Maternity Clothing That Works

FASHION · GLOBAL

Maternity Clothing That Works

When you need it, what to buy and what to skip, sizing and afterwards

Maternity clothing is bought too early, too much of it, and frequently for the wrong stage. A smaller, better-chosen set works considerably harder.

When you actually need it

Most people manage with what they own until around the fourth month, and the biggest change comes in the third trimester. Buying a full wardrobe at eight weeks means most of it will not fit when it matters.

Buy in stages, starting with the trousers, since waistbands go first.

What earns its place

Two or three pairs of well-fitting trousers or jeans with a proper over-bump panel, a few stretchy tops longer at the front, one good dress, and a coat that fastens or a wrap style that does not need to.

Nursing-friendly tops are worth having if you intend to breastfeed, since they carry on working afterwards.

What to skip

Special occasion pieces for one event, which are better hired or borrowed. Bump bands, which many people find do less than a longer top does.

Sizing

Maternity clothes are cut for your pre-pregnancy size with room added, so ordering up is the usual mistake and produces a tent. Check the brand's guidance specifically.

Feet and ribcage change too, so a shoe half size up and a bra fitting later in pregnancy are both worth planning for.

Bras

Get fitted in the second trimester and again before the birth, and choose non-wired or flexible-wire styles that do not press on changing tissue.

Borrowing and resale

Maternity clothing is worn for a few months and passed on in good condition, which makes it one of the best categories for buying second-hand and selling afterwards.

Ask friends before buying anything, since most people have a bag of it in a loft.

Comfort late on

Soft waistbands, breathable natural fibres and supportive shoes matter more than anything else by the third trimester. Compression socks help swelling on long journeys.

Underwear and support

A supportive non-wired bra fitted in the second trimester and again later, and underwear that sits comfortably below the bump. Both are worth spending on, since they are worn constantly.

Belly bands and support belts help some people with pelvic pain and should be recommended by a physiotherapist rather than bought speculatively.

Getting advice

Speak to a midwife about any pelvic pain, reduced movements, severe headaches or sudden swelling rather than searching for it.

Afterwards

The body does not immediately return, so keep the comfortable pieces for the fourth trimester. Resale and borrowing work particularly well here, since items are worn for a few months.

Swelling, particularly sudden swelling of the face or hands, should be reported to a midwife.

WHERE TO BUY

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