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Quick summary
The best maternity sweaters are soft, comfortable and warm, according to moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect Community. And while all of our favorites are designed to grow with you and your bump, most have the staying power to wear long after your baby arrives.
Once that first chill hits the air, most start craving the comfort of a cozy sweater. But if you’re pregnant, you may find that your favorite chunky cable-knit or cropped cardigan doesn’t fit as well as it used to. Unlike your non-maternity pieces from seasons past, the best maternity sweaters offer the stretch and flexibility to fit a growing baby bump into the third trimester and beyond.
As someone who was pregnant during two separate winters, I also made sure my go-to options were super versatile: I wore sweaters that were snuggly enough to lounge in, but cute enough to wear out while running errands or meeting friends. That’s why, when compiling this list, I focused on simple styles that work for all sorts of occasions, including those that can be worn after pregnancy too — think nursing-friendly tops and oversized non-maternity options you can fit into long after your little one’s arrival. Whether you’re looking for a zip-up, pullover or long tunic, there are plenty of maternity sweaters worth checking out below.
How I Chose the Best Maternity Sweaters
My initial search for the best maternity sweaters started by reminiscing on the sweaters I wore during my two winter pregnancies. However, I knew that what was in my closet wouldn’t work for everyone — we all have different preferences, body shapes and pregnancies. So I also consulted moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect community. In doing so, my list expanded to include a variety of styles and brands, all of which met the following criteria:
Versatility: When buying any item for your closet, maximizing the cost-per-wear is key. That can mean a cardigan you can wear to work and brunch or a casual crewneck that can be dressed up by layering with a collared shirt or jewelry. The same sentiment applies to maternity sweaters. Look for options that can be worn post-baby and even those that are nursing-friendly (with features like deep necklines, side zippers or plenty of stretch).
Material: No one wants an itchy, uncomfortable sweater — especially since skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy. That's why I stuck to sweaters made of soft and breathable fabrics like cotton and polyester blends. I steered towards machine-washable materials as well, so you can add them to your laundry pile without having to worry about a knit shrinking or losing its shape.
Price: It’s always great to find a stylish yet wallet-friendly option. You may wonder if pregnancy-friendly sweaters are worth the cost, but I can confirm it’s totally possible to find a maternity sweater that meets your fashion and budget needs.
Erin Cavoto, the former associate commerce editor at What to Expect, contributed to this article.
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What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Classic style that’s great for postpartum wea pocket detail
Cons
UK sizing can be tricky to initially figure out
Material:90% polyester, 8% wool, 2% spandex
Sizes available: 2XS - XXL
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Cardigans are perfect for pregnancy wear: their open- or button-front style adapts easily to a growing baby bump. This knit from ASOS is a great option because of its versatility. You can wear it buttoned up over a maternity tee, tank or turtleneck for a fitted look. You can also leave it open as a light layer.
Want to look a bit more put together? Pair it with one of our favorite pairs of maternity jeans, or double down on the comfy vibes with maternity leggings. What to Expect moms love that it’s soft without being too heavy. Plus, by going with a boxier fit, it can easily be worn when nursing or long after you’ve delivered as an oversized, non-maternity sweater. Choose between a neutral gray or go for a pop of color with the bright lilac — either way, this one’s bound to become a new wardrobe staple.
“I am a huge asos fan pregnant or not because they have tall sizes and I am 5’10”. They have free shipping and free return shipping so doesn’t hurt to try. I love their clothes.”
One of the most popular plus-size fashion brands among What to Expect moms is PinkBlush, and its cozy sweater is a versatile pick. A ribbed hem and a rounded neckline look timeless, while button accents on the sleeve elevate the simple silhouette. Plus, it's made of spandex, so it’s got some stretch to it for extra comfort. It’s available in a few neutral hues like black and beige, as well as some brighter colors (specifically a deep green and punchy fuschia). Although sizing typically only goes up to 3X, it’s one of few clothing brands on our list that offers a dedicated maternity plus section — in fact, you can shop a total of 15 different sweater styles.
"I’m 30weeks and normally a size 20-22, I ordered from pink blush online and their clothes have fit really good. I’ve also bought from motherhood maternity as well and their clothes are a good fit too!"
This elegant maternity tunic is a perfect blend of trendy and comfy. The cashmere-like knit fabric and side ruching give it an effotlessly chic feel that’ll jazz up any excursion. Lots of reviewers love that the sweater extends to the upper thigh, which they say make it a great choice to wear with leggings (hello, comfort and style!).
Hoodie lovers will swear by this zip-up with a soft fleece inside and built-in thumb holes. It’s made with stretchy side panels, meaning it’ll fit as your bump grows. Once baby arrives, the front of the hoodie easily fits over a carrier or baby sling, making colder weather walks so much cozier. You don’t have to toss it when your baby starts to grow, either — it doesn’t scream “maternity,” so you can get plenty of post-baby seasons out of it. Mom and baby will appreciate the cotton exterior and fleece-like lining.
In my opinion, the best maternity clothes are the ones you can wear long after you’ve delivered your baby, and this fisherman sweater definitely checks that box. Its classic, slightly longer fit makes it easy to wear over a baby bump, but it looks just as great without one. The side zippers aren’t just a stylish detail — they actually offer easy (and discrete!) access to nursing as needed or, as one mom points out, accommodate a growing bump.
It’s something you’ll wear for years, not just nine months. “I look forward to dressing this up and down after baby arrives. And I love that I can put this in the washer and dryer,” one mom adds. Others also love that it’s crafted with 100% organic cotton that’s thick but still soft and breathable.
“I was also going to suggest Quince. They have great basics that are actually quality and the prices are affordable. Their clothes are also on trend without being trendy so I think they will last a long time. I am a teacher and a lot of my clothes work for both work and "regular" life.”
“31 weeks here and started shopping around for postpartum wear and came across the website Quince. I’ve heard advertisements for them before but I didn’t know they carried maternity/nursing wear. It’s the exact same stuff that brands like Hatch and other expensive brands, but more than half of the price.”
Material:70% Viscose from Bamboo, 26% Acrylic, 4% Spandex
Sizes available: XS-XL
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Designed for both pregnancy and postpartum wear, you’d never guess this minimalist, crewneck sweater includes concealed zippers that go all the way up to your shoulder. It’s crafted with a bamboo material that is breathable, soft and temperature-regulating, making it equally ideal for walks and other forms of light exercise. Moms also appreciate the more relaxed fit. This one is a little pricier than some other options, but due to the versatility and convenience, I think it’s well worth the splurge.
“I also got the nursing crew neck from kindred bravely which I like too. It zips to access that area, zippers are a little annoying but it’s very soft and comfy.”
“Latched Mama and Kindred Bravely also have some decent breastfeeding clothes. They are a little pricey, but have been fully worth it for me since I don’t wear a coverup in public and I like to have some nicer looking outfits to wear out and about.”
For those who prefer the coziness of a turtleneck, this oversized sweater from Amazon has over 19,000 five-star reviews, with many raving about how soft and warm it is. It perfectly balances comfort and style, and can be easily dressed up or worn casually. Even though it isn’t a maternity sweater, many reviewers say they wore it comfortably while pregnant, with several saying it was a great third trimester option. You can also likely get away with buying your pre-pregnancy size because of its oversized fit, which means you’ll be able to wear it after baby arrives, too!
Best Reversible Maternity Sweater
Angel Maternity All in One Reversible Knit Sweater
If you only want to spend money on one maternity sweater this pregnancy, this cotton top is your best bet. It’s reversible, so you can wear it as a regular maternity sweater, or you can turn it around and use the functional buttons to wear it as an open or closed cardigan. It also has a removable turtleneck piece to make it extra cozy during the chillier months. Made with 100% cotton, it’s soft and cuddly, with a comfy and relaxed fit.
“I got a few tops and dresses from Angel Maternity! They’ve been great so far. I haven’t worn the dresses yet as I’m only a week postpartum but the tops have the same access and it’s been what I live in.”
Few things are more perfect for a cold winter day than a thick cable-knit sweater. This one has a relaxed fit that isn’t too oversized, along with a mock neck to stay toasty even on the chilliest days. Side slits and discreet zippers make this nursing-friendly after you deliver, but it still works with your bump during pregnancy. This is definitely on the pricier side, but it’s still a versatile pick you can wear a lot.
“I got some lovely things from ripe maternity. Not exactly cheap but very flattering (I tried alot of stores and their clothing was by far the best fit). Most items are also breastfeeding friendly so I continue to wear them postpartum and have had a heap of use out of them. They do have some good sales from time to time.”
This Bhome sweater is perfect for showing off your bump while also being super comfy. The ruched sides provide plenty of roominess to grow, and the spandex blend gives it a nice amount of stretch. And although reviewers attest to its warmth, they also say that it’s a great lightweight option for layering.
Best Mock Neck Maternity Sweater
Hello Miz Women's Knit Ribbed Maternity Top with Mock Neck Long Sleeve
Unlike many maternity tops that drape over you without offering much shape, this mock neck sweater is fitted to show off your bump in a cute, comfy way. Many moms-to-be appreciated the lightweight material of this top, which kept them cozy but prevented them from overheating. The mock neck is flattering and not as tight as a typical turtleneck. And, because it comes in a whopping 32 colors, you can stock up and get a few to have more options.
This isn’t your typical maternity sweater. Instead, it’s a layered set that, when worn together, creates a chic look that can easily be dressed up for work or a dinner date with friends. Bonus: the lightweight cotton top includes a detachable jersey nursing bodice.
This half-zip sweater delivers a long, loose fit with wide sleeves and a split hem that makes it perfect for pregnancy and postpartum wear (hence the collection name.) I love the black and beige stripes, as well as the high collar for breezier winter days where I prefer the warmth of a turtleneck. One thing to keep in mind: many WTE community members say H&M’s maternity line runs a little small, so you may need to order up a size.
“I bought some in store and they’re some of my favorite maternity clothes. It’s not the highest quality but considering the price and length of time we’re wearing them, I’m satisfied.”
“I would definitely go up a size in H&M for maternity wear. I'm usually a X Small/Small in H&M but definitely a Medium in the maternity wear.”
Our Research
We used feedback from moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect Community to learn which maternity sweaters were most comfortable, warm and best accomodated a growing baby bump.
FAQ Best Maternity Sweaters
What styles make the best maternity sweaters?
Cardigans are a top pick for versatile, stylish and comfortable maternity sweaters. They can be left open as a layering piece or buttoned up for something more cozy and put together. They easily grow with your bump and can almost always be worn long after pregnancy as well. Plus, those with buttons can pull double duty as a nursing-friendly alternative.
Oversized, non-maternity sweaters are another good pick, since their relaxed and loose fit accommodate a growing bump and beyond.
What materials are best for maternity sweaters in the colder months?
If you really want to stay warm, you need to look for thick and cozy materials like wool, fleece and cashmere. These are definitely on the heavier side and are meant for really brisk weather. If you want something warm but you don’t want to overheat, opt for something a bit more breathable, like cotton or polyester. These are still cozy, but will help regulate your temperature (they’re also typically more budget-friendly).
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