Shopping for maternity clothes can be both exciting and challenging. As your body goes through changes, finding clothing that offers comfort, style, and the perfect fit is essential. With the convenience of online shopping, you have access to a wide variety of maternity wear from the comfort of your home.
However, when you shop maternity clothes online, finding the right fit can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you find the perfect fit for your maternity wardrobe.
Understand Your Body’s Changes
The first step in finding the perfect fit is understanding how your body will change throughout your pregnancy. Most women start noticing changes in their body shape around the second trimester, but everyone’s experience is different. Consider the following common changes:
- Bust Growth: Your bust size may increase significantly, so consider this when choosing tops and dresses.
- Waist Expansion: As your belly grows, you’ll need clothes with more room around the midsection.
- Hip and Thigh Growth: Some women experience changes in their hips and thighs, so ensure your pants and skirts accommodate this.
Knowing how your body is likely to change will help you select clothes that will fit well throughout your pregnancy.
Know Your Measurements
One of the most critical steps when shopping online is knowing your current measurements. Since sizing can vary between brands, having accurate measurements is crucial. Here’s how to measure yourself:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring the tape is level across your back.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually just above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually around the hip bones.
It’s also helpful to take note of your current dress size, as many maternity brands base their sizing on your pre-pregnancy size.
Read the Size Charts Carefully
Every online store should have a size chart available for their maternity clothes. Since maternity clothing sizes can vary widely between brands, compare your measurements with the size chart provided. Don’t assume that your pre-pregnancy size will fit the same across all brands. Pay special attention to size guides that include information about how much stretch the fabric has and whether the clothing is designed to grow with your belly.
Look for Adjustable Features
Maternity clothes often come with adjustable features that allow for flexibility as your body changes. Look for these key elements:
- Elastic Waistbands: Many maternity pants, skirts, and shorts feature elastic waistbands that can expand as your belly grows.
- Ruching: Tops and dresses with ruching on the sides provide extra room for your growing belly and help maintain a flattering silhouette.
- Wrap Styles: Wrap dresses and tops are great for accommodating a growing bust and belly while allowing for easy adjustments.
- Empire Waistlines: Clothing with empire waistlines can offer a flattering fit that provides comfort as your body changes shape.
These features will ensure that your clothes fit well throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a goldmine of information when shopping for maternity clothes online. They can provide insight into how an item fits, whether it runs large or small, and if the material is comfortable. Look for reviews from women with similar body types to yours, as this will give you a better idea of how the clothing might fit you.
Consider the Fabric
The fabric of your maternity clothes is crucial for both comfort and fit. Look for materials that offer stretch, breathability, and durability. Common fabrics for maternity wear include:
- Cotton: Breathable, soft, and comfortable, cotton is a great choice for everyday wear.
- Jersey Knit: This fabric is stretchy and drapes well, making it ideal for tops and dresses.
- Spandex/Lycra: Often blended with other fabrics, spandex or lycra adds stretch and flexibility to maternity clothes, allowing them to grow with you.
- Modal: A soft, smooth fabric that’s lightweight and breathable, perfect for warmer weather.
Choosing the right fabric ensures that your clothes will be comfortable throughout the day and will grow with your body.
Start with the Basics
When building your maternity wardrobe, start with basic items that can be mixed and matched. Here are a few essentials:
- Maternity Leggings: Comfortable and versatile, maternity leggings can be paired with tunics, dresses, and oversized sweaters.
- Basic Tops: Invest in a few basic maternity tops in neutral colors that you can layer or accessorize.
- Maternity Jeans: A good pair of maternity jeans with an elastic waistband can be dressed up or down for various occasions.
- Maxi Dresses: Flattering and comfortable, maxi dresses are perfect for both casual and formal events.
These basics will serve as the foundation of your maternity wardrobe and can be accessorized to create different looks.
Don’t Forget About Postpartum Needs
When shopping for maternity clothes, consider items that will also be useful postpartum. Nursing tops, dresses with easy access for breastfeeding, and clothes with adjustable features can all transition from pregnancy to postpartum. This approach not only saves money but also ensures you have comfortable and functional clothing after your baby arrives.
Take Advantage of Free Returns
Many online stores offer free returns, which is especially important when shopping for maternity clothes. Take advantage of this policy by ordering multiple sizes or styles to try on at home, then return what doesn’t work. This allows you to find the perfect fit without the pressure of getting it right on the first try.
Look for Maternity-Specific Brands
While many regular brands offer maternity lines, shopping from brands that specialize in maternity wear can be beneficial. These brands are designed with pregnant women in mind, offering clothes that accommodate a growing belly and changing body. Some popular maternity brands include:
- Seraphine: Known for stylish and functional maternity wear, Seraphine offers everything from casual to formal options.
- Hatch: Hatch focuses on modern, high-quality pieces that can be worn during and after pregnancy.
- ASOS Maternity: ASOS offers a wide variety of trendy maternity clothes at affordable prices.
- Motherhood Maternity: A long-standing brand with a wide selection of affordable maternity basics.
These brands are dedicated to providing clothes that fit well and make you feel good during your pregnancy.
Stay True to Your Style
Just because you’re shopping for maternity clothes doesn’t mean you have to abandon your personal style. Look for pieces that reflect your fashion preferences, whether that’s boho, classic, modern, or sporty. Staying true to your style will help you feel confident and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Plan for Different Stages of Pregnancy
Your maternity wardrobe needs may change as your pregnancy progresses. Early on, you might only need a few stretchy pieces, but as your belly grows, you’ll need more specialized clothing. Plan ahead by purchasing clothes that will work for different stages of pregnancy, ensuring you’re always prepared.
Consider Seasonal Changes
Keep the season in mind when shopping for maternity clothes. If you’re pregnant during the winter, invest in cozy sweaters, maternity coats, and warm leggings. For a summer pregnancy, opt for breathable fabrics, lightweight dresses, and comfortable sandals. Seasonal considerations will ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather.
Accessorize to Enhance Your Outfits
Accessories can play a significant role in enhancing your maternity outfits. Scarves, jewelry, belts, and bags can add a touch of personality to your look. Belts, especially under-the-bust styles, can help define your silhouette and provide additional comfort as your bump grows.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fit when shopping for maternity clothes online requires some planning and attention to detail. By understanding your body’s changes, knowing your measurements, and carefully selecting clothes that offer adjustability, comfort, and style, you can build a maternity wardrobe that makes you feel confident and comfortable throughout your pregnancy. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a stylish and stress-free pregnancy.
