Minimalist Guide to Maternity Clothes

I was so tempted by all the beautiful maternity clothes (um hello, Hatch Collection), and yes I did go a bit overboard with buying maternity specific pieces. However, lesson learned! Turns out you don’t need a lot to get through those 9 months! If I had to go back and do it again I would just start with these five items. For the other pieces, I did consciously buy ones that I would also wear post-preg so I didn’t end up with a bunch of clothes to donate or pack away. I’ll try to do a post on those soon.

I found out I was pregnant in August, so by the time I was showing it was pretty chilly on the east coast. Newly pregnant I couldn’t wait to have a bump, but being a first time mom I did not “pop” until after 20 weeks. Since I live in over-sized clothes the majority of my regular dresses and jumpsuits worked through all three trimesters. My pants were the first thing to go around 10 weeks, then my non-maternity shirts were next. My love for high-rise denim and cropped tees really did me dirty during those early weeks…

So without further ado, staples of my maternity wardrobe as told by a couple of mirror selfies.

1. Black Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit | Boots | Glasses (old Warby Parker)

25 weeks in this photo. I would say I wore a black jumpsuit more often than not while pregnant. It’s a one and done look, easy to dress up or down, and depending on the cut can be worn both before and after pregnancy.

This Hatch Collection jumpsuit was a real workhorse. It’s made from a stretchy jersey material and draped perfectly over my bump. I wore it with boots and statement earrings when I was still working in NYC, and then with sneakers and a beanie when I went back to grad school. I am currently nursing, so the back zipper doesn’t work for me, but once I am nursing less I look forward to wearing this again. It works without a bump too!

Honorable mention to the Tradlands Finn Jumpsuit which I wore before, during, and after.

2. Stretchy Midi Skirt

Skirt (old Grana, similar here and here) | Tee | Boots

23 weeks here. I wore this stretchy skirt with an over-sized tee so many times. Once it was really cold it looked super cute with an over-sized turtleneck sweater. This particular skirt is an old knit non-maternity skirt from Grana, but Boob design and Storq both have some great sustainable maternity options. Both linked above.

Unfortunately I do not have any suggestions for maternity tights. I was always so hot when I was pregnant I just bare-legged it even through winter.

3. Support Wear

Tank | Leggings (both by Blanqi)

28 weeks! Ok, admittedly not the most exciting thing on the list. However, by the time you’re past the first trimester you may think support wear is the best thing ever invented. I had 2 sets of these tanks and leggings from Blanqi, and I wore at least the tank under my clothes most days.

Both items have built in support through a front belly panel and back X seamed panel. During the early 2nd trimester when my bump looked more like bloat, these really helped round it out and make it look like that cute bump I’d always envisioned.

The material of these is similar to that of Spanx, and in addition to smoothing my bump they kept my back from hurting even when I was walking over 5 miles around NYC everyday. In short, highly recommend these!

4. Maternity Jeans

Maternity Jeans | Sweater (non-maternity, I just sized up)

38 weeks, homestretch! I feel like it wouldn’t be a list without including maternity denim. Maternity jeans come in both under and over the bump styles, and it’s totally personal preference what works for you. I personally liked over the bump styles since I felt more held in and supported.

I bought these Madewell maternity jeans around 11 weeks, and just rolled the panel down under my mini-bump until midway through the 2nd trimester. I had two other pairs of ASOS maternity jeans, and ended up just wearing these the whole time. I would say just get one pair of maternity jeans unless you have maternity (or at least longer length) tops to go with them. I wore a jumpsuit or dress much more often to avoid coordinating tops and bottoms.

**If you’re a working mama these Storq pants or Hatch pants would work great for the office along with a over-sized white button down.

5. Nursing/Maternity Bras

Silky Nursing Bra (photo by Negative Underwear)

Let’s face it, almost everyone needs new bras at some point during pregnancy. Save money and your sanity by just buying a couple nursing bras in your pregnancy bra size. I wore my normal Everlane bralettes until the third trimester when I seemed to go up a few cup and band sizes overnight. I then ordered a couple nursing bras in my new size. I’ve stayed about the same size since I am still nursing.

The above bra from Negative is beautiful thin and supportive mesh that isn’t frumpy like most nursing bras. If you’re anything like me though now’s the time to fully embrace the frump and comfort. Here’s my top picks for those:

Pull Aside Nursing/Sleep Bra (this is one of the only crossover styles with adjustable straps I found)

Pumping and Nursing Bra (you can pump or nurse in this bra without a wardrobe change)

Organic Cotton Nursing Bra (organic cotton and is so cute with the little center bow)

So that’s about it! As mentioned above, if I could do it all again I would start here and then add pieces as needed. I mostly just wanted to be comfortable and avoid thinking about getting dressed too much, so I could have done with much less.

Did you have any pieces you couldn’t live without during your pregnancy?