Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and a whole lot of love. But, as your body changes to accommodate your little one, your wardrobe needs to evolve, too. Thankfully, maternity fashion has come a long way, offering comfortable, versatile, and durable options that are as stylish as your regular clothes.
This article aims to guide you through the process of choosing practical, timeless maternity clothes that will have you looking and feeling fantastic throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
What’s the Scoop on Maternity Sizes?
First, let's talk about maternity sizes. If you're new to maternity wear, you might be wondering whether you need to buy larger sizes than usual. But guess what? Maternity sizes correspond to your pre-pregnancy sizes.
That means if you were a size medium before you got pregnant, you'll likely still be a medium in maternity clothes. But remember, every woman's body responds differently to pregnancy, so always choose what feels most comfortable to you.
Maternity clothes are designed with clever features that adjust to your changing body through each trimester. From stretchy fabrics to adjustable waistbands and ruched details, these features help the clothes adapt as your baby bump grows. When you're shopping for maternity clothes, look for these accommodating elements that offer both comfort and style.
First Trimester: Starting Your Maternity Wardrobe
In your first trimester, you might not need to switch to maternity clothes just yet, but it's an excellent time to start planning your maternity wardrobe. Start with a few maternity pieces that can grow with your bump.
Versatile items like ruchedt-shirts and stretchymaternity leggings are perfect for this early stage. They provide the necessary stretch for your gradually growing bump and can be styled in multiple ways.
Our selection at Motherhood Maternity is a great place to start when it comes to pregnancy clothes. We offer a variety of styles, from comfortable loungewear to on-trend tops and dresses, catering to all your maternity fashion needs.
Remember, the key to a great maternity wardrobe lies in versatility and comfort. So, take your time, explore different brands and styles, and choose items that resonate with your personal style and lifestyle needs.
Second Trimester: Expanding Your Maternity Wardrobe
As you enter your second trimester, your baby bump will start to become more noticeable, and you'll likely find that your regular clothes are no longer comfortable or flattering. This is the perfect time to invest in a few essential maternity pieces.
Maternity Jeans
Maternity jeans are a must for pregnant women. Look for options with an adjustable waistband or our patented Secret Fit Belly feature, which provides a smooth and secure fit around your growing bump.
You can find maternity denim in all styles, from skinny jeans to mom jeans. Pair them with comfy, stretchy tops like a ruched t-shirt or a long sleeve sweater for a casual, chic look.
Maternity Bra
With your body continually changing during this phase, a well-fitted maternity bra can make all the difference. Our Wrap Maternity and Nursing Sleep Cotton Bra, for instance, is perfect for expecting mothers, offering lift and ease as you cuddle or snuggle your way to bed.
The cozy cotton, stretchy spandex, and easy pull-over breastfeeding access make this bra perfect from your first trimester to new motherhood. Plus, it’s made without wires, clasps, or clips so that you can be as comfortable as possible.
In addition to the sleep bra, we also offer the Wireless Maternity and Nursing Bra. This piece, which features a discrete clip-down function, is made of stretchable nylon material. It beautifully adjusts to your curves and offers complete coverage, precisely the way you would want during this stage of your journey.
Maternity Dresses
Another key player in your second-trimester wardrobe is our versatile maternity dresses. Timeless styles, such as midi and maxi dresses with empire waistlines, provide room for your growing bump and seamlessly transition from casual to formal settings.
Our wrap dress styles are also classic, timeless pieces that never go out of style, making them a worthy investment for your pregnancy wardrobe. Plus, these dresses are perfect for any baby showers you may be having.
Cardigans
With changing seasons or simply for an added layer of comfort, include a couple of our cardigans in your maternity wardrobe. These outerwear pieces are perfect for layering over dresses or tops, making them a go-to for cooler days or air-conditioned environments.
Third Trimester: Emphasizing Comfort and Functionality
In your third trimester, comfort should be your top priority. At this stage, your body is preparing for the final stretch of pregnancy, so opt for clothes that are easy to wear and offer plenty of room for your growing bump.
Loose-Fitting Tops
Loose-fitting tops are your best friend during the third trimester. They provide adequate space for your growing bump and ensure you stay comfortable and stylish. At Motherhood, we offer a range of options that meet these requirements, from tunic tops to oversized shirts.
Maternity Leggings
As your belly continues to grow, you may find yourself gravitating towards the comfiest maternity pants: maternity leggings. Leggings aren’t just activewear anymore — instead, they’re a closet staple that’s perfect for days when you’re running errands or lounging at home.
For instance, our Secret Fit Maternity Crop Leggings are designed to provide support for your belly while also helping you to stay comfortable throughout every phase of your pregnancy. For added comfort, pair these with a maternity sweatshirt.
Maternity Overalls
Our Side Panel Letdown Hem Maternity Overalls are a fun and stylish option for your third trimester. They offer a laid-back chill vibe, whether you throw them over a tank top in the spring or a sweater in the fall. Plus, these overalls are designed to grow brilliantly with your bump, promising a perfect fit no matter the stage of your pregnancy.
If you’re not a fan of overalls but like the simplicity they offer, you can’t go wrong with a good jumpsuit. A high-quality maternity jumpsuit will grow with you through pregnancy and beyond.
Maternity Swimsuit
Let's not forget about swimwear, an essential in the wardrobe of many expectant mothers. Our Beach Bump Maternity Wrap One Piece Swimsuit is the perfect addition. This suit flatters any trimester and is designed with UPF 50+ fabric, making it ideal for the long beach or poolside days of summertime.
Postpartum: Transitioning From Maternity Clothes
After your baby is born, your body won't instantly snap back to its pre-pregnancy shape. That's perfectly okay, and your maternity clothes can continue to be a comfortable option during the postpartum period.
Many maternity pieces are designed to double up as nursing clothes, making the transition easier. Look for nursing tops and dresses with nursing access, like wrap or button-down styles. Nursing bras are also crucial during this period for comfortable breastfeeding.
If you're looking to regain some pre-pregnancy shape, postpartum shapewear can be a valuable addition to your wardrobe. These pieces offer support and gentle compression to help you feel more comfortable and confident. Check out our maternity line for affordable postpartum shapewear options.
Keep in mind that adjusting to postpartum life takes time and patience, and your clothes should support you in this journey. Opt for items that offer comfort, functionality, and make you feel good about yourself.
Wrapping Things Up
Embracing your pregnancy doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. By choosing practical, versatile, and timeless maternity pieces, you can navigate your pregnancy in comfort and style. From your first trimester to postpartum, investing in a few key pieces will ensure you're well-dressed for every stage of your pregnancy journey.
Remember, the best maternity fashion is all about celebrating your changing body and the incredible journey you're on. So embrace your baby bump, experiment with your maternity style, and most importantly, enjoy this special time in your life.
Sources:
Changes During Pregnancy | ACOG
2nd Trimester Pregnancy: What To Expect, Development & Tests | Cleveland Clinic
Postpartum period: three distinct but continuous phases | PMC
