I'll never forget standing in my closet during my second trimester, staring at clothes I loved that didn't fit and maternity pieces I'd already worn a hundred times. Whether it was during pregnancy or those months (years) after having my kids when my body kept changing, my closet became this weird source of daily frustration. Great clothes I couldn't wear, boring clothes I was sick of wearing.
Here's what made it worse: pregnancy is expensive enough without dropping hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on clothes you'll wear for maybe six months. Yet somehow, we're expected to build an entire wardrobe for a body that's constantly changing.
Renting maternity clothes is one of those ideas that makes so much sense once you think about it. Here's why it might be perfect for you.
The Money Thing
The average mom-to-be spends anywhere from $500 to $1,500 on maternity clothes. That's a lot of money for temporary clothing. When you rent, you're typically paying $50-100 per month for multiple pieces that you can swap out as your body changes and your needs evolve.
Even if you rent for your entire pregnancy, you're likely spending less than you would if you bought everything new. Plus, you're not left with a closet full of clothes you'll never wear again, trying to figure out if they're worth storing or selling.
Your Body Is Doing Wild Things
Here's what nobody tells you: you don't just grow steadily bigger. Your body changes in waves. What fits at 20 weeks might be too tight (or too loose) by 28 weeks. The maternity jeans you bought in month four might not work by month seven.
Renting means you're never stuck with clothes that don't fit. Need a bigger size? Just return what you have and size up. Your hips settled into a different shape than expected? Get different styles. It takes the guessing game out of maternity shopping.
Actual Style Without the Commitment
Want to wear something other than basic black leggings and oversized tees? (No judgment if that's your vibe, but maybe you want options.) Renting gives you access to trendy pieces, designer brands, and special occasion wear without the guilt of spending big money on something you'll wear once.
Got a wedding at 30 weeks pregnant? A work presentation? Holiday parties throughout your second trimester? You can dress for all of it without buying three different outfits that'll sit in your closet forever after.
The Sustainability Angle
Maternity clothes are the definition of short-term use. Most pieces get worn for less than six months, then they're stored, donated, or tossed. Clothing rental is part of the circular fashion economy, meaning clothes get used by multiple people instead of ending up in landfills. If you care about reducing waste, this is an easy win.
What Should You Actually Rent?
Not everything makes sense to rent. Here's how I'd break it down:
Definitely rent these:
- Special occasion dresses and fancy maternity wear
- Professional workwear like blazers, dress pants, and structured dresses
- Expensive coats and outerwear
- Trendy pieces you want to try but wouldn't normally buy
- Designer items that are fun to wear but hard to justify purchasing
Go ahead and buy these:
- Everyday basics like leggings, tank tops, and comfortable tees
- Anything that touches your skin directly (bras, underwear, pajamas)
- Loungewear you'll live in
- Staple pieces you know you'll wear constantly
The sweet spot? Buy about 5-7 core basics and rent 3-5 rotating pieces each month. You'll have plenty of outfit options without breaking the bank.
But Wait, Is It Sanitary?
Yes, rental services thoroughly clean and inspect every item before sending it out. They follow professional cleaning standards, and most items come in sealed packaging. If you're still not comfortable with certain items (totally valid), just stick to renting outerwear, dresses, and tops while buying your own basics and undergarments.
What If Nothing Fits?
Most rental services have exchange policies. Some let you swap items anytime, others work on a monthly cycle. The key is ordering a bit earlier than you need something (especially for important events) so you have time to exchange if needed. Also, read the sizing reviews.
The Strategy
The smartest approach is hybrid. Don't try to rent your entire wardrobe, and don't buy everything either.
Start by figuring out your lifestyle. Working from home? You need fewer professional pieces. Still going into an office? You'll want more polished options. Have several events coming up? That's prime renting territory.
Here's a sample plan: Buy your everyday basics early on (think maternity leggings, a few good tees, comfortable bras). Then start a rental subscription around month 4-5 when you really need maternity-specific clothes. Use your rentals for work outfits, nicer pieces, and anything you need for special occasions.
Timing Matters
Don't wait until you desperately need clothes to start renting. Give yourself a buffer. If you have a wedding at 28 weeks, order at 26 weeks. This gives you time to do exchanges if something doesn't work.
Also, consider when you'll actually need the most variety. Some people rent throughout their pregnancy. Others just rent for their second and third trimesters when they need more options. Some only rent for a month or two when they have specific events. All of these are valid.
Where to Rent
Okay, so you're sold on the idea. Where do you actually do this?
There are several maternity rental services out there, but I tend to like Nuuly. It's owned by Urban Outfitters, which means you get access to brands like Free People, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters itself, with a bunch of other contemporary brands. (Plus, they have been around for quite a while and that's alway a good sign to me.)
Here's what makes Nuuly work well for maternity:
- You get 6 items per month for around $98
- Mix and match maternity pieces with regular oversized items
- Keep items as long as you want (no rush to return)
- Pause your subscription anytime if you don't need new pieces that month
- If you fall in love with something, you can buy it at a discount
Other maternity rental options:
1. Rent the Runway Known for high-end designer options and special occasion wear.
2. La Belle Bump Great if you want a curated experience specifically for pregnancy.
3. Armoire Good for those who want different price point options.
5. Mama Bump Rentals Perfect if you're specifically looking for photo shoot or event dresses rather than everyday wear.
Each service has a slightly different focus – some are better for everyday wear, others for special occasions, and some offer more designer options versus accessible basics.
The Bottom Line
Renting maternity clothes isn't an all-or-nothing thing. You don't have to rent everything or commit for nine months straight. But for special occasions, work wardrobes, or just wanting to feel like yourself in clothes that actually fit and look good? It's a smart move.
If you're someone who'd rather have the same five outfits on repeat, a rental subscription might be overkill. But if you like options and want to feel cute throughout your pregnancy without spending a fortune, it's definitely worth trying for a month or two.
Our next recos: Building a Maternity Wardrobe (without blowing your budget)
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