The fashion industry is on an all-time high, and right from kids to aging adults, everyone wants to dress fashionably. Pregnant ladies are no exception, and they also have decided not to suffer for months on end looking like a shabby bag of potatoes. With Celebrities flaunting their pregnant bellies and looking ravishing right through their pregnancies, expecting mom clothes have arrived and are here to stay. The trend is not limited to celebrities only and most pregnant women today choose to buy specially designed maternity wear instead of just buying oversized regular clothes.
But, what is it about maternity wear that has made the trend so popular? From high-end designers to highly affordable everyday clothing, maternity wear can be bought in almost all sections. Oversized baggy pants and loose t-shirts – from most men’s sections – have taken a complete back seat with fancy, well-designed, comfortable and economical maternity wear hitting the racks.
The Key Benefits of Maternity Clothes
Before maternity wear came into vogue, what would happen before maternity wear was that women were forced to wear loose clothes that they grew out of within a month from the fourth month onwards. This led to several purchases being made right through their pregnancy. On the other hand, maternity wear is designed specially to keep the growth of the belly in mind. So, if you purchase in the fourth month, it could last you right up to the term. Of course, this saves drastically on the cost of the garments.
The second advantage of the trend of maternity clothing taking over completely is the cosmetic appeal of the clothing. No matter how comfortable an oversized old t-shirt may be, stepping out for a party in it was not charming at all. With lovely glowing skin and the pregnancy aura at its peak, one wishes to look beautiful instead of shabby. Maternity wear caters to this aspect by complimenting fabrics and cuts, showing the pregnant lady better light.
While the cosmetic appeal was easy to gain by buying oversized dresses, they lacked the comfort that maternity wear offers. An evening dress designed for the pregnant lady considers her belly growth and ensures that the garment maintains overall comfort. Loose-fitting, stretchy maternity jeans and trousers use incredibly soft elastics to ensure that the pregnant lady does not feel uncomfortable wearing them. Tops are mostly pleated or cut in an A-line design to provide enough room for movement.
With cost advantage, cosmetic appeal, and comfort provided by maternity wear, it is no wonder that the trend has caught on like fire. Today, pregnant ladies can mostly be seen in specially designed maternity wear.
How to Buy the Right Maternity Clothing?
Pregnancy is a time of great discomfort for a lady. The first trimester sees her through nausea and dizziness, while the second one brings along a growing belly. The third trimester has the lady wondering where her toes disappeared and simply picking up a dropped pen seems like a huge chore. Altogether, pregnancy makes a woman go through a roller coaster ride.
But, while most women expect these discomforts and are prepared to face them, the lack of comfortable clothing during the pregnancy can cause constant irritation. Thankfully, unlike the natural discomforts that come with pregnancy, uncomfortable clothing has a solution, called maternity clothing.
Selecting the clothes you wear during your pregnancy months can make a huge difference in your general comfort level right through your nine months. While most women find that the first four months do not require any special clothing, it is the remaining carrying period that needs special maternity wear. However, it is recommended you buy appropriate maternity clothing right from the onset of pregnancy.
The second and third trimester usually sees a pregnant lady through tremendous growth, and one finds a size change almost every two weeks. Indeed, finding comfortable clothing, which does not require you to select a new wardrobe every month and empty your wallet, can be a task. This is why the starting of the second trimester is considered the best time to shop for comfortable maternity clothes.
Always keep in mind the season that you are going to be wearing your maternity clothing. When calculating this, leave the first four months of your term out since most women begin to grow only after the first trimester is over. Women tend to feel much hotter than otherwise during their pregnancies, and therefore materials that allow the body to remain cool are highly recommended when looking for comfortable maternity wear.
Fabrics like linen, cotton, and georgettes are highly recommended for the summer, while pure wool and thick corduroys will do well for the winters. Steer clear of Lycra and synthetic-based clothing. They are not considered fabrics that breathe and therefore can make you highly uncomfortable during a hot flash. If you find that you are stuck between seasons, it is advisable to stick to cotton and buy a jacket or two that you can wear over your summer wear.
Another tip to keep in mind when selecting comfortable maternity wear is buying the correct size. Maternity clothing, if purchased in the proper size, will last you right up to delivery. For example, do not purchase maternity wear that is slightly tight on the arms, no matter how good the cut looks on you. When you get into the garment, you must feel relaxed, and all casual movement should be easy and unhindered. Tight elastics must be kept out of your wardrobe, and only soft broad elastic attached to the fabric by stocking stitch should be allowed entry. The best tip – stick to your pre-pregnancy size!
Always pick maternity wear that allows ample room for growth, especially in the belly region. Pleats that open up, tie-ups that can be loosened, etc., are highly recommended. They prevent you from looking like a sack of potatoes while at the same time allowing room for growth.
The trick to selecting comfortable maternity wear lies in paying attention to the garment’s fabric, cut, and picking out the correct size.
