If you’re Googling “When do I need to buy maternity clothes?”—you’re not alone. Most mums start wondering about maternity wear somewhere in their first or second trimester, when their regular jeans get too snug and even oversized tops stop feeling quite right.
But here's the truth: there’s no exact week you have to switch to maternity clothes. It’s more about how you feel in your current wardrobe. Some mums need extra comfort as early as 8 weeks. Others don’t switch until 20+. Your body, your rules.
Signs It’s Time to Shop for Maternity Clothes
Here are some common signs that it might be time to invest in pieces that work with your changing body—not against it:
- Waistbands dig in or sit awkwardly
- Tees ride up over your bump
- Dresses pull tightly across the chest
- You’re constantly adjusting your outfit to feel comfortable
- You’re wearing the same 3 pieces on repeat and feeling... meh
If you’re nodding along, it might be time to add a few versatile maternity essentials to your wardrobe.
What Should I Look for in Maternity Clothes?
Not all maternity wear is created equal. And honestly? A lot of it is beige, saggy, or disposable. If you want clothes that help you feel like yourself—not a walking bump—you’ll want pieces that are:
- Made to last: Look for high-quality fabrics that wash well and won’t lose shape.
- Breastfeeding-friendly: If you’re planning to breastfeed, zips and hidden openings will matter later.
- Wearable beyond pregnancy: The best pieces don’t scream ‘maternity’. You’ll want to wear them again.
- Stylish and colourful: There’s no rule that says you have to fade into neutrals when you're pregnant.
At Saturday Vibes, we design maternity and breastfeeding clothes that are vibrant, flattering, and designed to last—so you don’t end up buying pieces you’ll toss after a few months.
When Should I Buy Breastfeeding Clothes?
You can start shopping for breastfeeding-friendly clothes even before bub arrives. Many pieces (like our versatile jumpsuits and easy-access tops) work just as well during pregnancy as they do postpartum. If you’re building a capsule maternity wardrobe, versatile designs that tick both boxes are a smart investment.
Bonus tip: Some breastfeeding clothes are hard to find in the chaos of the newborn phase—so getting organised now saves you stress later.
Can’t I Just Size Up Instead of Buying Maternity Clothes?
It’s tempting, but sizing up often leads to shapeless or unflattering fits—especially around the shoulders and chest. Maternity clothes are cut to fit a growing bump while still flattering your body in all the right places.
That’s why our linen pants and stylish dresses are tailored with pregnancy in mind—but still look amazing long after your due date.
A Few Essentials to Start With
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few maternity pieces worth considering early on:
- A couple of nursing-friendly tops that feel good now and later
- A versatile dress you can throw on and feel instantly pulled together
- A comfy pair of pants with an adjustable waistband
- Something you love wearing—not just something that fits
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should buy maternity clothes—but if you’re feeling uncomfortable or uninspired, it’s probably time. Start with a few well-made, stylish pieces that lift your mood and work hard for your lifestyle.
Because maternity fashion should make you feel amazing—not like you’re giving something up.
Explore our colourful, maternity and breastfeeding-friendly collection here.
