What Clothes to Wear During Pregnancy – Must-have Pregnancy Outfits

By Mahak Arora | Updated: 26/04/2024

Pregnancy is a huge milestone – you will bring a new life as a pregnant woman. Pregnant women do everything in their power to make sure that their little ones are comfortable and taken care of. But, more often than not, mothers forget that they, too, need to be taken care of and feel relaxed. If you’re pregnant, comfort should be on the top of the list because your body, as well as your mind, needs it for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Wearing the right clothes during pregnancy is not a luxury but a necessity as it will keep you comfy while you grow. So, what to wear when you are pregnant? This article should help you get your pregnancy wardrobe in place. Let’s begin with why pregnant women need comfortable clothes.

When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes When Pregnant?

When to start wearing maternity clothes during pregnancy varies for each woman, but a standard time frame is typically during the second trimester, around weeks 14 to 16. This is when many women begin to notice changes in their body shape and find their regular clothes uncomfortable due to a growing belly. You might see it’s hard to button up your pants or that your tops don’t cover your belly well anymore. If you feel more comfortable in maternity wear and your regular clothes get too snug, it’s a good time to switch. Pregnant women need to listen to their bodies and prioritise comfort throughout their pregnancy journey.

Why Pregnant Women Should Wear Comfortable Clothes?

Can clothes affect your health during pregnancy? Here are some reasons why you should wear comfortable clothing during pregnancy:

Your body changes drastically during pregnancy. So, you need to wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for your growing body.
During pregnancy, your body is on high alert because of the drastic hormonal changes, which commonly lead to skin sensitivity, making your body prone to skin allergies and rashes. Wearing clothes made of suitable fabric is imperative to avoid any skin irritation.
The first trimester of pregnancy is synonymous with nausea and vomiting for most women. Wearing uncomfortable clothes is not the wisest decision, as you’re just contributing to feeling worse. Tight clothes can cause heartburn and indigestion, which in turn can cause nausea and vomiting.
Going through nine months of pregnancy means you’ll also be going through different seasons. A lot of pregnant women find summers too hot and winters too cold. Wearing cotton clothes during summer can keep you cool as the fabric absorbs sweat. Woollens, on the other hand, can keep you warm during winter.
The sleeping posture changes during pregnancy, especially during the final trimester. Loose, soft, and comfortable clothes, especially nightwear, help you get sound sleep and prep your body for the delivery.

You must focus on loose, soft, and comfortable clothing. But what exactly can you wear, and how should you choose your clothes? Read on to know more.

How Can You Stay Comfortable and Stylish Throughout Your Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can come in the way of your fashion statement, especially when your favourite pair of jeans and tops aren’t close to fitting you right. However, all hope is possible because you can still look like a million dollars and be comfortable. The tips given below will show you how.

Cotton is your best friend. Wear cotton clothes that are loose and breathable. Cotton helps absorb sweat and keeps you cool. Cotton also happens to be skin-friendly and enables you to prevent skin rashes. You can look for
Go for pants or skirts that can be fastened with a drawstring, as opposed to those with a belt or zipper. This way, you can adjust the clothing around your waist at your convenience. Drawstrings are easy on your skin, too.
Wear clothes that provide ample support to your growing belly. You can choose from a range of maternity tops and bottoms that support the baby bump. As the second trimester comes close, the belly expands, and you should look for maternity leggings and jeggings that can provide extra support to the growing belly and are also comfortable.
With pregnancy, your waist and breasts increase in size. So, discard your old inners and get new ones that fit appropriately. You should invest in good quality nursing bras, which will be helpful post-delivery, too. Also, avoid wearing underwire or padded bras, as this can inhibit blood circulation and, in some cases, cause lumps due to fluid retention. You can look for Bella Mama’s wireless maternity and nursing bras that provide absolute comfort and protection to growing breasts.
Wraparounds are not just trendy and classy; they’re also incredibly comfortable. Invest in these, and team them up with tank tops or tunics.
You can wear clothes with elastics, but make sure they aren’t too tight.
Frequent visits to the loo to urinate are typical during pregnancy. Buy clothes keeping this in mind. You’ll find skirts and dresses extremely useful as they will make your life easy during pregnancy. Maternity nighties for home and maternity dresses for outside are good options. With the onset of the second trimester, maternity dresses come in handy with good room for the baby bump, flowy silhouettes, and smooth cloth texture.
Avoid unnatural fabrics like synthetics, elastin, chiffon, and georgette. Your hormones are on overdrive, owing to which you will sweat excessively. Wearing these materials will make it worse.
Wear clean clothes during pregnancy. The last thing you need is an infection or skin rash.
It’s not like you will stay at home during the whole pregnancy period. You would also want to go out, flaunt your baby bump and enjoy the pregnancy. Maternity kurtas, maternity tops and shirts, maxi dresses, loose shirts, gowns, tunics, and wraparounds are a few appropriate choices because they are easy to wear and comfortable, too—lookup for loose dresses to wear during pregnancy.

Things to Remember While Choosing Pregnancy Clothes

Here are some things you must remember before buying clothes during pregnancy.

Firstly, as mentioned above, your waistline grows in a matter of months during pregnancy. So, ensure you buy clothes that do not fit the body’s current shape. Always go for loose clothing in light fabrics.
You need to know what to wear during the summer. The hot weather and the drastic hormonal imbalances will cause excessive sweating. And this is why investing in light-coloured cotton clothes is a must. Summer is not the time for synthetic garments, as it can cause you to sweat more. Make sure your clothes only have heavy sequins or embroidery if you have to wear such clothes on special occasions.
During winters, use woollens to keep yourself warm. Your body is sensitive during pregnancy, and you’re caring for you and your child. The drop in the mercury level could lead to a cold or even flu during pregnancy. So, invest in soft, woollen clothes, socks and gloves to keep yourself warm.
Another thing you need to keep in mind while shopping for pregnancy wear is your budget. You can get thrifty and shop at the local store, but ensure good-quality clothes.
Please wear clothes that can be washed often, as morning sickness and sweating will get them dirty quickly.

Types of Clothes You Should Wear During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, wearing clothes that provide comfort and style is essential. Here are six types of clothing options perfect for expecting mothers:

1. Maternity Tops

Maternity tops accommodate a growing belly while providing ample coverage and support. Look for styles with stretchy fabrics and flattering cuts that enhance your silhouette.

2. Maternity Bottoms

Invest in maternity bottoms like leggings, jeggings, and pants with stretchy waistbands or adjustable drawstrings. These provide comfort and flexibility as your belly expands throughout pregnancy.

3. Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses are not only fashionable but also incredibly comfortable during pregnancy. Their adjustable waist ties allow for a customised fit, making them suitable for all stages of pregnancy.

4. Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are versatile and flattering, offering plenty of room for your growing bump. Choose styles with empire waists or flowy silhouettes for a comfortable yet chic look.

5. Loose Shirts and Tunics

Opt for loose-fitting shirts and tunics that provide room for your belly to grow. These pieces can be easily paired with leggings or maternity jeans for a casual yet stylish ensemble.

6. Maternity Nightwear

Invest in comfortable maternity nighties or pyjama sets from soft, breathable fabrics. These will ensure a restful night’s sleep during pregnancy, promoting comfort and relaxation.

Factors That Affect the Clothing Decisions During Pregnancy

When it comes to choosing clothing during pregnancy, various factors influence decision-making. Here are some key considerations expectant mothers often take into account:

Growing Belly: Your belly will expand as the baby grows, making regular pants and skirts uncomfortable. Maternity pants have stretchy waistbands to fit your expanding belly comfortably.
Bigger Breasts: Pregnancy often leads to larger and more sensitive breasts. Maternity bras with wider straps and stretchy fabric give good support and coverage.
Weight Gain: With weight gain being a regular part of pregnancy, maternity wear has extra room in the belly, hips, and thighs for comfort
Staying Comfortable: Pregnancy can make you feel warmer than usual. Opting for light, breathable fabrics like cotton helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Dress During Each Trimester?

Dressing during pregnancy is a fun adventure! Your body changes significantly, so finding excellent and friendly clothes is essential. This guide will help you pick the perfect outfits for each stage of pregnancy, from the early days to the big belly moments.

First Trimester

During the first trimester, you can stick to your regular clothes as long as they’re comfortable. You might experience bloating or sensitivity around the waistline, so opting for stretchy waistbands or belly bands can help accommodate any discomfort. Flowy tops and dresses are great options during this time, offering room to breathe without drawing attention to your growing belly.

Second Trimester

Investing in maternity clothes becomes more practical in the second trimester as your belly expands noticeably. Maternity jeans, pants, and leggings with stretchy waistbands offer comfort and support, allowing your belly to grow without feeling constricted. Opt for empire waist dresses and tops that provide room for your expanding belly while still flattering your figure. Investing in supportive bras with wider straps and stretchy fabric designed for pregnancy is also essential to accommodate any changes in your bust size.

Third Trimester

As you enter the third trimester, prioritising comfort becomes paramount. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton to help regulate your body temperature and minimise any discomfort caused by hormonal changes. Maxi dresses and skirts are excellent choices, offering plenty of room for your expanding belly while keeping you cool and stylish. Consider using maternity support belts or belly bands to alleviate any discomfort or back pain associated with the weight of your belly. Lastly, opt for comfortable shoes with good arch support to help ease any swelling or discomfort in your feet and ankles.

Throughout each trimester, remember to listen to your body and choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident as you embrace the journey of pregnancy.

What Should You Not Wear During Pregnancy?

Confident clothing choices during pregnancy may be uncomfortable or pose risks to you and your baby. Here’s a guide on what to avoid wearing during pregnancy:

Avoid tight or restrictive clothing.
Steer clear of high heels.
Skip underwire bras.
Minimise heavy jewellery.
Choose breathable fabrics over non-breathable ones.
Opt for boots with good grip.
Only layer a few clothes.
Minimise carrying heavy backpacks or bags.

FAQs

1. Can you wear regular clothes when pregnant?

Yes, you can wear regular clothes during early pregnancy, but as your belly grows, you may find maternity clothes more comfortable.

2. At what stage should pregnant women avoid tight clothing?

Pregnant women should avoid tight clothing, especially around the belly, typically around the second trimester when the belly begins to expand more noticeably.

3. Does wearing tight clothes increase the risk of miscarriage?

While there’s no direct link between wearing tight clothes and miscarriage, overly tight clothing can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort. Hence, it’s generally best to opt for looser, more comfortable clothing during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is not just about your baby; it is about you as well. The first step to caring for your baby is caring for yourself. Wearing the correct set of clothes will keep you comfortable and lead to a calmer and happier you, which means a happier baby.

Also Read:

Ideas to Dress Baby Bump
Clothes to Wear in Party when Expecting
Things to Consider while Buying Maternity Clothes