Shopping for Maternity Clothes

Thursday 20th of June 2013 | Category: Pregnancy Products | Written by: Siobhan Thomas

Here’s a quick look this week at maternity clothes, where to get them and whether they’re for you.

The myths & misconceptions surrounding maternity apparel

Maternity clothes aren't necessary

Some girls get away without them, and more often than not it is those with very petite figures that find they can comfortably wear their existing clothes throughout their pregnancy – although larger women who don't have a clear 'bump' can also find that normal clothes continue to fit their shape. Pregnant model Caprice was thought to be still wearing non-maternity clothes well into her pregnancy this week.

However, for a huge number of women (myself included), waistbands start to dig in, and tops sit unflatteringly over our changing shape. My experiences with pregnancy have left me able to wear certain items from my wardrobe for up to 20 weeks or so in my pregnancies before I started to look weirdly barrel-like in them and trousers and leggings started rolling down from the waist whenever I sat down. Sometimes just owning a couple of basic maternity items – jeans and vest tops for example – can make you feel more comfortable, and much more confident to boot!

Maternity underwear is a must

No, it often isn't. What is important is that you change the size of your underwear (and this applies to both bras and knickers) if it becomes uncomfortable or restrictive. The idea that underwired bras are not appropriate for pregnancy has become dated, provided your bra fits you properly and is comfortable then it doesn't matter if it has an underwire or not. Pregnant and shopping

Don't feel you need to buy specific maternity underwear, as you don't necessarily have to, and it can be expensive. A lot of so called maternity bras are also nursing bras (with a clasp release on the strap to enable you to breastfeed) but your bra size by the time you have had the baby could be significantly different to what it is now. So be aware of wasting money on features you don't yet need.

The best time to buy a nursing bra is during the last few weeks of your pregnancy, and you will probably benefit from being measured and fitted for a bra professionally.

An expensive and short-term wardrobe update

It doesn't have to be expensive. As I said above, you don't need to replace all your clothes, sometimes just the basics can be enough. What's more, there are some really good value clothes to be had. Plenty of well-known & affordable high street shops do a maternity range, so you don't need to break the bank if you're on a budget.

Such a hassle!

Shopping for maternity clothes needn't be a pain. The best maternity ranges are available online and lots of them have free delivery and returns, allowing you to order lots of clothes to try on in the comfort of your own home and in your own time.

Maternity clothes are so frumpy

Not so! Maternity clothes these days don't even look like maternity clothes. Many of the big fashion retailers have maternity lines that offer today's fashion but they are cut so that they can accommodate your growing bump. We've long since forgotten the age of the starchy smock that hid all of your curves whilst giving the impression that you were twice your real weight. Modern designs often highlight your bump but simultaneously the elasticated waists and supportive materials often banish other lumps and bumps such as muffin tops and chubby creases on your back! Shopping for maternity clothes is much more fun now than it used to be!

The best maternity shops for you

Best for fashion

Best for underwear & swimwear

Best on a tight budget

New Look
H&M
eBay – don't rule out second hand clothes. Often they have barely been worn and there are some great bargains to be had

Best for a special occasion

Other affordable high street names

This article is a feature from the MUM.com Trusted Bloggers Club.

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