Even if you aren’t normally conscientious about buying sustainable clothing (and I’m not judging you!), being pregnant can suddenly make you aware of how wasteful the fashion industry can be. After all, it seems insane to spend money on a whole new maternity wardrobe you can only wear for a few months, right? That’s where sustainable maternity clothes come into play.
There are a lot of ways to dress for your pregnancy without increasing your carbon footprint or creating more waste! I’ll go over the best sustainable maternity clothing brands available, where to find great maternity pieces secondhand, and how to avoid spending money on maternity clothes altogether.
What are Sustainable Maternity Clothes?
Also referred to as green or ethical fashion, sustainable clothing can refer to a number of good practices a company engages in to create and deliver its products to customers. They may use certified organic products, create polyester from recycled plastics, or choose not to use any textiles procured from animals (like wool).
Sometimes a clothing brand is considered sustainable if they engage in fair labor practices by providing living wages and only expecting employees to work reasonable hours. They might also use 100% recycled or biodegradable materials in their packing and shipping supplies.
Basically, sustainable maternity clothing makes an effort to reduce its carbon output and provide a good quality of life to the people making and distributing it.
Sustainable recycled maternity clothes are even better! This means acquiring ethical maternity clothes at secondhand or thrift stores. It also applies to upcycled maternity clothes created from surplus fabrics and old pieces of clothing.
What Week Should You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?
This will vary from mother to mother. Some women never have to wear actual “maternity” clothes, due to a combination of being naturally small and already having a wardrobe conducive to covering a growing bump.
If you tend to wear closely fit, non-stretchy clothing, you will likely need to start wearing maternity clothing right around the start or middle of the second trimester. This falls somewhere between 13 and 18 weeks pregnant. Most women begin to “show” at this time, and that means your baby bump will be busting out of your skinny jeans and silk halters.
But if you already own a ton of maxi dresses and flowy tops, you might not need maternity clothes at all!
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What Are the Best Clothes to Wear During Pregnancy?
You may already have plenty of pieces in your wardrobe that will get you through your pregnancy… You may just have to repeat outfits more often toward the end. These are the items in your closet you’ll be reaching for the most.
Dresses, Dresses, Dresses!
“Maternity dresses” are often just glorified maxi dresses, so if you have some maxis in the closet, you’ve already struck gold. Midi dresses may even get you through those last few months if you have some leggings or shorts you can wear under them.
If you need to buy new, go for the maxi dress and make sure it won’t be so long after your bump is gone that you’ll be tripping over it. That way it will become another staple of your wardrobe instead of a temporary fix.
Leggings and Yoga Pants
…or anything with an elastic waistband, really. Maternity pants often have a special spandex panel sewn into the top that pulls up over your whole belly, but that’s not necessary for most women. Fitted leggings will hang on to your butt enough not to fall down, while the elastic waistband will easily accommodate your growing belly.
Leggings and yoga pants aren’t going anywhere for a long time, fashion-wise. They’re just too versatile and comfortable, so buying a few pairs for your pregnancy will end up being a great investment in your closet.
Long, Flowing Tops
Whether you’re the slim-cut t-shirt type or the silk button-down type, you may already know that the tops you have available just aren’t going to cut it for the whole pregnancy. Now is the time to try out some feminine, flowing tops. They can be oversized tunics or babydoll tops fitted under your breasts and billowing out around your waist (and baby bump).
Either way, if you haven’t tried this style before, I’m confident you’ll fall in love and continue wearing them long after your bump stops filling them out.
Stretchy Fabrics
Jersey knits are your best friend. Spandex blends are an option, too, though they are not as eco-friendly (or soft). But even at this moment, I’m wearing a jersey-knit t-shirt that sits comfortably against my body and would easily expand to accommodate a fully-pregnant belly.
And stretchy fabric doesn’t just apply to your shirts and pants! Look for stretchy bras and underwear, too – you’ll need the give in both.
What Maternity Clothes Do You Really Need?
If you really do need to buy new clothes to get you through the last trimester, there are specific clothes you should buy to make the most of your purchases during AND after pregnancy. This can be narrowed down to a few key pieces based on the season you’re going to be super-pregnant in.
Of course, if your workplace (or strong personal desire) requires you to wear jeans or button-down tops, you may have no choice but to invest in a temporary wardrobe. Of course, you could wear the spandex-bellied jeans long after you’ve given birth. I know I did!
Warm Weather
- maxi dresses (this could easily be the only thing you buy)
- tunic shirts
- basketball shorts or capri leggings
- sports bras or nursing bras (skip the underwire)
It’s easier to get away with not buying traditional “maternity” clothing in the summer when you’ll be able to wear a dress almost every day.
Cool Weather
- oversized sweaters (these are still fashionable when they no longer “fit” your bump)
- a long button-down cardigan
- elastic-waisted sweatpants or thick leggings
- roomy, soft boots like Uggs
What Store Has the Best Sustainable Maternity Clothes?
I’ve researched high and low for a big variety of sustainable maternity clothing companies. I’ve found high fashion lines utilizing slow fashion practices as well as budget-friendly chains that do their best to be eco-friendly.
For each company, I’ve listed the price range of their individual maternity pieces, given an overview of what makes them sustainable, and provided an idea of what kinds of maternity clothing pieces they offer.
Storq Maternity
Price Range: $46-$185
Based in the USA and shipping within the country and to Canada, Storq uses comfortable fabrics in their well-designed maternity basics. Some call it loungewear, I call it tolerable! You’ll find no frills with their selection of essential pieces that are like the clothes you would normally wear, only they fit perfectly while you’re super-pregnant.
Storq’s sizes go up to 3X. Instead of releasing seasonal “collections” all the time, they just create one new piece at a time as the need seems to arise. They describe their maternity clothes as timeless, classic additions to your wardrobe, and the vast majority are solid, muted colors you can coordinate with your existing clothes.
As for sustainability, Storq chooses manufacturing partners based on their commitment to a reduced environmental impact, provision of fair wages, and worker safety. They’ve also partnered with the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco. When you’re done with your Storq pieces, you can donate them back to them and they will send them to pregnant women in need. You’ll also get a $25 gift card in return – but of course, if you don’t need more maternity clothes, you can give it to a pregnant friend to pay it forward even more.
Pact
Price Range: $14-$60
This colorado-based company has a rather small maternity section, but everything can be worn during and after your pregnancy due to its versatility. The pieces that have ruching are very subtle, and the fabulous midi dress has a peek-a-boo layer for breastfeeding after delivery!
All items are made in fair-trade factories from organic cotton. Unfortunately, their sizes only go up to XL. Pact has an easy donation program for getting rid of your old clothes, and it’s not exclusive to Pact brand, or even maternity clothes! Type in your zip code and they’ll give you a prepaid shipping label to send your box of clothes, accessories, and shoes straight to a nearby charity that they’ve partnered with.
Cosabella
Price Range: $25.50-$175.50
Cosabella is a family-owned company in Italy that specializes in handmade lingerie and sleepwear. They have a stunning maternity collection that includes pajamas, nursing bras, and even a maternity thong! Their bras go up to size 40DD/38F/3X.
The materials are high-quality and truly artisan-crafted: between the looming of the lace, cutting, and sewing, a single thong can take 10 hours to produce.
While Cosabella isn’t the most sustainable option for maternity wear available, they are putting more and more effort into including recycled fabrics in their production. If you’re looking for high-quality lace lingerie, it might be worth the splurge.
Warp + Weft
Price Range: $88-$98
Warp + Weft specializes in denim for the whole family, including jeans, jackets, and overalls. The USA-based company ships worldwide and is a family owned business. Their jean sizes go from 00 up to 24, making them one of the most inclusive companies on the market. Right now the maternity collection only includes pants, but a good pair of jeans throughout pregnancy is really all a woman can ask for.
This company puts a big focus on accountability and creating sustainable maternity clothes. They focus on water saved per pair of jeans and treat and recycle the water they do use themselves. Their facilities are fully compliant with International Social and Environmental & Quality Standards. As for workers, they are paid a minimum wage, work reasonable hours, and are provided with a positive working environment.
Girlfriend
Price Range: $42-$88
Girlfriend specializes in luxury activewear, and their maternity section includes nursing bras, bike shorts, and leggings. Their sizes go from XXS all the way up to 6XL, making it the most inclusive brand on this list! Colors go beyond the usual black and gray, too, with plums, deep greens, and navys available as well.
The polyester used is made from recycled plastic. Packaging used is both 100% recycled and completely recyclable! They also make sure to use non-toxic dyes on their fabrics and treat the water themselves. Partnering manufacturers practice fair labor and support labor unions.
Sezane
Price Range: $55-$245
Originating in France, the Sezane brand practices slow fashion and becomes more eco-friendly all the time. They use mostly sustainable materials and half are certified organic. They also have a recycling program and state that even if Goodwill won’t take your item, they will, and they will find a way to recycle or donate to those really in need.
The “9 Months in Sezane” collection is their maternity line. It includes all kinds of pieces such as dresses, sweaters, pants, button-downs, and even shoes!
JoJo Maman Bebe
Price Range: $20-$62
Shipping worldwide while based in the UK, this is a certified B corp (read: focused on the environment) with a great price point! Their list of eco-friendly actions is long: using organic cotton, planting trees, using recycled materials, creating reusable products (including diapers), and shipping in recyclable packaging.
Available sizes only go from 6 to 18. But what they do have is an array of styles and colors – including brights! – that you’re sure to love.
Christy Dawn
Price Range: $98-$398
Despite my limited budget, I am OBSESSED with Christy Dawn! Not only do they carry sizes XS to 3X (including petite), but they take absolutely gorgeous photos of actual plus-size models wearing their clothing in natural settings. Yes, it’s high-end and pricey, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. From their website: “We spare no expense in our production process, electing for techniques that take more time but produce a higher quality product.”
Christy Dawn ships worldwide, and most of their items are made from surplus fabric instead of new textiles. They recently introduced a completely organic cotton line as well. These minimalist dresses in vintage patterns are everything.
Kindred Bravely
Price Range: $15-$90
Kindred Bravely offers clothing and products to get you through all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum and even going to the hospital! It’s everyday-wear and includes pieces specifically for nursing and pumping. The styles are simple and chic, and come in sizes XS to XXL (along with a “busty” option!).
The fabrics are primarily made of organic cotton and bamboo. Kindred Bravely also donates some of their proceeds to a huge variety of causes for women. Recipients include the March of Dimes and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
H&M Maternity Clothes
Price Range: $10-$80
While H&M has made great promises about achieving sustainability in the future and providing fair wages, they have yet to deliver. If you’re really strapped for cash and absolutely need some new maternity pieces for your wardrobe, though, don’t feel bad about shopping here. You’re doing the best you can, and sometimes you just have to go with what’s affordable and convenient.
For what it’s worth, making your way to H&M is a lot better than shopping ASOS maternity. They still have a negative impact on the environment despite their very vague promises to do better, and none of their supply chains are certified for good labor practices.
Boob
Price Range: $35-$169
Shipping worldwide from Sweden, Boob is similar to Storq in that it provides solid essential pieces, but they have a lot more variety in the types of maternity clothes they sell. Everything is made from organic cotton and other fully traceable, eco-friendly materials. They’re super-transparent about all of their practices. All fabrics are certified to be tested for any illegal or hazardous substances.
Boob sells a little bit of everything to fully round out your maternity wardrobe, including underwear, swimwear, dresses, and activewear. They have sizes up to XXL. Because they use high-quality materials, their clothes can be washed and worn again and again for a very long time. Customers in Sweden can even rent clothing from them!
Isabella Oliver
Price Range: $45-$299
The most-trusted maternity brand in the UK, Isabella Oliver ships within the UK, throughout the EU, and to the USA. They have a massive focus on sustainability as a B Corp, sourcing fabrics locally and selling pre-owned items through their website. Isabella Oliver also offers item recycling and they are a zero-waste company.
All of their materials are eco-friendly. Their partnering factories must follow their code of conduct, which includes fair labor and zero child labor. They’ve worked to reduce their carbon emissions and are already carbon-neutral! Their water usage has also been reduced and they use organic, biodegradable materials as much as possible. Ten percent of the profits are donated to charities every year.
I also found it fascinating that all of their models are actually pregnant. No one is wearing a fake bump!
MOLOCO
Price Range: $88-$178
A luxury swimsuit line tailored to pregnant and postpartum moms, MOLOCO’s swimsuits cover everything you might need in a maternity swimsuit! Bikini bottoms, high-waisted and power mesh bottoms, and nursing-friendly bikini tops are available as well as one-piece suits. Colors and patterns are varied, and sizes run from S to XL.
MOLOCO is sustainable because the line is made locally in NYC, using sustainably sourced fabric from Italy. The fabric mill cares about their waste output and the amount of water and resources that are used when making their goods. This company has eliminated all plastic out of the process room process with the exception of the reusable plastic pouch that the swimsuits come in. They also ship in sustainable, recyclable shipping envelopes made from recycled paper!
Where to Find Used Sustainable Maternity Clothes
Here are a few tips for buying second-hand maternity wear:
- Don’t buy anything preemptively. Wait to see if you really start outgrowing the things you already have!
- Put anything you truly can’t wear into storage for the rest of your pregnancy. It’ll save you time when searching for an outfit and let you see just how much (or little) you still have to work with.
- Ask your friends who have already had kids if they have anything you could borrow or buy. (They may just give them to you, but it’s always polite to offer to pay.)
- Look for elastic waistbands
- Seek out oversized t-shirts, tunics, shirtdresses, and cardigans over ruched maternity-specific pieces
- Stretchy jersey or spandex fabrics will be the most comfortable as well as the most versatile
- Buy dresses, dresses, and more dresses!
For women like me, a used maternity clothes store is the perfect way to find sustainable clothing on a budget. Gently used maternity clothes often appear never-worn because of how short the period of pregnancy is that you need them.
The first place to buy used maternity clothes is a locally-owned thrift store, or a chain donation store like Goodwill or Salvation Army. These places are likely to carry used Motherhood Maternity clothing and other moderately priced brands. But you’d be surprised how many used designer maternity clothes you’ll find there (if you hit the racks before the other pregnant women)!
Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find used maternity clothes for sale online. eBay, ThredUp, Swap Society, and The RealReal are more great options. Also, these places can be used for selling your used maternity clothes when you no longer need them, recouping even more of your cost!
If you’re a fan of monthly clothing subscriptions, there is one truly GREAT company that offers high-end maternity clothing to keep you in fresh duds the whole time.
Rent the Runway
Price Range: monthly plans from $69 to $199
I am super-impressed by Rent the Runway. You can choose to rent one item at a time (great for special occasions), or keep a monthly subscription for better deals. With the monthly plan, your shipments are always four designer pieces at a time, and their plans allow you to get them monthly, biweekly, or every week (up to 16 pieces total a month). Designer prices can be as high as $3500 on some items!
Unfortunately, they only ship within the USA. On the bright side, it’s a great place to find used plus-size maternity clothes! They carry up to size 22 – and even that size has a great selection to choose from. They dry clean all garments between uses, which isn’t great when it comes to being eco-friendly, but it’s not out of the ordinary. This is a great online consignment shop for maternity formal wear, both regular and plus-size. I found a beautiful Badgley Mischka black flare sleeve dress to rent in a 22 for only $95 (retail was $550)!
Whatever you choose to do, know that you deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable throughout your entire pregnancy. Whether you buy new clothing from ethical brands or rent your wardrobe for a few months, know that sustainable maternity clothes don’t have to be less than awesome.
This list of available options is a testament to that!
