Maternity Clothes Essentials that Will Last you Throughout your Pregnancy

Shopping for maternity clothes is something that many people dread. Most moms are afraid to make the switch to the stereotypic “ugly” maternity clothes, with unflattering tent-like dresses that look absolutely awful. Well, the good news is that times have changed, and the stereotypes no longer hold true. Today, maternity clothes come in all sorts of flattering designs that are designed to make pregnant women feel confident and attractive.

Now that you have started your search for maternity clothes essentials, you must be wondering when to start wearing maternity clothes. You probably also have all sorts of other questions running through your mind, such as how to feel good about your wardrobe (and body!), where to shop, and how much you'll need to spend to snag these easy-to-wear, nice-looking pregnancy clothes.

Well, this guide is going to cover all this and more. Here are maternity clothes essentials that will last you throughout your pregnancy.

When do you need maternity clothes?

No matter what anyone says, if and when you need maternity clothes is a matter of comfort and personal preference. Some women are able to keep wearing their usual clothes for the majority of their pregnancies. This is especially true for first-time pregnancies where they already have a wardrobe full of maxi dresses and other loose-fitting or stretchy clothing.

Other moms may want to wait until the third trimester to purchase maternity clothes. Meanwhile, others find it difficult to appear put-together or feel comfortable in anything other than maternity clothes fairly immediately after giving birth.

In the end, there is no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to when you start wearing maternity clothes. Every woman’s body, how it changes during pregnancy, and their wardrobe demands and preferences are different. So if you find something in your wardrobe that feels good and fits you well, go for it. Whenever you feel up to it, you can always buy maternity clothes that fit well, feel nice, and look good.

That said, it is important to keep in mind that wearing tight clothing when pregnant is generally not a good idea. Apart from being uncomfortable, tight clothing can cause a variety of health problems, including discomfort, poor blood circulation, and even yeast infections. If your clothes are starting to feel too small, it's time to make the switch to maternity clothes. 

Maternity clothing essentials that every mom-to-be needs

While some of these pieces will be familiar to you from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, others are maternity wardrobe basics that are designed specifically to accommodate and flatter your growing belly. Here are all the maternity clothes you are going to need:

• Underwear: Invest in some trendy supportive bras and some comfortable but lovely panties. Many pregnancy bras also serve as nursing bras, allowing you to get more bang for your buck. Making this most intimate layer of clothing a priority will set the tone for everything else you wear.
• T-shirts: Buy a few white, gray, and black stretchy maternity T-shirts. Nothing complements a pair of (maternity) jeans like this most basic of essentials.
• Mom jeans: With so many changes taking place in your body, it'll be reassuring to know that you can still put on a pair of pants. And once you've tried super-comfy maternity jeans, you might never want to go back.
• Leggings: Having a few pairs of leggings on hand is a good idea. They conform to your body and will be by far the most comfortable clothing item in your wardrobe.
• Maxi dress: As your body and silhouette change, a form-fitting version of this famous dress may help you feel less frumpy.
• Little black dresses: You'll need one or two tiny black dresses that you can wear to a wedding, a shower, or an after-work gathering.
• Blazers: A roomy blazer is a great second layer. It will keep you looking stylish throughout your pregnancy and will fit you perfectly as your belly grows.

Where to get maternity clothes

Quality maternity clothes are available from a wide range of retailers, both large and small, in-store and online. When deciding where to shop, keep your budget, taste, wardrobe demands, and lifestyle in mind.

What about low-cost options?

You'll almost certainly need to purchase some maternity gear, especially if you want to ensure comfort and fit. However, there are alternative options for getting some of the products you'll need for your pregnancy wardrobe:

• Organize your closet: Before you go out and buy a whole maternity wardrobe, have a look in your own closet to see what you have. Loose-fitting maxi dresses, flowing skirts and tops, giant button-down shirts, huge sweaters and cardigans, and soft and stretchy jersey-style shirts and dresses, for example, look great on pregnant women. Move these clothes to the front of your closet and layer on top of them with complementary pieces.
• Get loans from friends: If you have a similarly sized friend who was recently pregnant, see if they have anything you can borrow or buy from them. Wearing items that a trendy friend wore throughout their pregnancy can save you a lot of money (and time). You can personalize these products by combining them with other items you already own.
• Look for bargains: Look for stuff at sales, consignment shops, and online. A lot of time, you’ll be able to stumble upon some really great deals. All you have to do is be willing to look around. As you do, remember that it’s generally a good idea to avoid buying stuff at the last minute.
• Keep it simple: Stick to the essentials when shopping for maternity clothes, such as jeans, leggings, and versatile outfits that may be worn both professionally and casually. Consider the items you already own and purchase accessories that will compliment them.
• Buy items that will grow with you: Keep in mind that the size you are now will not be the size you will be at 34 weeks or later when you go shopping. So, if you're going to buy something, make sure it's something that will grow with your changing body or that you can fit into. You don't want to buy a few pairs of jeans at 20 weeks just to have to buy more at 30 weeks. Choose products that will expand or stretch with you as your body grows and stretches.

How to buy maternity clothes that you’ll love every time

The thought of wearing maternity clothes may excite you or frustrate you. As we have seen, it might be rather difficult to know what to dress and what to buy when your body is undergoing so many changes. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Make your features stand out

Clothes that have a lengthy silhouette, such as v-necks, button-down shirts, and dresses, are recommended. It's all about making yourself appear taller. Many people like to draw attention to their legs. With the correct skirts or pants, your legs can appear longer and leaner under a rising tummy.

2. Don’t hide your pregnancy

Keep in mind that you're carrying a baby inside of you. So, take pride in your curves. Now is the moment to flaunt your expanding curves in silky, form-fitting blouses and jersey-like dresses. Enjoy flaunting your baby bump—other people are likely enthralled by it!

3. Buy comfortable clothes

Clothes that are too tight and uncomfortable have a few risks. Tight-fitting clothing can restrict circulation, make you feel hot, and contribute to infections, in addition to causing pain and discomfort. Choose something that is breathable, elastic, soft, and/or loose-fitting instead.

Comfort should be your top priority when shopping for maternity clothes especially as the pregnancy progresses. You'll start to feel more and more uncomfortable as your body grows and you move closer to delivery. Why make things worse with clothes that are too tight and don’t feel good on your already sensitive skin?

4. Stick with your pre-pregnancy style

If you don’t like floral print dresses, there is no need to start wearing them now that you are pregnant. There are lots of maternity clothes that should be able to complement your personal style. If you generally wear jeans and T-shirts, for example, invest in a few pairs of maternity jeans and a few T-shirts.

If you typically wear leggings, buy more leggings for your growing body. And if you need a more professional look for work, you can easily replicate it using maternity clothes.

5. Don't forget about your shoes

It's crucial to pick the proper shoes to go with your attire. Your feet may enlarge or grow during pregnancy, and your balance may not be as good as it once was. Choose shoes that are not only comfy but also stable while walking. The best shoes for you are ones that are comfortable for you and ones that you can walk around in without feeling unbalanced.

How your body changes during pregnancy and how to accept these changes

For some women, the thought of gaining weight and getting curvier as their pregnancy advances is exciting. For others, gaining the necessary weight and adjusting to the numerous physical changes that occur during pregnancy is really tough.

Many pregnant women feel uneasy about their developing bodies and how their pregnancy bellies are showing. Couple that with insensitive comments from friends, family, and even strangers and it is easy to see why some pregnant women felt uncomfortable in their own skin.

It’s not surprising then that some women go to great lengths to conceal their pregnancies and avoid wearing maternity clothes for as long as they can.

However, you should not let your dread of growing larger prevent you from enjoying your pregnancy and your body. Making a conscious effort to adjust your thinking may be beneficial. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this:

1. What your body is doing is something to be proud of

You are literally growing a tiny human inside you! How amazing is that? Focus on the amazing work your body is doing. That is a tremendous gift, and your bulging tummy serves as a reminder of the miracle that is taking place inside of you. 

Remind yourself that being pregnant isn't always simple and that you are deserving of praise. Don't let concerns about your weight or size distract you from appreciating the fact that you're giving life to someone else.

2. Stay in the momen

Pregnant women sometimes bemoan how difficult it will be to return to their "pre-pregnancy physique." This kind of thinking keeps you rooted in the past.

Pregnancy changes you. Yes, it alters your physical appearance. It does, however, alter your mental and emotional state as well. And that is a good thing! Accept what you're going through right now. Pay attention to your pregnant body. Instead of focusing on what you can’t get back, think about what you'll get in return: your very own baby!

3. Don’t compare yourself to others

It's natural to be concerned about how your body appears in relation to other pregnant women's bodies. However, don’t make it an obsession. Everybody is unique and beautiful, and you don't have to look like anyone else.

Comparing oneself to others might lead to insecurities or general dissatisfaction with your body. Negative body image during pregnancy has been shown to have a negative impact on your overall psychological well-being.

Therefore, try to remind yourself that this is a unique time in your life that will not be repeated. Don't waste your time comparing yourself to others or bemoaning your physical appearance. Live in the moment and notice how your body changes to accommodate the new life that is growing within you.

4. Practice self-care

Final Thoughts

If you are like most women, you started wondering when you’ll have to buy maternity clothes as soon as you first started to show. For many expectant mothers, determining which maternity clothes fit and flatter is a daily problem. However, with the correct maternity clothes, you'll look and feel your best as you count down to your due date! With the tips and tricks outlined here, you should be able to figure this out, too! Good luck!