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Monday, December 2nd
Old Navy is a staple retailer found in many strip malls and shopping centers. Their maternity clothing is best described as "cute and comfortable”, with plenty of options for casualwear and some selections that could be suitable for a relaxed work environment (no power suits for a courtroom here). The company is part of the brand family that includes Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
Better for maternity than its sister store, Gap
Compared with sister brand Gap, Old Navy offers a wider selection of maternity clothing. For example, Old Navy carries both nursing and maternity bras, underwear, and more options like blouses and slacks that would be suitable for a business casual work environment. If you're really committed to the brand family - maybe you're already a Rewards member and want to use your benefits across stores - you'd probably want to start with Old Navy and then shop Gap for anything you didn't spot at the first retailer.
Well-rounded for maternity basics
In general, Old Navy's maternity clothing gives you everything you need for your day-to-day essentials. Categories include Nursing, Dresses, Tops, Pajamas & Loungewear, Jeans, Bras & Underwear, Leggings, and Activewear. You can also shop by trimester or browse what's on sale. As you shop, make sure to toggle the setting for in-store pickup if there's an Old Navy near you, so that you can order online and then get your purchase at your local store. You can also apply filters to narrow down your results by size, color, price, or any other applicable criteria (like neckline or sleeve lengths when you're shopping for tops).
Find your "match” here
Especially when it comes to tops, Old Navy is where you'll find the really matchy-matchy or cutesy stuff. For example, you can buy a nursing shirt that says "Full of Love” and get a matching baby bodysuit that says "Made with Love”, plus plenty of maternity shirts with all the sayings (like "Oh Boy!”, "Yeah Baby”, you get the idea). It's not all they have - you can always get the solids and patterns here - but it's a good place to look if that's your vibe.
Lots to consider info-wise
When you click on an image of a piece of clothing you like, you'll be taken to the product page that has a lot more information: reviews from customers, available sizes and colors, and so forth. We wish more of that were displayed on the results list, so that shoppers could tell at a glance which items come in more color options, which ones have good ratings from customers, and so on. We do like that, under the Fit & Sizing section, it tells you the size of the model in the photo so you can better gauge how it might fit you or which size you should consider.
Click to save with codes
Be sure to take advantage of Old Navy's ways to save. We spotted several coupon codes at the bottom of the page, like 30% off our total order. Best of all, we only had to click to apply the code to our cart: no email sign-up or anything else required. That discount was also reflected in the item pricing as we browsed the online store.
Shipping and returns are fairly standard
All of the stores in the Old Navy family have the same just-average return policy of 30 days from the shipping date. They'll provide the return label at no cost, or you can return your order to a retail store if there's one convenient to you. You'll also have to be a part of the Rewards program if you want your shipping to be free, and even at that you'll need to spend at least $50 to be eligible. Shopping online and then picking up in store is one way to get your item with no shipping fees, though, especially if you're not in the Rewards program or you're not going to hit the minimum spend.
Not bad for your basic maternity wardrobe
Old Navy is no specialist in maternity clothing, but it's a solid way to start getting some of your essentials or to get ready for your next stage (and size) of pregnancy or nursing. There are a few rival stores whose selection we like a little better, but don't hesitate to make your purchase here if you find something you like.
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