On Thrifting Maternity Clothes

Let’s talk about thrifting bump-friendly clothing!

This post is in partnership with Value Village.  As always, opinions are my own.

Pregnancy is, perhaps, one of the best times to be buying second hand!  We’re going to be staying in our one-bedroom apartment, so less is more.  It’s going to be a challenge, but we are trying not to get caught up in everything that we “have to have” when it comes to this baby.  That includes any baby-related items (for the nursery, clothing, gadgets etc.) and of course, maternity wear. Sure, I’ve purchased a few newer clothing pieces to accommodate the bump, but I’ve also found a lot of success in thrifting apparel that works with my changing shape. 

Cost is also a huge concern for us because the rumour is that kids are expensive lol. Investing in a ton of brand new full-priced maternity wear is…crazy. The fact that anything specifically catered to the bump will only be worn for a few months means that I’ve been hunting for pieces that I can make work now as well as beyond just these 9 months.  

All Value Village locations may not have designated maternity wear, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find amazing gems to add to your closet while you struggle to dress a changing figure.  Here are some recent finds and why they work with the bump!

Look For Open Front Sweaters and Jackets

How cute is this faux leather Zara sweater jacket?  I’ve been feeling weird about how short cardigans look with the bump (I know, it’s random, but trust me on this one), so the open waterfall draping provides an ideal flattering silhouette to showcase le bump.  It has been ideal for me to wear jackets, coats, and sweaters that can be left open. Letting the baby bump breathe!

Go For Oversized

I’m so thankful for the size range at my favourite Value Village location (if you’re local, it’s the Coquitlam store on United Boulevard).  Being a size Large but not exactly fitting into that now, I rely on XL and up in order to find pieces that work with the bump, especially if I do want to achieve that oversized look. I was so excited when I found this black silk button-up in the plus-size section a few weeks ago.  With the sleeves rolled up and belted, it is such an amazing fit! I’m pretty sure it was under $10, which is such a steal for a silk blouse! It is going to be such a staple piece for me for the rest of this pregnancy, as I always need something longer and slightly oversized to go with leggings and maternity denim.  The best part? I will absolutely be rocking this blouse postpartum and beyond.

This previously loved blouse is such a versatile basic, I love how just switching shoes and layering a coat can completely change the look and make it more casual.  

Love For The Elastic Waist and Flowy Skirts

There was one more piece that I found on this gloriously successful Value Village trip that I haven’t photographed yet, but I can’t wait to show you!  It’s a kelly green vintage dress with a pleated skirt (pleats are ideal with the growing bump) that is going to be perfect this holiday season! Depending on how far along you are or how much you’re showing, it’s not impossible to find skirts and trousers that could work in the earlier portion of pregnancy and then for postpartum.  It helps if the fit is a bit looser as well, just to really give room for that elastic to stretch comfortably.

Do you have any tips or tricks for thrifting maternity wear?  I would love to hear them in the comments below!