I’m almost at the end of my second pregnancy and throughout this current pregnancy and my first I rarely purchased any maternity specific clothing. Even when styling clients’ through their pregnancies I scarcely make maternity specific clothing suggestions., an admission that probably comes as a surprise given I am a stylist. However I rarely see maternity clothing as being a good investment for the wardrobe or the wallet and there are two main reasons why.
Cost Per Wear
“Cost per wear” is always a factor I consider as high importance whether I am buying for myself or making suggestions for my clients. Majority of our wardrobes should be able to be worn frequently and styled over and over again and this shouldn’t change even while pregnant. It is because of this that I often struggle to see investment in buying maternity specific clothing only during a pregnancy.
Often maternity clothing is of a higher price point in comparison to similar styles that aren’t branded as being maternity specific. As a stylist I understand that maternity clothing is specialist and yes there is a need for them in some circumstances. I do however believe that a lot of great options can be found to fit growing bumps in any regular store. And often when the clothing isn’t maternity specific my clients (and talking from my own experience) have found that this clothing gets worn post baby for many seasons after, therefore being a better monetary investment.
So what do I think is important to buy from maternity brands? Most definitely invest in some great maternity jeans and denim shorts (depending on the season) as non-maternity styles can be hard to find a correct and comfortable fit. A maternity specific pair with an over the bump coverage also has the added benefit of providing support to the body. And of course maternity bras, that goes without saying. Beyond that I haven’t worn any other maternity specific clothing this pregnancy (or my last one).
Personal Style
Maternity clothing is a niche market so unfortunately it can’t cover a large range of different personal styles and because of this it can often feel restricting to stick to maternity clothing only while pregnant, especially when great clothing options can be found in regular clothing stores that will feel more “you”. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice confidence and feeling great even while pregnant so when it comes to dressing your bump choose styles you love and feel great in, styles that reflect your own unique style (not just styles that you think you should wear now that you are growing a tiny human). Do this and you’ll rock your pregnancy with confidence.
So what do I invest in that is maternity specific? I bought some great maternity jeans and denim shorts (depending on the season) as non-maternity styles can be hard to find a correct and comfortable fit around the bump. A maternity specific pair with an over the bump coverage also has the added benefit of providing support to the body. And of course maternity bras, that goes without saying. Beyond that I haven’t worn any other maternity specific clothing this pregnancy (or my last one).
When it comes to maternity brands I do have some favourites. For maternity jeans my favourite are TopShop Maternity branded over the bump jeans which can be found on The Iconic or ASOS. For maternity bras that won’t compromise on style you can’t go wrong with Morrow & Mint.
Do you feel the same way and want to know what I did wear instead? Or just want some inspiration? Lucky I have a maternity specific style guide blog here.