Unfortunately, many designers still treat plus-size pregnancy fashion as an afterthought.
We refused to settle for frumpy. We spent hours combing through maternity brands to find retailers that actually understand curvy bodies. We looked for high-quality fabrics, modern cuts, and inclusive sizing to keep you comfortable from the first trimester through postpartum.
Here is your guide to navigating size charts and our top picks for plus-size maternity brands that deliver on style and comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Measure yourself first: Sizing varies wildly between brands, so use a measuring tape to compare your current stats against specific size charts.
- Embrace the silhouette: Empire waist tops and wrap dresses are universally flattering and accommodate a growing bump without losing shape.
- Think long-term: Invest in items like flowy tunics, leggings, and belly bands that work during pregnancy and the “fourth trimester.”
- Top retailers: Old Navy, ASOS, PinkBlush, and Torrid are our top picks for fashionable, well-fitting plus-size maternity wear.
Finding Maternity Clothes You’ll Love
The struggle to find cute clothes is real, but you are not out of luck. Embracing maternity fashion is all about knowing which cuts work for your changing body. Here are four tips to build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident.
1. Know Your Measurements
Many stores, like Motherhood Maternity, claim you should stick to your pre-pregnancy size. However, one brand’s size 12 is another’s size 14.
Finding your accurate maternity size often involves trial and error. To reduce returns and frustration, take your current bust, hip, and waist measurements before clicking “add to cart.” Compare these numbers strictly against the brand’s size chart rather than relying on the label size.
Measuring Tape Tip
2. Try an Empire Waist
Too many plus-size options are designed like tents. You are pregnant, not shapeless; you don’t need to hide inside a giant sack.
Empire waist tops and dresses cinch directly under the bust, the smallest part of your torso during pregnancy. This creates a beautiful silhouette while leaving plenty of room for your belly to expand. These cuts are versatile enough for baby showers or lounging on the couch.
Hot Mama Tip
3. Look for Double-Duty Items
Buying a whole new wardrobe for just nine months isn’t always budget-friendly. We recommend prioritizing items that work during pregnancy and postpartum.
Look for flowy tunics, button-down shirts (great for nursing), and dresses with stretch. You can also extend the life of your current pants with a belly band. This elastic tube sits over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy jeans to hold them up and smooth out the waistband.
Belly bands are also fantastic for layering over loose maternity jeans in the early stages or providing extra coverage while nursing.
4. Swap and Save
Community is everything when you are expecting. Clothing swaps are a brilliant way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.
Check with friends or local mom groups to see if anyone has maternity items to loan or trade. You can pool your maternity budgets with pregnant friends to buy a shared wardrobe, or simply accept hand-me-downs. Just remember to treat borrowed clothes with care so you can return the favor to the next mama in line.
Best Plus-Size Maternity Clothes of 2025
We skipped the limited racks at local department stores and went straight to the digital shelves. Online retailers offer far better variety, cooler styles, and more inclusive sizing for curvy moms.
Here are the best stores for stocking your bump-friendly wardrobe:
1. Old Navy
Old Navy is a staple for a reason. They offer consistent sizing, frequent sales, and comfortable fabrics. While they don’t always separate “plus size maternity” into its own category, their maternity line generally runs up to size XXL (20), and their cuts are generous.
Why we love it: Their “PowerSoft” activewear and basics are unbeatable for the price. They also offer “Sunday Sleep” items that are perfect for the hospital bag.
2. ASOS
If you want to stay on trend, ASOS is the place to look. Their maternity line is fashion-forward, moving beyond basic tees into stylish jumpsuits, midi dresses, and distressed denim. Their sizing is inclusive, generally going up to a US size 20 in maternity, with a standard plus-size line that goes up to US 26.
Why we love it: It is the best spot for event wear. If you need a dress for a wedding or a stylish outfit for a date night, ASOS has options that don’t look like traditional “mom clothes.”
3. Torrid
Torrid is a heavy hitter in the plus-size world, and their maternity line does not disappoint. Designed specifically for curves (sizes 10 to 30), their clothes fit properly without weird gaping or tightness in the wrong places.
Why we love it: Their maternity leggings and jeans are legendary for durability and fit. They understand plus-size bodies better than almost anyone else in the market.
4. Motherhood Maternity
Motherhood Maternity is a dedicated maternity retailer, meaning they understand the mechanics of a pregnant body. Their plus-size section offers items up to size 3X.
Why we love it: This is the go-to spot for foundational garments. Their plus-size maternity bras and underwear provide excellent support and comfort, which is essential as your body changes.
5. Yours Clothing
Based in the UK but shipping internationally, Yours Clothing is dedicated entirely to plus-size fashion (sizes US 14, 34). Because they specialize in this niche, their maternity cuts are incredibly flattering.
Why we love it: The variety is impressive. You can find everything from casual “bump support” leggings to professional work blouses and comfortable sleepwear in one place.
6. H&M Mama
For mamas who love a minimalist or modern aesthetic, H&M Mama is a fantastic budget option. Their clothes are chic enough for the office but comfy enough for a nap. Sizing typically goes up to XXL or roughly size 22 in denim.
Why we love it: They sell multipacks of basics (like tank tops and tees) that are organic cotton and highly affordable. It is the easiest way to build a capsule wardrobe quickly.
7. PinkBlush
PinkBlush is arguably the most “Instagrammable” maternity brand. Their clothes are boutique-quality with beautiful floral prints, soft knits, and trendy cuts. Their plus line ranges from 1X to 3X.
Why we love it: They are the undisputed winner for baby shower dresses and maternity photoshoot outfits. They also have a great selection of plus-size nursing tops for after the baby arrives.
FAQs
What Weight Is Considered Plus-Size During Pregnancy?
“Plus-size” refers to clothing size rather than a specific number on the scale. generally, plus-size maternity wear begins at size 16 or XL/1X and goes up from there, catering to curvier body types with specific cuts.
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?
There is no set rule, but most women make the switch between 12 and 16 weeks. You might need them earlier if it is a second pregnancy or later if it is your first. If you feel uncomfortable or carry your bump high, it is time to switch.
How Much Should I Budget for Maternity Clothes?
Budgets vary, but you can build a functional capsule wardrobe for $150 to $300 if you shop sales and stick to basics. Utilizing clothing swaps, buying second-hand, or using belly bands can significantly reduce this cost.
How Are Maternity Clothes Different From Regular Clothes?
Maternity clothes feature strategic rushing (gathered fabric) on the sides, extra length in the front hem to cover the bump, and elastic panels in waistbands. They are engineered to grow with you without losing their shape.
Can I Just Buy Larger Regular Clothes Instead?
You can, but the fit may be awkward. Sizing up in regular clothes often leads to baggy shoulders and armholes just to accommodate the belly. Maternity clothes provide the extra room exactly where you need it while keeping the rest of the fit tailored.
What Are the Best Fabrics for Plus-Size Maternity Clothes?
Look for breathable natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, and modal mixed with spandex or elastane. Pregnancy increases your body temperature, so breathable fabrics with a 5% to 10% stretch factor will keep you cool and supported.
