MATERNITY STORES IN NORTHERN VA (THAT AREN’T AMAZON!)

Well I have bad news, in the post-covid world, most brick and mortar maternity stores have closed up shop.  Gone are the days when you could go to a dedicated maternity store and actually try on and buy the clothes there.  The good news is that there are still a few places in the area that actually do carry maternity clothes if you are looking to try stuff on.  There are also PLENTY of awesome on-line stores (with good return policies).   To help expecting mamas find a decent wardrobe, I’ve put together this list of places to shop for maternity clothes, both with local stores in Northern VA and on-line.

Brick and Mortar Maternity Shopping

To find places where you can actually try on a pair of pants and see how the waistband actually feels on your newly expanding belly (and if it’s actually going to stay up).  The following places are usually good options for maternity wear.  They won’t have huge sections, but they’ll have a few of the basics so you can at least try things on.

• Target (90 day return policy, free shipping for returns)

• Macy’s (90 day return policy, free shipping for returns only for on-line purchases)

• Old Navy (45 day return policy, free shipping for returns)

• Kohl’s (180 day return policy, you pay for shipping)

• Nordstrom (there is no specific time limit, free shipping for returns)

• BuyBuy Baby.  They do have a small maternity section at the store in Dulles, VA.  (90 day return policy, you pay for shipping)

• Belle Mode Intimates, Fairfax, VA.  If you need a nursing bra this is the place.  For items bought in store they offer a 30 day return policy in exchange for store credit.  For items bought on-line they offer a full refund for items returned within 30 days.  

Consignment Stores

Pea in a Pod and Motherhood Maternity may not have dedicated store fronts any more, but there are still a few places that are consignment shops dedicated to maternity wear. 

• 2 Hearts 1 Dress, Fredericksburg, VA.  A new and lovingly worn maternity boutique. 

• Bellies and Babies, Alexandria, VA.  Maternity and infant consignment store.  They also do formal maternity dress rentals, so you don’t have to spend a ton on a formal dress that you will wear exactly one time!  

On-line Maternity Retailers

There are a whole bunch of amazing places to shop for maternity clothes nowadays.  And the options are way better than what were available even 5-10 years ago.  So here are some on-line retailers to help you in your search.

•  Seraphine.  Great selection of maternity wear, and a noted favorite of Kate Middleton. (30 day return policy, free shipping for returns)

•  HATCH Collection.  Hatch runs a bit trendier, so it wouldn’t be my go to for staples, but if you are looking for something fashion forward this is a good bet. (30 day return policy, $10 fee to process returns)

• PinkBlush.  Lots of basics and pieces to mix and match, along with cute dresses and floral patterns.  (30 day return policy, free shipping on returns)

• Storq.  Clothes that look comfy and are meant to wear around the house.  (30 day return policy, $8 fee to process returns, refunds are free)

• Isabella Oliver.  Maternity clothes with an emphasis on sustainability, which is always good in my book.  (14 days to notify them of return, plus another 7 to send it off).

Shopping for maternity clothes can be a giant pain.  If you are not someone who enjoys shopping (like me) be kind to yourself and focus on getting just a few pieces to start with so you don’t end up feeling completely overwhelmed.   If you love shopping, then enjoy hopping around and looking at all the options!

If you're in the Northern Virginia area and are considering a maternity or newborn photo session, look no further. Book your session today at Jessica Ryles Photography and let us capture the real, the joyful, and the beautiful moments of your pregnancy journey.

Maternity sessions should be booked when mom is around 27 weeks to ensure session availability and ordering of any wardrobe items. Newborn sessions typically take place 6-10 days after baby is born and should be booked by 32 weeks to ensure session availability.