What Should I Wear During Pregnancy?

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    Finding clothes that match your style and how you feel in the moment is equal parts exciting and frustrating. We get it. Here’s some things to consider when curating a maternity wardrobe that’s all you.

    When will I need to begin wearing maternity clothes?

    While slightly different for everyone, between weeks 12 and 16 you'll notice that non-maternity bottoms are uncomfortable. The fit will be noticeably changed in the waist and legs. This is your cue to move into styles with more stretch, elastic waistbands, or a maternity belly panel. First-time pregnancies tend to show later than second or third-time bumps. You'll know when it's time simply based on the lack of comfort.

    What is a Bellaband® and do I need one?

    The Bellaband® is the original maternity belly band, introduced over 20 years ago. Designed to bridge the gap between regular and maternity bottoms, the Bellaband is a soft and seamless stretchy band of fabric that allows you to securely wear your favorite denim, unbuttoned. Folded over, it also provides gentle support to a growing belly. Some women wear a belly band for a short period of time until they’re ready for maternity pants, and others swear by one for their entire pregnancy.

    What maternity basics should I buy early in my pregnancy?

    Begin with a comfort mindset. Select maternity pieces that make you feel good and unbothered. Look for basics that are easy to pair with favorite items in your closet, such as leggings, unitards, and a few tanks or tees with stretch. Choose colors that compliment your button down tops and favorite roomy sweaters. Dressing in the first trimester is a hybrid of new and old and should center around what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

    Newly Pregnant? Start Here

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    ||Pregnant woman wearing a beige bra, black Bellaband, and blue jeans on a white background
    ||Pregnant woman wearing a black Bellaband, and blue jeans on a white background
    Bellaband® - The Original Pregnancy Belly Band for Pants and Jeans
    $30.00
    ||Pregnant woman wearing blue patterned dress wearing nude shapewear shorts underneath
    ||Pregnant woman wearing a taupe bra and nude shapewear shorts against a plain background
    The Maternity Shapewear Shortie
    $32.00
    ||Three black and three mauve maternity underwear displayed on a plain background
    Ultimate Comfort Maternity Seamless Underwear, 6-Pack
    $60.00
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    26 products

    What’s the best way to shop for maternity clothes?

    Shopping for maternity clothes starts at home! Shop your closet first. Before buying maternity, search your clothes for roomy dresses, longer tops, and bottoms with elastic or smocked waistbands. Take stock of what you have so you can focus your budget on what’s needed in later months.Shop By Trimester

    How do I build a maternity wardrobe on a budget?

    An affordable approach takes a little bit of thoughtful planning but will leave you feeling inspired and excited about getting dressed each day. Maternity clothes can be a mix of:

    • Your existing clothes: oversized pullovers, button down shirts, elastic waistband pants.
    • Pre-loved clothes: Clothes swap with recently pregnant friends and family, search community moms’ groups for second-hand events, or visit Ingrid & Isabel’s Bump Swap to shop and sell gently worn maternity.
    • Rental clothes: A fun way to try new styles or sample statement pieces and special occasion items.
    • New clothes: focus your budget on items typically worn on repeat. Bras, underwear, leggings, tanks, tees, jeans, and jumpsuits are likely to get a lot of wear and worthy of an investment.

    When should I buy a maternity bra?

    Sooner than you think. Look for maternity and nursing bras that will grow with you, have some stretch or adjustability to the band, straps, and cups, and made with breathable fabrics. It's perfectly okay to invest early in a nursing bra if it feels good during pregnancy.

    Tips for choosing a great pregnancy and nursing bra:

    • Don’t wait: Look for a new bra as soon as you begin to feel restricted or uncomfortable in your regular bras.
    • Nursing bras are maternity bras: Most nursing bras come with multiple points of adjustability and are great to wear while pregnant.
    • Breathable fabrics: Look for bras made with a nylon / spandex fabric blend for durable stretch, recovery, breathability, moisture control, and easy care.
    • Functionality and aesthetics: Crossover bra designs are known for their grow-with-you stretch fabrics and easy pull aside nursing access. For a little more structure and support, look for a bra with drop-down clasps and molded cups.