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Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes and How to Avoid Common Shopping Mistakes

September 5, 2015 by Julie 2 Comments

While being pregnant is one of the greatest joys in your life, it may not feel like it when you feel like you’re carrying around a beach ball and don’t feel like going anywhere. Here are some maternity clothes for working moms shopping tips so you can accentuate your best features and not fall into common maternity shopping mistakes when buying clothes when pregnant.

Buying Maternity Clothes

Buying Maternity Clothes

Image by DerekA via Flickr

We all know that looking stylish regularly can be overwhelming at times, but this often seems like a major feat when you’re pregnant. You have this tiny little baby bump that you want to show off when you’re newly pregnant, and then suddenly it expands to the size of a beach ball and nothing looks good on you.

Unfortunately, no one knows how quickly they will gain weight during their pregnancy as every woman’s body changes differently. Therefore, when you begin your maternity clothes shopping, avoid these mistakes. Are you ready to learn when to start buying maternity clothes for working moms?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • How to Avoid Common Maternity Clothes Shopping Mistakes
    • Don’t Go Maternity Shopping Too Early or Too Late
    • Don’t Buy Everything at Once
    • Buying the Wrong Sizes
  • Tips for Buying the Correct Maternity Clothes
    • Spend Money for Quality Clothes
    • Choose Breathable Fabrics
    • Invest in the Right Kind of Bras
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • What month should you start wearing maternity clothes?
    • What should I wear to work while pregnant?
    • How to dress business professional while pregnant?
    • How much money does the average person spend on maternity clothing during a pregnancy?

How to Avoid Common Maternity Clothes Shopping Mistakes

You’re around two or three months into your pregnancy and your regular everyday clothes no longer fit properly. As you begin looking for maternity clothes ideas in person or online, keep these tips in mind so you don’t fall into the all too common maternity shopping pitfalls when buying clothes when pregnant.

Don’t Go Maternity Shopping Too Early or Too Late

Sometimes, you’re so excited about your pregnancy that you may hit the maternity clothing stores before you’re actually showing and are tempted to buy a bunch of comfortable dresses long before needing them. Unfortunately, your body shape may change in ways you can’t predict, and your new clothes may go to waste.


Alternatively, don’t wait too long before buying your maternity wardrobe or you may feel like you’re popping out of your everyday clothes.

Don’t Buy Everything at Once

While you may need a few pieces at 12 weeks, you may want to wait to buy the bulk of your maternity wardrobe when you’re further along in your pregnancy. You’ll never know if you’ll go up a size between trimesters or if a cute black maternity dress you saw at four months pregnant will still look flattering at seven months pregnant.

Buying the Wrong Sizes

Since you may overestimate how much weight you’ll gain over your pregnancy, you may be tempted to buy the next size up in maternity clothes. A good idea would be to check good quality maternity clothing brands. Usually, such brands account for weight gain and a Maternity medium would work if you ordinarily wear a medium.

Tips for Buying the Correct Maternity Clothes

No matter if you decide to purchase your maternity wardrobe at a local boutique, through Zulily, or through an online maternity clothes website, keep some simple tips in mind. This way, you’ll end up with a good selection of high-quality basics in breathable fabrics.

Spend Money for Quality Clothes

Determine your budget for your maternity wardrobe and then check high quality maternity clothing brands.  Don’t skimp on the basics as you don’t want them falling apart. 

Purchase several everyday tank-tops, t-shirts, and tunics, maternity jeans, and maternity leggings. When shopping for office wear, invest in at least one pair of comfortable black dress pants, and an empire waist maternity dress.

Choose Breathable Fabrics

Select soft materials like cotton or bamboo because they’re soft and they ease itchiness and hot flashes. If these materials are combined with Spandex, you’ll find stretchy clothes that support your ever-changing shape.

Invest in the Right Kind of Bras

So many pregnant women either try squeezing their growing breasts into their regular bras or buy nursing bras way too early, and neither option works well.  You’ll spill out of your regular one or stretch them that they end up being useless after you lose the baby weight. Therefore, you should invest in a few basic maternity bras with wider straps to hold your bust line in better.

Many women feel overwhelmed about the amount of maternity wear out there nowadays. Therefore, it’s often best to keep your personal style in mind when you begin shopping and to follow the above-mentioned tips.

Do you have any tips to share?

 

Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes and How to Avoid Common Shopping Mistakes

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What month should you start wearing maternity clothes?

Deciding when to start wearing maternity clothes is a personal journey and can vary widely from one person to another. For many, the transition begins around the end of the first trimester or at the start of the second—usually between 12 and 16 weeks—when your little bean starts making its presence known. By this point, you might find that your usual wardrobe feels more snug than cozy. If you’re starting to unbutton those jeans just to breathe comfortably or if waistbands begin to dig in during daily activities, it’s likely time to embrace some stretchy fabrics.

However, don’t feel like you have to stick strictly to a timeline! Some women prefer investing in maternity wear earlier on as a way to celebrate their pregnancy and showcase their baby bump right away. Additionally, with today’s fashion landscape offering chic options for every stage of pregnancy—from cute wrap dresses to trendy joggers—you might be tempted to jump into maternity styles longer before they become “necessary.” Ultimately, trust your body and comfort; remember that every pregnancy is unique, and there’s no wrong time for stylish comfort!

What should I wear to work while pregnant?

When you’re pregnant, the challenge of dressing for work can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Embrace your new figure by opting for comfortable, stretchy fabrics that provide support without sacrificing style. Think about incorporating fashionable maternity dresses that can easily transition from a day at the office to an evening out; the right dress will hug your curves in all the right places while keeping you feeling breezy.

Layering is also a game-changer—light cardigans or tailored blazers can add a polished touch to a basic tee or tank. For footwear, consider chic flats or low-heeled shoes; not only are they kinder on tired feet, but they also offer versatility as your body changes. Accessorizing with bold statement jewelry can elevate any outfit and shift focus away from potential discomforts. Remember, confidence is key; wear what makes you feel empowered during this transformative time!

How to dress business professional while pregnant?

Navigating the world of business professional attire while pregnant can feel like a daunting task, but it’s all about embracing your body and turning this journey into a stylish statement. Start by investing in versatile pieces designed specifically for maternity wear—think structured blazers with stretchy fabrics that contour to your shape, allowing you to maintain that polished look without compromising comfort. Pair these with tailored trousers or midi skirts in breathable materials; opting for high-waisted options not only flatters your growing belly but also keeps you chic and elegant.

Accessories play a pivotal role in elevating any outfit. Statement jewelry or a bold handbag can easily transform more basic pieces, shifting focus away from garments that may feel restrictive. Don’t shy away from color either; incorporating vibrant hues or playful patterns can inject personality into your business wardrobe while keeping things fresh and visually interesting. Remember, confidence is key—placing emphasis on how you feel in what you wear will always shine brighter than any garment alone; after all, pregnancy is as much an expression of personal style as it is a phase of life!

How much money does the average person spend on maternity clothing during a pregnancy?

When it comes to maternity clothing, many expectant parents are caught off guard by the costs involved. On average, a pregnant person might spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on maternity wear throughout their pregnancy. This number can fluctuate based on personal style, location, and how much time they spend in different outfits—from casual lounging to work attire. Surprisingly, some savvy shoppers find joy in thrifting or swapping clothes with friends who’ve recently given birth; this not only saves money but also adds a personal touch.

Conversely, investing in quality pieces can pay off in comfort and durability. Some may even choose to purchase versatile items that can be worn post-pregnancy—a trend that’s gaining traction as sustainability becomes more integral to fashion discussions. With the rise of online shopping and subscription services for maternity wear, new parents now have access to styles that fit their ever-changing bodies without breaking the bank. It’s all about striking that balance between practicality and keeping your wardrobe fresh—after all, you deserve to feel fabulous while preparing for one of life’s biggest adventures!

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Comments

  1. Angela Gilmore says

    September 5, 2015 at 8:40 am

    Great tips! The bra is definitely key! Maternity clothes are so crazy expensive. When I was pregnant with Jack I went all out and got a bunch of work pants, casual pants, and tons of shirts. With Lorelai, I didn’t buy a single piece of maternity clothing. I bought about four bras right when I got pregnant, which is a good time because your boobs tend to swell at first. And then I used the shirts I already had on hand, which happened to be a stretchy fabric, and I dug up my old maternity clothes from years ago. Plus my sister in law gave birth about nine months before I did, so I was able to use her maternity clothes towards the end when things were getting really tight.

    The funny thing is that I actually bought a shirt from the maternity store well after I gave birth because there was a really good sale and it was only four dollars, plus you can’t tell it’s a maternity shirt.

    Another tip I would give it to get clothing that you really like because you can wear them in the awkward months after giving birth. I thought after giving birth I’d be able to wear all my old clothes, not realizing that by body would completely change! After Jack was born I bought a few more maternity shirts for work because nothing fit me right. Also fight the urge to donate your clothes after you are done with them, store them in a tucked away place just in case you want to get pregnant again. And if you are 100% positive you aren’t going to have more kids, I’d say hold onto the clothes for something you know. Maternity clothes are one of the best gifts a pregnant momma can ask for!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 5, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      I actually bought my maternity clothes at Kohl’s, which is where I usually buy my regular clothes, so they weren’t any more expensive. That’s a really great gift idea! I wore my maternity clothes for a while after, and still needed to get a different wardrobe cause my body is still quite different than pre-pregnancy.

      Reply

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Julie of Fab Working Mom Life Welcome! My name is Julie :) I'm a mom, military spouse (which often means I'm solo parenting), I work full-time in environmental compliance, and I'm also a blogger/content creator. I write about being a working mom to help myself and other working moms in our journey to find a balance between our family, responsibilities, and hobbies. I do this because we moms need a support network to thrive both at home and at work.

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