When do you start to wear maternity clothes

Maternity clothes | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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As your baby bump grows, you may find yourself unable to fit into all your normal clothes. But there’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe of maternity wear. These tips will help you look and feel good without blowing your budget.

When to start wearing maternity clothes

Most women can wear their normal clothes for most of the first trimester (3 months).

But you might need to consider a larger bra or looser fitting clothes for comfort during this time.

When you are around 4 or 5 months pregnant, you may have to start wearing larger clothes. Most women switch to maternity wear when they are about 6 months pregnant.

What you need

There are plenty of fashionable maternity clothes available. But it is not essential to invest large sums on money in a full wardrobe.

It is best to buy a few key items of clothing that you can mix and match. Consider the weather and changing seasons during your pregnancy. Remember that you will still be wearing some of your maternity clothes for a while after the birth.

Key items of clothing you may want to consider include:

maternity bra
comfortable cotton underwear
two pairs of well-cut maternity trousers, such as maternity leggings or jeans
a plain skirt or dress, such as a stretch jersey wrap dress
a maxi dress
a jacket
two maternity tops (empire line tops are more flattering)
one smart outfit
comfortable, flat shoes

It is possible to adapt some of your normal clothes through your pregnancy, such as longer tops, sweaters and cardigans. You can also buy a pregnancy belt to extend your regular jeans and pants.

Where to buy maternity clothes

Many large stores in Australia carry a maternity range. There are also plenty of specialist maternity shops. Shopping online or hiring clothes for a special occasion can help you save money.

How to choose a maternity bra

You do not have to wear a maternity bra during pregnancy. But for some women, especially those with larger breasts, a maternity bra can be more comfortable.

Breasts prepare for lactation (making breast milk) quite early in pregnancy and most changes to the breasts have finished by about 16 weeks. This is a good time to invest in a maternity bra, if you want to.

It is a good idea to be professionally fitted. A correctly fitted bra will support your breasts and make you more comfortable.

Underwire bras are not recommended during pregnancy or when you are breastfeeding. Your breasts will change in size and shape and the underwire may put pressure on your breasts. This can lead to an increased risk of a blocked milk ducts or mastitis. However, some maternity bras do have flexible low-gauge wire support that is less likely to cause problems. Some women find a sports bra is all they need.

Tips to save money

Buy large, cheap, stretchy t-shirts and vest tops.
Buy maternity clothes during the sales — think ahead to what the weather will be like when you need them.
Vary a basic outfit by accessorising with bags, jewellery, scarves and shoes.
Adapt your existing clothes by moving buttons, replacing elastic with a drawstring, or using a pregnancy belt.
Borrow clothes from your partner or from friends who have been pregnant.
Hold a clothes-swapping party.

Sources:

Australian Breastfeeding Association (Choosing a maternity bra), Babycenter Australia (Buying maternity clothes on a budget), What to Expect (The basics of maternity wear), Raising Children Network (19 weeks pregnant)

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Last reviewed: August 2021

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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When to Buy Maternity Clothes and What to Look For

As soon as you notice the first hint of a baby bump, you may start wondering when to buy maternity clothes. You’ve probably scrolled past and admired that Instagram fashion blogger with the perfectly shaped pregnancy belly who makes dressing her bump look effortless and fun. Now for the reality check: Figuring out which maternity clothes actually fit and flatter can be a daily challenge for many moms-to-be. But with the right maternity clothing, you’ll look—and feel—your best as you count down each trimester to your delivery day (promise!). Here’s a rundown of when to start wearing maternity clothes, which basics should be in every woman’s maternity wardrobe and where to find the best items out there.

In this article:
When to buy maternity clothes
How to buy maternity clothes
Where to buy maternity clothes
Where to rent maternity clothes

When to Buy Maternity Clothes

No two bodies experience pregnancy the same way. So if you’re wondering when to start wearing maternity clothes, the answer is that it totally depends on your preferences. If you ask around, you’ll find that expectant mothers start wearing maternity clothing at all different times during their pregnancies. That said, 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
You feel bloated all day, every day
Your bump starts to peek out of your shirt to say hello
Your button-down shirts don’t actually button all the way down

These telltale signs coincide with what’s happening with baby’s growth in utero. “At 20 weeks, the uterus is typically at the level of the navel,” says Trina Pagano, MD, an ob-gyn at the Cleveland Clinic. “So many women begin to show at this point, but there is variability depending on the mother’s height and body type, weight gain, number of babies in utero and if it’s a first pregnancy. For first pregnancies, the bump typically ‘pops’ a little later than in subsequent pregnancies.”

For first-time moms, it’s easy to get excited about being pregnant and showing off your bump, even during the early stages of pregnancy. But you may want to resist the urge to start putting together a maternity wardrobe in those first 12 weeks. “In the first trimester, you’re still sorting through the changes in your body,” says Jenny Greenstein, a New York City-based personal stylist for pregnancy and motherhood and founder of YourSoulStyle.com. “In the beginning of your second trimester, when your belly starts to take shape, you want to start collecting your items.” That said, if you see a maternity must-have on sale that you absolutely love, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t scoop it up.

How to Buy 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.

What size maternity clothes to buy

If this is your first pregnancy, it’s nearly impossible to figure out how your body will change as your pregnancy progresses. This means it’s even trickier to estimate what size maternity clothes you’ll need to buy. “Typically, if you’re a size six pre-pregnancy, then you’ll probably be a maternity six. But everyone is different, so you might be a maternity eight or you might be a maternity four, depending on how you carry your pregnancy,” New York City-based stylist Samantha Brown says. “It’s important to buy what’s comfortable—same as when you’re not pregnant. It has a lot to do with the proportions of someone’s body.” And keep in mind, not every part of your body is growing at the same rate. “Some women go up many bra cup sizes before their belly even pops out, so I’d say just ignore the maternity clothing sizing and buy what fits and feels right.”

How much maternity clothing to invest in

A lot depends on the season you’re due and exactly how your body changes, but choosing a few maternity wardrobe staples is a good place to start. A pair or two of quality maternity jeans (in a wash that goes with everything) will take you far, as will at least one pair of basic black leggings—trust us, you’ll live in these postpartum too. If you don’t already own a few longer tops that could stretch over your bump (don’t forget to shop your own closet!), consider buying a minimum of three to five maternity T-shirts or tanks in colors that pair well with your existing wardrobe. They’re great to throw on under your favorite blazer, jacket or a stylish cardigan. It’s also a good idea to invest in two to three versatile 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. Beyond that, what you need might be purely seasonal (think: a winter coat that can actually zip over your belly, or a maternity swimsuit.

Maternity capsule wardrobe essentials

Two buzzwords you’ll hear on repeat when it comes to maternity clothing are “basics” and “essentials.” While some items will sound like familiar favorites in your pre-pregnancy closet, others are maternity wardrobe staples unique to accommodate and flatter your bump.

• All the T-shirts. Buy a few stretchy maternity T-shirts in white, gray and black. Nothing tops off a pair of (maternity) jeans better than this most basic of basics.

• Mom jeans, please. With so many changes happening to your body, you’ll feel comforted that you can still throw on a pair of jeans. And once you try super-comfy maternity jeans, you may never want to go back to your old ones.

• Leggings for days. It’s a good idea to have a few pairs of leggings in rotation. They mold to your body and are hands-down the best option for comfort.

• Don’t underestimate your underwear. Invest in comfortable but pretty underwear and a few stylish, supportive bras. (Many maternity bras double as nursing bras, which gives you more bang for your buck.) Being intentional about this most intimate layer of clothing sets the tone for everything else you put on.

• Maxi to the rescue. A form-fitting version of this popular dress style may help to make you feel less frumpy as your body and silhouette change.

• LBDs are your MVPs. You’ll need a little black dress or two that you feel confident in and can wear to a wedding, a baby shower or an after-work event.

• Suit yourself in blazers. An oversized blazer is a great second layer. It’ll keep you looking chic and will fit even as you grow throughout your pregnancy.

Tips for what to look for in maternity clothes

As you shop around for maternity clothing, remember these basic tips to get the most out of your budget. A few wise purchases can even last you beyond the bump.

• Does it stretch? Pay attention to the fabric of the maternity clothes you’re buying, because you don’t know where exactly you’ll continue to grow as you move through each trimester, Greenstein says. “Anything with a flex fabric, a stretch fabric or a jersey fabric is definitely going to give you more flexibility,” she adds.

• Test for sheerness. Sometimes you just have to bend over, touch your toes and ask the fitting room attendant if they can see anything they shouldn’t be able to. “Maternity clothing tends to have a lot of stretch in it, so it’s important to look at it in motion,” Brown says. Garments that go sheer when stretched are something to look out for when shopping for maternity clothes.

• Embrace ruching. It’s a feature that allows your maternity clothes to grow with your bump. “It works with any single body type,” Greenstein says. “Even if you buy an item with ruching in your first trimester, you’re never going to run into any issues, because it totally flexes with your shape.”

• Think beyond pregnancy. It’s really helpful when a maternity brand has nursing features built in. “If you intend on breastfeeding, invest in maternity clothes that you feel beautiful and feel comfortable in for your nine months and beyond,” Greenstein says.

Where to Buy Maternity Clothes

With all the physical and emotional changes you’re experiencing, pregnancy can feel like that awkward puberty phase all over again—unless, of course, you have several maternity clothing brands recommended by expert maternity stylists in your back pocket.

Here, a list of the best stylist-approved retail stores and e-commerce sites to help you stay true to your style during this huge transition.

For on-trend style

Most of us are pretty in tune with what’s hot each season, and that doesn’t have to change with pregnancy. These four fashion retailers carry trendy maternity clothes that will keep you looking and feeling chic.

Ingrid & Isabel
GAP
Hatch Collection
Isabella Oliver

For maternity work clothes

Dressing your bump for work can be challenging: You want to look polished, but comfort is key. Brown recommends sticking to tried-and-true maternity clothing to get you through the day. We recommend hitting up these retailers:

A Pea in the Pod
Seraphine
Nordstom
Loyal Hana

For inexpensive maternity clothes

Since you’re only wearing these looks for a limited time, you might want to outfit your maternity wardrobe without totally emptying your wallet. Here’s our go-to list for cheap maternity clothes (that still look like a million bucks) for those who want this season’s styles without spending a lot.

Old Navy
H&M
Target
ASOS

For plus-size maternity clothes

Plus-size and pregnant? Rest assured, there are stylish, comfortable options for curvy girls who want to show off that bump.

Motherhood Maternity
PinkBlush
Storq
Yours Clothing

For petite maternity clothes

If you’re petite and pregnant, don’t hide your bump in oversize styles; you can find comfortable maternity classics tailored to your more pint-size proportions. Try these stylish, maternity clothing options with petite sizes.

PinkBlush
Storq
Sexy Mama Maternity

For comfortable maternity clothes

Being comfortable in your clothing is important for anyone, but especially moms-to-be. Whether you’re at yoga, out and about or relaxing at home, you’ll want clothes that stretch and move with your changing body. To ensure that your maternity wardrobe is as comfy—and stylish—as possible, shop our favorites below.

Kindred Bravely
Blanqi
Beyond Yoga
Pact
Girlfriend Collective

Where to Rent Maternity Clothes

If you’re willing to put these style tips into action but unwilling to commit to a whole new wardrobe, clothing rental services could be your go-to.

Rent the Runway has a great selection of maternity and postpartum-friendly clothing under its subscription services, giving you access to over 450 designers and brands. Both the standard subscription ($89/month) and the unlimited subscription ($159/month) give you four new pieces a month, but with unlimited, you can swap them out as you like and keep them for as long as you want.

Le Tote also offers a maternity subscription option where you can choose your favorite styles and wear them as many times as you like. Simply ship everything back in the pre-paid envelope once you’re ready to receive a new tote of fresh looks. Plus, if you absolutely love an item, you can choose to keep it at a special member price (up to 50 percent off retail). Maternity subscriptions start at $79 a month.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Maternity Wardrobe Must-Haves for Working Moms-to-Be

15 Places to Shop for the Best Maternity Clothes

The Top Places to Shop for Plus-Size Maternity Clothes

When to buy maternity clothes?

During pregnancy, the figure of a woman is constantly changing. Therefore, the wardrobe is updated in accordance with these changes. And, one must assume that it is very pleasant to make gifts for yourself, to please yourself in such a wonderful period of life, to emphasize the pleasantness of this moment and make it as convenient as possible with the help of a special wardrobe.

Dear ladies, don't try to save money on maternity clothes by wearing what was previously a little big, or, as some do, by adapting your spouse's wardrobe. Yes, such clothes, as a rule, cost more and are used less, but it is enough to develop RATIONAL CHOICE . Well-chosen models of clothes for expectant mothers:

are equipped with special "secrets" that will help you during breastfeeding,
take into account exactly what a pregnant woman needs, based on body changes,
comfortable after childbirth while the tummy is still awake,
is not much different from ordinary clothes, and therefore will remain a favorite even when you return to your previous shape.

Decorate yourself, emphasize your beauty, indulge yourself, in the end, because pregnancy is one of the most suitable periods for this, well, we tried to compile a calendar of changes and features of the figure during pregnancy and help future mothers make their own costs rational, look even more attractive and feel comfortable.

We make a wardrobe by months of pregnancy

1-3 months of pregnancy

Until the third month of pregnancy, especially the first one, one can hardly feel serious changes in one's body, except, perhaps, slightly enlarged mammary glands. This is a period for realizing your new state, as well as another opportunity to please yourself with your favorite tight jeans or a short dress with high-heeled shoes, because very soon they will have to be postponed indefinitely.

3-4 months pregnant

Existing clothes are already becoming tight, jeans, trousers and skirts are beginning to put pressure on the emerging tummy, and this should not be allowed.

But during this period you can review your existing wardrobe and pick up loose shirts, tunics, dresses, but what is already worth buying is trousers / jeans or a skirt with a special soft belt that can be adjusted throughout pregnancy, in accordance with belly growth.

Fifth month

This is the period when the breasts become noticeably larger, so you should already pay attention to special underwear for pregnant and lactating women. It is created, like all models of clothes for pregnant women, taking into account the ongoing changes, and also, the models BRA DESIGNED FOR THE BREASTFEEDING PERIOD are comfortable.

When choosing underwear, remember that THE OBJECTIVE OF A BRA IS SUPPORT BUT NOT SQUEEGING . The combination of cotton and elastic materials will be the most comfortable and allow the skin to "breathe". Since with the growth of the breast the volume of the chest also increases, it is worth paying attention to bras with several levels of fastening.

Sixth month

At this stage, the stomach is already quite rounded, it is difficult for a woman to endure heat and excessive sweating appears, so it is important that the fabrics of your clothes are natural, and the models are free, not restricting movement. Due to the growing belly, pressure appears on the lumbar region, and the growing weight puts stress on the ankles and calves, here it is necessary to pay attention to shoes - they must be comfortable, without heels, stable. If we are talking about the winter period, then be sure to pay attention to the sole so that it is non-slip.

IN THE WINTER PERIOD at this stage of pregnancy, maternity jackets and coats, or sling jackets / sling coats, equipped with special inserts, which will be comfortable not only for a growing tummy, but will also come in handy in the postpartum period, as their direct purpose - It's wearing a baby in a sling.

SLING JACKET / SLING COAT IS A GREAT MONEY SAVING OPTION , because we have already found out that it is optimal for the period of pregnancy and for the postpartum period, when the baby really needs mother's hugs, and you can give him them with the help of a sling, and also, having unfastened a special insert, you can wear these things as completely simple winter ones, which will be especially versatile.

Seventh month

During this period, the long-awaited maternity leave begins. This is an opportunity to spend more time at home, but it is not at all a reason to put on an unsightly bathrobe or a men's T-shirt. Home clothes should also be beautiful, do not forget about your loved one, who is pleased to see you beautiful and sexy. Well, the models of home clothes for pregnant women on the market today are enough to satisfy any need of a pregnant fashionista - these are lace shirts and negligees, and sports models, and things with special “nourishing secrets”, which will be very useful after the birth of a baby.

Eighth month

In the eighth month of pregnancy, it is worth purchasing a prenatal bandage, it will help reduce the increasing load on the back and abdominal muscles. The bandage can be replaced with a sling.

Ninth month

This is the time to prepare for childbirth and, directly, to stay in the maternity hospital. If the mother does not want to wear the clothes that are provided in the maternity ward, then the most convenient option for her clothes is a shirt specially adapted for attaching the baby to the breast. A robe is also useful, which you can put on when visitors come to you. And don't forget your graduation outfit. Solid color outfits will make you slimmer.

Tips and Tricks

When choosing your maternity wardrobe, , try on the clothes before buying , so you will avoid the procedures for replacement or return. If the clothes are ordered in an online store, then ask for several sizes of a particular model to choose from.

If you want to emphasize your grown tummy , then choose high-waisted dresses or tops, tight-fitting T-shirts or turtlenecks, a-line dresses or tunics, bright colors. Overalls will also emphasize your interesting position.

If you want to draw attention away from your tummy , solid colors, vertical lines, such as elongated jackets and sleeveless cardigans, which are very fashionable today, worn over a dress or jeans with a shirt, and V-necks will help you on a dress or sweater and bright, eye-catching details that will undoubtedly draw attention to themselves first of all.

Be beautiful and loved and please yourself!

we select the future mother's wardrobe from old things

Pregnancy is not the best time for shopping. A feeling of weakness, a shifted center of gravity, shortness of breath and swelling of the legs make women in a position forget about the love of shopping and new things. Fortunately, when the figure begins to change due to an increase in the abdomen, you will not have to buy special clothes for expectant mothers. Below you will find recommendations on what you can wear to pregnant women from your old wardrobe. Do you like tight and tight clothes? In your closet 100% there are several things that are perfect even during the period of expectation of the baby. So what clothes do pregnant women need?

Sportswear - the perfect maternity wardrobe

The only clothing that's ready to grow with your belly and baby is stretchy workout clothing. Classic yoga pants and leggings are ideal for growing waists, although they can still fit perfectly on the curves of the figure.

With a few training leggings in stock, you don't have to think about what other clothes a pregnant woman needs. They are ideal for training, and for relaxing at home, going to the store or walking in the park - sporty style is now in fashion. If it's warm outside, shorts will come in handy.

Want to diversify your maternity wardrobe and add a few new things? An article on the YAMAMA website will help to compile a basic set of things for the period of bearing a child.

Oversized tops - the salvation for any situation

Loose T-shirts, flared shirts, oversized hoodies and sweatshirts are the things that are most likely to be found in the bins of any closet. Be sure to take them out and put them on the nearest shelf, since the items listed are basic clothes for expectant mothers.

Don't forget to bring sports tops and tank tops. Often they are more elastic than ordinary clothes, and therefore ideal for growing breasts.

Loose top is ideal for women who want to hide their pregnancy from others. But if you want to make a visual emphasis on the stomach, you only need to add an inconspicuous belt to the image - tie the figure over the stomach with it.

What to wear for pregnant women?

In the first trimester, you are unlikely to start thinking about special shoes for women during pregnancy. But with an increase in the abdomen, a complication called swelling of the legs and ankles can arise. Many women note that when carrying a child, their legs increase by at least half the size. However, even the mentioned fact is not a reason to buy new shoes. Just wear the most comfortable pair of shoes you have in your closet:

lightweight running shoes;
shale;
sandals with adjustable buckles;
sneakers without laces.

Tight shoes are the worst thing to wear when pregnant. If the strap starts to press when you are at home, the pressure will only increase during a walk. As a result, you will rub your legs and get very tired. Sandals and high-heeled shoes are best put aside and wear sneakers daily. There are definitely no reasons to be upset: modern fashion allows you to wear them with skirts and dresses of any style.

Outerwear in maternity wardrobe

When asked what clothes pregnant women need, many experts recommend updating jackets and coats. However, do not rush to go to the store. Get all the outerwear out of the closet, tie a pillow to your still small belly and try on your jackets. There is a chance that at least one thing can hide the roundness of a large belly. Sometimes, to create the perfect maternity wardrobe from old things, you just need to change a few buttons on a raincoat or add a belt for a coat.