I haven't had to shop for maternity clothing yet (and knock on wood it won't be for a long time), but my general perception is that what's out there isn't great. It feels like "maternity" is a label slapped onto separate lines of clothing that are often unflattering, unnecessarily baggy, or just "meh." I don't see why cute, modern clothes that stylish women would normally wear can't translate into the next phase of their life, and that's why I got excited about Mien Studios [1].
The LA-based brand makes minimal, thoughtfully designed pieces like soft jumpsuits and flowy dresses — things I'd personally wear right now — with pregnant women and postpartum and breastfeeding moms in mind. From the looks of it, the stretchy materials and wrap-waist features mean you can make the pieces work for many months. They're unfussy closet staples you can easily throw on when fashion is the last thing on your mind, but when comfort and style are still welcome.
The company caught my eye on Instagram [2], thanks to its understated yet eye-catching vibe, inviting photos, and lots of "real" women wearing the pieces. What's more, the brand's sole designer cares deeply about sustainable practices [3], which is a growing trend for all the right reasons — to invest in quality over quantity. Every item is made in small batches in Los Angeles, the cotton is organic, and the fabrics and dyes are sourced locally (bonus: no toxic color chemicals).
Mien (which means "mine" in French) also makes kids' clothing [4], and the toddler-size jumpers are too much for my baby-loving heart to handle. Here, we've pulled some of the best items for moms, because who says some of the most heartwarming phases of a woman's life can't also make her feel good on the outside?
Maternity-Friendly Clothes From Mien Studios
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Red Clay [6] ($98)
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Cedar Green
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Cedar Green [7] ($98)
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Dusty Plum
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Dusty Plum [8] ($98)
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Cream White
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Cream White [9] ($98)
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Vintage Mustard
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Vintage Mustard [10] ($98)
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Foxglove
Mien Studios Lakeside Wide-Leg Jumpsuit in Foxglove [11] ($98)
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Red Currant
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Red Currant [12] ($98)
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Stone Grey
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Stone Grey [13] ($98)
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Zinc Grey
Mien Studios Fortuna Column Dress in Zinc Grey [14] ($98)
Mien Studios Fine Day Pinafore Dress in Sky Blue
Mien Studios Fine Day Pinafore Dress in Sky Blue [15] ($34, originally $68)
Mien Studios Painters Button Shirt in Dusty Blue
Mien Studios Painters Button Shirt in Dusty Blue [16] ($110)
Mien Studios Painters Button Shirt in Cedar Green
Mien Studios Painters Button Shirt in Cedar Green [17] ($110)
Nursing-Friendly Clothes From Mien Studios
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Dusty Rose [18] ($188)
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Vintage Mustard
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Vintage Mustard [19] ($188)
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Stone Grey
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Stone Grey [20] ($188)
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Vintage Navy
Mien Studios Kindness Jumpsuit in Vintage Navy [21] ($188)
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Dusty Rose
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Dusty Rose [22] ($148)
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Vintage Mustard
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Vintage Mustard [23] ($148)
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Stone Grey
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in Stone Grey [24] ($148)
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in True Black
Mien Studios Kindred Wrap Dress in True Black [25] ($74, originally $148)