The Best Options for Maternity Wear

Between researching car seats and scheduling doctor’s appointments—all while playing catch-up to a rapidly changing body and whacky hormones—moms-to-be have plenty on their prenatal plates. To lighten the load, some bump-friendly options that are as cute as they are functional. (Also, a capsule wardrobe of essentials that you can stretch through an entire pregnancy.)

Great Maternity Clothing Destinations

Hatch

Our fashion director, Laurie Trott, refers to Hatch as “maternity-wear couture”—the beautifully draped dresses, jumpsuits, cashmere knits, and more are genuinely cool, so much so, that women want to keep wearing them beyond pregnancy (and for the most part, you totally can). They’ve also put together a brilliant hatch-to-hospital box, which comes with everything you need for a comfortable hospital stay. HATCH The Racerback Faille Jumpsuit, Net-a-porter, $258; HATCH The Lily Satin-Twill Tank, Net-a-porter, $228; HATCH The Twilight Printed Poplin Jumpsuit, Net-a-porter, $248

Natalie Martin

Though not a maternity line per se, Natalie Martin’s wispy tunics and dresses are inherently roomy and easily accommodate a growing belly. While just right for a baby-moon, the batik prints and light-as-air fabrics are perfectly at home under chunky cardigan or an army jacket in colder climates. NATALIE MARTIN X GOOP Renata Shirt, goop, $209; NATALIE MARTIN X GOOP Fiore Maxi Dress, goop, $310

Shopbop

Why postpone the inevitable: Maternity jeans can come in handy as early as the first trimester. Shopbop’s selection is from designer denim brands you already wear—J Brand, James Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, etc.—which makes figuring out sizing significantly easier. While they’re an investment, they tend to be the most flattering, which can be a much-needed confidence boost as your butt and legs expand. J BRAND 3411 Maternity Skinny Jeans, Shopbop, $185; JAMES JEANS Twiggy 5 Pocket Maternity Jeans, Shopbop, $145; CITIZENS OF HUMANITY The Principle Maternity Girlfriend Jeans, Shopbop, $258

Loft

In addition to the standard maternity selection of easy tees, dresses, and work-appropriate separates, Loft also offers maternity petites, which is a very specific category and pretty difficult to find. LOFT Petite Maternity Collarless Chambray Softened Shirt, Loft, $59.50; LOFT Petite Maternity Daisy V-Neck Maxi Dress, Loft, $89.50

Nili Lotan

While it’s not a dedicated maternity line, Nili Lotan’s breezy ruched tops and voluminous embroidered dresses can carry you through the early days of pregnancy and well into the third trimester, then seamlessly transition into your everyday wardrobe once the little one is here. NILI LOTAN Short Sleeve Normandy Blouse, goop, $198; NILI LOTAN Bohemian Dress, Nili Lotan, $650; NILI LOTAN Kimono Top, goop, $605

ASOS

Special occasion dressing around a belly is arguably the biggest pregnancy style head-scratcher. Asos has a sizable collection of going-out dresses, jumpsuits, and cocktail separates that look just like regular clothes modified to fit a bump. MAMALICIOUS Slim Tailored Pant, ASOS, $55; LITTLE MISTRESS MATERNITY Wrap Front Floral Print Maxi Dress, ASOS, $129

H&M

H&M’s wallet-friendly M.O. translates particularly well to basics like jeans, tanks, and button downs that you may not necessarily need beyond the nine months mark. H&M MAMA Girlfriend Jeans, H&M, $49.99; H&M MAMA Jacquard-Weave Blouse, H&M, $29.99; H&M MAMA 2-Pack Nursing Bras H&M, $29.99

Cosabella

Really gorgeous and comfortable lace maternity bralette-and-pantie sets that work both pre-, and post-baby. ‘Nuff said. COSABELLA Never Say Never Maternity Mommie Nursing Soft Bra, Cosabella, $84.50; COSABELLA Never Say Never Maternity Hotpant, Cosabella, $39

Rachel Pally

Especially nice when comfort is top priority, Rachel Pally dresses—which aren’t officially maternity wear—come in every conceivable silhouette, color, and print—are made of the softest jersey fabric, and essentially do all the styling work for you. A lot of them have an empire waist, which works well for pregnancy. RACHEL PALLY Eton Dress, Rachel Pally, Shopbop, $216; RACHEL PALLY Grecian Long Dress, Shopbop, $233;

Nordstrom

Out of all the big-name department stores, Nordstrom has the most far-reaching maternity wear selection online, featuring beloved lines like Isabella Oliver, Maternal America, and Rosie Pope. ISABELLA OLIVER ‘Rosliston’ Maternity Jumpsuit, Nordstrom, $179; MATERNAL AMERICA Tie Neck Maternity Top, Nordstrom, $110.40; ISABELLA OLIVER ‘Neale’ Materntiy/Nursing Wrap Dress, Nordstrom, $149

Old Navy

Not surprisingly, Old Navy has a robust, well-priced maternity department that covers all bases, though we’re especially fond of the workout gear (clean in design, endlessly practical) and swimwear. OLD NAVY Maternity Patterned Compression Pants, Old Navy, $32.94; OLD NAVY Maternity Cross-Front Swimsuit, Old Navy, $19.99

Topshop

Another excellent standby for inexpensive denim, leggings, and loungewear, this is also where you can get a few fashion-y pieces to perk up your pregnancy wardrobe without dropping a ton of cash. TOPSHOP MATERNITY Sleep Bra Two Multi-Pack, Topshop, $35; TOPSHOP MATERNITY Multi-Pack Leggings, Topshop, $40; TOPSHOP MATERNTIY Check Pyjamas, Topshop, $52