There are so many cute and fabulous maternity clothes available on the market today, offering more stylish options than ever for expecting mothers. The only downside is that most of them can be quite pricey, and the cost adds up quickly when building a wardrobe that you will only wear for a few months.
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on pieces you may not need for long, it’s helpful to think about where you can save and what you truly need. I am all about investing in a few great maternity staples, but if you want to stay on budget, here are simple ways to save money on your maternity wardrobe.
Ways to Save Money on a Maternity Wardrobe
Here are practical, money-saving tips to help you build a maternity wardrobe that works for your budget and lifestyle.
1. Borrow From Friends
Sharing maternity clothes can save you money while giving you a rotating selection of basics and cute pieces.
If you only wear these clothes for a few months, why not exchange maternity outfits with friends? Many women do. I will say that sharing works best within smaller groups of people. It could be friends in your neighborhood, a mom’s group, or even your circle of friends. Some advice: keep notes of what belongs to whom and ensure they’re returned, cleaned, and pressed once you finish using them.
Related: Hand-Me-Downs are the Best Gifts to Give a Mom Friend
2. Improvise and Make Do with What You Have
Stretching your current wardrobe with a belly band, dresses, and flexible styles can delay or reduce the need to buy new pieces.
If you can’t find affordable maternity clothes or don’t want to spend the extra cash, I agree that it’s wise to stay away from the stores and not buy many pieces. And what are the chances that you will be pregnant again in the same season? That’s even more of a reason to save what you can. Many women prefer to use what they already have by purchasing a belly band to help them wear their pants and jeans for as long as possible, and opt for dresses with an empire waist or tent dresses. These dress styles are very flattering to the pregnant figure and can be worn even after baby and beyond.
3. Search through Craigslist and eBay
Many people sell their stuff on Craigslist and eBay, so they are two great sites to check out. I recommend looking for large quantities of maternity clothes instead of buying them one piece at a time. Purchasing a whole collection will save you more money. eBay may have a bigger selection, but you might find someone in your area via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, so I suggest starting there. This will also help you avoid over-bidding and shipping charges. The trick is finding someone of the same size, expecting the same season, and having a similar sense of style.
4. Go to Inexpensive Retailers that Carry Maternity Clothes
Some shops that I like for their great maternity clothes at affordable prices are Old Navy and H&M. (I also love the Gap, but it’s a bit pricey.) Some inexpensive department stores to check out are Sears, Target, and JCPenney. All of these options carry maternity wear. It doesn’t hurt to peek at Burlington Coat Factory and Ross for their great discounts.
Related: Best Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes
5. Hit the Clearance Rack of Department Stores
Don’t discount mid-range department stores. The maternity clearance racks at Kohl’s and Macy’s can offer great bargains, such as dresses marked down from $80 to $16 and work blouses for just $3 each. To sweeten the deals, look for coupons on the store’s website.
6. Visit the Outlet Stores
To avoid high prices, consider visiting outlet stores in your area. These stores offer savings of 25% to 90% off retail prices. Don’t forget to check out large discount stores like Walmart or Target.
Related: Maternity Clothes Must-Haves
7. Use Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops
Secondhand stores often have hidden gems if you know where to look and shop regularly.
The more common Goodwill and Salvation Army stores will likely be sparse and picked over for maternity clothes, so I recommend checking out TheThriftShopper.com, a national directory, for places near you that you might not be aware of, which you can visit.
As for consignment stores, they can be a little expensive as well. I suggest getting to know the people in those stores and asking them to call you when some nice and affordable maternity outfits come in.
8. Look for Garage Sales
For the lowest pricing, check gsalr.com or the “garage sale” section of Craigslist to find sales near you. After giving birth, some women can’t wait to sell their perfectly good maternity clothes for pennies on the dollar.
Related: Baby Items to Look for at a Garage Sale
9. Make Some Maternity Clothes
If you enjoy sewing, creating your own pieces can be affordable and surprisingly fun.
If you know how to sew, consider making some maternity clothes. A wide variety of patterns is available for you to use as a reference. Some women find this a relaxing activity to do in the evening, adding some fun pieces to their wardrobe. Look at the clothes in maternity shops to see how manufacturers use elastic insures, tabs, and Velcro strips for expansion techniques you can use.
Finding the right maternity pieces for all three trimesters depends on your budget, style, and how you carry your baby. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can build a wardrobe that makes you feel great without overspending. I hope these tips help you save money and enjoy this special season a little more.
