When To Start Wearing Maternity Clothes And What To Wear When Pregnant
First off, congratulations on your pregnancy! Whilst growing a baby can be a wonderful and beautiful time it can also be filled with overwhelming and frustrating emotions, especially when it comes to feeling comfortable, feeling like yourself and working out what maternity clothing you need to get through the full nine months.
You might have lots of questions like when do you actually buy maternity clothes? Which maternity clothes do you need? How do you find comfy maternity clothing? And which maternity basics will work best with your existing wardrobe?
If getting dressed whilst pregnant is turning out to be more of a mum-to-be minefield than you’d anticipated, read on to discover our ultimate guide on maternity dressing. We’ll (hopefully) answers your questions, share plenty of tips, reveal when you should start buying and wearing maternity clothes, and, of course, give you some easy outfit ideas for every occasion too.
Happy bump dressing, you got this.
When To Buy Maternity Clothes?
When it comes to pregnancy, no two bodies are the same. All bumps and bodies grow at different times and at different rates. For some, their bust might have a growth before anything else, whilst others might feel more bloated than usual even in the very early weeks. It’s important to note that there is no right answer on when the best time to move over into maternity clothes is.
Our advice? It completely depends on the individual, but if you’re struggling to feel comfortable in your usual clothes then it’s likely time to invest in a few key pieces. This could be as early as 6-8 weeks pregnant or it might be a bit further down the line as you head into your second trimester.
The first maternity clothes you might want to consider are maternity leggings. They’re a staple for many as they allow plenty of room for a growing bump, are easy to style and, most importantly, are incredibly comfortable. They are a maternity basic you’ll find you come back to again and again.
For other trousers, it’s worth knowing that you can prolong the life in your usual jeans or work trousers by undoing the top button and using a hair band to add an extra inch. Once this no longer works or feels right for you, it’s time to move into maternity trousers.
Remember that your body will continue to grow and change over the length of the pregnancy, so whilst many maternity clothes allow plenty of stretch to accommodate this, it might be worth shopping your pregnancy wardrobe as you go. That way you will avoid buying things that will only fit for a short period of time.
For other trousers, it’s worth knowing that you can prolong the life in your usual jeans or work trousers by undoing the top button and using a hair band to add an extra inch. Once this no longer works or feels right for you, it’s time to move into maternity trousers.
Remember that your body will continue to grow and change over the length of the pregnancy, so whilst many maternity clothes allow plenty of stretch to accommodate this, it might be worth shopping your pregnancy wardrobe as you go. That way you will avoid buying things that will only fit for a short period of time.
How To Shop For Maternity Clothes
When buying maternity clothes throughout your pregnancy it’s important to ask yourself a few things: is it comfortable? Will it work in my wardrobe? And does it fit me? If the answer to all three is yes, then it’s an absolute maternity wardrobe staple.
Here are some more of our top tips for buying maternity clothing…
Tip 1
It’s impossible to know how your body will change throughout your pregnancy, even if it’s not your first time. Every pregnancy is different, so try not to buy anything too fitted unless it has plenty of stretch.
Tip 2
It’s likely you’ll have some regular clothes in your wardrobe which will work for part - if not all - of your pregnancy. Things like floaty dresses and tops might accommodate a growing bump and are perfect in the summertime. Whilst oversized blazers, trench coats and winter coats will work brilliantly as cover-ups even whilst heavily pregnant. Go through what you already have and then work out what you need to fill in your maternity clothes gap
Tip 3
Think about clothes that might work for your post-partum period too. Your body will likely keep on changing once the baby is born and it’s important you feel comfortable. Items like maternity leggings and loungewear will be invaluable in the early days and weeks. Whilst items like maternity dungarees, vests and oversized shirts that have easy feeding access (if you choose to breastfeed) could be just as useful.
Tip 4
Think about your lifestyle and ensure you buy maternity clothes to cater for it. If you work in an office, make sure you invest in smart maternity trousers and some floaty blouses and shirts, and if you are keen to have an active pregnancy then maternity activewear is a must.
Tip 5
If you’re unsure about an item but it just feels right, then go with it. It’s important to not just have maternity clothes that fit comfortably, but to have items that make you feel great too.
The Maternity Clothing Basics
There are some maternity pieces that just work in every wardrobe. Items that help you feel supported and comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Here’s our pick of the best maternity basics…
Maternity black leggings – Perfect for chilling at home with an oversized t-shirt and having some well-earned rest, but also great for layering with a long vest or shirt for a comfortable and easy maternity outfit.
Maternity jeans – You might just stick to one pair of maternity jeans or several pairs in different cuts and colours. They come in two-options: over-bump and under-bump, which one you go for is up to personal taste and comfort.
Maternity longer tops – Having a selection of basic maternity tees that have plenty of stetch for your growing bump is incredibly useful. Go for classic colours like white and grey that will go with everything already in your wardrobe to make them more versatile. Long-sleeved striped versions are great too and can be dressed up or down.
Maternity dresses – Floaty dresses are a great option as they have plenty of room to accommodate your changing body and they can be worn for work or for fancier occasions like going out for dinner. You could also consider a more fitted jersey style that will stretch over your bump, even if it’s not something you’d usually opt for.
Maternity underwear – Pregnancy is a great time to update your underwear drawer. You’ll likely want underwear that’s breathable, soft, and supportive. If your boobs feel tender, then opt for a bralette or specified maternity bra and when it comes to knickers, stretchy cotton briefs will offer up maximum comfort throughout the nine months (and beyond).
Maternity coats and jackets – You might already have great jackets and coats that are oversized enough to cater to pregnancy (especially if you are due in the summer months and only need them in the early trimesters), but if not it’s something to consider in your maternity wardrobe. Invest in bigger styles that can be worn post-pregnancy or choose maternity versions to ensure they fully cater to your body.
How To Nail Dressed-Up Maternity Style
When buying maternity clothes throughout your pregnancy it’s important to ask yourself a few things: is it comfortable? Will it work in my wardrobe? And does it fit me? If the answer to all three is yes, then it’s an absolute maternity wardrobe staple.
