As soon as you notice the first hint of a baby bump, you may start wondering when to buy maternity clothes. Figuring out which maternity clothes actually fit and flatter can be a daily challenge for many mums-to-be. But with the right maternity clothing, you will look – and feel – your best as you count down each trimester to your delivery day!
When Do You Need Maternity Clothing?
Maternity clothing comes in many forms, how do you know what is ideal for you or when to start wearing them? Here are some clues that you may be ready to purchase maternity clothes:
- Unbuttoning the top button of your pants is no longer reserved for after meals
- Spandex is your preferred clothing material
- Your bump starts to peek out of your shirt to say hello
- Your button-down shirts don’t actually button all the way down
Many pregnant women start to show sometime between 12 and 18 weeks. For first pregnancies, the bump typically ‘pops’ a little later than in subsequent pregnancies. When your belly starts to take shape, you want to start collecting your items. Remember that wearing tight clothing during pregnancy is generally not recommended. Aside from feeling uncomfortable, constricting garments also can lead to a host of health issues, such as pain or reduced blood circulation. If your clothes are starting to feel tight, it may be time to shop for some maternity clothes.
So all signs point to the fact that you need maternity clothes. But where to start? Read on for tips on the basics you’ll want in your maternity wardrobe, what to look for in quality maternity clothes and how to figure out the right size.
Embracing Your Changing Body With Maternity Clothing That Celebrate Your New Curves
Investing in maternity clothes that you feel beautiful and feel comfortable in for your nine months and beyond means buying clothes that fit and celebrate your changing body. Maternity clothing sizes work the same way as regular ones do, meaning, you're the same size in maternity clothes that you are in regular clothes. If you normally wear a size small, you’ll be a maternity small, too. It’s important to buy what’s comfortable—same as when you’re not pregnant. Maternity clothing has come a long way over the years and when you start showing, you might feel and look more comfortable in clothes that are tailored specifically to your changing body. Buying a few maternity clothing staples is a better option than purchasing items that are oversized and unflattering – or attempting to squeeze yourself into what’s already in your closet. Instead, opt for maternity clothing that is breathable, stretchy, soft, and/or loose-fitting. Choosing a fabric that will good against your skin is also essential, like our bamboo and eco-friendly maternity range.
Comfort is key when it comes to pregnancy clothes, but showcasing your personal style is achievable too. For instance, Whether you prefer a fitted or flowing style, the empire waist is a miracle silhouette for mums-to-be. That’s why at Maternelle, we have carefully selected clever styles that will grow with you to and have convenient hidden nursing access and babywearing options for afterwards. A flexible, flattering fit designed to last through pregnancy and ping back after baby arrives is essential for your changing body.
A few maternity wardrobe staples is a good place to start. A pair or two of quality maternity jeans will take you far, as will at least one pair of basic leggings or loungewear clothes. Trust us, you’ll live in these postpartum too. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, consider buying a minimum of three to five maternity T-shirts or tanks that pair well with your existing wardrobe. It’s also a good idea to invest in two to three versatile maternity dresses that can be dressed up or down, whether for work or play. Depending on what you’ve got planned for the later weeks of your pregnancy, you also might want a fancier dress suitable for a wedding, maternity photoshoot or your baby shower.
What about maternity and breastfeeding bras? Because your breasts grow throughout pregnancy, your regular bra size is likely going to change. Generally, your cup size will grow over the first 20 weeks or so of pregnancy, and your rib cage will start to expand after that from 20 weeks onwards. We recommend buying your first maternity bras at some point in your second trimester, once your cup size is more or less stable. And we suggest buying a second set of bras, a couple of weeks before your due date for those final weeks of pregnancy & first weeks of nursing. Our ultra-soft, seamless and flexible maternity bamboo bras by Seraphine will do just the trick. Underwire bras are not recommended during pregnancy or when you are breastfeeding.
There’s nothing like that precious skin to skin bonding time between new parents and their brand new baby. Be sure to check our skin to skin tops by Seraphine are designed to hold baby securely in place on your chest while keeping you both covered and cosy, these tops allow you to enjoy all the benefits of skin to skin, hands-free!
When it comes to maternity outerwear, make sure you think about baby carrier capabilities: maternity clothes that give you space for a baby carrier or sling. Our innovative maternity hoodies and jacketscome with a clever extra panel at the front to fit easily over your baby carrier or sling. Maternity outerwear needs to be designed to grow with you through your nine months and adapt for babywearing afterwards, allowing you to use your baby carrier safely. They are a godsend to new parents who want to keep their infants close.
Don’t forget about dad! Because dads use baby carriers too, we have introduce our stylish men’s hoodie by Seraphine, with a zip-on pouch, designed to fit comfortably over a baby carrier.
And if you need a baby carrier, be sure to look for a safe one and learn how to correctly use one – Tips for choosing a baby carrier.
If you’d like advice or have any questions, please email us at hello@maternellecollection.com. Just because your body is changing, doesn’t mean you have to put your style on hold!
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