Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
I am in my second trimester and no longer fit into most of my clothes, so I have been doing my research before I go shopping for my pregnancy and the months after delivery. The confirmation of my pregnancy got me excited about shopping first! Maybe it is a first pregnancy thing, but firsts are always special.
Buying maternity clothes seems like a small decision, but if you think about the months ahead, you realise how much thought goes into it. Shopping is fun otherwise, but maternity and baby shopping feels like a big responsibility. These are the things I think about before I buy maternity clothes.
What you can wear: Thankfully, you can wear almost anything during pregnancy these days: denims, leggings, frocks, one pieces, midis and gowns. If you choose trousers, make sure the material is stretchy enough and the waist is not pressing on your growing belly. I find flowy frock style dresses, midis and one pieces the most comfortable. You do not have to wear boring clothes, but avoid anything too tight or uncomfortable. Choose clothes to suit the weather where you live, wear what feels comfortable, and enjoy your baby bump!
Material: For me, the fabric is the most important thing, because comfort comes first. It should be soft, light and have some stretch. Many women feel hotter than usual in pregnancy, and the NHS page on common pregnancy problems suggests loose clothing made of natural fibres, which are more absorbent and breathable than synthetic fibres. In a hot, humid Indian summer that makes cotton and hosiery (cotton knit) easy choices. Lighter synthetics such as georgette can work for an occasion, but they may feel warmer for everyday wear.
Size: Maternity clothes are usually sized to match your regular size, with the extra room built in for the bump, so there is no need to buy a size bigger than you normally wear. Stores that specialise in maternity wear know this can be confusing, and if you are buying online, use the size guide on the product page to choose the right size.
When to buy: I managed in my regular clothes until about the 16th or 17th week, when my bump started to show and I needed some new clothes. Every pregnancy is different, so go by when your own clothes start to feel tight. Our mothers' generation rarely bought special clothes for pregnancy and simply wore loose dresses. Now we have the option of being stylish about it. Consider A line clothes that you can wear into your third trimester, and choose pieces you can keep wearing after the delivery, so you get more use out of what you buy.
Let me know if you did your research before buying maternity clothes, and share your suggestions in the comments.
Have a happy, comfortable and fashionable pregnancy!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mom Store.
