Best Maternity Coats and Jacket Extenders You Need This Winter
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
- Best Overall Maternity Coat : Seraphine Women’s 3 in 1 Winter Maternity Parka
- Best 3-in-1 Puffer Maternity Coat : Modern Eternity Gianna 3 in 1 Maternity Hybrid Puffer Jacket
- Best Fleece Maternity Jacket : Smallshow Women’s 2-in-1 Maternity Fleece Zip Up
- Best Maternity Jacket Extender : MakeMyBellyFit Universal Jacket Extender
- Best Sweatshirt-Style Maternity Jacket : Old Navy Maternity Half-Zip Hybrid Jacket
- Best Non-Maternity (But Bump-Friendly) Jacket : Orolay Women's Sherpa Jacket
- Best Plus-Size Maternity Coat : Yours Clothing Bump It Up Maternity Black Double Zip Parka
- Best Puffer Maternity Coat : Gap Maternity 100% Recycled Puffer Jacket
- Best Wool Maternity Jacket : Kimi and Kai Paisley Wool Blend Maternity Duffle Coat
- Best Maternity Parka : ASOS DESIGN Maternity Waterfall Parka
- Best Down Maternity Coat : Modern Eternity Lightweight Down 3-in-1 Maternity/Nursing Jacket
If you're pregnant during winter, a maternity coat is likely necessary depending on where you live. But don't think of this as one of those maternity items that will have no use once baby is born — a maternity coat that can take you from pregnancy to new motherhood can be a good long-term investment.
Specially designed maternity coats should be roomy enough to bundle your growing bump without feeling constrictive. It might seem like a lot to invest in, but a good coat will be a reliable wardrobe staple for the cold months ahead and will take some of the stress out of figuring out what to wear. Plus, many maternity coats are designed so you can wear them after baby arrives; an included jacket extender allows for enough space to wear baby in a carrier and keep you both bundled up.
Ahead, we've covered everything you need to know about shopping for this winter pregnancy staple, including what to look for, how to find the right size and, of course, a list of the best maternity coats and jackets.
Types of maternity coats
What sets maternity coats apart from regular jackets is their accommodation of your growing baby bump, as well as their usability beyond those nine months of pregnancy. Here's a look at some of the most common types of maternity winter coats:
- 3-in-1 maternity coats: If you're the kind of mom-to-be who's looking for an investment piece that will last you longer than just pregnancy, a 3-in-1 coat is for you. You can wear it with a small bump then add the extender panel as your belly grows. This insert zips into the coat to provide extra room over your bump, making it a great option for a coat to wear throughout your entire pregnancy. Once baby arrives, you can continue to use the panel to wear baby in a carrier against your chest while still shielding her from the cold.
- Jacket extenders: These aren't coats, but rather insert panels that can be added to your existing winter wear to help accommodate your baby bump. They simply zip into your existing coat so you can keep wearing an already-loved winter jacket without investing in a new maternity-specific one. Some moms in extremely cold climates recommend extenders so they can keep wearing the high-quality winter coats they've already invested in. And, you can use it for other seasons like light spring and fall jackets or raincoats. They might not look super elegant, but they're a smart and cost-effective solution.
Aside from 3-in-1 coats and jacket extenders, other maternity coats are similar to regular coats, but with more room. You can shop maternity puffer coats, parkas, fleece jackets and more that are designed to have enough space for your bump as you grow, so you can wear it through the end of your pregnancy. These coats, however, may not have enough room for carrying a baby later on since they lack the extender panel, so keep that in mind if that's something you might need or want.
What to look for in maternity coats
Luckily, there's no shortage of on-trend outerwear, even for the pregnancy set. You can find everything from tailored wool coats to bright puffers to weatherproof rain gear, all designed with your bump and lifestyle in mind. As with any coat, you'll want to keep some key factors in mind when shopping, such as the type of material used and what will be best for your climate.
- Material: Just like a regular coat, maternity coats come in a wide range of materials. If you’re looking for a lightweight option, check out fleece coats or sweatshirt jackets. Many parka-style jackets also work for cooler temperatures without being too bulky. For the warmest types of coats, look for options that are made with insulated fabric and run long. You might also want to check out a wool option for a more stylish cold weather option.
- Adjustability: Because your body will be changing during and after pregnancy, you’ll want to consider a few adjustable options that many maternity coats feature. The most obvious is the extender panel, which is an insert that zips into your jacket to make it larger, as mentioned previously. This way, you won’t be swimming in a too-large coat before your third trimester or won’t have to worry about it being too tight when carrying baby. Another helpful feature is drawstrings around the waist and at the bottom of the coat so you can adjust to your size and keep the warmth inside.
- Seasonality: Consider what time of year you’ll wear your maternity coat. Do you need a heavy puffer for the coldest months, a lightweight parka for cooler temperatures or a waterproof jacket for rainy days? Depending on the timing of your pregnancy, you might not need a heavy duty maternity coat if you’ll miss the coldest of months.
Do I need a maternity winter coat?
Whether you truly need a maternity coat can be a matter of preference. Many parents in the What to Expect community share tips on going through their entire pregnancy without ever buying a maternity coat. Instead, some choose to wear their usual jacket without buttoning it, buy a size up in a non-maternity coat or even wear their partner's coat.
Some women, however, do choose to buy a maternity coat because they want something specifically designed to fit their growing body. Also, for those who live in cold or windy climates, a warm maternity coat that fits you properly will best help you brave the elements.
If you don't want to buy a new coat, you can also check out companies that let you rent maternity clothes. Nuuly, for instance, allows you to rent maternity coats in addition to other maternity essentials so you can spend less than you would on getting a new coat. Many moms in the What to Expect community also suggest buying maternity coats secondhand from consignment stores or online marketplaces like Facebook and Poshmark.
How to size for a maternity coat?
Shopping for the right size maternity coat might feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Typically, your size in maternity clothing will be your same pre-pregnancy size. Many brands that specifically design maternity wear have in-depth size charts so you're not just shopping for a coat that fits you today, but will work throughout your pregnancy.
How we chose the best maternity coats
We relied heavily on first-hand reviews and recommendations from moms in the What to Expect Community. And although personal preference will always play a role in choosing the best option for you, there are millions of moms in our Community — so we were able to get a sense of which winter maternity coats most moms give their seal of approval. We also considered the factors outlined previously, including material, adjustability, and seasonality, to make sure you're looking at a wide range of options to fit your lifestyle.
Here, the best maternity coats and jackets if you're dressing for two (or more!) this winter.
Best Overall Maternity Coat
Seraphine Women’s 3 in 1 Winter Maternity Parka
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Versatility is truly the key with this cozy Seraphine winter parka, which earned our best overall pick because of its long-lasting design and excellent quality that keeps you warm. The 3-in-1 style is suitable for every stage of pregnancy, as you can wear this coat with a small bump and then add the zip-on panel for your third trimester and postpartum baby-wearing. Many new moms raved about the extender panel which can be attached to your jacket for enough room to hold baby in a carrier against your chest. It's also windproof and water-resistant, making it great if you live somewhere windy and damp. And the drawstring ties at the waist and hem allow you to maintain a fitted look as your bump grows. This is a great middle-of-the-road coat too as it's warm enough for chilly climates but you won't feel overly bundled up as you can in some puffer jackets. Use it for multiple seasons to get the most amount of wear.
Size range: 2-20
Material: Polyester, cotton
"It’s very soft and cozy. I am looking forward to using it once baby gets here too!"
"I just bought the navy blue one few weeks ago, I love it! It’s warm (warm enough for London) and really soft and comfy inside. I had a similar coat with my first. He was a March baby but it was a really cold spring, I did find the panel really useful for walks to the park and coffee shop."
Best 3-in-1 Puffer Maternity Coat
Modern Eternity Gianna 3 in 1 Maternity Hybrid Puffer Jacket
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Modern Eternity's Gianna Maternity Puffer Jacket covers many of the bases for style, comfort and versatility. This puffer includes a 3-in-1 design, with a removable panel that accommodates either a baby bump or a baby in a carrier so you'll get multiple seasons of wear out of it. It's also waterproof to help keep you dry on snowy or rainy days, and it can easily be machine washed so you won't have a problem keeping it looking like new. Anyone who lives in windy places will also like the drawstring hood so you can pull it tight and keep your head warm.
Moms-to-be appreciated how much space this puffer has in the torso, with some not needing to use the extender for quite a while. As far as sizing goes, Modern Eternity recommends buying your pre-pregnancy size, which reviewers say is accurate.
Size range: XS-XL
Material: Nylon
“I just got one from modern eternity... It's a regular coat, then has a zip in panel that can be for maternity, or, you can flip the panel and wear it over a baby in a carrier. I'm in love with it.”
Best Fleece Maternity Jacket
Smallshow Women’s 2-in-1 Maternity Fleece Zip Up
What to Expect community members love Smallshow's nursing clothes, and the brand's maternity jacket is also pretty clutch. The hoodie-style maternity jacket is made with a soft, polar fleece that'll see you comfortably through multiple seasons. It's soft to the touch and easy to move in, and many moms like that it's great for day-to-day wear, as well as outdoor activities like trips to the park or zoo.
If you're someone who lives in a place where temperatures don't get too low or you need a spring or fall jacket, this lightweight fleece is a smart pick. While it's obviously great for wearing to accommodate your growing bump, many new moms found it especially comfortable for baby-wearing, due to the flexible fleece. The downside is that the extender panel is sold separately, but even with it added on, the total price of the jacket is still at a lower price point than other coats.
Size range: S-XXL
Material: Polyester
Best Maternity Jacket Extender
MakeMyBellyFit Universal Jacket Extender
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A great jacket extender is a smart solution for the mom-to-be who doesn't want to purchase a new maternity coat. The MakeMyBellyFit Jacket Extender attaches to your existing coat or jacket for a roomier fit to accommodate your growing belly, but it's also great for baby-wearing as it allows plenty of space for baby in a carrier. It's also great for multi-season use, since you can attach it to raincoats, winter puffers, light fleece jackets and more. Although it is expensive, it will be cost-effective for many in the long-run if you use it for multiple types of coats and seasons.
Several moms who live in especially cold locations, like Chicago to Canada, raved about this extender for allowing them to continue wearing their existing high-performance winter coats. What's great about this extender, too, is that after baby is born, both parents can take turns using it to hold baby in a carrier and keep you both warm, thanks to the polar fleece design.
Just keep in mind that while the zipper converter does work on most coats, it won't work on Metaluxe zippers, so double check your winter jacket before purchasing.
Size range: One size
Material: Polyester
"I would buy a regular jacket and get a Make My Belly Fit extender. They're a Canadian company (woo!) and they're pretty amazing! I get compliments on mine all the time. Since they zip into any jacket you can use them after baby gets here so you can baby-wear under your jacket as well. They're awesome!"
"Make my belly fit jacket extender is the best. I think they're on sale today too for cyber Monday. They are also great for resale. With my first I bought a maternity jacket but it was pretty useless to me after baby was born. Wish I bout this extender then!"
"I have an extender from "Make My Belly Fit". It was gifted to me during my first pregnancy and it's amazing! It comes with a removable polar fleece layer (I'm in the mountains in Canada... so you better believe that comes in handy lol)."
Best Sweatshirt-Style Maternity Jacket
Old Navy Maternity Half-Zip Hybrid Jacket
For another lightweight option you can throw on while running errands on a cool day, this Old Navy Maternity Half-Zip Jacket will be comfortable, soft and provide just the right amount of warmth. It's designed to be roomy all over, especially around your bump, so you can layer a sweater underneath if you want to. Many reviewers loved the cozy sherpa-style and found the material warm. And, you'll find yourself wearing it post-pregnancy, too, as it's not obviously maternity wear. As far as sizing goes, some moms said they sized up but didn't need to as the jacket ran a little large — so it would probably be safe to stick to your regular pre-pregnancy size.
Size range: S-XXL
Material: Polyester
Best Non-Maternity (But Bump-Friendly) Jacket
Orolay Women's Sherpa Jacket
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Although it's not a dedicated maternity coat, the Orolay Sherpa Jacket is beloved by the WTE community. Moms-to-be consistently rave about its warmth, roominess for pregnancy and versatility to be worn post-pregnancy, as well. The exterior features large pockets and cozy sherpa material, while the inside is super warm and spacious to accommodate your growing belly. The side panel has a few buttons which can be tightened or let out for a snugger or roomier fit, respectively. And there are also side zips at the hem. Though it’s not maternity specific, many pregnant people say they prefer it to dedicated maternity jackets.
Size range: XXS-XXL
Material: Polyester and sherpa
"I bought the orolay parka on Amazon. It is not a pregnancy coat but it is meant to fit a bit large and has size zippers that can open for more space. Cute for pregnancy and beyond."
"Highly recommend the Orolay coat that was super popular on Amazon a few years ago. It runs really big as it is, and is the warmest coat I may have ever owned."
Best Plus-Size Maternity Coat
Yours Clothing Bump It Up Maternity Black Double Zip Parka
If you're shopping for plus-size maternity coats, look no further than UK-based brand Yours Clothing. They have a variety of options, including parkas and puffers with sizes available up to 28. This Bump It Up Maternity Parka in particular has a soft outer cotton shell and polyester lining that keeps you warm without being bulky and uncomfortable. We also like that it includes a drawstring waistband so you can easily adjust the shape throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The roomy faux fur-rimmed hood will also keep your head warm, while the casual style is great when you're looking for an easy, lightweight option.
Size range: 10 - 28
Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Puffer Maternity Coat
Gap Maternity 100% Recycled Puffer Jacket
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There's no denying how absolutely warm and toasty some puffer jackets can be, but there's also no denying some of them can look (and feel!) bulky and less than flattering. One puffer that manages to maintain a level of warmth with a surprisingly sleek fit is Gap's Recycled Puffer Jacket. The silhouette has a more relaxed look that maintains a straight shape while still providing plenty of room for your growing bump. And it's easy to care for because you can just toss it in the washing machine. Note that some reviewers said this coat ran large, so it might be better for someone looking for a roomy fit or a mom-to-be who will be wearing it further along in their pregnancy or for baby-wearing.
Size range: XS-XXL
Material: Recycled polyester
"The Gap Maternity winter jacket is all you'll need. I'm in Kamloops [British Columbia, Canada] and never get cold in it."
Best Wool Maternity Jacket
Kimi and Kai Paisley Wool Blend Maternity Duffle Coat
A cozy, chic wool coat can make even the coldest of winters a bit more bearable. This Kimi and Kai Wool Blend Maternity Duffle Coat has all the essential elements to keep you warm. The deep front pockets are sure to keep hands toasty, and the removable hood adds an extra layer of warmth. The toggle buttons are absolutely adorable, and covers up the interior zipper. While some wool coats can feel stiff, this one has a bit of movement, thanks to the a-line design that skims over your hips and growing belly. Many moms loved that this coat doesn’t look like maternity wear, providing a stylish option. Keep in mind that it does run large, as many ordered an entire size down from pre-pregnancy.
Size range: XS-L
Material: Wool
Best Maternity Parka
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Waterfall Parka
For that classic parka style, you can't go wrong with this ASOS Maternity Waterfall Parka. The jacket has a longer hem, hitting below the hips, and is perfect for chillier climates. What we really love is the addition of the drawstrings at the hem and around the interior waist, allowing you to adjust the coat for a better fit. The notched collar looks especially fashionable, while the soft faux fur material is sure to keep you feeling snug and toasty. The sleeves provide just enough space so you can easily and comfortably layer a heavy sweater underneath for colder months. Yet, it's a great lightweight option for wearing during spring or fall or in areas where winters aren't too cold. Its roomy design allows plenty of room for a growing belly, but it doesn’t look overly like a maternity coat if you want to wear post-pregnancy, too.
Size range: 2-16
Material: Cotton, nylon, and polyester
Best Down Maternity Coat
Modern Eternity Lightweight Down 3-in-1 Maternity/Nursing Jacket
A good down coat is important in especially cold climates, as it provides plenty of warmth and insulation. A favorite brand among the WTE community, Modern Eternity has a solid option for moms-to-be, with its lightweight 3-in-1 down maternity coat. The down and feather fill is warm without being overly bulky or stifling, instead maintaining a lightweight fit. While some puffers and down coats can be pretty shapeless, we love that this one has a defined silhouette, whether you're wearing it during pregnancy or choose to remove the extender and wear it after the baby is born. There are also a few small but important details that make it stand out, such as the elastic in the hem for extra comfort and sleeve cuffs to keep the jacket more insulated on those breezy days. And because it's a 3-in-1 maternity coat, you'll get tons of use out of it while pregnant and afterward, whether you’re wearing baby or using it as a normal coat.
Size range: XS-XL
Material: Nylon, down, feather fill
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