Pregnancy illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Buying Guide for Maternity Clothes

Whenever you notice that your baby bump has grown, you might start stressing out–especially after you notice that your regular clothes don’t fit anymore. You might have noticed a social media fashion blogger with an incredibly shaped pregnancy bump posting the effortless look of fashion and fun. Are you trying to look like them, but in vain? Relax­­. Finding flattering and fitting garments can be a huge challenge for every mom-to-be. In this guide, you will find the best tips for every woman’s maternity wardrobe:

When is the right time to buy maternity clothes?

Every woman experience pregnancy differently. Due to this, there is no specific time to buy your maternity clothes. It will depend on your body type, because all people are different. You will notice different pregnant women start wearing maternity clothing at different times of their pregnancy period.  Continue reading on for several clues on when you may purchase maternity clothes:

  • Whenever you find yourself unbuttoning your top or pants
  • When you feel more bloated than normal
  • When your bump peeks out of your top
  • When your buttoned shirt doesn’t button

The above signs correspond to what’s happening inside your belly. Usually at 20 weeks, your uterus is at a level of the umbilicus.  During a mom’s first pregnancy, the bump usually pops a bit later than during subsequent pregnancies. For first-time moms, they seem excited to show off their bumps and start buying the right clothes immediately.

How to Choose the Right Maternity Clothes

You might find yourself experiencing the above signs and are in need of need maternity clothes, but may not know where to start. The following tips will automatically help you find the correct information regarding what’s required of your maternity wardrobe.

Figuring out Sizing

During your first pregnancy, it is hard to estimate how your body will change during the entire pregnancy process, which means that it is pretty tricky to know the correct sizing.  But the most important thing is to make sure you buy something comfortable. Note that not every part of your body is growing at the same rate.   Some pregnant women even change bra cup sizes before their bump pops.  Choose what’s convenient for you.

Tips To Consider When Buying Maternity Clothes

Consider stretch

Choose a specific fabric that stretches, as it will continue to fit your growing body throughout the pregnancy process. Any stretchable fabric or jersey fabric will allow a more flexible fit.

Test for sheerness

Garments with sheer fabric are excellent for any pregnant woman. It is also a stretchable fabric. Make sure to try on sheer garments to see how they fits your body.

Embrace ruching

Ruching is an overlaying of fabric strips that are pleated, gathered, or fluted together to create an amazing ripple effect. It is an apparel feature that allows your maternity clothing to grow with your pregnancy bump. It automatically works with any body size and type.

Consider beyond pregnancy

It is always fantastic to choose maternity clothes that have nursing features on them. When the time comes for breastfeeding, you will use them, and your investment in maternity wear will get even more use. As said earlier, invest in comfortable and beautiful clothes, and you will never regret them throughout the nine months of pregnancy.

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