How to Shop for Maternity Wear

If you're like the majority of women, you'll notice that by the middle of your second trimester, oversized tops and bottoms may no longer cut it. As you begin to stock up on true maternity wear, think about building a wardrobe around multiple separates that will keep you both comfortable and stylish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Maternity Dresses
• Maternity Pants
• Maternity Shorts
• Maternity Tops

1. Shop for your pre-pregnancy size. Most maternity-wear companies grade their clothes based on how each size will fill out during pregnancy.

2. Remember the stretch. Look for items that have 4 percent to 10 percent spandex or elastin, which guarantees your clothes will expand as you do.

3. Check the cuts. You want to find bottoms that have a very generous section for your growing belly, and tops with a tent or A-line shape.

4. Opt for dresses and skirts with lengths that hit the knee and below. Your growing belly will eventually pull front hems up.

5. Buy multiple tops to go with a few pairs of bottoms, varying the color depending on the season. Consider black with other darks for winter, black with brights for spring, and black with white for summer and fall.

6. Try things on whenever possible. It may look big enough, but you really want to get an idea how a waistband feels around your tummy or how comfortable your breasts will be in a given top.

Tips & Warnings

• Having twins? Shop one size up from your pre-pregnancy size.
• When buying in months five and six, make sure you have enough room to grow into your seventh and eighth month.
• For the largest selection of stylish, practical and hip maternity wear, check out the Related Sites.
• Stripes and prints may enhance your largesse. Stick to solids, especially darks, to minimize your curves.

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