Shopping·6 min read

10 Things You’ll Use in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond

what to wear during pregnancy and beyond
Design: theSkimm | Images: Storq, Kindred Bravely, Cosabella
August 22, 2024

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From your feet to your breasts—and, of course, your bump—your body will be changing a lot over the course of your pregnancy and beyond. So while your regular wardrobe might work fine for a little while, at some point, you’ll need to go shopping. At the same time, we know you might not want to blow a lot of money on pregnancy-specific things. So here are some of our favorite pregnancy-friendly clothes you won’t regret investing in.

women's sneaker
Kizik

Shoes you can just step into…

There comes a time, toward the end of pregnancy, when tying your shoes feels like both an indignity and an impossibility. You may be able to ask your partner to do it, but a new pair of Kiziks is a solution nonetheless. Simply step in and out of these shoes—no tying required. You’ll appreciate them when you’re holding a baby or chasing after a toddler, too. ($99, Kizik)

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wide leg bamboo lounge pant
Kindred Bravely

Lounge pants that feel as light as air…

We certainly appreciate a good pair of leggings, but sometimes you want a little more air circulation…or just a flowier, loungier vibe. These are great around-the-house pants for both pregnancy and the postpartum period, when you may feel like staying in PJs 24/7. The bamboo viscose fabric helps regulate temperature, while also keeping you super cozy. ($46, Kindred Bravely)

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nursing tank
Gap

A basic V-neck nursing tank…

If you’re going to breastfeed, keep nursing access in mind when you do your maternity shopping. This simple V-neck top, which you can either wear alone or layer under other things, comes in four colors and is breastfeeding-friendly. Stock up to make your immediate postpartum wardrobe a breeze. ($34.95, Gap)

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bamboo robe
Cozy Earth

A cozy robe for long days (and nights) at home…

We know, we know, it’s a joke at this point that all moms want robes. But when your days are blending together in a haze of feedings, diaper changes, attempted naps, and visits from well-meaning family members who don’t understand when it’s time to get out, you’ll be glad to wrap yourself up in this soft, stretchy bamboo layer. ($140, Cozy Earth)

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nursing bralette
Cosabella

A nursing bralette that’s still a little sexy…

Whether you can’t wait to get cleared for sex post-birth, or nothing could be further from your mind, you’ll probably appreciate some nursing-friendly lingerie that’s genuinely pretty. This nursing bra comes in 10 colors and will help you feel a little bit less like a milk machine. ($85, Cosabella)

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button-down top
Old Navy

A cotton button-down you’ll want to wear every day…

Light, comfortable, inexpensive (a few colors are usually on sale), and available in four colors, this loose 100% cotton shirt will work throughout pregnancy. You may have to leave it unbuttoned toward the end, but it’ll be one of your go-tos postpartum since it’s nursing-friendly. ($24.99, Old Navy)

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button-down dress
Old Navy

A button-down dress with easy nursing access…

There are plenty of great button-down dresses out there that are designed for pregnancy, and it’s a good idea to get a few. But we love a budget-friendly dress you can really use before, during, and after. This button-down dress is non-maternity but should work for a good portion of your pregnancy, and can always be worn open over bike shorts and a tank toward the end. Postpartum, you’ll appreciate the loose fit and nursing access, too. ($44.99, Old Navy)

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maternity bike shorts
Storq

Maternity bike shorts to wear alone or under dresses…

These legging-style bike shorts will be comfortable from the first few weeks of pregnancy through your postpartum period, and can be pulled up over your bump in the second and third trimesters. They’re made from modal and spandex, and come in sizes petite through 4XL. ($64, Storq)

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button-up sweater
Quince

An oversized cardigan you can just sink into…

Mongolian cashmere to layer over tops, dresses, PJs, and anything else your heart desires? Yes, please. This button-down sweater can be left open so you don’t overheat, and if you really love it, just get it in another one of the 11 available colors. ($139.90, Quince)

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