Bump-Friendly Fashion:

My Guide to Pregnancy Style (or any Body in a Transition)

Hello All!

Last week I shared how it has been a bit of a bumpy start to finding my style, and myself, while on this pregnancy journey. It’s been some trial and error and a lot of research. A few things I’ve learned right off is that even though my body changes have been due to pregnancy, I’ve also heard from others who have experienced their body change and fluctuate seasonally, or due to health reasons, or just because of the evolution of aging. What I heard was how frustrating it is because, like me, they didn’t want to have to go buy a whole new wardrobe if this was temporary or where it might be going. Also, the loss of themselves was a consistent concern.

And for the guys out there with a spouse going through this pregnancy transition, be her champion! Stress the importance that she deserves to feel good in her clothes. You may not know exactly what she is going through but I will say that my husband sharing his support that I should take time to find clothing I like and will make me feel more like me, was empowering. That’s why you are partners! Help her by sharing this post.

It’s easy to take for granted our style and how we dress can be a huge part of our identity. When that changes for any reason it can be destabilizing and leave you feeling lost, less than confident and overall unhappy. That’s EXACTLY how I felt until I finally started finding my style again. Well, due to my own research and hearing from others, I've found it easier to spot what will and won’t work for my growing bump. And since I would hate to gatekeep, let me share some key factors I’m looking for while shopping for myself at this stage that may help you, or someone in your life you know may be struggling with their style too.

1. Fabric Matters!

As my bump gets bigger and bigger, stretch is a big part of comfort and continuous wear throughout. Athletic fabrics can work, but I definitely stayed away from any touting compression. They might be good today, but two months down the road, they will start to be uncomfortable on your growing belly. Look for fabrics that are polyester, and rayons that flow. Jersey cottons are great too since they are soft and skim the body. I’ve been living in some jersey cotton dresses and bodysuits this summer.

2. Stretchy Waistbands!

I know, this might seem obvious, but not all stretchy bands are equal. I learned that the stretch needs to give easily. I found some great linen pants at Target, and one style had a stretchy waistband with a strong hold that was a little overkill and pinched my waist too much. Another style I tried had a softer band and hung easily from my hips without pinching. They also had some room to give as my stomach was growing into the summer. I’ve been reaching for them often these last few weeks.

3. Shop Smart

Okay, I know, you’re probably like, “Well, obviously, but what do you mean?!” What I mean is don’t go overboard on costly clothing. I’m always torn about fast fashion, but there are times when it really is so helpful—like during pregnancy! I’m not saying to grab the cheapest-looking clothes, but do give H&M, Target, and TJ Maxx a chance. Many of these stores are getting better at offering bump-friendly clothes that are stylish and won’t break the bank. Some people I talked to found it worth investing in maternity-specific jeans or leggings. It depends on your lifestyle and the time of the year. It’s summer right now so I'm not going for denim, but I was able to find some soft, comfy maternity bike shorts that offer a little extra coverage. I have been wearing them on repeat in this crazy heat.

4. Start with the Basics!

Do you know you will be needing a dress that can be flexible enough for the office and maybe social events? This was something I realized I would need. I knew with summer around the corner I was going to need something summery but still could be dressed up for social events and meetings. So, I grabbed a little black dress. I know, groundbreaking. The fabric was a stretchy jersey, but I knew I had some great layering pieces that could still be worn with it. Plus, since all my accessories can still be worn, I had the shoes and other accessories that easily paired up with the dress. I could make it more my style and it was comfy.

5. Accessories & Layering for Versatility

Invest in items that can be styled multiple ways and worn throughout your pregnancy and post-partum. A lactation RN I spoke with recommended you think about tunics, wrap dresses, button-down items, and cardigans. These pieces can be layered, dressed up, or down, and will accommodate a growing bump as well as those who are nursing. Versatility ensures you get the most out of each item, making your wardrobe more functional and cost-effective.

6. Rent It!

Want to add more uniqueness to your wardrobe while pregnant or in transition? I have found clothing rental companies have been my saving grace. I have a few events coming up that require formal and cocktail attire and I did not want to spend a ton of money on these dresses to then never wear them again. I immediately turned to clothing rental services! Rent The Runway is one I use often, and actually, I have a monthly subscription which has come in handy for adding fun items to my wardrobe that work for that current stage of pregnancy. They offer maternity options and, as I mentioned above, if you grab clothes in stretchy fabrics, you can also wear bump-friendly options (they even have a filter option for that!) that aren’t necessarily labeled “maternity.” Nuuly is another company many others have recommended too.

7. Comfortable Footwear

Many friends told me not to go crazy buying shoes during pregnancy. Apparently our feet grow. But they did say if you do, keep in mind that they have room for swelling and are easy to slip on. Look for shoes with good support, such as flats, low-heeled shoes, or sneakers. Avoid high heels, as they can cause back pain and balance issues. Brands like Birkenstock, Allbirds, and Vionic offer stylish and comfortable options. There are also some fantastic knock-off options at Target, Zara, Old Navy, and Amazon.

BONUS TIPS

8. Supportive Undergarments

Don’t underestimate the importance of good maternity bras and underwear. As your body changes, having the right support can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Look for bras with adjustable bands and cups that can grow with you. Maternity underwear with a soft waistband will also help avoid any unnecessary pressure on your bump. Kindred Bravely brand has been recommended by many.

9. Second-Hand Shopping

Don’t overlook second-hand stores or online resale platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp. Maternity clothes are often gently used, so you can find great pieces at a fraction of the cost. This is also a more sustainable option, which is always a plus.

Remember that self-care is an important part of any journey, but really important if you find your self-image is taking a hit due to any type of body changes. Take time to pamper yourself and choose clothes that make you feel good about your changing body. It’s easy to think it’s a waste of money to buy new clothes because things are changing, but your mental health will thank you. I swear. Once I started wearing clothing that made me feel good my daily outlook and confidence in myself shifted drastically. Your style should reflect your personality and make you feel confident and beautiful.

In summary, focus on comfort, versatility, and smart shopping. You can build a bump-friendly wardrobe that supports you through every stage of your pregnancy. Happy shopping!

Kerilynn

KLV Styling

KLV Styling - Wardrobe Stylist