23 Zulhijjah 1434
As if the morning sickness, weird cravings, and backaches aren't enough, pregnancy also makes you a bit huge. Okay maybe not just a bit, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to frumpy clothes or suffer the indignity of raiding your husband's closet for larger outfits until the litlle one arrives. Today, maternity wear is big business. Just take a look around the next time you're at a shopping mall, there's bound to be at least one shop that specialises in maternity clothing. Add the innumerable online stores available and you're spoilt for choice.
Stretch it
For starters, you don't need maternity clothing immediately. You can still stretch the use of your normal clothes and pants up to a point. It depends on the individual - some women start needing maternity clothes at 9 weeks while others can get away without clothes at 9 weeks while others can get away without it for much longer that that. In any case, you'll know when to make the switch when you start feeling uncomfortable and having to squeeze into your regular wardrobe.
Buy Quality
You might have friends or relatives of childbearing age who would be glad to pass down their maternity clothes. Pay them a visit and see if there's anything in their collection that looks good and fits you but don't feel obliged to take everything or else you'll end up with a pile of unused clothes.
When buying, pick the best quality maternity clothes that can afford and that you actually enjoy wearing out. Think long term - good clothes are often durable and can still be used for you next pregnancies so you can save money if you choose wisely the first time. If you're at home, you can make do with the less fashionable options of extra large t-shirt, raglan sleeves or overalls. But leave all those behind for more presentable outfits when you're having guests over or going out. Invest in a wide variety of clothes that make you look great. Our tips below will put you on the right path to looking well dressed and staying comfortable in maternity clothes.
* You can't go wrong with a pair of good maternity jeans. These are (literally) flexible pieces that can fit just about any occasion. Choose denims with comfortable, soft materials. Resist falling for trendy coloured jeans that go out of fashion fast and stick to neutral colours like blue and black that can match with almost any top.
* Stretchy leggings and yoga pants are another good choice. They're a super comfortable and stylish addition to your maternity wardrode. Pick ones that can be used for lounging around at home and are equally good enough to be paired with a nice top for going out.
* Choose floaty and long tops that stretch to over the hips. A buttoned, maternity cardigan is also great for cooler days. Combine with a long skirt or pants.
* As you get further in your pregnancy, you'll need to look for maternity and nursing bras that are specifically designed for pregnant bodies. Maternity underwear is also available and these are often made extra stretchy to fit either below or above the expanded belly.
* Look around, sometimes maternity wear is found in the non-maternity section! Think of loose and flowy items. Wrap around dresses and caftans are some good examples. What's more, if you buy correctly, some of these pieces can be worn beyond the nine months.
* When shopping for maternity clothes, keep in mind that your body will be constantly changing and growing throughout the pregnancy, so choose carefully. You don't need to pick out bigger sizes either as maternity clothes are designed to accommodate your baby bump by having more space for the bust the belly areas.
If you look great you'll also tend to feel great so get out there and get some stylish and comfortable maternity clothes!
- Sources from MAMAtoMAMA -
