All The Gear, No Idea is a weekly series from HuffPost Finds where we feature product recommendations for parents, by parents. Whether you’re shopping for a car seat for the first time or don’t know what tech to buy your teen, we’ve got you covered with shopping guides, reviews and the latest deals.
Maternity wear can be a minefield for mums-to-be. Where to start? What to wear? Do I really have to buy a whole new wardrobe? Trust us, you’ll want to, when you see what’s out there.
We’ve come up with an exhaustive list of the best brands to make dressing your bump a pleasure. Our pick of the crop will see you looking – and feeling – good, as you (stylishly) change shape.
ASOS is a one-stop-shop for all your maternity clothing needs. It’s great for stocking up on wardrobe essentials like leggings and t-shirts as well as on-trend occasion outfits. Their in-house label offers up-to-date, affordable styles and they also host a range of other maternity brands, like Mamalicious. I confess that I still wear my ASOS black maternity leggings (£14) three years after giving birth. They are just too comfy to let go.
This is your first port-of-call for supportive hosiery and to help you navigate the new terrain of maternity and nursing bras. Nowhere does comfort and support as reliably as M&S. Book a fitting to get advice on how your bust will change over the course of your pregnancy. From cami tops to lacy full cups, there’s a style to suit you and your changing needs. Check out the fantastic selection of maternity and nursing bras.
Despite having celebrity endorsements from the Duchess of Cambridge and the like, Seraphine is still surprisingly affordable. We think it’s particularly great for smart staples – think workwear – as well as occasion wear. If you have a wedding or a cocktail party to go for, be sure to check out their fab, anti-frump range. Pieces like this sparkly cocktail dress (£79) or this claret evening dress (£89) will make you feel like a true glamour mama!
Comfy yet chic, H&M offers an array of everyday maternity wear that’s good value for money and will last throughout your pregnancy and those early post-bump days. Check out this classic, brown marl nursing jumper (£29.99). With high slits on the side for ease of access if you’re breastfeeding, this piece will work pre and post baby.
Calling all fashion-forward mammas. If you thought maternity wear was drab then think again. Zara is amazing at bang-up-to date fashion that won’t break the bank. Feast your eyes on this Jacquard Culottes and Knit Top Co-ord (£29.99) as well as its collection of gorgeous, bump-friendly winter coats (£129).
With versatile, wardrobe staples and on-trend pieces, TopShop maternity range makes you feel like you. From joggers and under-the-bump jeans to weekend wear, it really is TopShop, but for bumps. We love this monochrome smock peplum shirt dress (£49) and leopard print bias skirt, £35.
For the vintage-loving mamma, Clary and Peg’s retro styles and fabrics are just the ticket. They design trans-seasonal pieces, with nods to the 50s, 60, 70s and 80s. We love these Doris Dungarees in Red Needlecord, £145.
The go-to for expectant mums. Jojo Maman Bébé has a wealth of experience and styles for every shape and size on the pregnancy journey and beyond. It specialises in functional, stylish staples, from swimwear and PJs, to Breton tops and work wear. We like this classic pair of black wide leg maternity work trousers, £35.
Fittamamma has a great selection of super supportive and stylish activewear. There’s a range of luxe-stretch leggings and workout tops that are designed to “support your back, boobs and baby bump” while you sweat it out. This Ultimate Maternity Sportswear Top, £59.99, combines style and science.
All the cool cats across the Atlantic are wearing Hatch. The American brand makes flattering pieces in luxurious materials, that will make you want to be pregnant. Hatch is available in the UK from Net A Porter and ShopBop. Hurry and set a shop up over here, please! We love this black and white jersey turtleneck, (£74.49).
We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.