Finding comfortable and flattering maternity clothes can be difficult, whether you're newly pregnant and just outgrowing your regular clothes or reaching the end of your pregnancy. Depending upon your preferences, you may opt for fitted clothes or looser and more fluid maternity wear. Tight fitting maternity clothes that show off the belly are in style, but may not be as comfortable or flattering depending upon the clothes and your preferences.
Types
Maternity clothes should be made from breathable fibers for comfort. Look for cotton blends, tropical weight wools or modern light and comfortable synthetics. Select fabrics with some stretch when opting for tailored or tightly fitted pregnancy wear. A percentage of lycra or spandex can make all maternity clothing more comfortable, and help with fit as your belly grows.
Function
To combine fit and comfort, fitted maternity clothes need more than breathable, stretch fabrics. Look for a low, adjustable waistband to allow for pants and skirts that fit well and flatter from early pregnancy through the postpartum period, recommends Jennifer Strom Simonte, owner and CEO of Belly Dance Maternity at Pregnancy Today. Fitted tops should be long enough to cover your belly, even in late pregnancy. Ruching or shirring may allow for a flattering and snug fitting top from earlier pregnancy through your ninth month if you prefer a tighter look.
Style
Choose maternity clothes as you would choose clothing when you're not pregnant, suggests Simonte. Opt for basic and versatile pieces that flatter your body and show off your pregnant shape to feel your best during pregnancy and stick to a budget when maternity shopping. A well-fitting pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of good black pants in a cut you prefer, and a great fitted black dress can provide a good basis for any maternity wardrobe, recommends maternity designer Liz Lange.
Size
When shopping for fitted maternity clothes, you will probably find that your usual clothing size fits well. If you want to wear regular fitted clothes during pregnancy, you will probably need to go up a size or two, recommends CafeMom author Christine Coppa; however, Simonte suggests you buy maternity sooner rather than later to get the most wear from your maternity pieces.
Warning
While fitted maternity clothes are made to accommodate your baby bump while still fitting comfortably, regular clothes may constrict your belly or make you uncomfortable. According to Dr. Marjorie Greenfield at DrSpock.com, there's no risk to tight fitting clothing during pregnancy. If you feel more comfortable in looser clothing, either physically or emotionally, you may find empire waist tops or dresses to be flattering while avoiding the tight fitting clothes trend.
