If you’re expecting a baby, you’ll soon have to buy a few pieces of maternity clothing. The great news is that nowadays this type of garment is no longer boring. If you start browsing maternity shops in Melbourne, you’ll find so many cute options to help you stay stylish and comfortable throughout all nine months and beyond. If you’re getting ready to head to maternity dress shops in Melbourne, here’s what to have in mind.
When To Buy Maternity Clothes
Every pregnancy is unique, so the decision of when to transition to maternity clothes varies from person to person. Expectant mothers begin wearing maternity clothing at different stages of their pregnancies. However, some signs may indicate it’s time to invest in maternity wear:
- Needing to unbutton the top button of your pants throughout the day
- Preferring clothing made of spandex
- Feeling bloated constantly
- Noticing your baby bump making an appearance
- Finding that your button-down shirts no longer fit properly
By the time a woman reaches 20 weeks of pregnancy, her uterus is usually positioned at the level of the navel. At this stage, many women start to visibly show their baby bump, although the timing can vary depending on factors such as the mother’s height, body type, weight gain, number of babies in the womb, and whether it’s her first pregnancy. In the case of first pregnancies, the bump typically becomes more prominent a little later compared to subsequent pregnancies.
Create a Maternity Clothes Capsule
There are two words you’ll constantly hear when it comes to maternity clothing – “essentials” and “basics”. The important thing is to buy clothes that will make you feel comfortable and you can match them with other pieces.
Maternity Underwear
Let’s start with the basics. This type of underwear is designed to provide optimal comfort and support for expectant mothers. Maternity underwear is equipped with an over-belly band, which effectively distributes weight and offers much-needed support to accommodate the growing belly bump.
Maternity Dresses
If you’re browsing maternity dress shops in Melbourne, you’ll find all kinds of dresses. Most expecting moms would opt out for a maxi dress. These are long, comfy and form-fitting versions that will help you have a whole outfit on days when you truly don’t feel like bothering yourself with the eternal question “What to wear today?”.
You can also choose a midi and even a shorter dress for various occasions such as a day at the beach, for when you have lunch with friends, or for doing errands, you name it. And if you’re attending an event, you can always get a little black dress or two to make you feel confident. Dress up for your baby shower, an after-work event or a wedding.
T-Shirts
You’ll, of course, need comfy T-shirts that will make your day easier. Buy a few stretchy maternity T-shirts in the colours you like. Nothing tops off a pair of maternity jeans better than this most basic of basics. They’re great to pair with maternity shorts jeans, or sweatpants and of course, they’ll surely work great as sleeping attire.
Mom Jeans
Now that your body changes, you’ll need to get a pair or two of maternity jeans. If before the pregnancy you were a jeans girl, you shouldn’t quit them now that your belly is growing. These jeans have high rise and an elastic band in the front part, to keep your belly comfortable and without adding any pressure.
Leggings
All expecting moms love leggings. They’re easy to put on, stretchy enough and above all, leggings feel comfortable. Also, let’s not forget that this piece of clothing that moulds to your body, can be matched with just anything from a comfy hoodie, a t-shirt, a simple long shirt and a jacket.
Blazer
An oversized blazer is a perfect second layer. It’ll give you that chic look and fit perfectly throughout your entire pregnancy. Choose one made of breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, and for the chillier days, go for wool.
What to Look for In Maternity Clothing
Is It Stretchy?
Keep an eye on the fabric of the maternity clothes you’re purchasing, as you never know where you’ll continue to expand during each trimester. Anything made with flex fabric, stretch fabric, or jersey fabric will provide you with more flexibility.
Is It Transparent?
Sometimes, you gotta do a little bending, and touch your toes. Quality maternity clothes should be transparent. Maternity wear often has a good amount of elasticity, so it’s crucial to see how it moves. Keep an eye out for garments that become see-through when stretched while shopping for maternity clothes.
Ruching
Ruching is a fantastic feature that ensures your maternity clothes adapt to your growing bump. It suits every body type, so you don’t have to worry. Whether you purchase a ruched item during your first trimester or later, it will always accommodate your changing shape flawlessly.
Think Beyond Pregnancy
It’s great to have nursing options in maternity clothing. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure to get maternity clothes that make you feel beautiful and comfortable during your pregnancy and beyond.
Australian Atlas 