Reviewed by Sophie Bell, Digital content manager
Written by
Gemma Brushneen | 1 Jun 2023
Photo credit:
iStock.com / JLco - Julia Amaral
- LOVALL Maternity everyday leggings
- Bon Prix Maternity jersey jacket
- LOVALL ankle grazer maternity jeggings
- George at Asda Maternity gingham button up midi dress
- Yours Maternity stripe nursing top
- Bon Prix Maternity quilted coat
- Next Maternity cotton short sleeve pyjamas
- ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted cable mini dress
When you’re pregnant you want to find comfortable maternity clothes that look and feel great on your changing body. If you’re a plus sized mum-to-be, you’ll want to find shops that offer an inclusive size range in their maternity line. We’ve found the best places online and on the high street that you can find affordable maternity clothes that are available beyond the standard size range. Check out our advice and recommendations for creating your plus sized maternity wardrobe.
Why should I buy plus sized maternity clothes and not a larger size in standard clothes?
Maternity clothes are specially designed to fit your growing bump, and give you extra room and comfort where you need it. Most retailers recommend that you choose maternity clothes in your pre-pregnancy size for the best fit.
However, some pregnancy conditions mean that you may be more comfortable in a larger size than you were used to wearing before you were pregnant. Mum of three and writer of the parenting and play based learning blog Arthur WearsOpens a new window, Sarah Hurst found this to be a challenge when she had polyhydramnios during her pregnancies. So even if you don't usually wear plus sized clothes, you might need some during pregnancy.
"During all my pregnancies, and especially my last baby, I suffered with polyhydramnios - excess fluid in the womb. This meant that my bump was huge. I also had terrible water retention which left me puffy and swollen everywhere too." Sarah explained. "My baby bump was so low, that I needed plus sized waistbands on my trousers and underwear right from the very start of my pregnancy just to accommodate the extra volume in the pelvic area."
Where can I buy plus sized maternity clothes?
A lot of high street and online retailers have maternity ranges, however the sizes on offer vary. The following stores all have plus size maternity clothes and have been recommended by mums in the BabyCentre community:
- Next: up to size 22
- Yours: up to size 32
- Bon Prix: up to size 26
- Marks and Spencer: up to size 24
- New Look: up to size 26
- George at Asda: up to size 24
- Lovall: up to size 28
- ASOS: up to size 20
- H&M: up to XXL and size 26
Sarah also had her favourite stores when it came to shopping for plus sized maternity clothes. "My go-to for new maternity wear was always ASOS or H&M for affordable high street clothes. More recently, I purchased all of the maternity clothes I needed from Vinted. This kept the price affordable, was more eco-friendly, and usually allowed me to get a better idea of how the items might fit a 'normal' body rather than a model!"
What are the staples of a plus size maternity wardrobe?
When it comes to a maternity wardrobe, having a variety of clothes that you can mix and match is a great idea. So, what staples should you have in your maternity wardrobe? Sarah suggests "Stretchy maternity leggings and long tops are an absolute must. If you're hoping to make your non-maternity clothes last a little longer, you can buy bump-band top extenders which go around the bottom of your tummy to make your top look longer.
Pregnancy can lead to sudden changes in body temperature so try to find clothes that can be layered and undone, such as super long maternity shirts, and cosy cardigans. Maxi dresses are also a great option for dressing up or down and layering in all weathers."
Best plus size maternity clothes
BabyCentre selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCentre Community. We may earn a commission from shopping links.
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LOVALL
LOVALL Maternity everyday leggings
Black leggings are a wardrobe staple, so a great maternity pair will carry you through your pregnancy and beyond in comfort. Lovall (formerly Love Leggings) have consistent mentions across our BabyCentre Community with lots of mums and mums-to-be loving and recommending them. One said "I purchased plus sized leggings from Lovall and find them so comfortable".
Coming in four lengths, and available up to size 28, these leggings have an over the bump band, four way stretch and are not see through. And if black leggings aren't your style, they have 18 other colours to choose from!
Available from LovallOpens a new window.
Check out our full guide to the best maternity leggings.
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H&M
H&M MAMA flounce-trimmed nursing dress
H&M have lots of lovely dresses in their MAMA maternity range, but this double layered top, woven floral dress would be perfect for a special occasion. It is available up to size XXL and reviews show that it comes up large. One mum in our community recommended H&M but gave a helpful heads up that sizes can vary: "I wore H&M maternity in my previous pregnancy but their sizes are so hit and miss - I would order a few sizes and see what fits the best." This dress would also be perfect to wear to an event after you've given birth if you're breastfeeding, as it has easy nursing access.
Available from H&MOpens a new window.
Got a special occasion coming up? See our expert guide to the best maternity clothes for special occasions.
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Bon Prix
Bon Prix Maternity jersey jacket
There's nothing better than a cosy sweatshirt that you can throw on if it's chilly out, or over a pair of leggings if you are having a chilled day at home. This zip up jacket is made from cosy jersey material, comes in grey or teal, and is available up to size 28. It also comes with an additional jersey panel. This can be added for extra growth room, or used post-birth to zip around your baby if you are wearing them in a baby carrier.
Available from Bon PrixOpens a new window.
Photo credit:
LOVALL
LOVALL ankle grazer maternity jeggings
There are loads of different cuts and washes available in maternity ranges, but you can't go wrong with a comfortable pair of jeggings as part of your maternity wardrobe. These ankle grazer jeggings from Lovall feature a soft over the bump band for comfort and support, four way stretch, and functional back pockets. Denim will go with most tops, allowing you to vary your wardrobe during your pregnancy without spending a large amount on lots of different clothes.
One mum in our BabyCentre community said: "I had my jeans and leggings from Love Leggings (Lovall), they were great and not too expensive."
Available from LovallOpens a new window.
Looking for the perfect pair of maternity jeans? We've got the recommendations and advice you need in out guide to the best maternity jeans.
Photo credit:
George at ASDA
George at Asda Maternity gingham button up midi dress
If you're pregnant during the warmer months of the year, it's great to have a lightweight summer dress that you can throw on if it's a hot day. This black and white gingham midi dress from George at Asda has frill sleeves, an elasticated ruched back, functional buttons and it even has pockets. Not only is this dress a whole outfit in one, it's loose and flowing and can give you a whole other level of comfort. One mum to be in our BabyCentre community recommended this dress, saying "its a good fit, nice and light for summer and lots of room for growing - hoping to wear post pregnancy as it has buttons for feeding." It is available up to size 24.
Available from AsdaOpens a new window.
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Lucy & Yak
Lucy & Yak Original organic cotton dungaree
Lucy & Yak dungarees were regularly mentioned amongst mums to be in our community. Though they don't have a maternity range, they are available up to a size 32 and the style offers room for your growing bump. They are one of the most expensive items on our list but are a great investment piece that are also comfortable and wearable postpartum. One mum in our community said "I practically live in Lucy & Yak dungarees so all I've spent out on is two pairs in plus sizes for my end months - also check in the sale section!" They come in lots of colour and pattern options and three leg lengths too.
Available from Lucy & YakOpens a new window.
Photo credit:
Yours Maternity
Yours Maternity stripe nursing top
Breton stripe is another classic wardrobe staple. This maternity and nursing top from Yours comes in black and white stripe and features a split front for easy breastfeeding. This split front also allows room for a growing bump. It is made from soft jersey fabric, has 3/4 sleeves and is available up to a size 32.
Available from YoursOpens a new window.
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H&M
H&M MAMA two pack cotton vest tops
A great option for keeping the cost of maternity wear down is to get some maternity vest tops. These can then be worn with any open cardigans, jackets, or shirts that you have from your non-maternity wardrobe. Made from soft organic cotton, available in different colours, and in sizes up to 26, this two pack of vests from H&M MAMA are a great maternity-wear staple. They have a scoop neck, ruched sides and a longer length to cover your bump.
Available from H&MOpens a new window.
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Bon Prix
Bon Prix Maternity quilted coat
If you are pregnant during the colder months of the year, a warm coat is essential. You may be able to get away with using your own coat in early pregnancy, but if it's cold you'll want something that zips up or fastens over your bump so you can stay warm. Similar to the jersey jacket earlier on our list, this coat is also from Bon Prix and comes with an additional panel that can be worn around a baby carrier postpartum. It also features zips in the side seams so you can adjust it to fit around your growing bump. It's available up to a size 26.
Available from Bon PrixOpens a new window.
Photo credit:
Next
Next Maternity cotton short sleeve pyjamas
With a fun navy and animal print pattern, these maternity pyjamas from Next will keep you cool but comfortable at night. They have a short-sleeved top and long bottoms that feature an over the bump panel that will grow with your bump. They come in sizes up to XXL which is equivalent to size 26. These pyjamas were recommended by a mum to be in our BabyCentre community who said "I got these in XL (I'm pre pregnancy size 20-22). They are so comfortable and there's plenty of room to grow."
Available from NextOpens a new window.
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ASDA
ASOS DESIGN Maternity knitted cable mini dress
This knitted dress from the ASOS maternity range is a versatile grey colour and has an on-trend open collar design. If you're pregnant in the colder months, a knitted dress is a great staple to throw on and can be dressed up or down for different occasions. This one is available up to size 20 and is designed to suit your body from bump to baby.
Available from ASOSOpens a new window.
Stocking up for your new arrival? Don't forget to add everything you'll need to your Amazon baby wishlistOpens a new window
Looking for more recommendations?
- Best maternity swimwear
- Best maternity leggings
- Best pregnancy vitamins
- Best baby gift registries
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Gemma Brushneen
Gemma is a BabyCentre writer who shares the world of her large family from her home in Wiltshire, along with her unique buying expertise as a mum of four.
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