Plus Size Maternity Style Guide
What to wear, where to shop, and what you need to survive the next 9ish months.
Does plus size maternity clothing even exist? Unfortunately, you’re not going to like my answer- because it really doesn’t. This is now my second time being pregnant, and I have once again been reminded how the fashion industry does not think plus size women get pregnant or want to buy clothes. The majority of the pieces I link in this article won’t work for someone above a size 20, I’m truly very sorry, but it just doesn’t exist. I do however share lots of other options that might work for you instead!
The good thing is, pregnancy isn’t forever (thank god am I right?). We only need to get through 40 weeks of not fitting into our normal clothes (and for some of us it’s really only the end when we stop fitting our everyday clothing).
I came up with a list of the plus size & pregnant maternity staples you’ll need in your closet to survive these next 9ish months. Most of them might already be in your closet, but some you might need to purchase and I’m here to guide you to where to look!
Plus size & Pregnant Maternity Staples
(Fall/Winter specific, scroll for Spring/Summer)
One pair of maternity jeans (at least).
This will be your hardest task, but most important. The options (especially if you’re over a size 18) are extremely limited and/or extremely outdated. The best I have found are on H&M Mama and I wear their largest size (xxl) as a size 18/20. The only other pair I have liked are from Old Navy and again I’m in their largest size offering (20). For above a size 20, I’d recommend Pink Blush, even though most of their styles are outdated in my opinion, they have a much more inclusive size offering. You can find a couple styles that could be cute if styled correctly. If you aren’t having any luck finding maternity jeans in your size- you can try these extenders.
White tee
A maternity specific white tee is important, you’re going to want the extra length that comes with maternity designs. Especially if you’re going to be wearing maternity jeans. I wear my white tees nearly everyday. I’m the kind of girl who buys multiples of one item if I really love it and I have 3 of these tees. I wear them with leggings or jeans, and under cardigans, jackets, denim. A simple tee will get you very far.
H&M Mama 2 Pack Cotton Top ($25, xs-xxl)
Layering tank
Again, you’re going to want the length— most non-maternity styles won’t give you the belly coverage you’re going to want. It will help conceal the bands of any of your maternity bottoms. It can also help to add a little extra length to any of your non-maternity tops that are all of a sudden looking way more cropped these days. I personally prefer a white layering tank (just goes with most of my styling), but feel free to grab any color that makes most sense to you. Black can look a bit more elevated for the workplace.
If you’re looking for another option to add some length or coverage, I got these shirt extenders from Amazon. They work well if you don’t want too much fabric, but just need a little more coverage.
Old Navy Maternity Rib Knit Tank Top ($9, xs-xxl)
Bump friendly leggings
This one might be the easiest to find, and you might already own them! A lot of leggings have a ton of give and might work all the way up til the end of your pregnancy. I have the Lululemon Align leggings and I’m still wearing them comfortably at week 34. I wouldn’t spend a ton of money on maternity specific leggings, because it’s easy to find some that will take you into postpartum. But if you do want some bump ones- I love my Shapermints (for a more compression style) or my Storqs (for a cozy, buttery soft style).
If you’re looking for more active friendly options- Girlfriend Collective leggings are still working for me at 34 weeks, just aren’t as high waisted as I typically like them. And I do use my Shapermints to work out as well!
Shapermint Essentials Embrace Maternity Belly Support Leggings ($29, s-4x)
Oversized button down
If you’re already a button down girlie, then most likely you’ll have one that will work well into your pregnancy. I have been known to rock all my favorite styles with the last button or two undone. If you don’t, you can check out Storq (comes in white and blue stripe), I wear this one all the time- love it bump or not!
Split hem tunic length sweater
I love and prefer a split hem, longer length sweater pregnant or not. I think they just look great and work great on bigger bodies. I’ve been wearing them a lot with my leggings right now. A simple sweater, layered over a white tee and leggings, with a comfortable tall boot is my maternity uniform. You can find this style in non maternity pieces, like this one. BUT in my opinion- the length and design of maternity styles will work better on a big bump. This one from Gap is great and runs really large, feel free to size down one from your normal size (I have the xl and it’s huge). The good thing about this style is that they will work great once the bump is gone as well. They’ll just look extra long and cozy- and sometimes we have days where we need that.
Gap Maternity V-Neck Sweater ($80, xs-xl)
Soft pants.
This could look differently depending on the type of lifestyle you have. If you work in an office, your soft pants might need to look a little more elevated and tailored. So go for a style like this, that has the stretchy waistband, but a more elevated leg. If you have a more casual lifestyle- go for a pant like this that again has the bump friendly waistband, but is more of an everyday style. If you have a pair that doesn’t have the standard band of maternity pants, just a stretchy enough waist to fit over your belly (I love these)- you can pair them back to all the non-maternity sweaters, tees, and blouses in your closet that still fit you.
Eileen Fisher Flex Ponte Lantern Pant ($198, xxs-3x)
(I find summer babies to be easier- because you can live in big mumu dresses, but I gathered a few warm weather specific items for those in hot climates too.)
Shorts
The best style of shorts for the bump are soft shorts. Mostly because plus size maternity denim shorts are impossible to find, but also because we already run hot- add a bump and you just want to be nearly naked. A short with a smocked top (maternity or not) will be great for your bump. Love this linen style. I also am a bike shorts girlie and live in them year round. I wore these Shapermint ones all summer. I even wore them under dresses if I wanted a little more modesty.
Dresses
Dresses are easier to work into your bump style. If you don’t already have some flowy, stretchy dresses that work for you— check out Worth Collective or Pink Blush Maternity. They have a lot of cutesy styles that would look great for any maternity or family pics you’re getting done.
Swimsuit
I would encourage you to get one swimsuit for your pregnancy and just embrace outfit repeating (just make sure you take the added steps to properly clean out any chlorine, etc). I’m not a bikini girl, I’m a one piece through and through so the majority of my favorite styles wouldn’t fit me well into the end of my pregnancy. I’d go safe with a simple one piece like this that can be styled many different ways.
Plus size and pregnant? Here’s some more of my content that might help you!
The best maternity jeans (specifically for a size 18/20, some higher)
Maternity undergarments I’ve purchased and loved.