Pregnancy changes your body in ways that can make getting dressed feel surprisingly complicated. One week your favorite jeans fit, and the next week you’re trying every hair-tie trick just to get through the day.

The idea of buying a whole new wardrobe can feel overwhelming, but most moms only need a handful of maternity staples. A handful of versatile maternity pieces, mixed with clothes you already own, can help you feel more like yourself as your belly grows.

Here’s what maternity clothes to buy, when you may need them, and how to build a pregnancy wardrobe without spending more than you need to.

What Maternity Clothes to Buy

In a dream world, you could make your regular clothes work through all nine months. For most women, though, there comes a point when the waistband feels too tight, the tops feel too short, and comfort becomes the priority.

I learned this lesson myself. As a first-time mama, I did what I could to stay in my pre-pregnancy clothes as long as possible. After all, it shouldn’t be too hard to do, right? Boy, was I wrong. I hit the point, at about four months, where my once flowy tops began to look like belly shirts. So, I reluctantly started looking for maternity clothes, but let me tell you, I’m so glad that I did. The second I put on my first pair of full-panel workout pants, I understood why maternity clothes exist.

Maternity clothes were much more flattering on my growing baby bump. They also made me much more comfortable in everything I did, from working all day in an office to enjoying a prenatal yoga class.

Related: First Trimester Must-Haves for Pregnancy

When To Buy Maternity Clothes

Every pregnancy is different, so there isn’t one “right” time to start wearing maternity clothes. Here’s what many moms find helpful during each trimester.

First Trimester: Belly Band

Many moms can continue wearing their regular clothes during the first trimester, but a belly band can help bridge the gap as your body begins to change.

Belly Band

I purchased two belly bands, one black and one nude, early in my pregnancy, and I never regretted it. In fact, in my third trimester, I still use these bands. They look best with flowy tops, which let you stay comfortable while wearing your favorite pre-pregnancy pants. It took me from that “too tight” feeling of buttoned jeans to being able to breathe.

A belly band can be especially helpful during those in-between weeks when your regular pants no longer feel comfortable, but you’re not quite ready for maternity jeans.

Related: The Difference Between Postpartum Girdles and Belly Wraps

Second Trimester: Maternity Leggings and Workout Pants

The second trimester is when many moms start reaching for true maternity pieces, especially pants and leggings that give your belly room to grow.

Maternity Workout Pants

Like my pre-pregnancy jeans, my workout leggings became more uncomfortable as I moved from the first trimester into the second. I knew I needed something that would be sweat-resistant and let my growing stomach, well, grow. In all honesty, I had a hard time finding leggings that were truly workout leggings. The first few pairs I ordered online turned out to be the kind you would wear with regular clothes, despite being advertised as athletic leggings. This is an item I splurged on, and I am so glad I did, as it has been worn constantly throughout my pregnancy.

Related: Second Trimester Must-Haves for Pregnancy

Maternity Leggings

Remember how I explained I had difficulty finding authentic athletic workout leggings? That, in part, led me to my favorite maternity leggings. I was never one to wear leggings as pants before I got pregnant. By the end of the second trimester, comfort had become my biggest priority. Maternity leggings quickly became one of my most-worn pregnancy staples.

Related: When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy?

Third Trimester: Jeans, Tops, Dresses, and Bras

I finally went “all out” with my maternity wardrobe in the third trimester. By this point in pregnancy, I was choosing comfort over just about everything else. I added full-panel jeans, a few maternity tops, a couple of maternity dresses I could wear to showers and weddings, and a new maternity bra that fit my growing body and doubled as a nursing bra for when the baby arrived.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, a maternity bra that also works as a nursing bra can be a practical purchase. It can carry you through the rest of your pregnancy and into those early postpartum weeks.

Related: 15 Third Trimester Must-Haves for Pregnancy

How To Save Money on Maternity Clothes

Building a maternity wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. A little planning can help you stay comfortable throughout pregnancy without buying more than you need.

1. Choose a Few Staples

Start with the maternity staples you will wear the most. For many moms, that means a belly band, maternity leggings, workout pants, a comfortable bra, and a few tops to mix and match.

I could pair all of these items with flowy pre-pregnancy tops and sweaters. Once I started to grow out of those, I added maternity tops into the mix.

2. Look for Deals

Shopping sales are especially helpful if you’re early in your pregnancy because you’ll have more time to watch for discounts on maternity clothes. Another trick is to shop online. Many online maternity websites offer first-purchase discounts or seasonal sales.

Related: How to Save Money on Your Maternity Wardrobe

3. Borrow or Rent Maternity Clothes

As my belly began really growing in the second trimester, a friend offered to let me borrow a few tops she wore during her pregnancy. If you only need a few pieces for a short season, consider borrowing from a friend or using a maternity clothing rental or styling service.

Building a maternity wardrobe doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with a few pieces that make your everyday life more comfortable, then add items only as you need them.

Whether you buy, borrow, rent, or mix maternity pieces with clothes you already own, you can build a wardrobe that helps you feel comfortable, supported, and like yourself throughout pregnancy.