Pregnancy Journal
Best Maternity Clothes for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
I’m almost halfway through my second pregnancy, and if I’m honest, I spend about 16 hours a day in maternity wear.
When your body is changing weekly, comfort stops being optional. It becomes essential. I get asked often what I actually wear, what’s worth investing in, and what I wouldn’t buy again — so here’s my honest guide to the best maternity clothes for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Comfiest Underwear for a Changing Body
One of the first things to become uncomfortable in pregnancy is underwear. Elastics dig in. Underwires suddenly feel unbearable. Anything structured feels restrictive.
The most important feature? A wide waistband that doesn’t cut into your hips or sit awkwardly across your lower abdomen.
Soft cotton blends with stretch are ideal. Wide-band styles are far more forgiving as your body expands, and bralettes without rigid structure are far more comfortable than traditional bras.
During pregnancy and especially overnight while breastfeeding, I prefer bralettes that can simply be lifted up rather than unclipped. In the dark, at 3am, simplicity matters.
The Best Maternity Leggings
If you buy one thing during pregnancy, make it good maternity leggings.
During my first pregnancy I held off for months. This time, by seven weeks, I couldn’t tolerate any pressure on my abdomen.
The best maternity leggings have:
- Soft, high-stretch fabric
- A supportive but non-restrictive waistband
- Enough “give” to grow with you
- Pockets (because snacks and phones are survival tools)
Comfort isn’t just physical. When something feels good on your skin, it improves your entire day.
If you plan to stay active during pregnancy, look for leggings that hold their shape and offer light support without compressing your bump.
Maternity Bras for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
The best maternity bras are the ones you’ll continue wearing after birth.
During pregnancy, your rib cage expands. After birth, your breasts change again — often dramatically.
Look for:
- Wide straps that don’t dig in
- Multiple clasp adjustments
- Soft cups with flexibility
- No underwire
For home and sleep, soft bralettes are ideal. For leaving the house or exercising, a supportive maternity sports bra makes a huge difference.
If you’re buying new bras, think ahead to breastfeeding. Can you easily move fabric aside with one hand? Can you comfortably sleep in it?
What I Wouldn’t Buy Again
I bought far too many maternity clothes the first time.
Pregnancy is relatively short. Your wardrobe doesn’t need to double in size.
If I did it again, I’d buy:
- 2 to 3 high-quality maternity leggings
- A couple of oversized tees or linen shirts
- One or two wrap dresses I could wear postpartum
- Comfortable underwear and bras
That’s it.
Newborn babies outgrow clothes in weeks. And you will likely be gifted more than you expect. Buy smart, not excessively.
Dressing for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding changed how I shopped.
Wrap dresses, button-down shirts, soft tanks and stretch fabrics are far more practical than anything complicated.
You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe labelled “nursing.” You need clothing that allows easy access and feels good on a sleep-deprived body.
Choose pieces that work for pregnancy and postpartum. That’s where the real value is.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Over Trends
Pregnancy is not the time to squeeze into something because it looks good on a hanger.
Your body is doing extraordinary work. Prioritise comfort, softness, breathability and flexibility.
If something feels restrictive at 8am, it will feel unbearable by 4pm.
Invest in a few quality staples. Live in them. And give yourself permission to choose comfort every single day.
Photo @amykatebarrett with our made with love pregnancy journal