Any expectant mother knows that her clothes will not fit at some point. The bump expands, and there are rules on safe maternity clothes to wear based on the different trimesters. Luckily, shopping for new outfits doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Below is a crash course on finding the right outfit size.

When Should You Buy Maternity Clothes?

Shopping for clothes when pregnant can be tricky since you don’t know how large your bump will be or how much weight you will gain. While others start getting bigger immediately, other mums take a while before showing.

The perfect time to buy maternity clothes is when other clothes become too tight, the buttons stop closing, or your belly starts showing beneath your tops. You may also experience nausea and fatigue when wearing ill-fitting outfits.

Why Buy Well-fitting Maternity Clothes?

If you don’t have a drastic weight gain throughout your pregnancy, most of your old clothes may still fit if they are stretchy. In most cases, you will still buy the exact size of dresses and tops as long as they are of the suitable material and can adjust with your body.

Otherwise, if there are significant changes, you may have to go for a size up. Regardless, the goal is to look and feel great as you embrace your bulging bump and let your instincts guide you.

Sizing Maternity Wear

For most women, their size before and during pregnancy doesn’t change, and it may be safe to go for maternity clothes in your standard size. The upside is that the clothes will still fit properly post-baby, allowing you to breastfeed and leave room for nursing.

However, this policy does not apply to all women because the body changes are unique. It explains why you need to try on outfits before buying them and remember to buy them stretchy and comfortable.

How To Use Maternity Size Guide

The size chart for maternity clothes is the standard version, only that the waist now refers to your body’s circumference or around your bump. It is OK to buy your usual size because your clothes can easily adjust to fit into your new body.

Some moms prefer loose-fitting clothes and go for a size above normal. If you have not gained much weight, your shoulders and hips should remain the same but expect the bust and waist/ bump to increase.

Tips When Buying Maternity Clothes

Many people find shopping daunting because of the hassle of finding outfits that accommodate weight gain during pregnancy. To be safe, always check the store’s sizing and get your measurements correctly for comparison.

Also, try your usual size first because they often fit and eventually expand. Lastly, maternity clothes don’t mean baggy and ill-fitting; you can find the right size and stay fashionable as you enjoy your pregnancy journey.

Get the Right Size

If you are an expectant mother, choose maternity clothes that are stylish, comfortable, and safe for you and your baby. Since all bumps are different, focus on what will work best for you, and if you are not sure, try the various sizes to find your perfect fit.

How Much Maternity Clothing To Invest In?

While maternity clothing is a great investment, it’s not one you have to make right away. In fact, investing in maternity clothing before your baby arrives can be more expensive than purchasing it after the birth.

That’s because some styles are more likely to go on sale than others, so you’re better off waiting until after the baby is born and shopping around for deals.

You’ll also have a better idea of what looks best on your body as well as what colors, patterns, and styles will work best with your lifestyle when you’re pregnant, so it makes sense that these factors would change once you’ve given birth.

If you do want to stock up now, there are plenty of resources available for finding great deals on maternity clothes. One good place to start is with online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist where you can find deals from other moms who are selling their gently used maternity wear.

Final Thoughts!

It’s important to have a plan for your maternity clothing spending, because it can be easy to overspend, and quickly add a bunch more clothes to your closet that you will never wear again. As with any wardrobe purchase, it’s best to be selective and thoughtful about what you buy, since these clothes will likely only get worn for the first half of your pregnancy.