A Shopping Guide to Maternity Wear Through All Your Changes

Buying maternity clothes seems daunting as you need to think about what you're feeling during each trimester as well as how the seasons and temperature affect your health and wardrobe. Read on and I'll share some inside tips on how to purchase the most comfortable items and how you can buy maternity clothes on sale.

Buying During Each Trimester

This part may seem challenging as what seems flattering at week 12 won't look nice at week 20 so try to buy wisely and choose pieces that flatter your curves at each stage.

The First Trimester

During the first three months, often you may just gain a little weight overall or start developing a tiny baby bump. The best things you can buy are t-shirts or tank tops that you can layer under cardigans or flowing tunics that hide your growing stomach and are fitted elsewhere.  In addition, it's helpful if you buy a stretchy bump band that you can fit over your regular jeans when you can't fasten them until you buy your maternity jeans.

The Second Trimester

Usually, during the second trimester, your breasts expand so it's time to invest in some good-quality maternity bras. Maternity bras not only support your growing breasts but they help the circulation of the breasts, which ensures that milk glands are running correctly preparing for the birth of your baby. There is no set time for when women need to be measured, just trust your gut instinct.

You should also start buying some basics such as some boot-cut maternity jeans with the soft stretchy material in the waistband, which will expand over your stomach. In addition, consider purchasing a wrap dress because as you continue to grow you can alter where you tie it so it should last for several months.  You can wear it to the office as well as while you're out with friends.

The Third Trimester

During the last stretch of your pregnancy, you may feel fat and uncomfortable, as all your pants feel torturous, even the waistbands. For pure comfort, buy a few knit empire dresses that are free flowing and appear both soft and feminine. You may want to purchase some larger roomy tunics as well and pair them with maternity leggings for hanging around the house. You can find all your needs and buy maternity clothes on sale at reputable maternity clothes shops.

Some Inside Tips to Buying Maternity Clothes

As you begin to look for your new maternity clothes, remember to consider a few things, such as your overall body type, your general fashion style, and any health issues. These will help greatly as you pick your essential pieces.

Dress For Your Body Type

Dressing for your body type accentuates your best curves and hides the others. For example, if you're generally larger all over, stick to classic black pants and flowing dark tunics to hide your puffiness and focus on your long lines.  If you're carrying the baby up high and feel like your body suddenly became an apple, try purchasing some comfortable two-tone dresses, with the top and skirt in different colors and providing definition.

Layer Your Clothes

During your pregnancy, your body is overwhelmed as it working hard to make sure that your baby is receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen. This means that no matter how cool it is outside, you'll likely be overheating. So, if you layer a cardigan or a blazer over a blouse or a t-shirt, you can peel off the clothes as you need too.

Buy Comfortable Shoes

As your body swells up, so do your feet, and some women increase their shoe size up to two entire sizes! Choose comfortable slip-ons or ballet slippers for around the house, and buy chunky wide flats for work or running errands. Avoid tennis shoes with laces as you will have a difficult time tying your shoes when you're eight or nine months pregnant.

Buying Your Maternity Clothes

Now that you know which maternity essentials you need, you'll be pleased to know, you can buy maternity clothes on sale at maternity clothes shops. Many carry lines from the finest designers.