You won’t require maternity clothes until you’re between 12 and 18 weeks pregnant, but you’ll need the essentials as your pregnancy advances, including maternity pants and leggings, blouses, and a stylish pregnancy dress for your baby shower (if you’re having one). When it comes to pregnancy attire, comfort is vital, but exhibiting your particular style is also possible. There are several possibilities if you’re seeking for cheap maternity clothes or plus-size maternity apparel. Many of the things will likely still be worn after you give birth, allowing you to get more bang for your budget.
Shopping for maternity clothes may make you feel enthusiastic – or maybe a little overwhelmed – but one thing is certain: your wardrobe will alter as your pregnant body changes. Maternity apparel has gone a long way over the years, and there are now a plethora of alternatives that make it simple (and fun!) to flaunt your own unique pregnant style. Here’s everything you need to know about maternity clothes, from what to look for to where to buy them.
When to buy maternity clothes
Purchase a few basic items early in your pregnancy, such as elastic leggings and long blouses, to help you get through the first trimester and beyond. You can buy maternity clothes whenever you like, but you won’t need to start wearing them until you’re between 12 and 18 weeks pregnant, which is when most women start to show.
Pregnant women who start their pregnancy at a healthy weight acquire one to five pounds on average in the first trimester. Even if you don’t gain much weight or don’t feel pregnant at first, your body is changing. During pregnancy, you’re likely to experience extra gas and bloating, which can make wearing your regular clothes uncomfortable.
It’s common to have a phase where your usual clothing don’t fit, but you’re also not ready to wear maternity clothes just yet. During this transitional period, look for soft knits, athleisure, loose-fitting blouses, large cardigans, and roomy dresses in your collection.
Empire waisted tops and dresses with billowy fabric will fall gently over an expanding belly and won’t seem overly tent-like. These goods can also come in handy if you aren’t ready to announce your pregnancy yet and want to keep nosy friends and coworkers at bay.
While maternity pants are unavoidable, there are a few DIY techniques to extend the life of your jeans. To wear over jeans that won’t button or zip, construct a belly band out of an old shirt, or thread a hair elastic through your buttonhole for a simple, improvised waistline extender. Learn how to transform your ordinary clothes into pregnancy wear.
It’s good to put off buying the remainder of your maternity clothes until you’re in your second trimester, especially since you can’t foresee how big your belly will get. Before you go shopping, see if any of your mom friends have any hand-me-downs to give you — you’ll be able to buy just what you need to complete the rest of your maternity outfit.
What to look for when you buy maternity clothes
When shopping for pregnant clothes, search for products that will stretch with you, such as flexible fabrics, adjustable straps, and ruched-side blouses. Avoid anything too see-through or that doesn’t provide a comfortable amount of coverage unless you’re layering. Because your breasts will fluctuate throughout pregnancy, maternity tank tops with increased support may be useful.
Although most of these items will only be worn for three to six months, you still want them to last for this pregnancy and any future ones.
Maternity sizing is the same as regular sizing; if you’re a medium in regular clothes, you’ll be a medium in maternity clothes as well. (To learn more about how maternity clothing sizes work, go here.) Try on items in the store to ensure that they fit properly. Also, before adding products to your cart, verify online return policies so you may buy a lot of stuff and return what doesn’t work.
You’ll want to have the following maternity clothing essentials:
- a couple of pairs of maternity jeans or pants (plus, if it’s warm where you live, shorts)
- For work, maternity pants or a skirt in a business-casual style are ideal.
- Leggings for pregnant women: These are essentials!
- At the very least, a couple maternity blouses or tank tops that are stretchy.
- Layering with an oversized cardigan or blazer
- Whether it’s maternity loungewear or sporty apparel for activity, there’s something for everyone.
- Dresses for expecting mothers (Even if you don’t generally wear dresses, they may be more comfortable in the third trimester if pants become too tight.)
- A warm maternity coat, especially if you live somewhere chilly.
- If you’re having a baby shower or maternity photoshoot, wear something you love.
Remember to wear maternity bras during your pregnancy, since your cup size and band size (the circumference across your back) will increase. Time your old bras might work for a while, you’ll soon crave the comfort and expandability of a maternity or nursing bra. (Having a couple nursing bras on hand now can come in handy later if you decide to nurse.) See which maternity and nursing bras moms choose for inspiration.
It’s also a good idea to have some maternity underwear on hand. They’ll be more comfortable, and you won’t have to stretch out all of your favourite pairs of underwear.
You might be puffy, fatigued, and uncomfortable in the third trimester (or all three! ), and ready to toss all your pregnancy style standards out the window. It’s a fantastic opportunity to pick up a few more dresses that are devoid of suffocating buttons, zippers, and waistbands.
Where can I get maternity clothing?
There’s no shortage of cute maternity clothes out there for you, from workhorse denim and haute-couture fashion to functional separates and bold swimwear perfect for that tropical babymoon you’re already planning. Maternity fashion is a $10 billion (and growing!) industry, and if you’re ready to shop, there’s no shortage of cute maternity clothes out there for you, from workhorse denim and haute-couture fashion to functional separates and bold swimwear See which maternity apparel brands moms-to-be recommend.
Plus-size maternity clothes
Plus-size maternity clothes that are fashionable are simpler to come by than they used to be. Even though alternatives for plus-size pregnant women are still limited, a rising number of maternity retailers are now offering more inclusive sizing. Plus-size companies have also introduced their own maternity collections, allowing expectant mothers to flaunt their baby bumps in style.
Many big maternity clothing companies have limited – if any – plus-size selections in-store, so shopping online is your best bet for the most possibilities. Plus-size pregnant sizing is the same as regular plus-size sizing, but you should still take your measurements and consult a maternity size guide before placing an order. Sizing varies greatly depending on the retailer.
When it comes to plus-size pregnant apparel, the same advice applies: Wear what makes you happy! Prioritize comfort, search for materials and pieces that will grow with you, and prioritise comfort.
Cheap maternity clothes
It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a maternity wardrobe you’ll only wear for a few weeks – especially if you feel like you’re growing into a new size every few weeks. Fortunately, budget-conscious consumers can discover inexpensive maternity clothing in a variety of places.
Many major retailers have extended their maternity sections, either by developing their own lines or collaborating with high-fashion companies on lower-cost capsule collections. Other useful hints include: Shop the clearance racks, look for coupon codes before making an online purchase, and take advantage of end-of-season discounts. Secondhand maternity boutiques are another fantastic place to look for gently worn (or even brand new) pregnancy clothing.
Pregnancy apparel swaps, sales, and freebies can also be found in your local neighbourhood parent or social media groups. There are businesses that rent out maternity apparel where you can discover designer looks without the designer price tag if you have a particular occasion to attend, such as a wedding. If you have mom friends or acquaintances from church, school, or work, they may have bags of maternity clothes that they no longer need.
After you deliver your kid, you’ll wear a lot of your pregnant clothes (especially those soft, worn-in maternity leggings): Your post-baby belly won’t go away overnight, and your uterus will take six to eight weeks to recover to normal size after giving birth. Knowing this may make the price of some of these things seem less daunting.
Cute maternity outfits to try
The most important “law” of maternity fashion is to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Consider these pregnancy clothing and look for maternity style ideas on social media.
Maternity gowns
Wrap dresses are a popular choice. Wrap dresses should be embraced, or better yet, let them hug you. At the office and on weekend date nights, you’ll look put-together. As your baby grows, you can modify where the tie is placed, eventually turning the dress into an empire-waisted gown with definition between your chest and your bump.
Maxi dresses are really popular right now. The maxi dress is an ankle-length garment that easily transitions from the office to the grocery store and beyond, making it one of the most popular pregnant dresses. They’re frequently made of lightweight fabric that won’t suffocate you in the summer, and they’re easy to layer with a light jacket or cardigan in the cooler months.
See more pregnancy clothes that expectant mothers adore.
A stretched tee and maternity jeans
A pair of traditional dark denim bootcut or pregnant thin jeans is highly flexible. And, like so many other expectant parents, you could fall in love with the elastic fabric in the waistband and never want to wear conventional jeans again.
Leggings for pregnancy and a flowy top
For an effortless, put-together style, pair leggings with a tunic or loose-fitting top (or, in the winter, a cosy oversized sweater). The greatest pregnancy leggings can also be used as pyjamas or gym pants if you prefer versatile attire.
Playful accessories
Accessorize your little black maternity dress with vibrant jewellery, bright scarves, and attractive – and comfortable! – shoes (just be careful with extra-high heels). What’s the best part? These beauties will be around long when your pregnancy clothing are no longer available.
FAQ
- When should you start wearing maternity clothes?
Around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, you may need to start wearing larger clothing. When a woman is about 6 months pregnant, she usually switches to maternity clothing.
- What maternity clothes do you actually need?
You Only Need 8 Pieces of Clothing While Pregnant
A Belly Band.
A Giant Sack Dress.
A fitted dress with ruching around the waist.
An uncomplicated maternity tee or tank.
Maternity Jeans of Superior Quality.
A bra that adapts to your changing needs.
Shoes that are a half-size larger than you normally require.
A Maternity Swimsuit or a Coat That Actually Closes - Should I buy maternity clothes or just bigger sizes?
The most important piece of advice? Purchase regular clothing that is one or two sizes larger than your current size and wear it during your pregnancy. Furthermore, these pieces can serve as excellent transitional pieces after your pregnancy, when your body has not fully returned to its pre-baby size. Wear low-rise pants to hide your expanding stomach.
- How many sizes do you go up during pregnancy?
If you are not pregnant but are attempting to get pregnant at the time of your bridesmaid dress purchase, we recommend ordering one size higher. If you do become pregnant, there will be enough room in your dress for you to grow into before the wedding.
