The Most Common Maternity Clothing Mistakes (And What to Do Instead)

Pregnancy changes your body quickly—and maternity clothing can feel surprisingly complicated. Many women end up spending more money than they want, wearing outfits they don’t love, or feeling uncomfortable when they don’t have to.

The good news? Most maternity clothing frustrations come down to a handful of common mistakes. Once you know what they are, they’re easy to avoid.

Here are the most common maternity clothing mistakes—and what to do instead.

1. Buying Too Much, Too Early

It’s tempting to buy a full maternity wardrobe the moment your jeans stop buttoning. But bodies change differently (and at different speeds), and what works at 14 weeks may not feel right at 28 weeks.

What to do instead:
Start small. Focus on a few flexible pieces that can grow with you—stretchy dresses, elastic-waist pants, and tops with room through the belly. Add more as you go, once you know what your body actually needs.

This is also why many women turn to maternity clothing rentals—you can rotate pieces as your size and lifestyle change without committing to a closet full of clothes that only fit for a short window.

2. Sizing Up in Regular Clothes

Buying larger sizes in non-maternity clothing seems like a shortcut, but it often leads to awkward fits: tight in the belly, baggy everywhere else, and not especially flattering.

What to do instead:
Choose clothing designed for pregnancy. True maternity pieces are cut to support a growing bump while still fitting your shoulders, arms, and legs properly. The result feels more polished—and more comfortable.

Well-designed maternity clothing should help you feel like yourself, not like you’re wearing a workaround.

3. Ignoring Comfort in Favor of “Looking Put-Together”

Many women try to power through pregnancy dressing the same way they always have—structured fabrics, tight waistbands, and shoes that no longer make sense.

What to do instead:
Comfort doesn’t mean giving up style. Look for soft knits, breathable fabrics, and thoughtful details like wrap silhouettes or adjustable waistbands. These elements make a huge difference, especially for long workdays or busy weekends.

If you’re dressing for the office, consider rotating a few polished but comfortable pieces from a curated maternity workwear collection instead of forcing old clothes to work.

4. Buying Clothes That Only Work for One Occasion

Special events, baby showers, and work presentations happen—but buying a brand-new outfit for each one adds up quickly.

What to do instead:
Choose versatile styles that can be dressed up or down, or rent statement pieces for specific moments. A well-cut maternity dress can work for work meetings, dinners, and celebrations with just a change of shoes or accessories.

This approach saves money and closet space—and reduces the pressure to “get it right” every time.

5. Forgetting About Postpartum

Many maternity purchases are worn for just a few months, then never again. That can feel frustrating once the baby arrives.

What to do instead:
Look for pieces that work during pregnancy and after—especially tops and dresses that allow for movement, layering, or nursing access. Renting during pregnancy also makes the postpartum transition easier, since you’re not stuck with clothing that no longer fits your life.

6. Settling for Clothes You Don’t Actually Like

This may be the biggest mistake of all. Too often, maternity clothing is treated as something to “get through” instead of something that should still reflect personal style.

What to do instead:
You deserve to feel confident and comfortable while pregnant. Choose pieces that align with your style—whether that’s classic, modern, relaxed, or polished. Pregnancy is temporary, but how you feel during it matters.

At La Belle Bump, we believe maternity clothing should support real life: work, weekends, events, and everything in between—without overbuying or overspending.

Final Thought

Pregnancy dressing doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a thoughtful approach—and by avoiding these common maternity clothing mistakes—you can build a wardrobe that evolves with you, feels good on your body, and fits your life right now.