Maternity clothes in India: what to buy, when, and on what budget

When you actually need it

Most women need nothing new until around 16 to 20 weeks, and often later in a first pregnancy. Waistbands go first, tops last much longer.

The cheapest transition: a hair elastic looped through the buttonhole to extend a waistband, a belly band over unbuttoned trousers, and existing kurtas and tunics that were always loose.

Buy in stages rather than all at once, because the bump grows through three or four different shapes and what fits at 20 weeks will not at 34.

Buy your usual size in maternity wear. Maternity sizing is designed to accommodate the bump; going up sizes leaves the shoulders and chest baggy.

The pieces worth owning

Two or three good bras. This is the one item to spend on and to be fitted for. Size changes more than once, so buy two now and more later, and buy nursing bras from around the third trimester so they carry over.

Two pairs of maternity leggings or trousers with an over-bump panel. Over-bump is more comfortable than under-bump for most women late on.

Three or four longer tops or kurtas with room at the front. Empire-line and A-line cuts work throughout.

One or two dresses or kurta sets for occasions, because there will be functions.

A comfortable pair of flat, slip-on shoes in a half size larger, because feet swell and bending to fasten shoes gets difficult.

Skip: maternity-branded formalwear you will wear twice, and anything bought in the first trimester.

Indian wear, work and budget

Indian wear is genuinely well suited to pregnancy. Salwar kameez with a drawstring adjusts throughout; kurtas and anarkalis accommodate a bump without any maternity label or price. Palazzos and patialas with a drawstring work to the end.

Sarees can be worn throughout, draped below the bump, with the blouse being the part that needs altering — a tailor letting out side seams and adding hooks is far cheaper than new clothes.

A tailor is the best value in this whole category: existing kurtas can have side panels added, and blouses can be adjusted, for a fraction of retail maternity prices.

For work: two or three well-cut kurta sets or tunics with leggings will carry most office wardrobes through, and formal maternity trousers if your workplace requires them.

Budget tiers, honestly: a minimal approach — belly band, two leggings, existing loose kurtas, two good bras — costs very little. A middle approach adds maternity kurtas and trousers from mainstream Indian high-street and online labels. The premium tier is largely paying for brand, and the clothes are worn for a few months.

Buy or borrow second-hand without hesitation. Maternity clothes are lightly worn by definition, and family and friends usually have a bag of them.

Think about feeding when you buy for late pregnancy: front-opening kurtas, wrap tops and button-through dresses work for both, and buying those means one wardrobe instead of two.

Frequently asked questions

Q: When should I start buying? — Around 16 to 20 weeks for most women, and later in a first pregnancy. Buying earlier usually means buying the wrong size.

Q: What size do I buy? — Your normal pre-pregnancy size in maternity-cut clothing. The cut, not the size, does the work.

Q: Do I need special nightwear? — Front-opening or button-through nightwear is worth having for hospital and for feeding afterwards. Two sets is enough.

Q: Can I wear a saree through the pregnancy? — Yes, draped below the bump, with the blouse altered as needed. Many women find it the most comfortable option late on.