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Monday, December 2nd
Ingrid + Isabel invented the first belly band, letting you "shop what's in your closet” by using the stretchy fabric to extend the time you can wear your regular jeans (holding them up while keeping them unbuttoned/unzipped). They incorporate that versatility into most of their maternity clothing, so that you've got pieces that can be worn before, during, and after your pregnancy. Plus, besides being a mom-founded company, 70% of the brands Ingrid + Isabel carries are female-founded too.
Lots of styles, not lots of sizes
The styles here are definitely appealing, with options for both classic looks and on-trend fits. Still, we'd say that the selection at Ingrid + Isabel is good but not great. There are a lot of clothing categories to choose from, which we love: you can get your intimates, pajamas, work- and workout-wear, and everything else you could need all in one place... in theory. But, as you start to look at individual pieces you like, you'll soon see that sizing doesn't go beyond the XS-XL range - and even then, many of those sizes were out of stock on basic items. For example, if you need that Adjustable Waist Ponte Blazer for the office, you'd better be an XS and want it in black only.
Some brands don't qualify for discounts
You can save 15% on your order if you sign up for Ingrid + Isabel's emailing list. Just look for the pop-up when you first visit the site, or go to the "Let's Be Friends” section at the bottom of any page. Be aware that your discount may only apply to Ingrid + Isabel branded items; many of the other labels featured on this site are excluded from all promotions and discounts (but you'll see that clearly labeled, even when you're just browsing a clothing category). At least there was a promo offering a pair of free leggings with any purchase during our last visit.
Stick with the Bellaband if you're on a budget
You're going to want that savings, because Ingrid + Isabel's maternity clothing isn't cheap. Expect to pay about $78 for a classic button-up shirt, $90+ for a dress or jumpsuit, even $50 for a pair of shorts. Fortunately, the Bellaband is available for just $28 and might help you hold out just a little longer before you shell out the big bucks for maternity-specific pieces here.
Not very generous when it comes to shipping/returns
Maybe it's nitpicky, but we don't love the shipping and returns here. It doesn't matter how much or how little you order, you'll be paying $10 for shipping. You've got 30 days from your package's delivery date to postmark your return, but unless you take it as a store credit or e-gift card, you'll pay a $10 restocking fee when the refund posts to your original form of payment. You also cover the return shipping costs if you're not getting store credit or exchanging the item for a different size/color. Fine, then.
Limited reviews for the store itself
There's not a ton of shopper feedback to take into account for Ingrid + Isabel. You can go to the RTWX link at the top of the site to see customer reviews on specific items (over 2,200 of them), but many individual pieces don't have any ratings to go by. We also couldn't find much commentary about Ingrid + Isabel's customer service. Are they quick with those returns and refunds we mentioned? We'd like to think so, and we appreciate that they offer both email and toll-free phone support, but there just wasn't a lot of buzz about the overall shopping experience.
Just average in many ways
Ingrid + Isabel comes in "just average” among retailers of maternity clothing. The Bellaband is a fantastic way to get more use out of what you already own, and we can get behind a brand that supports women-owned business (especially in a woman-centric product category like this one). However, the selection and pricing probably won't impress you, and the shipping and returns aren't as customer-friendly as most of this retailer's rivals. Keep Ingrid + Isabel as an option to consider but shop our higher-ranked maternity clothing stores first.
It's an exciting time! Are you feeling tempted to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe? That's perfectly okay: you want to be cute and comfortable for the next 8-9 months, and what better excuse to go shopping? Even if this isn't your first pregnancy, there's nothing wrong with refreshing what you have or getting something new - after all, the elastic on what you wore before is probably done for, and there might be a new style out there since the last time.
Still, when buying your wardrobe, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that you are comfortable and well-dressed during (and after) your pregnancy. First, consider the fit of the clothing. Maternity clothing should be designed to accommodate your growing belly, so make sure to choose pieces that fit comfortably and don't feel too tight or restrictive. Look for clothing that is made with stretchy, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo, which will help keep you cool and comfy.
Next, think about your wardrobe needs. While you may need to invest in a few key maternity pieces, such as pants and dresses, you can also get away with buying larger sizes of your favorite non-maternity clothing. Consider what items you will wear most often and make sure to have those on hand. It's also a good idea to have a mix of casual and dressy pieces, so you have options for different occasions.
You'll also want to consider the style of the clothing. Maternity clothing has come a long way in recent years, and there are now many fashionable options available. While you may be tempted to buy only clothes that are specifically designed for pregnant women, you can also mix and match with some regular clothes that look great and are also comfortable to wear.
In addition, think about how long you will be pregnant and what season it is. If you are pregnant during the summer, you may want to invest in lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool. If you are pregnant during the winter, consider warm, cozy clothing that will help you stay warm. Of course, being pregnant typically spans at least three seasons, so it's okay if you're struggling to figure out which one to focus on in your wardrobe.
Lastly, don't forget about nursing-friendly clothing. After giving birth, you might choose to breastfeed your baby, so consider buying clothing that has a nursing-friendly design, such as tops and dresses with hidden zippers or snaps.
Now that you know what you're looking for, which store should you visit to order what you need? There are a lot to choose from, and here are some criteria that can help you decide:
To help you look your best and feel comfortable while awaiting the arrival of your little one, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked today's most popular online maternity clothing stores. Congratulations!
Select any 2 Maternity Clothes Stores to compare them head to head