Plus Size Maternity Clothes You’ll Actually Want to Wear – The Ultimate Guide
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Plus Size Maternity Clothes You’ll Actually Want to Wear – The Ultimate Guide

I’ll be honest by saying that the shopping experience for plus size maternity clothes is generally pretty bleak. There just aren’t a lot of great options out there with fashionable options, and this is especially true if you’re over a size 3X like I am.

That said, we DO have some maternity clothes available to us now and I’ve learned tons of tips and tricks for finding non-maternity clothes that look great while pregnant too.

In this post, I’m sharing ALL the best resources, tips, and styles to help you dress your best during pregnancy.

Plus Size Maternity Clothes You’ll Actually Want to Wear – The Ultimate Guide

Before we dive in, know that this is an EXTREMELY comprehensive (and long) guide. We’ll start by sharing the overall best places to shop for plus size maternity then we’ll dive in category by category (shirts, tops, dresses, etc.) to let you know exactly what you’ll need and where to get options that will work for you.

Where to Buy Plus Size Maternity Clothes

If you’re looking for general recommendations on where to start the shopping process, start with these stores. I’ll break it all down category by category too, but these are my favorite options across the board.

Torrid Maternity

Torrid is one of the few mainstream plus size brands that offer anything maternity-related. Their leggings and nursing bras were lifesavers for me during pregnancy and I love that they have basic tees and tanks as well. I highly recommend grabbing some leggings and tees and finding cute non-maternity options to complete the look. Sweaters, vests, etc. can really elevate the basic leggings and tees.

Pro tip: if you search maternity on the Torrid website they have some non-maternity clothing that will work during pregnancy tagged to show up in search results. You’ll find a lot of baby doll styles, empire waists, etc.

Yours Clothing Plus Size Maternity Clothes

Yours Clothing has by far the best selection of plus size maternity clothing in sizes up to US size 30. If you work in an office setting or just want to dress up a bit during pregnancy, you’ll definitely want to check out the Yours Clothing options.

They have workwear, jeans, cute dresses, and so much more.

JC Penney

JC Penney was definitely not on my radar as an option for plus size maternity clothing when I was pregnant a couple years ago. I only discovered their collection when researching for this blog post. While they don’t have a wide variety of options, their size range is one of the better available with options up to a 6X.

Universal Standard (Universal Standard Fit Liberty Mom)

Unfortunately, Universal Standard has discontinued their maternity collection called Fit Liberty Mom. The pieces were incredible, and I highly recommend searching Poshmark or Ebay for them if interested.

The Fit Liberty Mom program worked like their regular Fit Liberty program, allowing you to purchase clothes and then exchange them for a different size within a year if needed.

I was able to get a bigger size for the end of pregnancy then exchange items for a smaller size postpartum which was great, especially given the higher price point of their items.

Although the mom-specific program no longer exists, you can still buy non-maternity pieces that are part of the Fit Liberty program and exchange them when needed.

Many of their non-maternity styles of loungewear, tops, sweaters, tees, tanks, and leggings, will work super well during pregnancy if you size up. Then once you deliver, if you need the smaller size, you can utilize the Fit Liberty program to exchange them.

Pay VERY close attention when shopping to ensure that the item you are purchasing is part of the Fit Liberty Program. I personally had an issue where I bought tees in multiple colors and only some of the color options were eligible for exchange while others weren’t. I didn’t notice when purchasing so I was stuck with some options in a size that no longer worked.

Walmart Plus Size Maternity

Walmart plus size maternity line, Oh! Mamma, is available in sizes small to 3X. The prices are quite affordable with two packs of maternity tees currently only $13.99.

They also offer the Nurture By Lamaze Soft Sleep Maternity and Nursing Bra in sizes up to 5X.

Target Maternity Plus Size

Unfortunately, Target used to offer maternity options up to a 4X but they now only offer up to an XXL.

You can find Target plus size maternity options in sizes 2X, 3X, and 4X, some new with tags., on Poshmark and other resale sites I have the best luck finding them by searching Isabel Maternity + the size, so “Isabel Maternity 4X” to see the 4X options for example.

You can get $10 off your first Poshmark order with my code MIRANDASCHULTZ as a new customer!

Old Navy Plus Size Maternity

Old Navy is a super popular for plus size shoppers but unfortunately, their maternity sizing only goes up to a size XXL.

With their recent “BodEquality” campaign ensuring equality between plus size and straight size shoppers in terms of availability, pricing, and access to sales, I’m hopeful that the maternity options will follow the same path and be offered in all sizes in the future.

I personally still chose many Old Navy clothing items during pregnancy although my size isn’t offered in maternity. You’ll be able to wear tunic length tops, leggings, loungewear, and more.

Pink Blush Plus Size Maternity

Pink Blush offers truly adorable maternity clothes in plus sizes 1x-3x. Given that the styles are made to have extra room in the waist area, you might be able to wear some styles if you’re a 4X or larger.

I love that their site shows if an item is true to size or if it runs small or large. This should help you determine if a piece might work for you even if you don’t technically fit their size range.

I love Pink Blush’s styles and wish they would expand their size range further for larger moms to be!

If you’re able to fit their size range, you’ll definitely want to check out their dresses which are perfect for baby showers or maternity photos.

Also, pay special attention to the maternity tops that double as nursing tops. Since we don’t get a lot of wear out of maternity clothes, this is one great way to make your pieces work for you longer.

Motherhood Maternity Plus Size

While Motherhood Maternity technically only offers up to a 3X, I found their sizing to be very generous. I wore a solid 4X pre-pregnancy and many of their 3X options worked perfectly for me. The key is to look for stretchy options or ones with an oversized look.

Storq Stylish Plus Size Maternity Clothes

I’m honestly a little sad that I didn’t know about Storq during my own pregnancies, but am happy that I’m at least able to share this incredible resource with you now. Storq offers stylish plus size maternity clothes up to a 4X. Their clothing is well-loved by many plus size moms-to-be, and they offer some of the most modern maternity clothing options available.

I’m especially partial to their Maternity Basics Bundle which gives you the four most essential maternity clothing items you’ll need during pregnancy at a discounted price.

Plus Size Maternity Clothing Categories

Best Plus Size Maternity Leggings

Leggings are SUCH a maternity must-have. So comfy and can be dressed up or down. You’ll likely want multiple pairs. I’ve never worn leggings as much in my life as I did during pregnancy (and honestly since becoming a mom too)!

Torrid offers their famous premium leggings in a maternity style which are very popular; however, some folks (including me) prefer to wear their regular non-maternity style leggings during pregnancy (sizing up if needed).

The preference between their maternity style and non-maternity style likely comes down to the mom’s body type. As for me, I’m an extreme pear shape with wider hips and a narrower waist and my stomach never quite got big enough to fill out the space for the belly on the maternity options.

If you are more of an apple shape or carry your weight in your stomach pre-pregnancy, the maternity option might work better for you during pregnancy.

Shop Torrid Premium Leggings (non-maternity)

Plus Size Maternity Pajamas

Who doesn’t want comfy pajamas during pregnancy? I know I did! Plus size maternity pajamas aren’t something I personally would choose to invest in, though. Many pajamas (especially my favorite styles) are super stretchy and can easily accommodate a growing belly.

Size up in these favorites for a fit that’ll be perfect for pregnancy and long after.

Plus Size Maternity Robe

A plus size maternity robe is another thing I wouldn’t necessarily recommend purchasing. The wrap style of robes is perfect for growing bellies so I recommend buying an option that can work anytime.

I love this robe from Torrid which I especially found helpful postpartum with hormonal issues causing me to be super hot at times. The fabric has a nice stretch and is very thin. Thick/cozy robes you might love normally might not be the best option during pregnancy and postpartum.

Plus Size Maternity Gown

There are adorable gowns intended to be worn during labor, delivery, and postpartum, and while I did want one my daughter was born early and I hadn’t gotten around to getting one. I didn’t end up needing it and am glad I just went with a standard non-maternity nightgown for postpartum.

This nightgown is a personal favorite any time and would be perfect both for pregnancy and also while in the hospital and when nursing. I’m actually wearing it as I type this post on a very early morning, and it’s SO comfy and also affordable.

Plus Size Maternity Jeans

Yikes. Plus size maternity jeans are extremely difficult to find in extended plus sizes. I didn’t even know there was an option over a 3X at all during my own pregnancy but after some research, I’ve learned that Yours Clothing does offer maternity jeans in sizes up to a US 30! Otherwise, I’ve found nothing available over a 3X anywhere.

Check out Yours Clothing maternity jeans here.

Pro tip: one thing I did during maternity was buy pull-on, super stretchy jeggings in 2-3 sizes up to wear under longer tops. Not a perfect solution but one that worked for me when I was desperate for that denim look!

Plus Size Maternity Tops

You’ll find maternity tops at any of the stores mentioned in this post. Generally, the tops are the easiest thing to find in plus sizes. Yours Clothing, JC Penney, Storq, and Torrid offer the best options over a 3X.

I also am a big advocate for sticking with non-maternity tops for the most part. I’ve found that especially with tunics and sweaters, sizing up one size (maybe two toward the end of pregnancy) is perfectly sufficient.

I do highly recommend grabbing some maternity tank tops and tees to wear under cardigans, jackets, blazers, etc. as the way they fit accentuates the baby bump nicely. It can also be hard to get non-maternity tees and tanks that are long enough to cover the belly at the end of pregnancy.

Plus Size Maternity Shorts

The famous Torrid maternity leggings are also available in a bicycle short option which can be great as a casual short or worn under dresses or skirts for added comfort.

Pink Blush and Motherhood Maternity offer great shorts options up to a size 3X.

While not maternity, Universal Standard offers up to a size 40 and has a variety of shorts that would allow for sizing up to accommodate a growing belly.

Plus Size Maternity Coats

Plus size maternity coats are again just not something I would recommend spending your money on. I recommend finding styles that are forgiving in the stomach area like these or sizing up in non-maternity styles.

This coat is a perfect pregnancy option due to the forgiving cut, large size range, and buttons that stop high on the body. This is an incredibly stylish option, available in black and brown, that you can wear well after your pregnancy is over. It would also hold great resale value if you chose to sell it on a platform like Poshmark later on.

If you want a true maternity coat, here is an option you might like:

Available up to size 30

Plus Size Maternity Dresses

You can find true plus size maternity dresses but can likely make those you already own work well into pregnancy.

When shopping standard plus sizes (non-maternity) opt for fit and flare styles or empire waists and options that are generally flowy on the bottom to accommodate a growing belly.

Pink Blush offers the widest variety of plus size maternity dresses, but they are available only up to a size 3X.

For 4X and above, you’ll want to shop at Yours Clothing.

If you’re looking specifically for dresses for a photoshoot or for a baby shower:

Yours Clothing offers beautiful maternity dresses perfect for photoshoots up to a US size 30.

Amazon and Etsy will also definitely be your friends in looking for photoshoot dresses. I especially love that many makers on Etsy can customize sizing for anyone.

Pink Blush offers beautiful dresses for photoshoots and also for baby showers up to a size 3X.

Plus Size Maternity Swimsuit

The majority of my later pregnancy was during the winter months, so I didn’t personally need a maternity swimsuit and have no personal experience with wearing them; however, after doing a ton of research, I found the options I’d 100% use in the future.

Earlier in pregnancy, you can likely get away with non-maternity swimsuits. Stick to looser fitting options or tankinis to allow room for a growing belly.

Yours Clothing offers plus size maternity swimsuits in sizes up to a US size 30 which is by far the best size range I’ve found anywhere. I kind of wish I had an excuse to wear these – pretty cute!

Undergarments

Plus Size Maternity Bras

During pregnancy, I didn’t buy maternity specific bras, but instead got a new size in my favorite comfy wireless bras. I did also buy nursing sleep bras early and started wearing those toward the end of pregnancy.

Plus Size Maternity Underwear

Many moms have different preferences for underwear during pregnancy… some like a little more support and some (like me) are all about the looser fitting “granny panties”.

My favorite panties to wear during pregnancy and postpartum are these high waisted cheeky panties from Torrid.

Plus Size Compression Socks/ Plus Size Compression Stockings

Especially toward the end of pregnancy, swelling in the legs and ankles might happen. There are options you can buy online but I HIGHLY recommend going to a medical supply store in your area and being fitted. This was SO helpful for me and having compression that fit perfectly was so nice. I have since recommended this to many folks who have also had great experiences.

I hope you found this post all about plus size maternity clothes helpful!