When you’re pregnant, finding clothes that complement your style and accommodate a growing bump can be challenging. Since each stage of pregnancy brings new changes, having adaptable essentials in your wardrobe is vital.
A maternity capsule wardrobe embraces this flexibility, helping you create a collection of pregnancy clothes you’ll love wearing. This approach prioritizes comfort, versatility, and minimalism so you can stay stylish all the way through the third trimester.
Read on to discover how to build a capsule wardrobe that keeps you feeling fantastic throughout your pregnancy.
A maternity capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing and accessories to wear during and after pregnancy. Each garment matches the next, so you can pull out any top and bottom to create a complete outfit. Building a capsule wardrobe makes it easier to get dressed in the morning—you can look put together without much effort.
Dressing for your body type can be difficult during pregnancy, so clean out your closet to make room for these eight critical items.
If you wear denim regularly, a good pair of maternity jeans is vital. Shop for options with supportive, wide belly bands. Pair them with tees and cardigans in the daytime, and in the evening, wear maternity jeans with a blouse and low ankle boots.
Maternity leggings are perfect for any trimester, since their stretchy material will grow along with your belly. Reach for high-waisted leggings for extra support, and dress them up for dinner with friends or down for weekend walks.
Buying maternity shirts and tanks in neutral colors like white, black, and gray allows you to create endless outfits. Pair a classic white T-shirt with leggings for lounging at home or a gray tank with trousers for running errands. And plan for the third trimester by snagging a few ruched tops that offer extra flexibility.
Maternity dresses are easy, one-piece outfits you can throw on and still look put together. Choose stretchy dresses in soft, flowy fabrics to create a flattering silhouette for your growing belly.
If you’re headed to brunch with friends, maxi dresses and flat sandals are a great combo. And for errand-heavy days, T-shirt dresses with sneakers may be a better fit.
Also called a pregnancy or maternity belt, a belly band is a garment that wraps around your back and abdomen to support your baby bump. It’s a must-have because you can wear it with non-maternity pants, allowing you to stretch your existing closet further.
A lightweight cardigan offers a cozy layer that won’t make you overheat. In colder seasons, you can reach for a heavier knit version.
These sweaters pair well with maternity jeans or leggings for a fun fall outfit. Or, you can wear cardigans over dresses on cooler evenings.
A nursing bra is designed to provide extra support and have extra snaps that let you breastfeed easily. These bras are excellent during pregnancy, too, because they’re very comfortable. Look for a few without an underwire to avoid restriction.
Include maternity pants in your capsule wardrobe for work and more formal settings. Choose pairs made of stretchy, breathable material so you can feel polished without sacrificing comfort.
Wrap tops are a comfortable yet polished option to pair with maternity pants. If the weather is cool enough, sweaters are another great choice.
Build a maternity capsule wardrobe with these eight must-know tips.
Declutter your wardrobe and pull out any items that might work as maternity wear. These could be oversized shirts, flowy dresses, or stretchy leggings—anything that will accommodate your changing body.
Chances are, there are a few gems in your closet you can add to your capsule wardrobe. This will give you a great start and prevent you from purchasing items you already own.
Before you shop, plan your budget to keep your spending in check. List the specific pieces you need and stick to them to avoid impulse buys.
And to get the most bang for your buck, shop for preloved items on ThredUp. We have thousands of maternity items available at a fraction of retail price.
Look for maternity clothes made with stretchy, breathable materials. This will help the clothing adapt to your shape as your pregnancy progresses. Choose soft fabrics like cotton and bamboo, which let you move easily and are gentle on sensitive skin.
Choosing classic pieces helps you get the most bang for your buck because you’ll want to wear the pieces during potential future pregnancies. For example, select a pair of straight-leg jeans instead of cargo pants that may not be as fashionable in a few years.
Consider your routines, like work, date nights, and special events, and stock your capsule wardrobe accordingly.
For example, if you work in an office, include tailored trousers and maternity blouses. And if you love hitting the gym, include a few pieces of pregnancy athleisure clothing.
Building a wardrobe that aligns with your lifestyle adds functionality and helps ensure you’ll actually wear what you buy.
Pieces that layer well, such as sweaters and bomber jackets, allow you to adjust to the weather and shifts in body temperature. Before building your wardrobe, figure out what the seasons will be during each stage of your pregnancy, and plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind that pregnancy can cause you to run warm, so stock up on tank tops and bike shorts.
Despite popular belief, you don’t need to buy exclusively maternity clothes for pregnancy. Non-maternity garments like wrap dresses and loose-fitting tops will likely fit your growing belly, and you may already own some of these items. If you see something you like and it’s not maternity wear, try it on anyway—you might be surprised.
Shoes are often overlooked in maternity wardrobes, but they’re essential. Invest in comfortable footwear that provides good arch support, especially since your feet may swell and change size during pregnancy. Neutral-colored sneakers, flats, or supportive ankle boots will match most outfits and offer comfort for long days.
Creating a maternity capsule wardrobe is an excellent way to feel prepared and confident during pregnancy.
To find pregnancy clothes on a budget, shop secondhand on ThredUp. We offer a wide selection of high-quality, preloved maternity clothing and popular kids’ brands. With over 50,000 new items dropping daily, you’ll surely find something you love.
And when it’s time to transition out of your maternity wardrobe, ThredUp’s Clean Out bags allow you to resell items easily and earn thrifting credit.
Capsule wardrobes are meant to suit your needs, so there’s not one specific number of items to include in your closet. On the lower end, people can build minimalist wardrobes from around 10–15 garments. But if you’re trying to build a more versatile collection, 30–40 garments should suit your needs well.
A maternity wardrobe typically costs between $300 and $600 for the basics, but this can vary based on your budget and needs. Search for versatile, high-quality items that you can mix and match to get the most value. Thrifting online with ThredUp or borrowing from friends are other ways to save money.
Yes—plenty of non-maternity clothes are great for pregnancy. Dresses with an empire waist or flowy tops can easily accommodate a growing bump. High-waisted pants or skirts, paired with a belly band, can also work well as your belly expands. Oversized shirts, tunics, and cardigans are other options that will fit comfortably at many sizes.