What You Need to Know Before Buying Maternity Clothes

• 19 Likes

As soon as you start to show signs of a baby bump, you may start to wonder if you should go out and buy maternity clothes just yet. You've probably admired the Instagram fashion blogger who manages to make dressing her pregnancy bump look chic and easy. The time has come for the reality check: Many expectant mothers struggle on a daily basis to find maternity clothes that both fit and flatter them. You'll feel and look great as you approach your due date with the help of stylish maternity wear. Find out when you should start wearing maternity clothes, which essentials every woman should have, and where to shop for the best maternity clothes available right now.

When to Shop for Maternity Clothes

Pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman. Thus, if you're wondering when to break out the maternity clothes, the answer is that it's up to you. Depending on the woman and her personal preferences, maternity clothes may be worn as early as the first trimester or as late as the ninth. Having said that, you may be ready to buy maternity clothes if you notice any of the following signs:

1. There is no longer an expectation that the top button of your pants be undone only after eating.
2. You like to wear clothes made out of Spandex.
3. Constant bloating is a constant problem for you.
4. Your belly button begins to make an appearance.
5. Your button-down shirts aren't closing properly.

These symptoms match up with the development of the baby inside the mother's womb. Some women may start to show earlier than 20 weeks, depending on factors such as their height and body type, weight gain, the number of babies in the uterus, and whether or not this is the mother's first pregnancy. The pregnancy bump tends to "pop" a little later in a first pregnancy than in subsequent pregnancies.

In the early stages of pregnancy, it's common for first-time mothers to feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of becoming mothers and of displaying their growing bellies.

But during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you might want to hold off on buying maternity clothes. During the first three months of pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of adjustments. You should start amassing your supplies around the beginning of your second trimester, when your belly begins to take form. But there's no reason to hold off on buying a maternity must-have if it goes on sale, especially if you really like it.

Tips for Purchasing Maternity Clothes

So, obviously, you should get some maternity wear. However, where to begin? In this article, we'll go over the fundamentals of a maternity wardrobe, including what to look for in high-quality maternity wear and how to determine your size.

1. How to find your maternity size

It's nearly impossible to predict how your body will change throughout pregnancy if this is your first time being pregnant. Thus, it is even more difficult to predict what size maternity clothes you will need to buy. If you were a size six before you got pregnant, chances are you'll be the same size after. But everyone is different, so your maternity size could range from an eight to a four, depending on how you carry the pregnancy. Just like when you're not expecting a baby, it's crucial that you buy clothes that are comfortable. The proportions of a person's body play a major role in this. And bear in mind that you are not experiencing uniform growth across your entire body. Ignore the maternity clothing sizing and buy what feels comfortable; some women go up several bra cup sizes before their belly shows.

2. In what quantity should one buy maternity clothes?

Choosing a few maternity wardrobe staples is a good place to start, but a lot depends on the season you're due and exactly how your body changes. At the very least, you should have at least one pair of basic black leggings (trust us, you'll live in these postpartum as well) and a couple of pairs of high-quality maternity jeans (in a wash that goes with everything). A minimum of three to five maternity T-shirts or tanks in colours that work well with your existing wardrobe should be purchased if you do not already own a few longer tops that could stretch over your bump (don't forget to shop your own closet!). You can wear them as a base layer under a chic cardigan, jacket, or blazer. Two or three dresses that can be dressed up or down are a great investment for both work and play. You may also want a more formal dress for your wedding, maternity photos, or baby shower in your later weeks of pregnancy. In addition, you may have specific seasonal needs (such as a winter coat that will zip over your growing belly or a maternity swimsuit).

What To Look For In A Maternity Clothes

Keep these cost-cutting guidelines in mind as you browse for maternity wear. You can even ride out the rough patch with a few well-chosen purchases.
How well does it stretch?

Because your bump's size will change throughout your pregnancy, from trimester to trimester, it's important to pay attention to the fabric of your maternity clothes. To increase your range of motion, look for items made from flex fabric, stretch fabric, or jersey fabric.

In order to determine sheerness, you must test it.

Sometimes you have to get down on your hands and knees and ask the sales clerk if they can see anything they shouldn't. As most maternity clothes contain some degree of stretch, it's best to try them on while you're actually moving around. When shopping for maternity clothes, watch out for items that become see-through when stretched.

Take advantage of Ruching.

It's a design detail that ensures your maternity wear can expand along with your growing belly.

Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

The terms "essentials" and "basics" are frequently used in conjunction with maternity wear. Some of these may be tried-and-true favourites from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, while others are essential maternity wear designed specifically with your growing bump in mind.

• Tees

Get yourself some white, grey, and black stretchy maternity T-shirts. This most fundamental of tops is the perfect complement to a well-fitting pair of (maternity) jeans.

• Mom jeans

It will be comforting to know that you can still slip into your old jeans even though your body is undergoing significant changes. And you may never wear regular jeans again after trying on a pair of super-comfy maternity jeans.

• Leggings

Having multiple pairs of leggings to switch out is a smart move. They are the most comfortable choice due to the way they conform to your body.

• Underwear Matters

Purchase some pretty, supportive bras and undergarments. (Many maternity bras can also be worn after giving birth, saving you money.) Putting thought into this foundational piece of clothing sets the tone for the rest of your ensemble.

• Maxi dress

 If you're starting to feel frumpy as your body and silhouette change, trying on a form-fitting version of this trendy dress style could help.

• Little Black Dresses 

You should own at least one or two little black dresses that you feel beautiful in, regardless of whether you're attending a wedding, a baby shower, or an after-work party.

• Put on a blazer and look classy

You can never go wrong with a second layer consisting of an oversized blazer. In addition to keeping you comfortable and looking great throughout your pregnancy, it can easily be resized as your belly expands.

You can use it if you have a specific body type. If you buy something with ruching in the early stages of your pregnancy, you won't have any problems as it completely adapts to your changing body.

• Don't limit yourself to pregnancy

When shopping for a maternity brand, it's helpful if they include nursing options. If you plan to breastfeed after giving birth, it's important to buy maternity clothes that make you feel confident and attractive.

The Best Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes

When you're pregnant, your body and mind go through a lot of changes, and it can feel like you're going through puberty all over again if you don't have a few maternity clothing brands on hand.

Most of us have a good sense of what's trendy at any given time, and pregnancy doesn't have to change that. There are many places to find fashionable maternity wear, including Ingrid & Isabel, GAP, Hatch Collection, and Isabella Oliver.

Pregnancy makes it difficult to find professional attire: You should dress nicely, but ease of movement is more important. To get through the day, we advise that you wear only tried and true maternity clothes. These are some of the stores you should visit, according to us: Loyal Hana, the Pod Sisters, Seraphine, and Nordstom.