If you’ve got to the stage in your pregnancy where your current wardrobe is starting to feel a little restricted and tight, it might be time to buy some maternity clothes. There are so many kinds of maternity wear you can buy, with every piece claiming to be the best for your pregnancy. In this article, we take a look at what you should look for when buying maternity clothing.
Stretchy material
Accommodating your growing body can be a challenge; it’s tricky to predict what size maternity clothing you’ll need in a few months or towards the end of your pregnancy. When buying maternity clothing, opt for stretchy materials. This will allow you more flexibility throughout your pregnancy.
Elastic and ruching
When you look at maternity clothing, most have hidden elastic and ruching detailing, so they will grow as your bump grows. This helps the item work when you have a small bump, and you can keep wearing it throughout your pregnancy without any issues.
Is it too sheer?
Some cheaper maternity clothes will become sheer when they’re stretched. Always check when you’re trying them on if you can see through the material when stretched. This will prevent you from buying items that become unusable in the latter months of your pregnancy.
Review your current clothes
Before heading to the shops or buying new maternity clothes online, try on items you already have. You might already have some great items in your wardrobe that will stretch and work for you during maternity. You can also raid your partner’s wardrobe if they don’t mind; you might find something in there that looks great or works for relaxing around the house.
Layers
You’re likely to feel extra hot during your pregnancy, so layers are an excellent way to stop you from overheating. You can add more layers if you feel cold and remove a layer when things get too warm. Items of thin and airy clothing are also good for keeping you cool, especially during the summer months.
Look for nursing features
If you plan on breastfeeding, buying maternity clothing with built-in nursing features can make things much easier when the baby arrives. Most nursing features are cleverly designed to look like a part of the top, dress or shirt, so you won’t even notice. When shopping for maternity dresses and tops, you may see they mention nursing features or have detachable straps you can utilise when breastfeeding; look out for this. By buying nursing and maternity clothing combined, you can minimise costs and avoid more shopping trips when your baby arrives.
Go minimalistic
When buying maternity clothing, you should try to select pieces that you’ll wear several times. This will reduce the cost and prevent wastage, choose pieces that work well together and can be combined with items in your current wardrobe to create several different unique maternity outfits. Clothing such as an oversize jumper from the women’s or men’s section of the store will look great throughout your pregnancy and can also be worn afterwards.
Get the right underwear
One of the most important things to get right when you’re shopping for maternity clothes is comfortable underwear. Maternity underwear might not be the prettiest, but it will provide you with the comfort and support you need as your baby grows. Your breasts will grow, and you’ll need additional support to minimise back pain. In addition, you don’t want tight waistbands digging into your stomach.
Shop second-hand
Consider buying second-hand maternity clothing if you’re on a budget. Often women buy maternity wear for a particular occasion and then sell them afterwards. You can pick up some excellent bargains and clothing that has barely been worn. Local charity shops and online listing websites are good places to seek out second-hand maternity wear.
Buy clothes you feel confident wearing
Practicality is great, but it’s also important to buy clothes you feel comfortable and confident wearing. Your changing body can bring up mixed emotions, but wearing the right maternity clothes will help to increase your confidence. Pick items that match your style and make you feel more like yourself, especially for important events.
By following these tips, you can get through your whole pregnancy looking great and feeling comfortable and confident. Whilst also saving money and preparing for the next exciting chapter of your life.
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