Monday, December 2nd
2024 Maternity Clothes Store Reviews
Isabella Oliver
- Maternity clothing designed to be good for you and for the environment
- All items made in Europe
- Free shipping on orders over $149
- All items come gift wrapped
- 21-day return policy
London-based Isabella Oliver is a maternity clothing brand that focuses on "environmental, ethical, and sustainable style”. The company is a "Best for the World " B Corp, so if you're looking for clothes you can feel good about, this is where you'll find them.
Get ready to spend a lot
That's probably going to be the only expectant mom demographic that falls in love with Isabella Oliver, because for everyone else the selection is going to seem really narrow - and extremely spendy. At the time of our most recent shopping visit to the site, there were just under 80 pieces to choose from. Some of the items weren't even maternity specific (like a lambswool winter beanie or cashmere socks). Isabella Oliver had a few items on sale for decent prices, such as a scoop top for $33, but even some of the most basic maternity staples were double the price you'd pay at one of the other retailers we evaluated. For example, a basic set of leggings and a layering top would cost nearly $120 here; multiply that out across a week's worth of outfits and see your budget go out the window. When you first visit the Isabella Oliver site, you might get a pop-up offering a 10% discount if you subscribe to their mailing list, which could make your order a little less expensive.
Some cute options
Don't get us wrong: there are a few really cute maternity items here, and if money is no object you might love shopping at Isabella Oliver for a few wardrobe pieces. We really liked the Aisha and Kelsy maternity dresses, and the Josefina Maternity Blazer was on sale for just $104 when we were browsing recently. It's also helpful that when you look at an individual item, you can see how far along in the pregnancy the model is - but let's be real, these are models and their size at 23 weeks is not necessarily representative of the average expectant mama in the UK or anywhere else.
Sizing could be an issue
And, even on staple items, sizing can be limited at this retailer: maternity skinny jeans only went up to a US size 12-14, some items were only in stock in sizes up to US 8, and keep in mind that those US equivalents are only that: the closest guess or match to the UK sizing for each item.
Some perks for US customers
We also found some interesting bits of information under the "Info for US Shoppers” link at the bottom of the site. Isabella Oliver wants those customers to know that there are no sales taxes or duties on purchases from their store, express shipping is available (1-2 business days), and "all orders are lovingly gift wrapped”. You'll still have to pay for shipping unless your order is over $149.
Returns go back to the UK
If you decide to return your purchase from Isabella Oliver, you have 21 days from the date your package arrives to let them know you're going to send it back. You then have 7 days to send it back to them - and yes, you'll be paying all of the return costs to get it to the UK.
Still gets good shopper feedback
All that being said, most customers have good things to report about their experience with Isabella Oliver. Over more than 1100 reviews from shoppers across the globe, the retailer averages a respectable 4.1-star average out of 5. Most complaints are, as you'd expect, related to international shipping snafus: an order might arrive later than promised or there's an issue with customs as the package crosses a border. But, by and large, the customer service team here handles those issues appropriately and the maternity wear lives up to expectations.
Not the best maternity store for a lot of moms
Is it worth it to spend the money on Isabella Oliver maternity wear? That depends on you and how much of a priority you place on buying eco-friendly clothing. Even if that's your top requirement, you'll still wind up having to shop at other maternity retailers for a lot of items (like underwear). The reality is that many women will look to stores with a wider selection (and lower prices), which keeps Isabella Oliver from ranking very high among the competition.
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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.
Maternity Clothes Store FAQ
Continued from above...
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:
- Selection. What kind of maternity clothing does the retailer carry? Is it mostly solid-colored basics like tees and leggings? Are there multiple color options you can choose from, if you wind up really liking a particular style? Can you get everything in one order, from underwear to nursing tops?
- Product information. Does the maternity clothing store provide you with the details you need to know how an item will fit? Are there customer reviews you can use to get a better idea?
- Shipping and returns. How much will you spend on shipping? How long do you have to make a return if something doesn't fit?
- Customer service. You've got enough on your mind already. Will the retailer's customer support team make it easy-breezy if you have a problem, need an exchange, or something else goes wrong with your maternity clothing?
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!
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