I’m Pregnant For The Third Time – These Are The Best Maternity Clothes You’ll Really Want To Wear

Forget what you thought you knew about maternity clothes – here are the chicest options you can wear beyond pregnancy, too.


by Renee Washington |
Published on

Maternity clothes have come a long way from shapeless smocks and bland basics. Now, it’s all about finding looks that feel like you and your usual style. Thanks to Rihanna’s pregnancy style, which includes everything from low-slung jeans to sheer dresses, the idea that expectant mothers should hide their changing bodies under layers of fabric is firmly outdated. Whether that means elasticated maternity jeans you’ll want to live in or playful prints that bring a bit of joy to getting dressed each day, comfort and style no longer have to be at odds.

Influencer and Manchester-based stylist, Megan Ellaby is currently expecting her third child, so she's learned a thing or two about shopping for great maternity clothes that don't compromise personal style. She is also proof that you don’t have to rely solely on traditional maternity ranges to feel put together – instead, she’s turned to brands like Reserved, Damson Madder, and H&M. Think: printed maternity dresses, easy summer co-ords, and the best breast-feeding dresses, that you'll actually want to wear. Her approach is simple: size up, mix high street with elevated staples, and keep things true to your personal style. Ahead, she’s broken down the brands she loves the most, plus a few styling tips to keep your wardrobe working for you throughout your pregnancy (and afterwards).

Best Maternity Clothes 2025, At A Glance:

Best shirt to wear during pregnancy: Sézane, Max Shirt, £95

Best maternity dress: Monsoon, Dorita Sleeveless Stripe Embroidered Midi Dress Green, £85

Best blouse you can wear postpartum: Damson Madder, Becca Multi-way Blouse - Bold Blue Stripe, £85

Best maternity jeans: H&M, Mama Before & After Straight Low Ankle Jeans, £42.99

How we tested the best maternity clothes in 2025:

As mentioned prior, to curate the most stylish and practical maternity wear of the year, we collaborated with influencer and Manchester-based stylist Megan Ellaby, who is currently expecting her third child. Drawing on her own pregnancy wardrobe strategy equals size-ups, stretchy separates, and high street gems she tested pieces from both dedicated maternity labels and regular fashion brands to see which truly work for real life. Our final edit includes the items that scored highest across comfort, quality, design, and trimester versatility. We prioritised pieces that support a capsule bump wardrobe, versatile sets you can mix, match, and layer as well as those with adjustable details like ruching, tie waists, and stretch. We considered seasonality and advised planning by trimester: flowy dresses early on, oversized tops mid-pregnancy, and comfort-first trousers toward the end. For more on how we test and score products, visit ourAbout Us page, and meet the editors behind this guide via their author bios.

Shop: The Best Maternity Clothes UK

Beyond Nine Maternity Clothes

Megan says: ‘I have a funny feeling the Beyond Nine linen co-ords will be getting me through ‘pregnant-girl-summer’ and then on to ‘postpartum-girl-summer’, too. They’re designed to last through whatever life throws at you and however your body changes, so they're not just for pregnancy, which I love. They’re comfortable, breathable and look super impressive with minimal effort on the styling front, which is exactly what I’m here for right now.’

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This is the brand's newest meadow stripe pastel green and blue colour-way. Made using 100% linen, it is the perfect companion for strolls in the park and summer school runs.

Pros

  • Material is soft
  • Lots of colourways available 
  • Bump friendly

Cons

  • One review said the sizing was small
  • May shrink after a few washes 
Sizes6-22 UK
Waistband styleNot applicable
Materials 100% Linen
Nursing compatibilityYes

These are the trousers to match the Esme top, but they could be worn with plain tees and denim jackets, too.

Pros

  • Material is soft
  • Lots of colours available 
  • Elasticated waist

Cons

  • No different leg lengths
Sizes6-22 UK
WaistbandElasticated waist
Materials100% Linen
Nursing compatibilityNot applicable

Reserved Maternity Clothes

‘I saw this gingham sun dress online and thought, ‘oh if only I wasn’t pregnant’. That thought quickly changed to, ‘sod it’ and I took the risk,' says Megan. She said she sized up to a medium and was so impressed with both how it fit and the quality of it. She added: ’Pairing with a little T-shirt underneath made it feel a little more casual but I imagine that, in the heart of the summer when my bump is at it’s biggest, it’s going to come in really handy for making me feel rather special at a time that can be quite hard to deal with styling-wise.’

Gingham dresses are, yet again, big news for summer. Megan sized up to a medium and styled it with a little T-shirt underneath.

Pros

  • Bump friendly
  • Good for nursing
  • Can layer underneath

Cons

  • Thin straps (but they are adjustable)
Sizes XS-XL
Waistband styleNone
Materials 100% Cotton
Nursing compatibilityYes

Aligne Maternity Clothes

Megan says: ‘I was dressed by Aligne for an event I went to a few weeks back and was a little nervous about how things would fit, particularly with certain silhouettes. However, I shouldn’t have been, as I actually ended up being spoilt for choice. Everything fit my body beautifully and with space to grow, too.’ In terms of sizing, Megan went up by two sizes, but she found it wasn’t necessary as this set below had quite a bit of space (she is six months pregnant currently). She added: ‘The tie waist top and matching trousers was what I went for and I truly felt incredible in it, what a moment!’

Already tired of butter yellow? This mint green feels super-fresh.

Pros

  • Adjustable sides
  • Buttons
  • Good for nursing 

Cons

  • Might need a strapless bra to wear
Sizes 4-22 UK
Waistband styleNot applicable
Materials49% Linen, 26% Organic Cotton, 25% Viscose
Nursing compatibility Yes

Co-ords are saviours for busy days.

Pros

  • Elasticated drawstring waist
  • Bump friendly
  • Pockets

Cons

  • No different leg lengths
Sizes4-22 UK
Waistband styleElasticated drawstring waist
MaterialsShell: 49% Linen, 26% Organic , 25% Viscose Lining: 100% Cotton Organic
Nursing compatibilityNot applicable

COS Maternity Clothes

Megan says: ‘I headed into COS for a try on of its latest SS25 collection and could have left with half of the shop. It was elasticated waists and button down tops aplenty, which is a pregnant gal's dream. The brand had tonnes of drawstring trousers and jeans available too, which I’ve noticed a lot of on the high street this spring and it is SO REFRESHING!’

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Drawstring trousers are great for the post-baby wardrobe, too.

Pros

  • Drawstring waist
  • Relaxed fit
  • Two colours available

Cons

  • No different leg lengths
Sizes 32-34 IT
Waistband styleDrawstring
Materials Shell: 96% Cotton, 4% Elastane. Excluding trims / Machine wash
Nursing compatibilityNot applicable

Sézane Maternity Clothes

Megan spotlights Sézane as one of her go-to shopping destinations. ‘I’m on my third pregnancy and the one staple piece that has been there from the start is the button down shirts, particularly the Max Shirt, which I must own in every colour by now.’ She recommends sizing up which will allow space for when you get bigger. 'I prefer oversized fits anyway, so I just continue wearing them in that size post-pregnancy.'

Sézane’s Max shirt is one Megan's staples. She says: ‘The fit of these shirts are my fave, pregnant or not, plus they make for the most perfect of postpartum/feeding fits.'

Pros

  • Good for nursing
  • Bump friendly
  • Oversized 

Cons

  • Pricey for a white shirt - but the quality makes it worth it
Sizes 4-20 UK
Waistband styleNot applicable
Materials100% Organic cotton
Nursing compatibility Yes

Monsoon Maternity Clothes

‘I recently went on holiday with my kiddos and was so impressed with Monsoon and its holiday collection. It was giving Farm Rio and the celebration of colour and print was so divine. Some favourites included the Hunza G-inspired ruched swimsuits, perfect for growing bodies and gorgeous when paired with a sarong and oversized beach bag. I also loved the cotton summer dresses; they came in a variety of colours but the striped green number really did it for me.’ If you’re also on the hunt for your summer maternity wardrobe, Monsoon has some of the best maternity swimsuits.

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A light airy dress that you can whip out for those special summer holidays.

Pros

  • Pull on
  • Camisole straps 
  • Space for a growing bump

Cons

  • Will need to pull the dress down to breastfeed
SizesS-XXL
Waistband styleNone
MaterialsCotton
Nursing compatibilityNo

H&M Maternity Clothes

‘I’ve recently treated myself to the sell out ‘Mama before and after’ under-bump jeans from H&M and only wish I’d have tried them sooner, mainly so I had the chance of getting them in all the washes. They fit really comfortably, not to mention flatteringly, around the bump and for me they’re the perfect cut and length!’ These H&M trousers have elastic on the waistband, so are designed to grow with you through pregnancy and beyond.

These jeans have elastic on the waistband, designed to be worn both during pregnancy and afterwards.

Pros

  • Elasticated waist
  • 3 styles available
  • Material is soft
  • Stretch

Cons

  • Small fitting 
Sizes XS-XXL
Waistband styleLow elasticated waist
Materials Shell: Cotton 98%, Elastane 2% Pocket lining: Cotton 100%
Nursing compatibilityNot applicable

Next Maternity Clothes

‘Next always seems to be rather generous when it comes to sizing, so I’ve been wearing a lot of the brand's pieces during this pregnancy. I’m really loving the matching co-ords; elasticated waist shorts with matching button down shirts, a dream for both summer pregnancy and post-partum.'

A striped all-over print, finished with ruched side detailing. Style with gold accessories to complete the look.

Pros

  • Stylish design 
  • Ruched detailng 

Cons

  • Can't nurse 
Sizes 6-20 UK
Waistband styleNot applicable
Materials 99% Cotton, 1% Polyester
Nursing compatibilityNo

A timeless design that you can pick up season after season - size up to fit your bump.

Pros

  • Different leg lengths 
  • Timeless shape

Cons

  • Rigid denim - no stretch
Sizes 6 UK regular - 14 UK long
Waistband styleButton
Materials 99% Cotton, 1% Polyester
Nursing compatibilityNot applicable

Damson Madder Maternity Clothes

Megan found she could wear her pre-pregnancy Damson Madder pieces in each trimester. She says: ’The brand has a lot of elasticated waist lines, draw string fastenings and smocking, which makes for the ideal maternity wardrobe. It’s really important that I can feel like myself throughout pregnancy and wearing my pre pregnancy wardrobe, especially those as fun and colourful as my Damson Madder pieces, means I don’t lose myself too much.’

The detachable puff sleeves make this two blouses in one.

Pros

  • Detachable puff sleeves - 2-in-1
  • Bubble hem
  • Smocked design

Cons

  • Not good for nursing
Sizes6-20 UK
Waistband styleNot applicable
Materials 100% Organic cotton
Nursing compatibilityNo

Seraphine Maternity Clothes

While it has long been one of the best choices for maternity clothes, Seraphine has just re-branded – and it looks better than ever. Anna Silverman, Grazia's features editor, has just gone on maternity leave to have her second child, and she says she's been living in the label's stylish, well-made pieces. 'I haven't found it that easy to discover maternity clothes that still feel chic, especially for days in the office. That's when I saw Seraphine's brilliant trousers, which are smart enough for work but I've also been dressing them down at weekends. Not only that, the brand has a brilliant selection of pretty dresses, perfect for weddings, not to mention the best maternity bras I've tried!'

The under-bump design provides support without any pressure, while the drawstring feature allows you to wear these throughout your pregnancy, however big your bump gets. You'll also find they're invaluable post-birth, as they're super-comfy but will make you feel more polished than joggers.

Best Maternity Clothes FAQs

How many weeks pregnant should you wear maternity clothes?

Most people start reaching for maternity wear between 12–16 weeks, especially as rapid body changes make regular clothes uncomfortable. This is a great time to shop for the best early maternity clothes - think stretchy waistbands, bump-friendly dresses, and soft layering pieces.

How many dress sizes do you go up when pregnant?

Typically, one to two sizes, but there’s no set rule. Thanks to sizing inconsistency across brands, what’s labelled ‘medium’ in one store might fit like an XL in another.

When should you start packing your maternity bag?

Aim to have it packed by 34–36 weeks. Include essentials like nursing bras and lounge sets from the best affordable maternity clothes collections (we’ve included H&M and Reserved) that prioritise comfort.

When should I stop wearing tight jeans during pregnancy?

The moment they start digging in an feel uncomfortable, so many retailers have comfortable over-bump jeans and leggings with supportive stretch panels that grow with you.

How many pairs of maternity trousers do I need?

Around two to three quality pairs should be enough. Stick to versatile neutrals you can dress up or down, don’t knock the high street that have some of the best high street maternity clothes.

When should I start wearing maternity bras?

Often by the end of the first trimester, when your regular bras start to feel tight. Maternity bras and underwear from the maternity section often come with soft, stretchy fabrics and wider bands for better support.

Do you buy your size in maternity clothes?

Yes, maternity clothing is typically designed to match your pre-pregnancy size, with extra room where needed. Still, always check the size guide, especially if you’re shopping from newer or trend-led labels.

What month should you start wearing maternity clothes?

Whenever feels right to you, by the third or fourth month, most benefit from clothing that grows with them.

Where is it best to buy maternity clothes?

The best place for maternity clothes offers a mix of affordability, style, and good fabrics. Whether you’re after the best cheap maternity clothes, maternity leggings, or something more elevated like designer maternity clothes, look for adjustable details and seasonally appropriate pieces that support your lifestyle. We’ve included some of the best brands above, that consider these things.

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..

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