Pregnancy brings radical changes to your body, from weight gain to increased breast size to a growing belly, making your regular or pre-pregnancy clothes tight and uncomfortable.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to raid your partner’s closet or wear unattractive oversized clothes for the next nine months. Your best bet is to invest in comfortable and stylish maternity wear designed specifically for the comfort and needs of pregnant women.
Here’s a rundown of when you should start wearing maternity clothes, what essentials you should have in your wardrobe, and where to buy or rent the best maternity clothes.
When should you start wearing maternity clothes?
Generally, most pregnant women buy maternity clothes in the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy or when their pre-pregnancy clothes are tight or uncomfortable.
The time depends on your age, height, body type, weight gain, previous pregnancies, and number of babies in utero.
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. If you’re wondering when to start wearing maternity clothes, it’s up to you; let your comfort level be your guide.
If you’re still confused, look for these clues:
- Is your bump peeking through your shirt?
- Do you wear loose maxis and flowy tops all the time?
- Your bra doesn’t fit anymore. (note: Wearing a tight bra during pregnancy can restrict blood circulation and can cause breast pain and infection)
- Stretchy fabrics like knit, lycra whatever you want to wear
- You can’t button your pants anymore.
- Your button-down shirts are gaping, meaning there is a gap in your shirt buttons.
- It’s hard to breathe in your regular clothes.
- Your regular clothes restrict your movement and cause physical discomforts such as numbness, tingling, skin irritation, and itching.
When you start feeling tight and uncomfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes, it’s time to buy some maternity clothes.
What maternity clothes do you need?
You don’t have to completely change your wardrobe. You need to invest in a few essential pieces that will take you through pregnancy to postpartum.
To make your maternity shopping convenient and more organized, we’ve divided them into three categories:
1. The Basics
These are the pieces you should stock up on first, such as:
- Supportive maternity bras
- Maternity panties
- Maternity leggings or jeggings (fabric should be four-way stretchy)
- Everyday t-shirt
2. The Must-Haves
These are the clothes you should buy after you’ve got all the basics down:
- Maternity tops/tunics
- Maternity jeans/pants
- Maternity dress/ Maternity Kurta/Kurti sets
- Maternity loungewear/Maternity kaftan
- Maternity Nightwear
3. The Investment Pieces
To celebrate your pregnancy in style.
To get your money’s worth, buy nursing-friendly clothes to use after delivery. In photoshoot gowns, look for detachable trains.
Investing in some multi-purpose clothing is key to building a versatile and affordable maternity wardrobe.
How do I know what size maternity clothes to buy?
Maternity sizes work with standard clothing sizes. If you were small before pregnancy, you are probably a maternity small unless you are carrying twins or multiples. So don’t give in to the temptation to buy a size or two bigger than you normally wear. Buy your pre-pregnancy size or consult the manufacturer/seller.
Before purchasing any maternity wear, it is highly recommended that you check your current measurements and refer to the brand’s size chart to get the best possible fit. Ultimately, buy what fits and feels right.
Where to buy maternity wear online in India?
Ready to start shopping? Here, we’ve rounded up some of moms’ favorite online stores to shop for maternity clothes.
1. Best Maternity Store for Online Shopping
2. Where to rent maternity clothes?
Dress rental services are a great option, especially for expensive items like photoshoot gowns
3. Other Options
You can also collaborate with maternity brands, borrow your friend’s maternity clothes, or buy second-hand maternity clothes from sites like OLX.
Summary
Maternity clothes are essential for the comfort of pregnant women. You should invest in some important parts in advance to ensure your comfort throughout the nine months. There are many different styles and types of maternity clothes available, so find what works best for you and buy according to your size. Don’t wear tight or ill-fitting clothes during pregnancy – it will only make you uncomfortable. Invest in nursing-friendly items that will give you good value.
