Being pregnant is one of the most beautiful periods in a women's life. However, pregnancy hormones can affect your mood, especially in the first 3 months. You might feel excited and happy one minute, then worried or sad the next. During such mood swings, it's important to feel good about yourself and feel comfortable. Therefore, investing in quality clothing is crucial.
But shopping for a changing body can be a minefield. To provide you with a hassle-free shopping experience, we have narrowed down several crucial aspects for building your maternity wardrobe.
What to Look for in a Pregnancy Clothing: Guidelines for New Mums
When starting from the ground up you should make wise choices as picking clothing that doesn’t suit you or your trimester will leave you unsatisfied and uncomfortable. On the other hand, picking stylish and comfy pregnancy essentials that look good on you and most importantly make you feel good is a surefire way for a happy and content mum-to-be.
Must-Haves
It can be quite tempting to go through your maternity with only a few pregnancy essentials. However, it is worth remembering that you might not only get bored of your wardrobe, but you can wear maternity clothes after your baby is born because it will take some time for your body to return to its pre-pregnancy shape.
For that reason, it is a good idea to consider your lifestyle and the clothes that you should wear. You will require extra work maternity attire, for instance, if you work in an office where your coworkers wear suits.
Consider your current wardrobe and start assembling your fresh maternity wardrobe by picking basic tops and classic pieces, and proceed accordingly. Certain items are easy to dress up or down, and changing up the appearance of the same clothes is as simple as adding accessories like shoes, bags, and jewellery. This is a great method to give the impression that a small wardrobe is larger than it is.
You will only need a pair or two of maternity jeans. One over–the–bump and the other under-the-bump. In terms of colours, you can get black and grey as these can be the perfect foundation for many daily outfits.
Maternity dresses, on the other hand, should be your first and last piece of clothing when completing your minimal but oh-so-functional maternity wardrobe. Besides keeping you comfortable and good-looking during your whole pregnancy, some models will also be your favourite breastfeeding companion. These are designed with discreet openings or hidden panels that allow easy access for breastfeeding or pumping whenever and wherever needed.
Speaking of comfort, we can't speak of maternity essentials without the good old leggings. They are the absolute staple that can be paired with everything and anything that comes to your mind while keeping you comfy.
When in Doubt Go for a Bigger Size
The size of your maternity clothing should be the same as your regular size. But, if you buy normal pieces of clothing, then you might want to go for bigger size. While loose blouses, flowing skirts, and baggy jumpers are good examples of clothes that work well with this, they are not quite as flattering as maternity wear specifically designed for the occasion.
Maternity clothing, on the other hand, is specifically designed for your changing shape, that’s why it’s frequently the most recommended option. Since it’s tailored to fit expectant body shapes, it makes sense to invest in a few basic pieces of maternity apparel to last you the whole pregnancy.
Material Selection
Choosing the right material can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are while expecting. For pregnancy apparel, rayon is an ideal fabric because it is breathable, light, and soft. Pregnant women adore it because it is constructed of natural fibres and has a reputation for wicking away moisture.
Maternity clothing is ideal for cotton because it is a naturally breathable fabric. It is lightweight, pliable, and requires little maintenance. Furthermore, capable of absorbing perspiration, cotton will keep you cool and comfy throughout your whole pregnancy.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly, naturally occurring fabric that is ideal for maternity clothes. It is airy, light, and silky. Additionally, bamboo wicks away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable.
Another great fabric alternative is modal. It is a wonderfully supple and elastic material. Pregnant women will love it for its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities because it is composed of natural fibres.
Linen, on the other hand, is a naturally breathable and stunning fabric. It is perfect for warmer weather because it is breezy and lightweight. Another benefit of linen is its ease of upkeep and longevity.
What about Lingerie
As your body changes during pregnancy, your breasts will become larger and heavier. Therefore, you will want to wear a bra that supports them and is comfortable above everything.
Since each person's breast size will vary, getting your breasts measured regularly can ensure that the bra you wear fits you properly. Many women choose designs with broader straps as these are more comfortable and provide more coverage. Also, keep in mind that if you work out during pregnancy the size of your breasts will go up even more.
