The FAQs of Maternity Fashions
The time arrives when your conventional wardrobe is no longer an option and maternity clothing can no longer be avoided. By addressing the most common concerns of moms-to-be included below in their most frequently asked questions, you should be able to shop intelligently and without fear for stylish, comfortable fashions.
How do I know what size I am in maternity clothes?
Many women make the mistake of thinking they have to buy bigger
sizes when they are pregnant. But maternity manufacturers make it easy
— they scale the clothes to fit your pre-pregnancy size, and make
the proper adjustments to fit growing bellies and bosoms. This way,
pant legs and sleeves still fit to your frame (assuming your legs and
arms don't get longer with pregnancy!), necklines fall correctly, and
hemlines are proportionate. One piece of advice, though — be sure
to look for your pre-pregnancy NUMBERED size, not LETTER (i.e. look
for a 10, not a Medium). Manufacturers vary widely on what they each
call a Small, Medium, or Large, so be aware of the corresponding number
size.
I
find it frustrating to have to buy a whole new wardrobe that I will only
be able to wear for a few months. Any advice?
Some maternity clothes are inherently versatile, and some are actually
designed to take you beyond your pregnancy. For example, the drawstring
waist is becoming increasingly popular in maternity wear because of
its limit less potential. It can be worn in the very early stages of
pregnancy, when your non-maternity pieces are just getting uncomfortable
but before other maternity pieces may fit properly. It will expand with
you throughout your nine months and will be there for you after your
pregnancy before you are able to regain your pre-pregnancy shape. Other
styles are specifically designed for extended wear and include pants/skirts
with no maternity panel to sag after you no longer fill it out completely.
Instead, the fabric, by its nature, is extremely resilient. It will
stretch to fit you in your 9th month, and restrict to fit you for the
following 3 months. It allows for a zip fly front and top button closures,
features that you were able to enjoy before your pregnancy and now will
be able to continue to wear.
What is the hottest maternity fashion trend this season?
The biggest movement in maternity fashions is towards body hugging and
slimming styles. Women are opting to show off their blossoming bodies,
rather than trying to hide them. Dresses are skimming the hips and accentuating
the bellies. Tops are no longer tunic length but are now falling just
below the belly (some even above). Tanks and camisoles are body fitting
with spaghetti straps that allow you the versatility of wearing them
alone, or with a blouse or jacket for a little extra coverage. Pants
are adopting the new slim-fitting, ankle length look that you will find
prevalent in the non-maternity marketplace.
I am a size 12, but am only 5'1" tall. Are there
maternity clothes out there for me?
Many maternity companies have expanded their lines to address the
demands for petite sizes. A true petite size range includes all the
numbered sizes you would find in missy sizes, but are cut to fit those
5'4" and under. So a pair of pants that are 12 Petite, for example,
would fit a missy-size-12 person around the waist and hips, but are
usually cut 2 " shorter. Some vendors do offer a full and true
petite size range, and others do only have certain sizes that come cut
in petite lengths. Be sure not to confuse sizes marked with a "P"
for sizes that are actually "extra small" and not petite length
as some manufacturers interchange the two when sizing their items. If
you are not sure, and are not able to try on your selection, it's best
to ask.
What are the first maternity clothes I should be buying?
Quality basics! The most important pieces that you will have throughout
your pregnancy are quality basics that can be worn together or with
other items you purchase throughout your nine months. A good pair of
black pants, a short or long black skirt, and a pair of twill or denim
pants can take you a long way. The stress is on the quality. As in your
non-maternity wardrobe, you will have your "favorites" that
you'll wear over and over again, and you will want them to last through
your whole pregnancy without falling apart! A few coordinating tops
picked up along the way will go far in giving you a fresh new look,
and a much needed psychological boost just when you need it most.
Can you tell me about the difference between maternity
and nursing bras, what to look for, how to get a good fit, and when I
should buy one?
Maternity bras are made with extra support in mind. Cups usually have
fuller coverage, straps are usually wider so they don't dig into your
shoulders, and the band around the back is usually wider to offer more
back support. Nursing bras are also constructed with extra support,
but they have some type of ability to lower or move one cup at a time
without taking the whole bra off to nurse. Some have a clasp or Velcro
at the top of the cup that attaches it to the strap, and some have the
elasticity to just pull one cup over your breast to the side. You should
seek to obtain a good maternity bra as soon as your non-maternity bras
become uncomfortable. However, you should wait as long as you possibly
can to get a nursing bra as your breasts will become larger post-pregnancy,
and you will want the best fit you can get.
How do return policies differ between Maternity stores
and Maternity online stores? Is there anything that I should be wary of?
Most brick-and-mortar maternity stores and boutiques have restrictive
return policies and may only allow an exchange or return for store credit
only. One advantage of ordering online or through a mail order catalog
is that return/exchange policies necessarily tend to be more lenient
because of the inability to try the clothes on. This affords you the
added luxury of being able to try on your selections in the privacy
of your own home! Usually, returns can be made within a certain time
frame, and full credit may be given excluding original shipping and
handling charges. But be careful to check each individual retailer for
specific restrictions on returns for such items as lingerie, swimwear,
holiday specialty items, and final sale items. Also check for return
shipping charges.
If a washing label says "hand wash", is it
okay to put it in the washer under a gentle cycle?
Always carefully follow the garment care instructions on the label of
your maternity clothes. Quality manufacturers have tested the fabric
for reactions to various washing methods and have selected the method
that will give your garment the longest and best life. Dryer heat can
shrink cottons to a doll's size, and can also quickly destroy any spandex
or elastic in the garment. If you have a specific question about garment
care for a specific item, it is best to contact the manufacturer to
find out exactly what might happen with any given care method.
Do you have any advice for making the maternity clothes
that I buy last my whole 9 months and maybe even through my next pregnancy?
Purchasing quality maternity clothes is your best bet for making your
wardrobe last as long as possible. High quality manufacturers use high
quality material that is tested and re-tested for wear ability and wash
ability. This, together with high quality construction, will keep you
from watching your favorite pair of pants unravel before your eyes!
Well made garments will be able to withstand the additional washing/drying
of the clothes you wear over and over again and will be well worth the
extra investment!
I work in a very professional environment where tailored
suiting is a must, and I have frequent occasions that require elegant
eveningwear. Consequently, I have an extensive and varied pre-pregnancy
wardrobe that would be cost-prohibitive to duplicate for 7 months of maternity
wear. Do I have any options?
Consider leasing. Leasing maternity clothes is a novel approach that
is gaining in popularity and availability. Basically, a company will
make the initial investment in purchasing the items, and then make them
available to the consumer for a particular lease term and price. This
type of arrangement can be particularly beneficial if you either need
a large variety of styles throughout your pregnancy, or if you are looking
for something "extra-special" to wear only once and that you
prefer not to buy. For example, a maternity wedding gown that may retail
for $325, would be available for a 2 week lease for $150. Or a long
evening gown with a velvet shrug that retails for $192, could lease
for $90. This gives you the flexibility of having a very outfit for
a very special occasion, without the very special price tag!
Your options are almost limitless for good maternity styles, so prepare yourself to enjoy a satisfying shopping experience for clothing that will help you look and feel your best.