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Listen. I know what you’re thinking. Your body is changing daily (sometimes it feels like hourly) and the thought of getting dressed without a closet full of dedicated maternity wear seems impossible. But a now-viral TikTok might just be the most relatable pregnancy content we’ve seen all year. In it, she lifts her oversized sweater to reveal the classic hair tie trick keeping her regular jeans wearable, with the caption “refusing to buy maternity clothes like”—and honestly? Same.
The comments section is a gold mine of solidarity. “They are so expensive!!! Like why I’m only going to use them for a short amount of time,” @taylorsmama21 commiserates, while @themadsho’s “This and my oversized tee against the world” might just be the pregnancy uniform motto we all need. My personal favorite? @Abbigail Ingrid’s confession: “Girl same 😭 bought 1 pair of maternity pants and STILL wear my regular jeans. I’m at the point where I don’t even use hairties to hold my pants up anymore 😂 just tucking the flaps 🤪”
@madigean what we’re working with now… #pregnancytiktok #pregnant #pregancy #dressthebump #maternity #maternityclothes #maternityoutfit #pregnancyoutfit #ootd #ootdn #valentinesday #valentine #fyp #vlog #explore ♬ original sound – Danny
True story: During my first pregnancy, my budget for new clothes was approximately zero dollars and zero cents. That trusty hair tie trick? It was my ride-or-die through month seven. And honestly? Some of the creative solutions I discovered out of necessity ended up being more practical than actual maternity clothes—and I wore some of my favorites for years after.
So whether you’re trying to be budget-conscious, minimize waste, or just maintain your personal style through this wild journey of growing a human, I’ve got you. Here’s your complete guide to building a pregnancy wardrobe without setting foot in the maternity section.
The non-maternity clothes for pregnancy strategy that will save your sanity (and your wallet)
Let’s be real—pregnancy is expensive enough without dropping hundreds on clothes you’ll wear for a few months. (In this economy?! Be serious. It’s enough to keep up with buying pregnancy-safe skincare.) But here’s the brilliant thing about shopping outside the maternity section: Every piece can pull double duty for your post-baby life. Magic!
1. The Flexible Fabric Revolution
If there’s one non-negotiable, it’s this: The right fabric is key to winning the pregnancy wardrobe game. We’re talking about those miracle materials that grow with you like a supportive bestie. Modal? Yes. Ribbed anything? Double yes. That sweater dress that feels like you’re wearing a cloud? TRIPLE YES.
What to look for:
- Ribbed knits that stretch in ALL the right places
- That magical blend of cotton and spandex that feels like a warm hug
- Natural fibers like cashmere and merino wool that somehow just know how to grow with you
Quince
•
$15
A swing shape and super stretchy cotton modal fabric makes this Quince tee a go-to. The wrinkle-resistance is just the cherry on top!
Michael Stars
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$108
Between the stretchy ribbed fabric and flattering ruching along the sides, this Michael Stars classic has become an unofficial maternity must-have. (Just scroll down the product page and check the IG inspo!) Pregnant or not, the fit is just perfect–and it looks awesome with everything from sandals to sneakers.
2. The Length Game
Here’s the thing–as your belly grows out your shirts creep up. Your favorite pre-pregnancy top will become a crop top by month six. (Or sooner. Sorry.) And honestly, if channeling your inner RiRi, rocking a bare bump as your best accessory is your MO, fabulous. But if coverage is what you’re going for, let me introduce you to the concept of strategic length shopping.
Pro tip: Stand in front of a mirror and raise your arms. If the shirt still covers your belly, you’ve found a winner. If not? Size up and thank me later.
Look for:
- Tops with that genius high-low hem (because your back needs coverage too!)
- Tunics that hit mid-thigh (bonus points if they work with leggings)
- Anything with ruched sides (they’re like magic growing panels)
- Long tanks for layering (your new best friends)
Jungmaven
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$98
Jungmaven makes some of my absolute favorite T-shirts. The fits are always fantastic and fabrics are natural and sustainable which means you’re not contributing to the waste of fast fashion either. This heavier weight hemp style is perfectly slouchy with a side slit and high low hem which will keep you comfy month after month. And it makes a great beach cover up post baby!
Natural Life
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$35
The raw edges and swingy high-low shape of this cotton tee make it feel a little more special than your standard options.
Hush
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$43
The Marcy Long Line Tanks from Hush a total dream. They’re made from a stretchy cotton that not only washes great, they also keep their shape throughout the day. Yes, they’re a little pricier than some, but when you consider how long they last, it’s pennies on the dollar.
3. The Shape Situation
Let’s talk silhouettes that actually work. You know those empire waist dresses you maybe weren’t so sure about before? They’re about to become your pregnancy MVPs. And those oversized boyfriend sweaters? Pure gold.
Your new best friends:
- Empire waist everything (seriously, everything)
- A-line shapes that flow from the chest
- Wrap styles you can adjust as needed
- Oversized fits that look intentional, not sloppy
Quince
•
$59.90
There’s hot and then there’s pregnant-in-the-summer-hot. Woof. That’s where styles like this swingy cotton gauze number from Quince come in. It’s light and airy and even though it’s not maternity, it’s well loved by pregnant reviewers time and time again. The best part–besides the price tag of course– is that it comes in 10 gorgeous colors you can rotate through!
Free People
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$70
As a longtime fan of the Free People Hot Shot Onesie, I say it’s a wardrobe staple whether you’re pregnant or not. The cotton is delightfully soft, it’s easy to layer under making it useful in every season, and it’s insanely comfortable. What more can you ask for? (And yes, there are a bazillion Amazon dupes, but IMO none come close to the OG.)
J. Crew
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$69.50 $118
We’re totally smitten with this versatile style from J. Crew. The boatneck is oh-so-sophisticated while side button and removable tie waist details make it convenient for a growing belly.
4. The Layering Magic
Pregnancy is basically a nine-month temperature regulation challenge. One minute you’re freezing, the next you’re wondering if you can legally remove all your clothes in the grocery store. Enter: strategic layering. Cardigans are clutch, but you can also throw in chicer options like blazers and shrugs without too much worry you’ll outgrow them.
Your layering toolkit:
- Open-front cardigans that grow with you
- Blazers that don’t need to button (and look cooler that way anyway)
- Lightweight dusters for instant polish
- Kimono-style wraps that make everything look intentional
Z Supply
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$89
A chunky knit cardigan in a neutral hue goes with pretty much everything. We’re hooked on this one from Z Supply which is just the right amount of slouchy to still look put together.
Gap
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$63 $79.95
Few pieces class up your layering game like a linen button down. They’re great for everything from travel to beach days and perfect for boob access in the fourth trimester.
Banana Republic
•
$200
The partner in crime to their cult-favorite Everywhere Pant , Banana Republic’s Everywhere Ponte Blazer is a classic staple at its finest. It’s got a classic fit that isn’t restricting and the fabric itself is thick but stretchy. And even though it does have one button, we think it looks best open anyway.
5. The Dress Express
Want to know the real secret to pregnancy style? Dresses. But not just any dresses—we’re talking about the ones that make you feel like a goddess whether you’re growing a human or not. The beauty here is that there are so many different styles to choose from. Billowy sun dresses! Cozy sweater dresses! Hot AF stretchy bodycon dresses that showcase your bump! Anything goes if it feels like you.
Your dress checklist:
- Shirt dresses with stretch (wear them open over leggings when buttons become optional)
- Sweater dresses sized up (cozy AND cute)
- Kaftan-style dresses (because sometimes you just need to float)
- T-shirt dresses that grow with you (and are perfect for postpartum too)
Everlane
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$118
This swingy linen style from Everlane is perfection on those unbearably hot days. There’s plenty of room for a growing bump and it even has pockets!
O'Neill
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$59
With a joyful color palette and a fun, swingy shape, this sun dress is just begging for a beach vacay. The side slit keeps it from feeling like a tent while the drapey silhouette gives you plenty of room to expand.
Quince
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$69.90
With its smocked bodice and flowy tiered skirt, this ubiquitous style is totally clutch for pregnant and non-pregnant mamas alike. Of course there’s the pricier Hill House Home Nap Dress but we’re just as fond of Quince’s version which costs $100 less and comes in nine different colors and prints.
6. The Bottom Line (Pun Intended)
Let’s talk pants, because this is where things get real. Remember that hair tie trick I mentioned? It’s basically a rite of passage. But when you’re ready to graduate beyond rubber band territory, there are some genuinely brilliant non-maternity options that’ll see you through the next nine months and beyond.
The pants that actually work:
- Wide-leg pants with stretchy waistbands (like wearing PJs in public but classier)
- Drawstring styles that sit under the bump
- Leggings sized up (look for the ones without a tight waistband)
- Skirts with forgiving waistlines (bonus if they’re midi length)
Uniqlo
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$49.90
Uniqlo’s flowy Drape Easy Wide Pants are like sweatpants’ chicer sister. And not only do they feature a bump-friendly waistband, they’re also made with the brands’ moisture-wicking DRY technology to keep you from feeling sweaty and gross even as the mercury rises.
Dudley Stephens
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$128
If you’re looking to elevate your sweatpants game so you can wear them consistently without shame, these are it. From the perfectly preppy Dudley Stephens, the Waffle Twilight Joggers are roomy without being too baggy and made with their innovative recycled fabric that washes like a dream. Their luxe texture and tiny amount of sheen takes them from average joggers to compliment-worthy coziness.
The “Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This Sooner?” Shopping Strategy
Think of this as your pregnancy shopping cheat sheet. Instead of panic-buying stretchy everything in month four (been there), take a strategic approach. Hit those end-of-season sales for oversized sweaters. Browse the loungewear section with fresh eyes. And remember: If it makes you feel confident and stylish now, it’ll probably make you feel like that postpartum too.
Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work
- Shop end-of-season sales for bigger sizes (winter sales are gold for oversized sweaters)
- Check out rental services for special occasions (because who needs a formal maternity dress for one event?)
- Look for “oversized” or “relaxed fit” labels (they’re your new best friends)
- Don’t forget about secondhand! (Some of my best pregnancy finds were pre-loved)
Making It Last
Want these pieces to survive pregnancy and beyond? Here’s the deal:
- Wash those stretchy items in cold water (heat is the enemy of elasticity)
- Air dry when you can (your clothes will thank you)
- Invest in a fabric shaver (because pilling happens to the best of us)
- Rotate your pieces (even your favorites need a break)
The Bottom Line
Want to know the real secret? The best pregnancy wardrobe isn’t really a pregnancy wardrobe at all—it’s just clothes that make you feel amazing, no matter what size or shape your body happens to be today. And if you can make that happen while saving money and looking stylish? That’s what I call a pregnancy win.
Categories:
, Pregnancy Products
