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How do I know what size I am in maternity clothes?
Many women make the mistake of thinking they have
to buy bigger sizes when they are pregnant. But maternity manufacturers
make it easy — they scale the clothes to fit your pre-pregnancy size and
make the proper adjustments to fit growing bellies and bosoms. This way,
pant legs and sleeves still fit to your frame (assuming your legs and arms
don't get longer with pregnancy!), necklines fall correctly, and hemlines
are proportionate. Be sure to look for your pre-pregnancy NUMBERED size,
not LETTER (i.e. look for a 10, not a Medium). Manufacturers vary widely
on what they each call a Small, Medium, or Large, so be aware of the corresponding
number size.
This frustrating to have to buy a whole new wardrobe that will only be worn for a few months. Some maternity clothes are inherently versatile, and some are actually designed to take you beyond your pregnancy. For example, the drawstring waist is becoming increasingly popular in maternity wear because of its limitless potential. It can be worn in the very early stages of pregnancy when your non-maternity pieces are just getting uncomfortable but before other maternity pieces may fit properly. It will expand with you throughout your nine months and will be there for you after your pregnancy before you are able to regain your pre-pregnancy shape.
Other styles are specifically designed for extended wear and include pants/skirts with vesilient fabric that will stretch to fit you in your ninth month, and restrict to fit you for the following three months. It allows for a zip fly front and top button closures, features that you were able to enjoy before your pregnancy and now will be able to continue to wear.
What is the hottest maternity fashion trend
this season?
Body hugging and slimming styles are popular.
Women are opting to show off their blossoming bodies, rather than trying
to hide them. Dresses are skimming the hips and accentuating the bellies.
Tops are no longer tunic length but are now falling just below the belly
(some even above). Tanks and camisoles are body fitting with spaghetti
straps that allow you the versatility of wearing them alone or with a blouse
or jacket for a little extra coverage. Pants are adopting the new slim-fitting,
ankle length look that you will find prevalent in the non-maternity marketplace.
I am a size 12 but am only 5'1" tall. Are there
maternity clothes out there for me?
Many maternity companies have expanded their lines
to address the demands for petite sizes. A true petite size range includes
all the numbered sizes you would find in missy sizes but are cut to fit
those 5'4" and under. So a pair of pants that are 12 Petite, for example,
would fit a missy size 12 person around the waist and hips, but are usually
cut 2 " shorter. Be sure not to confuse sizes marked with a "P" for sizes
that are actually "extra small" and not petite length as some manufacturers
interchange the two when sizing their items.
What are the first maternity clothes I should
be buying?
Quality basics! The most important pieces that
you will have throughout your pregnancy are quality basics that can be
worn together or with other items you purchase throughout your nine months.
A good pair of black pants, a short or long black skirt, and a pair of
twill or denim pants can take you a long way. The stress is on quality.
As in your non-maternity wardrobe, you will have your "favorites" that
you'll wear over and over again, and you will want them to last through
your whole pregnancy without falling apart! A few coordinating tops picked
up along the way will go far in giving you a fresh new look and a much
needed psychological boost just when you need it most.
What kind of bras should I buy?
Maternity bras are made with extra support in
mind. Cups usually have fuller coverage, straps are usually wider so they
don't dig into your shoulders, and the band around the back is usually
wider to offer more back support. Nursing bras are also constructed with
extra support, but they usually have some ability to lower or move one
cup at a time without taking the whole bra off to nurse. Some have a clasp
or Velcro at the top of the cup that attaches it to the strap, and some
have the elasticity to just pull one cup over your breast to the side.
You should seek to obtain a good maternity bra as soon as your non-maternity
bras become uncomfortable. However, you should wait as long as you possibly
can to get a nursing bra as your breasts will become larger post-pregnancy,
and you will want the best fit you can get.
How do I make maternity clothes last?
Purchasing quality maternity clothes is your best
bet for making your wardrobe last as long as possible. High quality manufacturers
use high quality material that is tested and re-tested for wearability
and washability. This, together with high quality construction, will keep
you from watching your favorite pair of pants unravel before your eyes!
Qualtiy clothes are well worth the extra investment!
I work in a very professional environment where
tailored suiting is a must, and I have frequent occasions that require
elegant eveningwear. Do I have any options to save costs?
Consider leasing. Leasing maternity clothes is
a novel approach that is gaining in popularity and availability. Basically,
a company will make the initial investment in purchasing the items and
then make them available to the consumer for a particular lease term and
price. This type of arrangement can be particularly beneficial if you either
need a large variety of styles throughout your pregnancy, or if you are
looking for something "extra-special" to wear only once and that you prefer
not to buy. For example, a maternity wedding gown that may retail for $325,
would be available for a 2 week lease for $150. Or a long evening gown
with a velvet shrug that retails for $192, could lease for $90. This gives
you the flexibility of having a very nice outfit for a very special occasion—without
the very special price tag!
Your options are almost limitless for good maternity
styles, so prepare yourself to enjoy a satisfying shopping experience for
clothing that will help you look and feel your best.
