Maternity Clothing Low Down
It is all fun and games until you can’t sit down in your pants because that freaking button is cutting into your womb. Maternity is such a blessing and a time of giving your body grace, acceptance and excitement for growing a tiny little human.
Heres a few of my rules, and many of which I reaffirm to myself when I am standing naked in front of the mirror (which leads to rule number 8):
Your pants are supposed to get tight its part of the process
There’s no medal for keeping “regular pants” in your wardrobe (team stretchy pants all the way!!) or returning to them quickly. Please PLEASE realize this. They are just pants. Your heart and mind matter most.
You are not a hero for squeezing yourself into things that are too small (I’ve done this in the past and only ended up with deep dents in my skin and the strong need to go pee haha)
Bodies gain weight, boobs get bigger than you thought possible, you are growing and nurturing a child. Never forget that.
Every single pregnant woman will experiment things differently so do NOT compare. ever.
Breathing, being comfortable, feeling cute are all important, but the first two matter the most.
You don’t need to break the bank.
When standing naked in front of the mirror tell yourself 3 things your grateful for: legs that take you places, a womb that carries a child and your killer butt. Focus on ALL you have not all that has changed.
Our bodies are changing regardless of pregnancy, NOBODY stays 25 forever. I repeat either way your boobs are going south EITHER WAY so don’t get caught up on the physical. BE so dang proud because growing humans is freaking cool and such a blessing.
Now lets get real again, we accept our bodies and the changes that come but we are still allowed to look cute. I repeat you still want to have some pep in YO step. Nobody wants to feel frumpy cause that doesn’t help any feel good vibes.
But how do we manage the overwhelming world of maternity clothing? IS it ALL needed? what items are the best? should I just elastic my pants and hope for the best? or are maternity jeans worth it? Lets dive in.
A part of my no negative vibes lifestyle, I will take clothes that are too small out of my closet and put them away. That’s right see ya later. I don’t want to get dressed starring at the blouse that doesn’t fit my boobs or those jeans that may never fit again. fold them, box them and get them out of your sight. As your doing this keep in mind:
What in your closet is stretchy? keep that. I’m talking yoga pants, tank tops, t-shirts, button ups you can wear a tank top underneath (show off the bump, still have a cute top on), or tie it on top of your bump, cardigans or dusters with a tank top are a SOLID easy choice to look cute and comfortable.
The concept of layering WILL be your best friend. But soon you shall run out of pants that allow you to sit comfortably #truth. THIS is where, you can leverage a belly band, the good ol elastic trick BUT when that doesn’t work anymore, I invest in consignment maternity jeans or 1-2 pairs (or work pants if your in a professional attire situation). 2-3 pairs of pants (you buy YOUR pre-pregnancy size) will serve you for the short period that it is. Buying second hand for this category is huge because most are barely worn, in great condition and 40-60% of the price of buying brand new. In YYC? Check out FRESH MAMA or BABY & ME Maternity.
But what happens when your bras don’t fit? 1) you stretch the ones you have but once you get the double boob or your nips be popping out it is time to upgrade. Hint, get a nursing bra (if you are hoping to nurse) and wear it when pregnant OR size up in a normal bra (once your boobs come down you’ll be able to wear it again!)
There is a point where pants in general aren’t fun and dresses are your best friend. If you have stretchy dresses wear them with leggings if its winter or a cute jean jacket in the summer or fall.
High waisted workout gear is your best friend. HONESTLY my Lulu Align pants work amazing in maternity and postpartum and have lasted me years. Highly worth the investment of getting a pair of two off of the Lululemon Buy and sell local pages. You will have them for YEARS.
Kicking it up a notch? If your rocking professional gear or wanna be looking hot hot hot for a date with your partner remember show off your bump. Wear a tight tank top (that likely you have or don’t need to buy as a maternity, or just get 1 or 2!) and you can still wear your blazers, blouses (unbuttoned or tied above your bump or tucked into a high rise skirt) LEGIT tight tanks will make so much of your existing wardrobe usable.
Can I wear this later? When I buy something I ask myself, can I use this postpartum? what if I got a regular shirt and upsized? or is there a way I can get this for less (HELLO consignment! I love Fresh Mama in YYC Babyandmeyyc for two go to places where you can get amazing prices and feel cute as ever.)
Now don’t forget you DESERVE to be feeling confident and cute. So you do you, what you value for comfort and style is totally up to you. Just know that you can rock your pregnancy bump (as you should.. it honestly goes by sooo fast! And I miss my bump every time)
What I am trying to say is pregnancy is a short period of time. Its a magical time, but don’t go breaking the bank buying ERREEEthang maternity when SO many pieces from your existing wardrobe will work. Patch together some pants, a couple tops, bras and you’ve got your self a maternity capsule wardrobe that you can rock.
Focus on loving yourself, giving yourself grace, dressing up when you want to to feel like yourself and don’t forget to give yourself serious praise for your growing a FREAKING HUMAN!!
You got this. We got this!
With all my love,
Top Knot Mommy
