We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Friday, July 18th
Gap Inc. was founded in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher with a straightforward mission: to make finding well-fitting jeans easier. Since then, the company has evolved into a global brand with multiple divisions, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Headquartered in San Francisco, Gap Inc. is known for its casual, accessible clothing and has expanded its focus over the years to include sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
Expanded selection of maternity clothing
We were really happy to see all the ways that Gap has changed since our last review of its selection of maternity clothes. Can you believe that, in our previous evaluation, we didn't find any underwear for moms-to-be or for the postpartum days? We couldn't either. Fortunately, that's not a problem now: just click right on Bras & Undies in the Maternity department and you'll see plenty to choose from (including $4.97 for some post-baby underwear in the clearance section, at the time of our most recent visit).
Solid range of sizes
It's also a good sign that Gap is more size-inclusive than some of its rivals on our list. Options here go from XXS to XXL, making it more likely that every mama can find something comfy to wear during and after pregnancy.
Easy to shop, even if items could use more reviews
You'll have almost 400 different maternity-centric apparel items to choose from at Gap (though that inventory is a little inflated when different color choices for the same piece of clothing are listed as separate items, just FYI). It'll make your shopping experience smoother if you use the filters to sort by the type of clothing you need, the sizes you think will fit you best, or even the pregnancy stage. You'll have to click into specific pieces if you want to see what other mamas have said about them - we still wish Gap would put that out with the thumbnail info, along with the color options and prices displayed while browsing - and it's mystifying that some items listed as "best sellers” (like the maternity rib polo shirt that looks super comfy and cool in hotter weather) have zero shopper reviews, so keep that in mind.
Almost every type of maternity clothing you could need
Overall, though, Gap's maternity inventory makes for a really versatile wardrobe. Need a swimsuit, some linen shorts, some comfy tees and tanks, and a cute ruffle midi dress for your babymoon? How about khakis and blouses for the office until you go on maternity leave? Gap carries all of that and then some. The only areas where you might need to shop elsewhere are if you're getting really dressy for a formal event - that's just not Gap's bread-and-butter, with the most "luxe” item here being a $198 puffer jacket (which actually comes from a brand we've evaluated separately).
Sign up for free rewards program to get no-fee delivery
If you don't want to pay $7 for shipping at Gap, you'll need to do two things: first, place an order that's over $50, and second, make sure you're a member of Gap's Good Rewards programs. It's free to join, and you automatically earn $`1 point for every dollar spent across the family of brands (Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta). Once you spend at least $500 in a year or you have a Gap Inc. credit card, you'll also get early access to special sales events, and at the $1,000+ level, you even get a "create your own sale day”. Not bad for no-cost.
Hassle-free returns within 30 days
If you want to return what you ordered online from Gap, you've got 30 days to get it back to them. It's free to do it by mail, but you can also do it at any local store near you. Easy breezy is what every expectant mother needs, right?
Great reputation and honest shopper feedback on clothes
Gap's reputation is no surprise either: it's a brand we've all known for decades, with the "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau that you'd expect from such an established retailer. As for the maternity clothes itself, take advantage of any reviews that you can, because Gap mamas are brutally honest (and we give the store points for letting them be upfront without deleting negative feedback). Those reviews, when offered, can tell you if a pair of pants tends to be tight or loose in the hips/rear/waist, for example. Our favorite comment (on the Maternity Inset Panel Vintage Slim Jeans, which surprisingly only earned 3.2 stars out of 5): "Best maternity jeans for women who don't want the high fabric touching their belly. Sits well under your belly in front while there is enough fabric in back to have your butt crack not hang out. Only thing that would make them better is real front pockets.” Preach!
Worth shopping for maternity wear
We've given Gap a small bump (pun intended) since our last review. The retailer has added those much-needed "unmentionables” to the inventory, their sizing offers cute clothes for petites and plus sizes alike, and there's just enough feedback to make it easy to avoid anything that's going to be a little too tight in the places you need some wiggle room. The next time you're shopping for maternity clothing essentials from jeans to joggers, give Gap a try.
Maternity fashion has come a long way from the oversized, shapeless pieces of the past. Today, you have stylish, comfortable, and confidence-boosting options that keep up with the latest trends while accommodating your growing bump. You can choose anything from chic wrap dresses and flowy maxi styles to trendy maternity jeans with flexible waistbands and cozy loungewear that doesn't sacrifice style.
There's no shortage of fashionable ways to celebrate your pregnancy. You'll also find fun seasonal updates, like sweater dresses and knit sets for colder months or breezy, belly-friendly sundresses when the weather warms up. And if you're looking for something extra special, maternity brands now offer on-trend activewear, work-appropriate styles, and even formalwear for weddings or baby showers.
Shopping for maternity clothes online makes the process even better. Instead of hunting through limited in-store selections, you can browse entire collections from the comfort of home - especially helpful as your pregnancy progresses and you'd rather skip the mall. Online retailers also have more size inclusivity, better deals, and convenient features like size charts and flexible return policies.
Shopping online also makes it easier to compare prices. You can quickly look at different websites to see which one offers the best deal. Many online stores have customer reviews, so you can get an idea of the quality of the clothes before buying. This helps you find affordable maternity clothes that fit your needs without spending more than you want to.
Plus, reading customer reviews from other expecting moms gives you a better sense of fit and comfort before you buy. Whether you need a few basics or want a full wardrobe refresh, online maternity stores give you access to cute and practical pieces without the hassle.
Of course, not all retailers of maternity clothes are created equal. When deciding where to shop, keep these key factors in mind:
The right wardrobe can keep you feeling confident and supported throughout your pregnancy, so the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular retailers of maternity clothes. Thanks to online shopping, it's easier than ever to find the perfect fit - and with so many fun and functional maternity styles available online, there's no reason to settle for anything less than clothes that make you feel your best.
Select any 2 Maternity Clothes Stores to compare them head to head