While you don't need to buy maternity clothes if you are pregnant, comfortable dressing is important as you go through this incredible process. Everyday wear might feel right for the first trimester, but as your body changes and your baby bump grows, you'll benefit immensely from a maternity wardrobe that makes the entire pregnancy experience easier to enjoy.
So what is the best maternity clothing, and what are the different maternity styles available for a mama-to-be? Let's explore some different maternity clothing styles over time, and the best maternity clothing you can buy today.
Unsurprisingly, pregnant women have been wearing maternity pieces throughout history. Back in the Middle Ages, everyday dresses were full and adaptive enough already to conceal the body. If you look at medieval paintings, you may notice women in garments made of heavy materials like velvet, which helped hide a baby bump (something important at the time, when pregnancy was not something to showcase). In the 14th century, new dress details like lace-up panels and aprons helped accommodate and conceal a growing belly. During the Victorian era, pregnancy clothing was still designed with concealment in mind, and maternity corsets were used to restrict and minimize the appearance of baby bumps.
With clothes and textiles becoming more affordable and women becoming more active in the workforce, the early 20th century ushered in the more modern understanding of maternity clothes for wear in public. In the 1920s, maternity clothing relaxed a little. As women's fashion changed to looser and freer silhouettes, so did clothes for pregnant women.
It would take 30 more years to see one of the most significant changes in maternity clothing: the addition of pants! In the 1950s, tent-like tops or tunics over capri pants or slim skirts became the norm for expecting mothers. From then on, maternity clothing continued to evolve – luckily, almost constantly towards comfort, beauty and even glamour.
There are many advantages to building a good maternity wardrobe. A key reason to opt for the best maternity clothing is safety. You want to ensure that both you and the baby have the correct support. Maternity dresses and leggings, even maternity jeans, are designed to give the baby bump good support and space to grow, so they are a better choice when compared to regular clothes. Wearing comfortable pregnancy clothes helps reduce discomfort and pain.
Another essential thing to keep in mind is flexibility. Moms-to-be need to keep moving and remain active. While you're doing exercise activities like walking or prenatal yoga, you will need comfy fabrics and elastic workout clothes to move your body freely. Breathability is also important. You will go through many changes during pregnancy (and the postpartum period), and you want fabrics that keep you fresh.
Your maternity clothing collection should also include pieces for after the baby's birth. Comfort for breastfeeding is an important factor to consider when buying maternity clothes. You'll need proper space in your top or dress to nurse with ease. Fortunately, there are lots of attractive options for when the time comes!
One of the most important things to consider, no matter the type of maternity clothing you want to buy, is finding the perfect fit. Avoid wearing tight or constricting clothes that restrict movement during pregnancy as they may cause discomfort, pain and reduced blood circulation.
There are many maternity dress styles that look fantastic and fashionable with a baby bump. When shopping for the perfect maternity dress, look for designs that are comfortable or elastic, and give you breathing space and room for your growing belly.
A-line dresses are ideal for every occasion. Pick out a maternity short-sleeve printed midi A-line dress as a go-to outfit for a dinner or nice day out. A cute maternity short-sleeve midi smock dress is another versatile option that can be easily dressed up or down. For a casual outfit, go for a maternity short-sleeve mini T-shirt dress over maternity leggings. After pregnancy, you can still wear it as an oversized T-shirt dress. Maternity plain short-sleeve dresses, sweater dresses and wrap dresses are also fashionable choices.
There's of course no need to wear maternity clothing for the whole nine months, but women may begin wearing maternity pants and maternity jeans around week 14. This is when you'll probably feel your abdomen growing, even if it's not showing yet. By week 20, chances are you'll have transitioned to maternity clothes. The main advantage of maternity pants is that they provide good support for your baby bump.
Maternity jeans are very versatile and look great with various tops. These days, maternity jeans come in just about as many cuts and styles as regular jeans, from cropped and straight leg to slim-fit and skinny jeans. Maternity denim shorts and biker shorts are popular picks for casual pregnancy outfits, and working moms-to-be can find many options for maternity dress pants.
Maternity bras are the bras you use while you are pregnant. Nursing bras, on the other hand, help you feel comfortable and supported when breastfeeding. Start shopping for nursing bras to wear postpartum around week 36. Make sure to buy one that gives you room to grow, as the rib cage expands during pregnancy and bra cup size may go up a few sizes. Besides nursing bras, you may also want to get nursing tops.
Your maternity clothing collection should always include some loungewear that's perfectly comfortable for staying in. The best maternity loungewear includes leggings, tank tops, sweatshirts, and light and loose-fitting pants and shorts that are ideal for both relaxing and indoor activities.
Comfortable nightwear is especially important for pregnant women who need adequate sleep and rest. Choose comfy maternity pajama sets or pajama dresses in stretchy and breathable fabrics that are gentle on skin and accommodate your baby bump. Some maternity pajamas are designed to also be nursing pajamas postpartum.
Pregnant brides are beautiful. There are many different styles of maternity wedding dresses, although a popular choice is empire waist gowns. This classic silhouette provides room for your baby bump and looks great no matter the occasion. No matter the maternity wedding dress you want to buy, you should always prioritize a cut that makes you feel pretty and comfortable while complementing the shape of your body.
Maternity fashion has been going through a style revolution. While maternity clothing in the past may have been designed to conceal, modern maternity styles celebrate the expecting mom and the cute baby bump. Whether you're looking for maternity tops, dresses, pants or lingerie, YesStyle has you covered with a wide selection of comfortable maternity clothes in new styles at budget-friendly prices to meet all your maternity shopping needs.
