About Maternity Wear

Features

Maternity clothes have to accommodate a growing belly, breasts and even hips. Additional volume, width and length are all required in order to fit through all or most of a pregnancy. Ideally, they should also mix and match well, since most women will be managing on a limited wardrobe during their pregnancies. More and more companies are producing stylish maternity wear, including offerings from popular and affordable retailers like Old Navy.

When you will need maternity wear depends upon your frame, how many pregnancies you have had, how you carry and even what you wore previously. Some women run straight for the local Motherhood store as soon as there are two lines on the test, while others wait until the last possible minute. If you are buying early, keep in mind that you will need additional width and length in your garments. A maternity pant expander or belly band may let you wear your regular pants and skirts a bit longer, especially if you favor longer and looser fitting shirts. You may even find that you need a few more items late in pregnancy to get you through the last few weeks.

The fit of maternity pants, underwear and skirts causes far more controversy than anyone might expect. Traditionally, maternity pants included a large cotton knit belly pouch that began just above the pubic bone and ended below the breasts. This style works all the way through pregnancy, but can show beneath shirts. More recently, designers began offering under belly style pants and skirts. These are ideal for women used to low rise pants. A final option is the fold-over ribbed waist panel. This can be worn either under or over the belly. Most women find garments that cut across the belly uncomfortable and may find that the skin is especially sensitive and easily irritated. Soft, natural fiber fabrics are ideal.

Choosing the right size can be a challenge when shopping for maternity clothes. Many first-time moms find themselves visiting their local shops at around 16 weeks, when they are barely showing and just outgrowing their regular wardrobes. While all maternity shops do offer belly pillows to help with fit, these cannot predict how much growth room is needed. Fortunately, many maternity garments do incorporate some amount of stretch for added comfort. Taller pregnant women often find that they have little issue with width, but substantial problems with the length of maternity tops. Local maternity shops may be able to help with sizing suggestions.

Plan a small but versatile maternity wardrobe, choosing pieces based on your lifestyle and needs. If friends offer hand-me-downs, accept them. Even if an item is not your style, you may find that you are in dire need of a clean shirt and grateful for what you have. Consider investing a bit more in a few basic pieces, especially if you need professional attire. You will likely wear each garment far more than you would have worn a non-maternity piece and wear and tear can take a toll on inexpensive maternity clothes.