Thank goodness retailers and designers have gotten on board with making more styles and options of maternity clothes for pregnant women. You don’t have to stick to baggy peasant tops and straight leg pants with uncomfortable elastic anymore. Even more important than looking stylish when pregnant is being comfortable. Below are some basic tips to get you started as you build your maternity wardrobe over the next few months.
When Will I Need to Wear Maternity Clothes
Every woman’s body is different and that is especially true during pregnancy. The amount of weight gained as well how a woman gains weight varies with each woman and with each pregnancy. Some women cannot wait to get into maternity clothes especially if it is their first pregnancy and they see wearing specially designed fashion as a part of the experience. And then other mothers-to-be want to get as much mileage as possible out of their non-maternity clothes first before making the switch.
Most women will need to start incorporating maternity clothes by the beginning to middle of their second trimester usually at about four months. Even if regular clothes fit in some areas, other areas might start getting snug and uncomfortable which will indicate when it’s time to start looking into maternity clothes.
Keep in mind, women often begin showing earlier with each pregnancy especially if the pregnancies are close together.
Shopping Too Early to Too Late
One of the most common mistakes when shopping for maternity clothes isn’t related to the clothing at all but instead the timing of your shopping. Because a woman’s body is unpredictable during pregnancy, shopping too early may cause shirts to ride up and pants to ride down once in your third trimester as it is hard to predict how your body will grow in the months to come. If you hold out too long to shop, you may find one day suddenly nothing fits comfortably and you need to rush out to purchase new clothes. The best suggestion is to purchase a few things at a time and adjust what you are purchasing as your body continues to change and grow throughout the pregnancy.
Maternity Clothes Sizing
So how do you know what size of maternity clothing should you purchase? Typically, maternity clothing is made so you maternity and non-maternity size will be the same. So if you were a size 8 or a medium prior to pregnancy, you should be able to purchase maternity clothes in the same size. To ensure comfort, we highly suggest you use a measurement guide to make sure the clothing you purchase, especially if you are ordering clothing online.
When you are trying on clothing, it may be hard to see how it will look as your bump continues to grow. Ask the store if they have the fake bellies you can strap to your waist so you can predict what the fit will be like in your 7th and 8th month as well.
Don’t Forget New Bras and Shoes
Most people focus on the expanding waist band as they progress through their pregnancy but that’s not the only body part that is growing. One of the first things we suggest you purchase are a few good maternity bras. Your breasts will swell to prepare for nursing as your continue through your trimesters so finding a really comfortable maternity bra is key. Make sure to go to a place that will measure you as well and help you find the right fit.
Underwear is another item most women don’t initially think about when purchasing maternity clothes. Depending on the style you prefer, you may purchase maternity underwear or just get a size or two larger to accommodate your baby bump. Cotton is the suggested go to fabric as it will let your skin breath adding to your comfort.
Most pregnant women will also notice their feet getting bigger. Water retention adds to the swelling of your feet and your shoes might become tight and very uncomfortable by your fifth or sixth month. Swelling isn’t the only reason to purchase some new shoes. The relaxin that loosens your joints to prepare for labor, which is also the cause for the wobble as you walk, can throw off your balance and so switching from pumps to a flat or show with a more chunky heel may be a better bet.
Maternity Clothes on a Budget
Maternity clothes can be expensive, specially knowing that you will only be wearing them for a few months. There are some ways to be stylish throughout your pregnancy while on a budget.
Making Your Non-Maternity Clothes Last Just a Bit Longer
One way is to get some more miles out of your non-maternity clothing before needing to purchase maternity clothes. At first, using a hair tie or rubber band to loop through the button hole of your pants and hook on the button can give you a little more room in the waist for your tiny bump. The next step would be to purchase a belly band which allows you to keep your non-maternity pants up without closing them. Some women really like the belly band and others find it uncomfortable. You will have to decide what is best for you. You can also purchase a size or two larger of non-maternity clothes that will give you the additional room for your growing baby bump without having to completely dive into maternity sizes for a while. Another trick it to purchase a few neutral color camisoles to wear under your shirts so that when they start to ride up, the cami makes it look fashionable.
Borrow Before You Buy
You probably know someone, or know someone who knows someone, who was recently pregnant and may lend you their wardrobe. You may also find listings on Freecycle and Craigslist for free maternity clothes.
Bargain Shopping
You may be surprised to learn that both Target and Kohls have a great selection of maternity clothes. Consignment sales are another place to snag great deals on clothes for your pregnancy.
Start with Just the Basics
As previously mentioned, start with the basics. Purchase a few staple items such as stretch leggings, maternity jeans, cami for under your shirts, a few basic tops and then move on to adding other items in your wardrobe as your body continues to change. The most important thing is to get pieces that are interchangeable so that you can mix and match them to create lots of new outfits with just a few basic pieces.
Accessories
Using accessories such as jewelry, scarves and bags can take your basics even further. Add a splash of color with your accessories and change them up. The right accessories can take a basic shirt and pants to a new level.
Common Maternity Clothing Mistakes to Watch Out For
There are a few common mistakes to watch out for when purchasing maternity clothes.
Getting Clothes that are Too Big
Purchasing tops that have no shape to them will accommodate your growing bump however will often make you look and feel frumpier than you intend. Maternity wear has really changed drastically over the years. This is an exciting time in your life so grab a few form fitting ruched-side tops and show off that bump.
Getting Shirts that are Too Short
As your baby bump grows, your shirts will start to ride up in the front. It’s best to look for longer fitting shirts that fall past your hip to give your belly some room to expand.
Getting Pants with Small Panels/Bands on Top
In your early trimesters, you might love the pants with the thin stretchy band on the top. However, in your third trimester you may find that the pants with only the thin bands on the top keep riding down below your bump or worse yet fall right in the middle of your bump making them feel uncomfortable. Finding pants that have a larger band at the top that will fit over your bump in your last trimester are often the best choice.
Wrong Fabric
Getting clothing made of the wrong fabrics can really make you feel uncomfortable. Makes sure you purchase clothing of fabric that has a stretch to it. Your mid-section isn’t the only thing that will grow when pregnant and the stretch fabric will have some give to it for the other areas of your body that might need a little more room too. Additionally, you will often be warm and choosing breathable fabric will add to your comfort.
Most Importantly, Be Comfortable
There are so many times during your pregnancy that you will feel uncomfortable. Don’t let your clothing be the reason. Use the above tips to get started and you will be well on your way to looking stylish while feeling comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
