Things to Know When Buying Maternity Clothes
Congrats! If you’re reading this, you’re probably preparing to welcome a little bundle of joy in the following months. While pregnancy is definitely a state of bliss, it can also be difficult to get used to your changing body. And your body will change in ways you never thought it would as it prepares to make room for the baby. Once you notice the waistband on your favourite pair of jeans grow tighter, it’s probably time for a change of clothes.
Normally, in the first trimester, pregnant women don’t gain much weight. And this can lead you to think that you don’t need any special clothes. However, in the later stages of pregnancy, there should be some healthy weight gain as your baby grows and develops. So, before you run out of clothes that fit you, it’s best to equip your wardrobe with looser, more comfortable maternity pieces.
Do I Really Need Maternity Clothing?
You’ve probably noticed that there’s an abundance of maternity stores both on the internet and around the city. So, you’re probably asking yourself, is specialised maternity clothing really all that necessary? Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. If you already have some looser and comfortable clothes in your closet, then go for it. But if you don’t and your style mainly consisted of tight clothes, it’s a wise idea to explore the range of maternity online stores. Wearing tight clothes while pregnant can lead to a host of problems from poor blood circulation to yeast infections.
An advantage of maternity clothing is that it’s precisely designed for women with growing bellies. Maternity clothes are stretchier and have a comfortable cut. Maternity pants will help prevent your thighs from rubbing together, and maternity dresses offer an airy feel that helps cool you down when you’re having hot flashes.
What’s more, pregnancy clothes can look more flattering than regular clothes with a looser fit. In other words, maternity dresses, T-shirts, tunics and other items are often designed to accentuate the best attributes of the body of an expectant mother and help hide anything that you may feel self-conscious about now that you’re pregnant, like for instance bigger thighs.
What to Buy
Of course, you don’t need to invest in an entire wardrobe for only a limited period of time. Most new mothers will lose half of the weight they’ve gained by 6 weeks postpartum, and the rest often comes off too in the following months. This means, that it’s wise to invest in only a limited number of pregnancy clothes.
When you shop for maternity clothes, try to stick to the basics that you’re most likely to need. A couple of black leggings and tunics make a cute and relaxed combo. A good pair of jeans elastic band is useful to have around as you can pair it with a variety of tops when you need to create a casual outfit for around town. For a professional setting, invest in some black pants with an elastic waistband. You can pair them with a cotton button-down shirt and a cardigan for a comfortable yet business suitable look.
And of course, dresses are the most versatile items for summer to have in your pregnancy collection. They are loose and airy – everything you need in maternity clothes. You can also wear a dress in the winter by pairing it with leggings underneath.
When buying these things, make sure that they have the ability to grow with you. This way, you won’t need to spend extra every couple of weeks as your baby bump expands. Try to pick items that come with plenty of stretch and can expand.
Pay Attention to Fabrics
Besides fit, another factor to consider when buying pregnancy clothing are the fabrics. Overheating is common when you’re pregnant, and certain fabrics can help reduce the uncomfortable, sweaty feeling. Make sure to invest in materials that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Organic cotton is a wonderful choice as it’s soft and breathable, helping you to stay cool. Another good option are bamboo clothes. Bamboo is known for its superior moisture-wicking ability, which means that even if you sweat, the moisture will evaporate faster. And this helps reduce the risk of developing an uncomfortable yeast infection.
Look for Deals
As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you will probably spend a great amount of money on the nursery, baby supplies, doctor’s visits, etc. As a result, you might be hesitant to invest in maternity clothes. Luckily, the internet is a vast place and with hundreds of maternity online stores to choose from, there’s a high chance that you will come across a sale or an attractive deal. You only need to be willing to shop around. It’s a good idea to prepare your closet as soon as possible and not to wait until the last minute. For instance, if it’s June, start thinking about what you will need to wear in October.
