Pregnancy test, check. Several visits to the doctor, check. Changes to the diet, check. Now it’s time to wear comfortable clothes as you watch a new life growing inside you slowly and steadily. You shower, cover yourself in light clothes and look in the mirror. Your growing bump is becoming more visible under your loose t-shirt until it’s not as loose anymore, and you feel the tightness of the fabric wrapped around your belly. You realize it’s time to shop for some new clothes.
However, you’re not shopping just to lounge and binge on Netflix all day. You’re shopping for clothes to support you as you adopt a healthy lifestyle and get on with a fitness regime that will keep you and your baby healthy. You’re shopping for clothes that will accommodate your ever-growing belly.
Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful times in a person’s life, no doubt. However, the constant hormonal changes playing ping pong with our moods and sending us off on an angry rant about how none of our clothes fit us anymore—right after we were tearing up with joy at the thought of the tiny being inside us— can be a challenge.
During pregnancy, the body goes through several physical transformations, which may leave expectant mothers in a fix— “What should I wear to feel comfortable without looking like I raided Bigfoot’s wardrobe?” Well, that’s where maternity wear comes in, with another question closely following, “Which one is the best for me?” A diverse range of maternity clothes are available. However, to help you choose the ones that provide comfort and support in your fitness journey during pregnancy, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts that you might consider while shopping for maternity wear. Let’s take a look.
DO Know When The Time Is Right
Ever heard of that saying, “Better late than never”? Yeah, scratch that and follow the saying, “The sooner, the better” instead. Most women continue trying to fit into their regular clothes even when they don’t seem to fit their growing bumps. The right time to wear maternity clothes is when you start feeling the tightness of the fabric around your belly. Once you get your hands on some comfy maternity wear, it’ll give you one less thing to worry about during this journey, and you can continue your exercise routine without pausing.
DO Add Your Style Statement
Who said maternity clothes are boring? Layer your clothes, add your style statement, and make use of the range available in the market! You can pair your tank top with a cute pullover and add a pair of elegant hoop earrings to complete the look. Don’t shy away from wearing accessories to spruce up your look.
DO Buy Clothes That Serve Multiple Purposes
Whether you’re resting or running, your clothes should support you without causing discomfort. Invest in a few all-purpose items that offer comfort regardless of the activity. For instance, if you get a pair of high-waisted leggings, you can pair it up with a tank top, sports bra, or a comfy pullover.
DO Add Some Color
Wear vibrant clothes that complement your glowing skin. Expectant mothers often think wearing black and dark blue will make them look slimmer. However, take it from us, and add a dash of color. Choose pinks, choose reds, choose the color of the sun itself! Bright colors look gorgeous, so make the most of it.
DON’T Choose Zippers Or Buttons
It’s always better to go for maternity wear with elastic waistbands or those which can be tied with a drawstring. The zonal fabric around the waistband that gives extra support and freedom is always better than waistbands with zippers or buttons, which may restrict your movement.
DON’T Ignore Quality
Always invest in high-quality maternity wear made with sustainable materials. They let your skin breathe while keeping you comfortable. Buy clothes that will last even after 7-8 months of constant wear.
DON’T Choose Style Over Comfort
Of course, your maternity wear collection will include an array of fashionable clothes, but it is also important to remember that comfort is a priority, and everything else is secondary. Even the trendiest moms-to-be must prioritize comfort for these few months. Choose clothes that will allow you to move freely without restricting you as you gain weight. Stylish clothes that make you feel anything but comfortable are not recommended, and even if it seems like a fashion challenge, hang in there for just some more time.
DON’T Rely Solely On Oversized Sweats
While comfort is key, please do not make your husband’s clothes or your oversized sweats your go-to outfit. Instead, get your hands on maternity wear! There are so many to choose from, so why settle for anything less than quality clothes? It’s time to get out of the same old tees and joggers and switch to stylish sports bras and comfy shorts. After all, you won’t be spending these months lazing on the couch, right? So, get moving! Go for a walk, follow a workout routine, and relax with a soothing yoga session—all while looking like the queen you are.
A couple of months into pregnancy, you may feel like you’re waking up with a new body every day. While it may feel overwhelming at times, especially when you try on that gorgeous dress and find out that it won’t go past your chest, always remember that it is only temporary, and soon you will be able to wear it again and have a beautiful baby in your arms while you do! Maternity clothes should give you the freedom to breathe, move, stretch, and exercise freely. It should help you stay fit instead of hindering your exercise routine. It should feel like a second skin, and if you want to add a drizzle of fashion to comfort, the exclusive Nike Maternity Wear collection is what you are looking for. Nike has expanded its maternity collection, Nike (M), to support women in all stages of motherhood. The Nike (M) collection of six-piece essentials includes sports bras, t-shirts, tank tops, pullovers, leggings, and shorts and will launch on nike.com on 9 August 2022 and will be available in retail stores across India from September 2022.
