Best maternity clothes: stylish, comfy brands for pregnancy

If you’re a mum-to-be, you’re probably already aware of the general feeling of discomfort that comes with pregnancy. Team that with all of the changes your body is going through and all of a sudden finding clothes that feel nice and look flattering becomes that little bit trickier.

Whilst some mums will tell you that they just bought the next size up and did the hair band through the button hole trick, for many pregnant women that’s just not going to cut it. The best maternity clothes are designed to grow with your bump and accommodate your ever-changing body whilst offering that little bit of extra comfort. They also tend to be far more flattering too and many are designed to be worn for breastfeeding as well so you may find yourself wearing them long after you've put away your best TENS machine and shelved your pregnancy books.

Being pregnant and staying comfortable doesn’t mean you have to compensate on style. Gone are the days when maternity wear was all floaty dresses and billowing blouses. Most modern maternity lines cater not just for a range of occasions, but for a range of styles too. From ripped jeans and leopard print to tunics and tea dresses, we’ve found the best maternity ranges to keep you feeling comfortable and stylish during every trimester and beyond.

And who better to recommend the best maternity clothes than the largest online network of UK parents? Much like with our guides to the best parenting books and the most popular prenatal vitamins, we've taken a deep dive into the Mumsnet forums to find the best maternity clothes for every bump and every occasion.

Here are the best maternity clothes 2023.

The best maternity clothes brands and retailers: at a glance

• Overall best maternity clothes brand: ASOS DESIGN

• Best maternity clothes on a budget: Purpless Maternity

• Best maternity clothes for long-lasting quality: Seraphine

• Best maternity underwear: Intimate Portal

• Best maternity clothes for high street fashion: New Look

• Best maternity clothes for comfort: JoJo Maman Bébé

• Best maternity wear for classic style: H&M MAMA

• Best maternity wear for nursing: Smallshow

• Best maternity swimwear: JoJo Maman Bébé

• Best maternity clothes for work wear: Isabella Oliver Maternity

• Best maternity clothes for the gym: Adidas Maternity

• Best maternity clothes for prints and colour: Frugi Maternity

• Best trendy maternity clothes: Topshop Maternity

• Best maternity wardrobe staples: Dorothy Perkins Maternity

• Best maternity clothes for everyday wear: Mamalicious

• Best maternity dresses: Happy Mama

• Best maternity clothes for lounging and lazy days: Love2Mi | Price range: ££

1. Overall best maternity clothes: ASOS DESIGN

What we love

• Good range of options, sizes and styles

• ASOS also stocks items from Topshop, Mamalicious and New Look

What to know

• Online only so no opportunity to try on items in store

What Mumsnet users say

“I've had a lot of good stuff this pregnancy from ASOS.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Difficultusername)

“I mainly stick to reliable old ASOS. Lots of choice, quick delivery and easy to return which is even more important during pregnancy.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user luxxlisbon)

Our verdict

Rating: 5/5

When it comes to maternity clothes, ASOS DESIGN has it all, including multi-buy basics, workwear and formal occasion wear, plus just about everything in between. Reviewers praise the quality of the material and how well their clothes fit too.

Many of us are currently looking to tighten up our purse strings a bit – something even more important with a new baby on the way – and there are some real bargains in the range, particularly when it comes to wardrobe staples such as t-shirts and vests.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the in-house range, then ASOS offer a huge selection of third-party retailers encompassing everything from designer occasion wear to budget essentials. All this with free delivery on orders over £35 (or free next-day delivery on all orders over £10 if you sign up to ASOS Premier for £9.95 a year ) – what’s not to love?!

Read next: Discover the best pregnancy items for every stage of the journey, from the best pregnancy test to take on day one to the top-ranking stretch mark cream to use as your bump grows.

2. Best budget maternity clothes: Purpless Maternity

What we love

• Good range of maternity items at affordable prices

• Most items come in a good range of sizes

What to know

• Material can be quite thin

• Not as many glamorous options as other brands

What Mumsnet users say

"I've just got a few of their tops, I like them a lot and they're not expensive... All mine have just been through their first wash and retained their shape, feel and stitching perfectly. Yes I'd say they'd be fine for both office wear and after pregnancy, in fact I bought them because I didn't want to buy much maternity wear which I'd only wear for a few more months, so I got the nursing tops which should still be useful afterwards as well as now for the bump." (Recommended by Mumsnet user catsofa)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

If you’re looking for a quick, no-nonsense, one-stop shop that's not going to cost the earth, Purpless will be just the brand for you.

With a number of dresses, skirts, and tops all coming in at under £15, Purpless provides excellent value for money without forgoing on quality.

Whilst it’s admittedly not the most glamorous range on the market, the clothes rate highly when it comes to comfort and there are plenty of practical styles to choose from which are available in a huge variety of colours.

Related: Looking for a bit of extra support and comfort? Check out our guide to the best pregnancy pillow according to Mumsnet users

3. Best maternity clothes for long-lasting quality: Seraphine

What we love

• Maternity clothes fit well and are high quality

• Good option for a capsule maternity wardrobe

What to know

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“It was really important to me to buy things that I will wear a long time after baby is born because of the environmental impact, so I've gone for better quality stuff that I genuinely like and will wear after baby is born and even when I go back to work (wrap dresses etc). I found the Seraphine sale was really good for that and their clothes are comfy and good quality.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BlueberryPancake21)

“Seraphine for sure. I still wear my maternity tops from there even though my youngest is now two.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Alabaster1)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

It wouldn’t be a best-of maternity list without the appearance of Seraphine. Whilst this isn’t the cheapest maternity range out there, it’s certainly one of the most popular with Mumsnet users due to their well-fitting, high-quality clothing.

We picked Seraphine as the best long-lasting range on two counts. Firstly, their clothes are highly durable and will stand the test of time. As they're made from the highest quality materials they’ll retain their shape post-bump so you can wear them for multiple pregnancies and sell them on afterwards. Secondly, many of the pieces are cleverly designed for both pregnancy and to accommodate you and your baby after birth too - there's a reason why Seraphine tops our list of the best maternity coats with their 3-in-1 Winter Parka.

We love their bamboo range which offers stylish dresses, tops and trousers that are incredibly chic whilst remaining comfortable to wear. As with our pick of the best maternity bras, sometimes the best maternity wardrobe options are those which don't look like maternity wear at all.

4. Best maternity underwear: Intimate Portal

What we love

• Good range of comfortable pants

• Affordable

• Lots of different colour options to choose from

What to know

• Under-bump might not be as comfortable as over-bump post C-section

What Mumsnet users say

"These are awesome, have worn them since 20 weeks, now 35 weeks." (Recommended by Mumsnet user PetaO)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

These six-packs of maternity knickers from Intimate Portal are really good value and super-comfy, too, topping our guide to the best maternity underwear. They’re made from a lovely soft fabric and have excellent ‘bum coverage’ with no VPL. (Who wants ‘skimpy’ at this time of life, after all?) They are, however, cut nice and low in the front so they sit easily under your bump (they claim to be suitable to wear with a C-section wound, but personally we might go for over-the-bump styles to be sure) and have a ‘crossover’ style at the front which allows for more ‘give’ and prevents the elastic digging in under your belly (and won't interfere with your pregnancy support belt if you're using one).

We love the range of patterns and styles available from boy shorts to fold-down, so many maternity knickers are just a bit boring. And we liked the fact that the gusset is only lightly coloured so that you’d notice any spotting or the start of a show later in pregnancy.

5. Best maternity clothes for high street fashion: New Look Maternity

What we love

• Huge range of styles at affordable prices

• Sizing from 6 to 26

What to know

• Quality can sometimes be a little hit and miss

What Mumsnet users say

“I found New Look good for basics like leggings, skinny jeans and t-shirts.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BlueBlazerBlack)

“I thought New Look had nice items (I don't usually shop there) that were inexpensive but stylish enough - some nice dresses, etc. Everything also fits true to size!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user LASandOtto)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

Coming to terms with your changing body can be tough during pregnancy, but luckily maternity wear has come a long way since the days of frumpy, unflattering dresses. Just because you're pregnant, doesn't mean you have to give up the latest trends and fashion, which is where New Look shines - their maternity wear includes a huge range of sizes from six to 26, and many options are available in petite and tall.

Style wise, there’s plenty to choose from with everything from the archetypal maternity dungarees and smock dresses to edgier styles, so there’s something for everyone.

We particularly rated their range of jeans which come in several different lengths and sizes as well as styles (which is why New Look features in our in-depth best maternity jeans guide too!)

6. Best maternity clothes for comfort: JoJo Maman Bébé

What we love

• Classy style, high quality

• Many items come with matching option for children

What to know

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“I recommend JoJo Maman Bébé. They do some beautiful dresses in their bump and beyond range.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Marshy86)

“JoJo Maman Bébé was good quality and not too expensive.” (Tried and tested by Boringnamechanging)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

Comfort doesn’t always have to be synonymous with hoodies and leggings. JoJo Maman Bébé manages to blend classic, sophisticated style with soft materials, well-fitting cuts and comfortable, supportive maternity bands, making it the ideal go-brand for when you want to throw on something comfortable that isn’t loungewear (JoJo top our best maternity dungarees listings for good reason!)

Their tunic dresses and wrap cardigans are perfect additions to your maternity wardrobe for days when you want something comforting to wear but still need to look that little bit smarter, and their range of floral prints are perfect for updating your Spring/Summer wardrobe. Many items can be worn for nursing, which could make for a lovely option if you're looking for the best gifts for new mums.

7. Best maternity clothes for classic style: H&M MAMA

What we love

• Good range of sizes and styles

• Timeless feel to clothes

What to know

• Not as large a range of maternity wear in-store as online

What Mumsnet users say

“H&M are the best.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Liaun)

“H&M were my favourite because the quality and cut was very flattering.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BlueBlazerBlack)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

Given that you won’t be wearing many of your maternity pieces forever, it may be that you don’t want to spend a lot of money on an entirely new wardrobe.

When it comes to creating the perfect capsule wardrobe, you’ll need key pieces that subscribe to the old ‘dress it up or dress it down’ adage. H&M is a haven for classic pieces that you can mix and match easily to create a series of outfits for a variety of occasions with just a few items. With so many well-made and comfortable maternity pieces available, it's no wonder H&M also come out out on top in our guide to the best maternity leggings.

Many of their cotton dresses or tapered trousers are perfect for the office when worn with an open blazer or they could be teamed with a pair of trainers and a denim jacket if you’re off to brunch. H&M have an excellent range of baby items as well, ideal if you're also on the look out for the best baby gifts for the newest little person in your life.

8. Best maternity clothes for nursing: Smallshow

What we love

• Good range of options to see you through pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Includes items traditionally tricky for nursing such as hoodies

What to know

• Style is quite plain and understated, no fun patterns

What Mumsnet users say

"I’ve got a couple in different colours from Amazon (Smallshow) which are great and a good price." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Browniee)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

If you plan on breastfeeding your little one, you’ll need to invest in nursing-friendly clothes. The clever design of the Smallshow nursing range means that you can wear their pieces all through your pregnancy and postpartum, so you won’t have to pay out for separate maternity and nursing tops.

Reviewers found the clothes washed really well too, so there’s no reason as to why they shouldn’t stay a wardrobe staple long after you've given birth.

We loved the fact that many of the Smallshow pieces, such as their nursing dresses, came in a huge variety of patterns and colours and they even do a nursing hoodie for cooler days in a range of eight different colours.

Read next: Trying for a baby but unsure when your most fertile days are? Check out our guide to the best ovulation tests according to Mumsnet users.

9. Best maternity swimwear: JoJo Maman Bébé

What we love

• Great range of patterned and plain swimwear

• Some items made with recycled plastics

• Co-ordinating items available

What to know

• Items can be pricey

What Mumsnet users say

"Jojo Maman Bébé do some nice ones. I swim a lot and so I got a tankini and a one piece and they've both worn well and been comfortable." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Cakeandslippers)

"I'm a 32GG and have just bought two tankinis from JoJo Maman Bébé (one has flamingos on it!). I wouldn't want to go jogging in them but for wandering around the beach they're fine, and no escaping side boob!" (Vetted by Mumsnet user Pinkywoo)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

Maternity wear experts JoJo Maman Bébé can always be relied upon to come up with comfortable pregnancy clothing and its swimwear collection is no different.

There are tonnes of stylish swimsuits to choose from and with many made from recycled plastic, it's a guilt-free purchase as well as a comfortable essential for your Spring/Summer maternity wardrobe. You can even mix and match with your kids as well!

There are plenty of fun floral patterns as well as ruffles, one-shoulder pieces and classic plain stripes or block colours and all are well-made and good quality.

10. Best maternity clothes for work wear: Isabella Oliver Maternity

What we love

• High quality, beautifully made

• Ideal for maternity capsule wardrobe

What to know

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“Isabella Oliver for dresses that I’ve worn out to brunches, lunches etc.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user PrimeraVez)

“Isabella Oliver is pricey, but I got some jeans, loose trousers and a dress in their sale and they've been my go-to things throughout the second and third trimester." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Scirocco)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

Whilst you can relax the power dressing when you’re pregnant, if wearing smart clobber for work days is something you want to maintain, Isabella Oliver has the perfect range of sophisticated pieces and is a favourite with Mumsnet users.

We particularly love their dresses which are perfect for the office but could also be dressed up with a colourful clutch and statement jewellery for a brunch or even your baby shower.

The brand is also on a mission to combat fast fashion and have made a commitment to creating quality sustainable and ethical clothing, meaning the majority of their maternity range will last you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. So, whilst you may pay a little more for pieces in this range, it might be worth it if you want clothes that are guaranteed to last.

They even have a pre-loved section and rental service if you're really serious about sustainability during your pregnancy.

11. Best maternity clothes for the gym: Adidas Maternity

What we love

• Great for sportier styles

• Comfortable as well as practical

What to know

• Can be pricey

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

If you already go to the gym or do regular exercise, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to do so throughout your pregnancy.

Exercising with a bump is always going to be trickier though, whether you're hitting the gym or bouncing on your birthing ball. The Adidas range is specially designed to work with your growing bump and offer a little extra support whilst you exercise - particularly great if you do prenatal yoga.

In addition to their activewear, Adidas also offers the ultimate sports-luxe wear if you prefer your clothes with a sporty vibe even when you’re not hitting the gym.

Related: Speaking of exercise, don't miss our guide to the best pelvic floor trainer to help ward off post-birth incontinence.

12. Best maternity clothes for prints and colour: Frugi Maternity

What we love

• Organic clothes

• Fun prints for a unique look

What to know

• Items sell out quickly

What Mumsnet users say

“Frugi is very comfortable, fun, good quality and most of their clothes are designed for breastfeeding too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user rvms)

“Frugi is good.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user dorothy001)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

If you love striking prints and fun colours, finding maternity wear to reflect your style can be something of a challenge. Whilst we love a few pastel shades or a Breton stripe, sometimes it’s nice to stand out from the crowd and wear something a little different, and that's where Frugi comes in.

Whether it's bold floral designs or funky animal prints, this brand has got it all. We fell in love with their stylish yet relaxed jumpsuits and dresses and they do a great sale too, so keep checking in if you want to grab a bargain. A lot of styles work for post-pregnancy too, so you may find yourself wearing them long after 'best ovulation tests' and 'compresion socks for pregnancy' are search terms for the distant past!

13. Best trendy maternity clothes: Topshop Maternity

What we love

• Keeps the stylishness of Topshop while accommodating a bump

• Good range of styles for every occasion

What to know

• Styles sell out fast

What Mumsnet users say

“You can get some maternity clothes at very reasonable prices from Topshop.” (Suggested by Daffodil2018)

Our verdict

Rating: 4/5

If you prefer your wardrobe to have a cool look, the Topshop range available from ASOS is definitely for you. With everything from faux PVC to distressed denim, the range is packed full of trend-led pieces perfect for those who like their maternity wear with an edge.

We particularly loved their selection of ripped jeans and oversized shirts for an effortless, edgy look.

14. Best for maternity wardrobe staples: Dorothy Perkins Maternity

What we love

• Classic style at good prices

• Good quality items

What to know

• No longer available on high street

What Mumsnet users say

“I’ve got some bits from Dorothy Perkins and they were all great.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MrsB2019x)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

Although no longer around on the high street, Dorothy Perkins have remained a stalwart online for reliable pieces that you can grab and go without too much planning needed, and their maternity range is no different.

Full of fuss-free t-shirts, jumpers, dresses and trousers that are comfortable to wear, Dorothy Perkins is the perfect place to put together a no-nonsense wardrobe to perfectly complement your other bump-friendly items.

If you’re conscious of how much you’re spending on maternity wear, their range of smart casual pieces, such as their midi dresses and trousers, will take you from day to night and they can also be layered up so you can wear them through the changing seasons.

Related: If you're suffering with some of the less-than-desirable side-effects of pregnancy, such as acne or piles, check out our guides to the best skincare for pregnancy and haemorrhoid cream for options approved by Mumnset users.

15. Best maternity clothes for everyday wear: Mamalicious

What we love

• Great range of inexpensive styles

• Mix of patterned and plain options

What to know

• Not as glam as some brands

What Mumsnet users say

“I'm 25 weeks now and have Mamalicious jeans a load of Mamalicious plain jersey dresses.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Amrythings)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

Mamalicious are a firm favourite with Mumsnet users and, thanks to their casual everyday wear and pretty dresses you can style up or down, it’s a brand rated highly on bestseller lists too. A great brand for maternity staples, Mamalicious top our guide to the best maternity tights as well.

With their lightweight dresses, cosy leggings, and practical nursing t-shirts, you’ll be able to assemble a capsule collection of maternity essentials, all from the comfort of your own home via Amazon.

Related: Don't miss our guide to the best compression socks for pregnancy for fun and stylish options you can wear underneath all your favourite maternity clothes.

16. Best maternity dresses: Happy Mama

What we love

• Great range of styles and lengths

• Perfect for Spring/ Summer due dates

What to know

• Some reviewers reported quality can be hit and miss

What Mumsnet users say

“I recommend Happy Mama. The quality is fine - easily lasted me a pregnancy and a bit afterwards.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Ellpellwood)

Our verdict

Rating: 3/5

Dressing a bump for warmer weather can be tricky, particularly if you're feeling more self-conscious about your changing body. While it's easy enough to bury a bump under big woolly jumpers, the warmer months bring a completely different way to style pregnancy - but fear not, 'summer maternity dress' does not automatically equal sweaty, unflattering tent.

Happy Mama offer a huge range of non-frumpy dresses for all styles - from bump-hugging bodycon to flattering drapes, on-trend midi dress and shorter skater styles. Most can be used for breastfeeding as well.

The Happy Mama clothes are an absolute bargain too and their pieces appear a lot more expensive than they actually are. We love it when that happens.

Related: If you're feeling like your pjs are a little snug as your body changes, don't miss our guide to the best maternity pyjamas according to Mumsnetters.

What month should I start wearing maternity clothes?

"From around 18/19 weeks, I started wearing maternity clothes because mine were getting too tight and I didn’t want to stretch them." - Mumsnet user BeingATwatItsABingThing.

Most pregnant women start to wear maternity clothes around the 20 week point of pregnancy - but everyone is different. Some will want to embrace the comfort and stretchiness of maternity wear as early as the first trimester (and why not? You might as well get the most out of them) while others may not need to size up until well into their third. Some women don't show at all!

Whatever your preference and whatever your size, bear in mind maternity clothes have been specially designed with the growing pregnant body in mind, so if you're finding your pre-pregnancy wardrobe a little snug, it's well worth investing in some, even if it's just a few staple pieces.

What are the best clothes to wear when pregnant?

Again, it's a personal choice, but when it comes to pregnancy, being comfortable is high up on most lists - and rightly so. After all, it's hard enough contending with stretched skin, back ache and swollen ankles - no one wants to add a cutting-in waistband or ill-fitting bra to the list!

However, the world of maternity wear has come on in leaps and bounds since the days of unflattering tent-dresses, and we're confident our guide has something for everyone, whether your preference is soft, stretchy leggings, on-trend maternity jeans or sophisticated work-wear.

Is 12 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Not necessarily - pregnant bodies come in all shapes and sizes and while some women will use the hairband-round-the-button trick at this stage, others will be well into the territory of stretchy waistbands and empire lines by 12 weeks (particularly if it's a subsequent pregnancy or you're carrying multiples).

"The minute I put them on I scolded myself for squeezing into my normal clothes for so long when maternity trousers are the most comfortable thing in the world! The earlier you buy them the lower the cost per wear as well!" - Mumsnetter dinosaurkisses.

Are maternity clothes worth buying?

Maternity clothes can split opinion - some say they aren't necessarily, others have a wardrobe full. It's worth noting that maternity clothes have been specially designed with the changing pregnancy body in mind, and therefore will be able to accommodate a growing bump more comfortably than regular clothes.

However, some women - particularly if they've a smaller bump - may not need many or any maternity clothes at all, while others might prefer to dress in baggier or larger regular clothes. Yes, it may seem frivolous to invest in speciality clothing you're only going to wear for six months or so - particularly in the current climate - but bear in mind in most cases you'll need to size up anyway, and there are plenty of budget maternity wear options available. Plus, with many maternity brands designed with breastfeeding in mind (not to mention they're just so darn comfortable) you may find that six months stretching into years.

What are the best maternity clothes to wear after pregnancy?

Maternity clothes are some of the most comfortable clothes available, and as far as we're concerned, there should never be a hurry to squeeze back into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe post-birth. If you're planning to breastfeed, plenty of maternity clothes double up as feeding tops or dresses - for budget options, check out Smallshow on Amazon.

How we chose the best maternity clothes

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Nothing will give you a better sense of whether something is worth buying than an honest, unbiased review from a real parent. That’s why our first port of call is always the Mumsnet forums where we trawl the Talk boards to find out what our Mumsnetters are recommending.

Expert opinions

To help us whittle down our shortlisted products, we also took on board the top tips and advice from experts when it came to choosing the right kind of maternity clothing to keep mums comfortable and supported during pregnancy.

Authentic customer reviews

Finally, we looked at maternity leggings that were ranking highly on bestseller lists and those that had first-class reviews on retailer sites. We took into account what reviewers were saying regarding style and comfort and also selected a range that would be suitable for a number of occasions whether it’s going out, hitting the gym, or simply relaxing at home.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

About the author

Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content.

Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.

As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in buyers' guides such as these, as well as product reviews and expert advice on all things pregnancy and child play related.