To save money during pregnancy, knowing some good maternity clothing hacks is key. Good quality maternity clothing can be very expensive, and you can only wear them for 1/3rd of your pregnancy if that!
In a world of uncertainty, with prices of necessities sky high, most of us are looking to save money where we can. In my opinion, there’s no need to spend that hard-earned money on clothing that will only last you 5 – 6 months of your life.
You may be thinking “I will wear it during my next pregnancy, so it won’t be a total waste”. But you may need summer clothing during this pregnancy and winter clothing during your next. The best option to save money on maternity clothes would be to take advantage of a few of these maternity clothes hacks! All of the following options will allow you to continue wearing regular clothes during and after pregnancy.
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Are Maternity Clothes Necessary?
There are so many clothing options out there; different shapes of shirts, dresses and rise of pants that can accommodate a growing baby bump. Maternity clothing is not necessary. I have found that maternity clothing is not very attractive. Those that are, cost way too much to be worth it. Maternity clothes will only be worn for a few months of your life. Spending $50 per clothing item, to me, is not worth buying a trendy maternity wardrobe.
Can You Wear Regular Clothes as Maternity Clothes?
For my second pregnancy, I wore nothing but regular clothes during pregnancy. It can be easily achieved. Keep reading to find out maternity clothing hacks I used during pregnancy.
When Do Pants and Clothes Start Getting Tight in Pregnancy?
Pants and clothing can get tighter at different times for different people. Some women’s bodies, you can’t tell they are pregnant until the third trimester, while most start showing near the middle of the second trimester. You can expect any time in the second trimester to start growing out of your pre-pregnancy pants.
How To Wear Normal Clothes While Pregnant?
Here are 11 ways to wear normal clothes while pregnant and save money on maternity clothes:
1. Wear Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise pants or shorts can last throughout the pregnancy, worn under the bump. If wearing low-rise jeans, you may want to ensure they have some stretch to them and are a size or two larger than your pre-pregnancy size.
2. Yoga Pants or Biker Shorts
Yoga pants and biker shorts, even if they are high-waisted, can be comfortable to wear through the entirety of the pregnancy. Fold-over yoga pants are your best, most comfortable option. Biker shorts that I have worn throughout my whole pregnancy are these biker shorts from Amazon. I had them pre-pregnancy, purchased in my normal size, and they fit comfortably the whole time.
3. Buy “tall” Tops
Some stores, like Old Navy, offer tops in petite, regular, and tall length options. Opt for the “tall” tops to ensure they will cover your lower belly as your baby grows. You can then use these clothes after birth as well!
4. Use a Belly Band
If you have jeans or dress pants you like to wear, using a belly band can extend the life of your normal pants during pregnancy. Just put on your normal pants, leave them unzipped and unbuttoned, and add the belly band over top. It holds your pants up and covers the opening of your pants. Add a long shirt over top, and you are good to go!
5. Elastic waist bottoms
Bottoms with an elastic waist can be anything from sweatpants, and sweat shorts, to dress pants or leggings. A thicker, more loose elastic band will be best for when you get into the third trimester, as opposed to a one-inch elastic band. Low to mid-rise will also fit best so you can roll the top down below your belly once they start to get tight.
6. Stretchy Maxi Skirt or Midi Skirt
You will find that skirts like these and dresses are your best friend while pregnant and trying to dress in non-maternity clothes. These skirts will grow with you and never be too tight. You can wear them over the baby bump, as well as under the bump.
7. Dresses
Flattering dress styles for pregnant women that are not maternity dresses are A-line, fit & flair, and empire waist dresses. They give you some shape in your bust while giving you space around the belly to allow room to grow and not show every curve. If you are comfortable showing off your body, most bodycon dresses will stretch to fit around the belly, but may not last through the entire pregnancy.
8. Thrift Clothing
Thrift shopping can be a little tricky if you don’t get some outfit ideas first. I suggest going on Pinterest to get some style ideas for pregnant women. Save them on a board on your Pinterest account or take screenshots of what you like. Then head to your favorite thrift shop to find similar items to recreate those outfits. Thrift stores will often have a maternity section if you are interested in checking out some inexpensive maternity clothes.
9. Significant Other’s Clothing
If your significant other is larger than you, try on some of their clothing. You can wear their t-shirts as an oversized fit with biker shorts or leggings underneath. His pajama pants may even be more comfortable than your own during pregnancy. I wear a women’s medium in bottoms, my husband wears a men’s large. His pajama pants fit me perfectly during my last few months of pregnancy. I even wore his jeans as a low-rise, loose-fitting option with a fitted shirt for casual wear.
10. Tunics
Tunics are perfect for pregnancy, as they are like long shirts. They will be long enough throughout every trimester to cover the baby bump and not leave the bottom portion of your belly exposed. They can be worn with some comfortable yoga pants or leggings.
11. Empire Waist Tops
There are a lot of maternity tops that are empire waist, but since they are advertised as “maternity clothing”, they tend to be pricier than a regular shirt. Go to your favorite online store and type in their search bar “empire waist”. Most stores will have plenty to choose from.
How To Get Through Pregnancy Without Maternity Clothes – Final Thoughts
Clothing labeled as maternity clothes or those found at a nice maternity clothing boutique are going to cost more than regular clothing because they are more of a specialty item. But for clothing you will likely only wear for about 6 months of your life. Why not skip it and choose clothing styles that are not maternity clothes? You can then wear them while pregnant and after pregnancy. Therefore, no money is wasted!
I hope you found these tips helpful and can find some good clothing options to wear while pregnant in the second and third trimesters.
