Mom-to-be in need of a maternity wardrobe? These maternity clothes essentials provide the comfort and versatility you need for all three trimesters.
When it comes to pregnancy and a maternity wardrobe, you'll find your wardrobe's most valued characteristic to be undoubtedly...COMFORT!
You CANNOT overlook comfort because you will soon embark on what will be some of the most uncomfortable (yet beautiful and unique) moments of your life!
During these lovely days of sleepiness and swollenness coupled with the joyous feel of your developing bambino fluttering about, easy-to-pair outfits that look cute and feel cozy will be an absolute necessity.
Here are the maternity clothes that will cover you through the entire year, no matter which seasons you're pregnant. They create the best quick and easy outfits for pregnancy without skipping out on comfort.
Maternity Wardrobe:
For Spring and Summer
1. Dresses
Dresses were my absolute favorite type of clothing to wear while pregnant!
They make for the quickest, easiest outfit to put together - all you need is the dress and a nice shoe to match.
I loved wearing them with “Gladiator” sandals that held securely to my foot without feeling like I needed to grip with my toes to keep them on. Everywhere I went, people would look at me and smile. You just feel so feminine, pretty, and comfortable - as long as you buy comfortable dresses.
My favorite type of dress was the MAXI dress. They were super comfy and attractive. I wore mine with a body shaper beneath to smooth the look of my pregnant physique.
You can’t go wrong with dresses to keep you feeling comfy, cool, and beautiful during both the spring and summer. They are sure to make your pregnant glow radiate even more.
2. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits make for lovely outfits that accentuate your midsection with an awesome balance between seeming casual and seeming dressy.
I had two jumpsuits that I just LOVED while pregnant. I felt super cute in every way while wearing them.
They’ll make you feel like you look like such a cute pregnant girl in both how your body is shaped and how you are dressed.
I felt like I looked really nice and very well put together without being overly dressed up.
You can purchase these outfits in maternity size, or you can purchase them a size or two larger to provide your pregnant body with a cozy, appropriate fit despite not being “maternity” sized.
3. Tees and Capris
Maternity Tees
You’ll definitely want some Basic Maternity Tees, but you can also just opt for loose-fitting flowy regular (not maternity) tees that are up a size or two.
I was able to wear some XL’s that weren’t specifically maternity but were made of semi-stretchy/cotton type material. Also, these are the times when you can take advantage of your belly bands (which we’ll discuss later) to expand your wardrobe and your options.
I preferred the maternity tees because they’re made to cover your entire tummy effortlessly and accentuate your growing midsection. You can pair them very easily with a nice pair of capris.
Capri Pants
Capris! I loved wearing these during warmer weather. A variety of styles are available, but you can’t go wrong with denim. It’s super easy to pair with any shirt. As mentioned above, I opted for maternity tees.
Maternity Wardrobe:
For Fall and Winter
4. Tunics and Leggings
Tunics
Tunics (and large sweaters) will allow for super convenient outfit pairing with any type of pants, ESPECIALLY leggings. These are great to wear during fall and winter.
Leggings
Maternity leggings are SO easy to dress up or down and ultra-comfy if you get the right size and material.
Maternity jeans go with everything and are always a convenient go-to for an easy outfit.
Opt for maternity, specifically, not regular jeans. You’ll need the soft, stretchy band that pulls over your tummy.
Regular jeans will be tight and uncomfortable on your belly, and eventually, your pants won’t be able to be fully buttoned or even zipped.
Maternity Wardrobe:
Necessary Accessories
6. Belly Bands and Extenders
A belly band and an extender will help to expand the lifespan of any of your current pre-pregnancy clothes and therefore expand your maternity wardrobe overall.
Belly Bands
Belly bands will cover your pregnant tummy. Eventually, everything you have that is pre-maternity will seem too short to cover your entire abdomen.
If you want to wear pants or tops that aren't maternity and don’t fully cover your belly completely, these bands will allow you to continue putting those items to use during your pregnancy.
Waistband Extenders (or Hair Ties)
If you find yourself fitting into some of your pre-maternity pants with the “slight” inconvenience of being unable to fasten them, then you can use waistband extenders or plain old hair ties to secure your pants.
You can wear a belly band or a long cami to cover your pants closure if you don’t want the extender or hair tie visible.
Maternity Wardrobe:
Year Round Necessities
8. Undies
Yes! Comfortable underwear is an absolute must! You’ll need these all year round, and a semi-loose or just-right fit in the most gentle and comfortable fabrics just can’t be sacrificed - unless you’d like to sacrifice your sanity instead.
You can choose from under the belly, over the belly, or foldable maternity panties.
Panties
Comfort is the goal, so choose whatever will be most comfortable for you. No need for lace or thongs or any of that, although you may want to wear them with dresses to avoid panty lines or want to be ultra-sexy pregnant wives, but we’re talking ESSENTIALS here.
Bras (Regular and Sports)
Concerning REGULAR BRAS, they should preferably be soft, and cotton - up one cup size as pregnancy progresses.
You’ll probably want a nice underwire cupped bra to make some of your more dressed up outfits look more flattering. But, for just a day in the office or the plant (or wherever you work), a standard, underwire-free, soft cotton bra will do the trick and with a much higher level of comfort for sure.
I had plans to breastfeed, so I actually got mine as a maternity nursing bra.
Regarding SPORTS BRAS, I just COULD NOT live without these. Soft, cotton, low-impact fruit of the loom bras was my favorite. They will provide comfortable support when you’re at home relaxing and don’t need to wear a more formal bra but still want some support.
I would put these on as soon as I got home from work, and I would sleep in them. My breasts are large and heavy, and gravity pulls on them, so these bras provided me with gentle and necessary comfort that I relied on even as I slept; otherwise, sleep was very uncomfortable.
Compression Socks
Compression socks will help reduce swelling in your calves and ankles and help reduce the soreness caused by the swelling.
They are great to wear during work if you have a job that requires you to be on your feet, or you may be prone to swelling even if you have a desk job. They can also be worn while lounging at home to offset discomfort caused by swelling.
A soft, gentle body shaper is useful. I recommend the kind that looks like super long panties.
They are nice to wear up until it starts to feel uncomfortably snug.
They are not completely necessary, but I liked wearing them under more form-fitting clothes. It smoothed out my love handles and made the outfit look prettier and more maternal overall (instead of like I was possibly just large and misshapen).
9. Comfy Pants
Lounge Pants
These pants are an absolute go-to for ultimate comfort. My job requires us to change into a uniform once we arrive, so I wore these on my way to work, at home, and to bed. You will find that they work perfectly for all lounge-worthy occasions.
These pants, however, were not specifically maternity; they were just regular pants. I purchased mine in XL to allow for breathability, a slightly loose fit on my pregnant tummy, and to avoid abdominal pain and tension, which isn’t good for mom OR BABY.
Maternity Wardrobe:
Comfy Shoes For Every Season
10. Flat Shoes
My #1 Suggestion, anything FLAT and COMFORTABLE!
Sneakers
You’ll want flat, comfy sneakers with some gel or memory foam support. You will feel like you’re walking on pillows. This is super necessary for those swollen, pregnant feet, and even if you’re lucky enough to avoid the swelling, they’ll feel lovely regardless.
Casual Flats
Casual flats could be ballet flats, loafers, clogs, oxfords, and so on. You’ll want any variety of casual, comfy flat shoes that will easily complement and dress up your outfits.
Sandals
(Great for Spring and Summer)
You’ll want flat, comfy sandals. My preference, especially while pregnant, is the “gladiator” types that strap around your ankles and stay on easily without excessively gripping your toes. I found these to be perfect with all of my summer and spring maternity attire.
Sandals will pair well with your dresses, and tees and capris for sure!
Boots
(Great for Fall and Winter)
A cute boot will pair well with your tunic and leggings, no doubt about it.
I loved having a nice, comfortable, go-to-boot for super cute, casual outfits in the fall and winter.
Maternity Wardrobe:
Seasonal Needs
Depending on your pregnancy timeframe, you may need a maternity swimsuit, fall jacket, and winter coat.
Converting jackets are great options; these types of jackets are sometimes called 3-in-1 for your pregnancy, to carry the baby post-pregnancy, and then forever.
For coats, you can opt for one that is designed specifically for maternity or just a regular coat 1-2 sizes larger than typical to give ample space for your baby bump.
Now, go enjoy that beautiful bump of yours in cute, comfy, convenient fashion!
This post was all about maternity wardrobe.
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