Where to get sustainable, affordable maternity clothes

Where to get sustainable, affordable maternity clothes

As a first time mum-to-be, it can be a mystery where to buy maternity clothes. On the high street there’s JoJo Maman Bébé (not the most affordable), or the maternity ranges in big fast fashion chains like H&M (not the most sustainable). It can also be hard to know what exactly you need and so many of us end up with clothes we never wear or which don’t fit. Here’s four top hacks to save money and save the planet:

1. Rent your maternity clothes

When you only need clothes for a few months it just makes sense to rent them, or so we think ;)

Try these maternity rental sites:

  • Belles and babes - 6 items for £25/month - great for an affordable capsule wardrobe
  • For the Creators - pricing depends what items you choose and how long you want to rent them for - great for occasionwear and designer items. You can also buy new and preloved clothes.
  • Isabella Oliver Rental - items priced individually - great for workwear

Don’t stop renting when you’ve had your baby - check out our baby clothes to rent!

Make your maternity clothes last

2. Reuse your existing clothes

You may have heard that the most sustainable item is the one you already own. You might be able to extend the life of your jeans by buying a waistband extender which allows you to wear your jeans unzipped (covering your modesty with a piece of fabric) and attaches to your existing button and buttonhole. Alternatively you can get a bellyband which is a piece of stretchy fabric which covers the gap between your trousers and top.

Raid your partner’s drawers for any bigger tops or PJ bottoms you can use as loungewear. Likewise ask any friends who’ve had children if they have any maternity wear they’re not using - they may be happy to get rid of it!  

Reuse your existing clothes as maternity wear

3. Shop secondhand

There is a huge market for secondhand maternity clothing. People are often selling bundles which can save money and also the carbon footprint of lots of separate deliveries. Secondhand especially makes sense for maternity occasionwear or workwear that will get a limited use.

Try these sites: Vinted, eBay, Dress My Bump, Second Snuggle, Isabella Oliver Preloved

Or these dedicated Facebook groups:

4. Make them last

To solve the problem of only needing your maternity clothes for a few months, make sure you get something that you can wear post pregnancy as well. If you’re thinking about breastfeeding,  try and buy maternity clothes that have discreet zips or flaps which make them breastfeeding friendly. Here are some great brands where the clothes don’t look so ‘maternity’ and are designed to make you feel amazing pre and post baby:

See our post Baby items I’m still using 6 years on to see our top picks for maternity clothes that will last.

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Receive Credit For Your Unwanted Clothes

Tired of the endless cycle of kids outgrowing their clothes and wondering what to do with them? Our Sort Out Sack is your easy way to clear space and earn credit!

Receive £5 Borro credit guaranteed for every full bag we receive. PLUS £5 Borro credit for every organic item in excellent condition

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Questions?

Why Borro clothes?

Renting means less waste, more wardrobe flexibility and no more piles of outgrown clothes. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to dress your little ones.

With Borro, you get high-quality kidswear without the commitment, just what you need, when you need it. Helping you save time, save money, and save the planet.

What about stains?

Don't panic! Let us worry about the stains. Stain insurance is included. Obviously it's best to prevent stains if you can, or treat them as soon as possible. But we will never charge you.

If the garment can't be saved, it will be upcycled or recycled. Nothing ever goes to landfill, and we'll never charge you.

Subscription & exchanges

Subscription

All the clothes are individually priced and there's no minimum amount or set subscription - we're flexible!

Rent as many/few things as you like and you'll see at checkout what your monthly subscription will be. (If you want us to pick out a coordinated bundle of 10 items for you, it's £29/month).

Exchanges

We know little ones grow as fast as the weather changes! You don't need to return your previous order to order new clothes, so simply send back items whenever you no longer have a need for them, and add any new items to your subscription, by adding them to your basket and checking out.

Delivery & returns

Delivery

Your order will be packed and dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2-3 working days.

Returns

Pop them inside the bag/box they came in, attach the free pre-paid returns label, then drop off at your nearest Evri ParcelShop.

We only include one pre-paid returns label per order, so if you choose to send just some of an order back and the rest later, you will need to pay for the postage of the second return. 

Once we've received your items we will amend your subscription so you only pay for what you've got.

We recommend returning items 4-5 days before your subscription renews in order to allow enough time for delivery and processing to avoid your next monthly payment going out. If you're a few days late, you can always cancel online (use the link in the order confirmation email). As long as we receive the clothes within the next few days, that's fine.

Sustainability

At Borro we maximise the use of each item of clothing by providing a service that ensures it's well maintained, repaired and enjoyed by as many families as possible.

So if a garment is used by 6 different users, the global warming potential is 49% less, with a CO2e (kg) per user of 1.18, instead of 2.29.

All Frequently Asked Questions