that just because you’re expecting doesn’t mean your expectations for functional, flattering and comfortable maternity clothes should waver.

The Best Maternity Clothes to Buy (If You Haven't Already!)

Here’s a list of five of the best types of maternity clothes designed to fit your active life while keeping you supported before and after giving birth:

1. A Breathable Nursing Sleep Bra for Easy Feedings

The support of a nursing sleep bra can make you more comfortable and keep those precious moments of sleep within reach. Highly functional, a nursing sleep bra can hold your nursing pads in place to save your sheets and prevent overnight leakage, especially as your milk is coming in and getting established during the weeks after your baby’s birth.

Consider our ultra-comfortable Keep Cool™ line of maternity and nursing bras for discreet, easy-access comfort pieces to fit your changing body. "This bra is as close as possible to not wearing anything, but still offers plenty of support," says a verified review of our Keep Cool™ Sleep Bra. "The fabric is amazing. Seriously, can all my clothes be made of this? It's super stretchy but keeps its shape - even when you basically wear it non-stop! The opening is wide enough to easily get a good latch without bunching or pinching uncomfortably for mom or baby."

Finally, you'll also want to choose the best pumping bra if you're planning to eventually return to work!

2. A Versatile Tank Top for Simplified Nursing on the Go

Make sure your wardrobe includes a soft, breathable maternity tank top that can be easily layered with other shirts, sweaters, or jackets. A versatile, accessible nursing tank top can feel like a lifeline when you’re on the go or have a lot of activities penciled onto the day’s schedule. Finding one that can be worn through your pregnancy and while nursing is even better.

Find maternity tank tops and maternity camisoles that are made from a lightweight cotton fabric with a seamless, non-wire design for maximum comfort. Bonus points if they also feature full drop cups and quick, simple unhooking and reattaching for easier accessibility when nursing and pumping.

3. A Few Cute Maternity Dresses Because You Deserve It

Planning a date night or getting ready for a special occasion, such as your baby shower or a maternity photo shoot? You don’t need a reason to doll yourself up, and now there are more options for maternity dresses than ever before to do so. Pink Blush Maternity offers a variety of stylish, trendy and versatile maternity dresses for the mom-to-be. Offering everything from flowing, fashionable midi and maxi dresses to a range of little black dresses for formal events, we love that their maternity clothes are designed to be worn even after pregnancy for easy nursing or pumping.

4. A Maternity Support Belt To Give You Extra Control

It’s no secret that your body undergoes a long list of changes during your pregnancy. Give yourself the support you need, particularly in sensitive areas like your abdomen, as your body grows with your pregnancy. There are a variety of maternity support belts available, so be sure to find one that is smooth and discreet beneath your clothes while giving you the extra control needed as your body accommodates your growing baby.

On the same hand, a postpartum support belt will help as your body readjusts after giving birth. Find ones that are designed with lightweight, breathable material to provide much-needed comfort and functionality before and after your delivery.

5. A Selection of Professional Work Wear for Before and After Your Parental Leave

Whether your workplace dress code veers more toward casual or professional, it’s important to have a professional selection of comfortable and cute maternity clothes for those long days in the office, the classroom, on Zoom, or wherever work may be! Companies like Motherhood Maternity and Seraphine offer a diverse range of maternity work clothing, from skirts and blouses to dresses, pantyhose and slacks. Both maternity clothing stores feature business-appropriate clothing in a variety of colors and styles that also provide simplified access for pumping as needed throughout your workday.

Get the Best Maternity Clothes for Every Stage of Pregnancy

Of all the maternity clothes to buy, certain items may be more or less important depending on your own experience and needs. All women are different and the team at Medela is proud to embrace body positivity through a diverse range of sizes for all growing moms-to-be at every stage of pregnancy. Learn more about our Keep Cool™ collection and our other maternity and nursing wear. We look forward to keeping you comfortable and functional through each stage of your pregnancy and breast milk feeding journey.