Maternity Clothes for Before, After and During Pregnancy
by Tabatha Jones
I often hear women say they do not want to invest in maternity clothes because it feels extravagant to spend a lot of money on something you can only wear for 6-7 months. But, very often those are the same women I hear complain about not feeling attractive during pregnancy.
The good news is many designers now make maternity clothes that are fashionable enough to wear throughout your pregnancy as well as after, often known as transitional maternity wear. Transition wear clothes are designed to look like regular pre-pregnancy clothes with a little more room where you need it -- in the bust, belly and waist.
Expecting moms can find their pre-pregnancy wardrobe uncomfortable as early as 4 weeks into their pregnancy, especially if it is a second baby. Some fortunate women have their bodies back in a matter of weeks after having a baby, but for us majority of women it usually takes up to 4 months. Why buy clothes that are a few sizes bigger when you can just invest early on in your pregnancy in some transitional maternity clothes that will last you through your before and after transition? Transitional Maternity Clothes can be that missing link between you and your feminine being.
Some perfect transitional wear items include:
- Tops: Many maternity tops fit snug with a stretchy material so they will show your curves yet grow with you during your pregnancy. The Rose Maternity Tank by Ripe is a very fashionable top that works perfectly for transitions. Wrap tops are perfect since you can loosen and tighten as needed. Check out the Ruffle Wrap Top by Ripe as a great example. Of course, tees with slogans should be avoided for before and after pregnancy.
- Bottoms: There are plenty of options out there for bottoms during your transition. Something good to look for is a band that can be lifted or folded. This way you can fold it over before and after and lift it for conformability during your pregnancy. The Fold Over Crop Maternity Capri by Ripe works great as well as the Ellie Maternity Skirt by Sche.
- Jeans: Maternity Jeans that will work during your transition can be hard to find. Look for jeans that are under belly and that have inside buttons to tighten or loosen as needed. The Habitual Knocked Up Maternity Jean is perfect for the transitional stage.
- Dresses: Most maternity dresses will fit perfectly during transitions as well as throughout your pregnancy since they give more than enough room to grow while still lying on your body to show your figure. Wrap dresses work exceptionally well since they can be tightened or loosened to your liking. The Wrap Maternity Dress by Funmum is a great choice.
Let yourself be comfortable, feel attractive and be happy. Plan your wardrobe so you can mix and match as much as possible.
Savannah Hernandez and Tabatha Jones, owners of Mommy Appelseed Maternity Clothing, grew up together and have remained close friends ever since. They came up with the idea of starting an online maternity clothes boutique while discussing their decisions to expand our families. Remembering the dull maternity fashions during their first pregnancies compelled them to open an maternity clothes boutique that offered comfortable, sexy maternity clothes without sacrificing style.
Reprinted with permission from Mommy Appelseed Maternity Clothing.
