The top consignment options for expectant moms in Charlotte

Gap and Old Navy no longer carry maternity clothing in store as part of the overall restructuring of the company. Destination Maternity is great, but who can afford, or wants to spend money on an entire new wardrobe while also preparing for medical expenses, setting up a nursery, and buying baby essentials?

It’s true that there are more options than ever online, but it’s hard enough shopping online for the right size, fit, and style when your weight isn’t a moving target. Plus, when you order eight pairs of work appropriate maternity pants and literally none of them fit, your hormones are much more likely to make you eat your feelings.

The good news: While there is a shortage of traditional maternity stores, there is a wide array of second hand options for expectant moms in Charlotte. Here is a list of some of the best.

Consignment sales

Green Jeans Sale: Semi-annual sale specializing in women’s clothing and accessories, including a maternity section, with locations in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Matthews (aka six sales/year).

The most recent Charlotte spring sale only yielded one rack of maternity clothing, but there were some serious treasures like a couple pairs of AG and Seven for Mankind maternity jeans for $24. There was also a Pea in the Pod wrap dress ($15) and pair of chambray pants ($8), and an Asos geometric print pant ($15) – all new with tags.

Venture out of the maternity section. I walked away with this Tory Burch cardigan for $50. I rationalized the splurge (in second hand clothing terms) since I can wear it unbuttoned during my pregnancy with my plain black Target dress, and wear it post-baby too.

This is the most high-end of the consignment sales with entire designer sections. Because if you’re going to wear maternity clothing mostly from Target, that frees up some money for these Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch and Chanel shoes… right?

There are other options like the Just Between Friends sale, The Consignment Queens All Seasons Babies, Kids, Maternity sale, and the Mothers of Multiples semi-annual sale but full disclosure, all sales are not created equally. Great for baby clothing and gear, but I would not recommend going if your sole purpose is maternity shopping.

For information on upcoming consignment sales visit this website.

Stores

Kid 2 Kid: Locations in Park Road Shopping Center, the Arboretum, and Huntersville.

A good selection of basics at great prices. These Old Navy, Gap, and Motherhood casual cotton tops were all around $5.

These J Brand pastel skinny jeans were $7 – see, GREAT prices – but don’t expect them to be freshly ironed for that amount.

Mommy and Me: Located in the Fountains Shopping Center in south Charlotte

A full wall of maternity options including a Lily Pulitzer maternity top for $25 and BCBG maternity dress for $50. The selection is limited, but the quality is solid. There are also several nursing accessories, diaper bags, and of course their specialty, children’s consignment. Whether it is something for you or your new baby, you won’t leave empty handed – you’ve been warned.

One Hott Mamma: Moved in the last month from Ballantyne to a shopping center in South Charlotte.

The largest selection and best shopping experience of all the options on this list. A wide array of brands and styles, including this pretty Liz Lange for Target maternity dress for $16.

If you like the boutique shopping feel, this is the place for you. Massive dressing rooms, bottled water, and if you have a little one, even a play room to keep them occupied.