A smart guide on maternity clothing for every new momma-to-be

  • cm_admin - February 17, 2024
maternity clothing

Soon going to be a mom is the most beautiful feeling in the world for any woman. However, as the baby bump slowly starts to grow, many still stress over ‘’what should I wear now?’’. Well, maternity clothing is your answer.

They are anything but boring. Maternity apparel such as tees, leggings, dresses, and more are carefully designed by the clothing manufacturers, keeping in mind your style and comfort.

Want to know about these clothes from scratch? Keep reading!

How maternity apparel used to be

The history of maternity clothes is quite fascinating.

During the 1600s-1700s, maternity apparel used to be loose and had a lot of material in it. The belly shape was often covered with gathers and ruffles or other decorations.

During the 1800s, maternity dresses were pretty similar to regular fashion but women still wore corsets.

During the early 1900s, women continued to use corsets. However, the overall shape did a lot to cover the pregnant belly.

Women wore maternity shapewear in the form of girdles in the 1930s. In the 1940s, ladies went for A-line and flared skirts.

During the 1950s to 60s, with ribbons and ruffles, the dresses and tops were bigger than ever before.

Flowy dresses in ethnic patterns were pretty popular during the 1970s as they accommodated the growing waistline well.

Big collars and bows in maternity clothes served to distract from the growing tummy during the 1980s.

From the 1990s, maternity tees, jeans, and other innovations started to change the way pregnant women dressed.

Reliable fabrics for maternity wear

Comfort is prime when it comes to maternity clothing. Going for the right material can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel during pregnancy. Given below is a list that talks about which fabrics are a must during this time:

Linen- A natural and breathable material, linen is perfect for maternity clothes. It’s airy and lightweight (which makes it a great option, especially for the summers).

Modal- Modal is a stretchable and soft material that is great for maternity clothing. Crafted from natural fibers, it’s known for its moisture-wicking properties and breathability.

Cotton- Cotton is a natural, soft, breathable, and easy-to-care-for material. It keeps you cool and comfortable during pregnancy.

Bamboo- Bamboo is a breathable, lightweight, and soft material. Since it’s natural and sustainable, this makes it not only better for the baby but for the planet as well.

Elastane- A stretchable material, elastane is often used in the making of maternity wear to offer comfort and support. It’s also known as Lycra or spandex.

Maternity clothing staples that every mum-to-be needs

If you don’t have the budget and energy to give a complete maternity makeover to your wardrobe, just add these 5 essentials:

  • Maternity bras

Your breasts become heavier, larger, and more tender in preparation for breastfeeding when you are pregnant. As a result, your regular bras start feeling too tight and uncomfortable on your chest. Switching to maternity bras not only supports your breasts during pregnancy but also offers one-handed, fast access to your breasts for feeding the baby after delivery.

  • Maternity tees

Maternity tees come next. Available in different designs, they are the perfect pieces to invest in as they flatter your growing bump without restricting your movement. Some even display built-in nursing features such as invisible zips for discreet access (which makes breastfeeding super smooth for new mothers).

  • Maternity shorts

Chafing is a common skin issue that women face during pregnancy. Think about adding a few anti-chafing maternity shorts to your wardrobe to prevent it. The versatile, comfortable, and practical maternity shorts are mainly constructed to help prevent thigh chafing which can be both irritating and highly uncomfortable when you are pregnant.

  • Maternity leggings

Maternity leggings are a must-have in every pregnant woman’s closet as gone are those days when being pregnant meant ‘sitting idle, doing nothing’. These days, many ladies participate in light exercising and yoga as it’s good for not only the mother but the baby as well. Maternity leggings constructed from premium cotton-jersey blend are quite popular.

  • Maternity Dresses

During pregnancy, every woman deserves to look glamorous, and pretty maternity dresses help with that. Whether it’s a maternity photoshoot or a baby shower, such dresses offer you the very look you want. When you opt for the ones that come with a full zipper closure, it gives you a different look.

What to remember when buying maternity clothes

You need to memorize these useful tips before buying maternity clothes:

Opt for breathable and stretchable materials

Go for breathable and stretchable materials as they will offer you the utmost comfort and flexibility during this time.

Go for large clothes

When it comes to size, going for large clothes will be ideal as they will offer you the freedom of movement that you would want.

Stay Active and Comfortable with Maternity Workout Clothes

Staying active during pregnancy is important, and maternity workout clothes are designed to provide comfort and support for expecting mothers. These specially designed clothes offer stretchy fabrics and adjustable features to accommodate a growing belly. They provide the necessary support for your changing body during various exercises like yoga, walking, or low-impact workouts. Maternity workout clothes are breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool and comfortable during your workouts. With a range of styles and sizes available, you can stay active and maintain your fitness routine throughout your pregnancy.

Buy based on your personal style

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you need to compromise on your fashion statement. Just think of your usual style and go for the maternity versions of your favorite clothing items.

Pick clothes that suit every season

Go for such clothes that will be perfect for every season. They should allow for cooling and breathability in summer and should also be able to keep you warm during winter.

Consider your overall comfort

This point can’t be emphasized enough. During pregnancy, comfort is a must. So, always ensure that your maternity wear is breathable and expands with your growing bump.

Choose nursing-friendly clothing

To make breastfeeding easy, look for nursing-friendly clothing when buying maternity apparel.

Maternity wear dos and don’ts

Are you wondering about the maternity clothing dos and don’ts? Here are some:

  • Do you know when to go for maternity clothes

It’s essential to know when to buy maternity clothes. When your clothes become too tight, it’s a sign that you need to invest in maternity wear.

  • Don’t compromise on quality

No matter what you are going for, never compromise on quality. Invest in premium-quality maternity clothing pieces that are engineered out of the above-mentioned materials.

  • Do go for the latest trends

Do go for the latest trends in maternity clothing. They will help you look fashionable even when pregnant. Be brave enough to pull off the latest trends with ease.

  • Don’t pick dark colors always

Don’t go for dark colors always. It’s a myth that pregnant ladies can hide behind navy, black, and brown. Flaunt your unique style and baby bump with soft pastels.

  • Do think before splurging

Even if you can afford them, it’s better to avoid purchasing the heavily-priced pieces as you won’t be pregnant forever. Instead of splurging on expensive clothes, consider buying a few simple all-purpose pieces.

  • Don’t sacrifice comfort for style

When you are pregnant, try to prioritize comfort more than anything else. Never sacrifice comfort for style.

Inspiration from pregnant celebs styling their bump

Pregnancy demands you make some adjustments to your wardrobe. If you want some cool styling tips, let these celebrities inspire you:

  • Fred Warner’s wife Sydney Warner looked like a diva during the Super Bowl game in an all-red outfit.
  • On a day out, the beautiful American actress and singer-songwriter, Aly Michalka flaunted her baby bump in a casual crop top and regular jeans.
  • As the beautiful Emily Miller expects a baby soon, she looks happy and pretty in a loose cream sweater and grey skirt. The slick ponytail gave a cute touch to her appearance.
  • Soon Ashley Iaconetti will be giving birth to her baby No. 2 and she celebrates it by posting happy pictures and videos on Instagram. In one of her videos, she was seen wearing a cream-grey sweatshirt and a pair of matching sweatpants looking beyond adorable.
  • The famed internet personality Alexa Lemieux killed it in one of her photos on Instagram where she looked effortlessly cool in matching PJs.

Maternity Fashion Trends 2024

Keen to know what’s hot and fresh in maternity fashion? These 4 trends are:

  1. When styling the bump, comfort and movement are always at the forefront for many new mum-to-be. Matching outfits are loved for their effortless but put-together looks. The famed English actress and singer-songwriter, Suki Waterhouse, looked terrific in glacier-grey colored pants and a matching long-sleeve button-down which gave off the ultimate relaxed vibes.
  2. Patterns are very much in fashion. Though loud and bold ones aren’t that much during pregnancy, soft and subtle patterns are definitely. Rose McIver looked beyond beautiful in a lightly patterned maxi dress at the 2024 Golden Globes.
  3. For growing bellies, ribbed knits will always be a favorite for many due to their amazing look and elasticity. Lately, amongst more and more pregnant mammas, chunky ribbed pieces are enjoying some attention. The longevity and versatility of this fabric generously cater to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.
  4. In late 2023, dark and bold red shades came hot and firing and won’t be going anytime soon. Why? They are slowly moving into the maternity space. Deep maroons and reds are creating a chic fashion statement.

Utilizing all the information about maternity clothing given in this blog, you will be able to pick the perfect pieces for you that will help you rock the momma style.