How to Buy Maternity Clothes

Pregnancy is the best explanation for why your favorite jeans don't fit anymore. Some women need new clothes within the first month of pregnancy, while others can still fit into their clothes for up to eight months. Many department stores carry their own line of maternity clothes, while other stores specialize in maternity clothes. The following steps will help you buy maternity clothes.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Money
• Transportation
• Internet connection
• Fake belly for future purchases
• Maternity store

1. Find stores that have a maternity line or that specialize in maternity clothes. Locating a maternity store is as easy as looking through your new parenting magazines or taking a trip to your local mall.

2. Visit the store where you plan on purchasing clothes. It is helpful to go to a store that will have staff available to assist you. They can often help you pick out a few necessities that you will wear throughout the pregnancy.

3. Choose a few different styles to try on. Stores that specialize in maternity clothes often have fake bellies that you can put on to see how clothes will fit you later in your pregnancy. These bellies are extremely helpful when making significant purchases because you can see how long you will be able to fit into the clothing.

4. Narrow down the styles to the ones that you like the best and are the most comfortable. Include a few signature pieces that you can mix and match.

5. Choose the color or pattern you like best, or that flatters you most. Smaller patterns are more figure-flattering on a growing belly.

6. Make the purchase, and enjoy your new clothes for the next few months.

Tips & Warnings

• The Internet can be a great resource for finding a maternity line near you.

• Shop a few different stores, if you have the time. Specialty stores offer personalized service, but can be pricey. Visit these stores in the beginning to get an idea of the pieces of clothing you need and to be fit properly. Then shop department stores that are often cheaper, but do not offer personal services.

• Choose pieces that are functional, comfortable and look nice. Buying trendy pieces that don't fit well will only result in regrets and wasted money.

• Buy only a few pieces at first. Your body will change quickly and your clothes will begin to fit differently. Also, friends and family members may also hand down pieces that will be extremely functional and comfortable.

• Take friends with you and have fun. What a great reason to shop!

• Be careful not to get too carried away the first time you go shopping. It is easy to be swept up in the fun of imagining the next few months, but buying an entire wardrobe in your first trimester may not be a smart idea.

• Always choose comfort over style. In the coming months, you will be extremely uncomfortable at times and you do not want your clothes to add on to your stress.