Second-hand maternity clothes: what to buy, what to check and how to sell them on

Second-hand maternity clothes make a lot of sense, because they are worn for a few months and often come up in very good condition. Buy a small set of pieces that stretch and layer well, such as maternity jeans or leggings, a few stretchy tops, a dress and a coat that fits over a bump, rather than a whole wardrobe at once. Check the stretch panels and waistbands closely, since they take the most strain, and go by measurements as well as the label. When you no longer need them, sell them on to the next person.

Here is how to plan what to buy, what to check and how to pass it on.

Start with what you already own

Before buying anything, see what still works. Stretchy dresses, long jersey tops, open cardigans, oversized shirts and wrap dresses often see you through early on and sometimes much longer. A hair tie looped through the buttonhole and round the button can buy a few extra weeks in your usual jeans.

Then fill the gaps as you need them, rather than all at once.

The pieces worth buying

Maternity jeans or trousers. Usually the first thing people need. Look at the style of waistband (see below).
Leggings. Comfortable and easy to layer under longer tops.
Tops and T-shirts with extra length and room at the front.
A dress or two for work, weekends or occasions.
A coat or jacket that fits over a bump, or a coat extension for one you already own, if you will be pregnant through the colder months.
Nursing-friendly tops, if you plan to breastfeed, with discreet openings or wrap fronts.

Our guide to building a capsule wardrobe second-hand explains how to make a few pieces go a long way, and the same idea works well here.

Waistbands explained

Maternity trousers and skirts usually come with one of these:

Over-bump: a tall stretch panel that goes over the bump. Many people find it supportive and it stays in place.
Under-bump: a lower band that sits beneath the bump. Some find it cooler and less fussy.
Side panels: stretch inserts at the sides, with a normal-looking front.
Adjustable waist: elastic inside the waistband that can be let out with buttons.

There is no right choice. It comes down to comfort, and it can change as you go. Second-hand is a good way to try a different style without spending much.

How maternity sizing usually works

Maternity clothes are commonly labelled with your usual, pre-pregnancy size, with the extra room built in. That makes them easier to buy than you might expect, but sizes still vary between makers, so check the measurements too.

Ask for measurements in cm, laid flat and unstretched, including the length and inside leg on trousers.
Ask whether the measurements are of the panel stretched or relaxed.
Compare them with a garment you own. Our guide to measuring clothes for buying online shows how.

If you have found a piece with its measurements, our Will it fit? tool compares them with your own.

What to check on second-hand maternity clothes

Stretch panels: do they spring back when stretched, or are they baggy, thin or rippled?
Elastic: does it still grip? Old elastic can go limp or crunchy.
Seams around the panels, where the stretch fabric meets the main fabric, for splitting.
Pilling on leggings and the inner thighs of trousers.
Bobbles and wear on jersey tops.
Marks on the front of tops and dresses.
Nursing openings and clips, if there are any, should all work.

On Rewear, tap Message the seller on the listing for close-ups of the panels and waistband if they are not in the photos. Our condition grades guide explains what each grade should mean.

Washing maternity clothes

Follow the care label. In general:

Wash stretch panels cool, and avoid the tumble dryer on high heat, which can weaken elastic.
Turn jersey and leggings inside out to reduce pilling.
Dry them flat or on a hanger.

Selling maternity clothes on

Maternity pieces are often worn for only a few months, so they can have a lot of life left. When you are ready to pass them on:

Wash them and check the stretch panels and elastic.
Photograph them in daylight, including a close-up of the waistband or panel.
Describe the style of waistband (over-bump, under-bump, side panels).
Give the label size and the measurements in cm.
Mention any wear honestly, especially on the panels.
Consider a bundle. A few pieces in the same size, such as jeans, leggings and tops, listed together, can be convenient for a buyer.

Our guide to selling clothes online covers the rest. On Rewear, listing is free and there is no selling fee, so the price you agree is the price you are paid.

The short version

Use what you already own, then buy a few stretchy, layerable pieces second-hand as you need them. Check the stretch panels, elastic and seams, go by measurements as well as the label, and sell them on when you are done.

Find your next piece

Second-hand clothing from sellers across the UK, with measurements in cm where sellers add them and buyer protection at checkout.

See what’s for sale Sell on Rewear