When you’re expecting, (especially if it’s your first child), you’re probably thinking of more things related to the baby than yourself.

But what happens when your favorite pair of jeans just don’t fit anymore over your growing belly bump? Does that mean…it’s time for the dreaded maternity wear?

It all depends on what you feel most comfortable in, plus, maternity clothes have come a long way from a time when women didn’t have much to choose from aside from a few frumpy looking tops and elastic pants.

So what should you look for when shopping for your maternity wear? Here’s a look at 5 tips to consider to help make shopping for you and your baby bump a bit easier…

Look For Comfortable Fabrics

The ideal maternity wear will last through several pregnancy stages, so it’s important to choose well-made, high quality items that are made from strong and stretchy fabric. You want a fabric that will grow with you but will remain snug enough to support your body changes. Look for breathability, durability, and softness in the fabric, as well as the stretch factor. Fabrics like bamboo, modal, and cotton tend to be the best choices for comfort and breathability.

Keep Sizing in Mind

A lot of pregnant women are told that they should pick out maternity wear in the same size they wore prior to getting pregnant. That’s not really a good piece of advice to follow since not all maternity clothes are designed for pre-pregnancy sizes. It’s definitely a good idea to try things on to see how specific brands fit on you. And don’t forget to check the label to see if the fabric is pre-shrunk and how they base their sizing for a more proper fit.

Don’t Get Plus-Sized Clothing

Many women make the mistake of just buying regular clothes in sizes that are too large, or opt for getting plus-sized clothing. This is a bad idea, because you’ll end up with clothes that are too loose and baggy, and won’t “give” in the right place. The right fit will not only be more flattering to your body, but will also provide the best amount of comfort, so it’s a better idea to go with maternity clothing instead. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Because well-made maternity clothing can get a bit pricey, it’s a good idea to shop for quality over quantity. Lower quality clothing is more likely to fall apart quickly in the wash, shrink, or lose its shape and support. Set yourself a budget for your maternity wear, and be sure to include everyday favorites in your investment. Maternity jeans, basic maternity tank tops, t-shirts, and camisoles, a maternity dress, and maternity leggings should be at the top of the list. That way you can mix and match with your regular wardrobe and layer as necessary.

Look Out For Maternity Features

Be on the lookout for the following features when it comes to shopping for your maternity clothes to ensure a stylish and comfortable fit:

• Adjustable waist bands (drawstring is a good choice)
• All solids or patterns that create a slimming effect
• Extra-long torso room for the growing belly
• Extra length in the torso for dresses and tops
• Empire waist in dresses and tops
• Ruching on the side for tops and on the waist for bottoms

Keep a lookout for a butch girl’s guide to maternity wear coming soon…

Image source:Hayley & Nat from @twomummas | Kristen from Melbourne based Paperfox Studio in Australia. www.paperfoxstudio.com @paperfoxstudio

[interaction id=”5624d46847771a9960fe4a18″]