Pregnancy Clothes - What to Buy & When
Seraphine offers a range of exclusive pregnancy clothing which allows you to embrace your changing body shape without compromising on style. There has never been such a wide selection of beautiful pregnancy clothing available, so celebrate your new form at Seraphine with clothing specifically designed to adapt and grow as you and baby do.
When to buy?
There is no precise time when you should start buying pregnancy clothes. Everyones bump grows at a different rate and depending on your figure, you may not need to purchase a pregnancy wardrobe until the later stages of your pregnancy.
It is key to start investing in well designed pregnancy clothing when your non-pregnancy pieces start to feel uncomfortable and waistbands start to feel tight. Depending on your shape, it can be in your third month when your ordinary clothes being to feel a little too snug and you being to start thinking about shopping for your pregnancy clothes. Bear in mind that it will also take a few months after the birth to return to your pre-pregnant size, so you can potentially get 12 months use of out your pregnancy clothing. Often, there is a sudden growth spurt about the second trimester for a single-baby pregnancy, in which in the span of a few days or a week, your usual pants will suddenly not fit.
Some people think that instead of buying pregnancy clothes they can opt for a larger size in their favourite pieces. You should instead choose your pre-pregnant size, as our specific pregnancy clothes have been designed to accommodate your bump and will fit much better than oversized, ill-fitting alternatives. It is recommended that you choose your pre-pregnant size, as all of our styles have been cut to allow for your changing shape and are adaptable enough to last beyond your pregnancy.
Expanding Waistband
Investing in several styles of well-fitting trousers to complete your pregnancy wardrobe can be a mindfield, opening up the debate of which waistbands are most bump friendly and best for you.
Popular with first time pregnant women are the under-bump style. These sit low on your waist and naturally curve underneath your bump. Many women prefer under the bump as they find their bump is quite sensitive and would prefer not to have the pressue of a waistband on it. The downside of under the bump is that you will need to invest in longer maternity tops such as tunics which are long enough to cover your expanding tummy.
Usually made from a soft and supportive jersey panel the over the bump style sits high on your waist, fitting snug over your bump. Although not the most aesthetically appealing looking, they do offer the assurance that you do not epxose any bare flesh and are very comfortable and warmer in cooler weather. Once covered with a floaty maternity top you will never know the over the bump waistband was there.
There is also the belly band option for women who are looking for extra support. They are great for keeping your bump cosy underneath a band of super soft and stretchy jersey. The belly band can be worn under or over any piece of pregnancy clothing, as an accessory or a practical support aid. Seraphine offers a reversible belly band giving two looks for versatile style.
We offer both styles in our pregnancy trouser section and either can be worn after the birth until you banish the ‘jelly belly’ post-pregnancy tum.
Comfort is Key
The best type of maternity wear is what you feel most comfortable wearing. Being pregnant can be an uncomfortable experience, with body temperatures rising and energy levels falling. Therefore ensuring you are in the most comfortable clothing possible is key to a happy and relaxed pregnancy.
During your pregnancy your blood volume and your metabolic rate will increase and you’ll notice that you are feeling hotter as your body temperature rises slightly. At Seraphine we incorporate natural fibres such as cotton, wool and silk into our pregnancy clothing, allowing air to circulate and keep you cool. Skin may become sensitive to man-made fabrics, resulting in hot, scratchy rashes in which case switch to pregnancy clothing made from pure, natural fabrics.
Buy maternity basic items in super stretchy fabric, look out for elastane blends as it will allow clothes to spring back to their original shape making them a great post-pregnancy investment also. Lycra is great for stretch and fit, and microfibres are breathable allowing air to circulate to keep you more comfortable and allow your clothes to move with you.
For trousers and skirts look for pregnancy clothing which has been blended with a small amount of elastane and have adjustable waistbands. At Seraphine we offer pregnancy trousers and jeans in different lengths, with a selection of types of waistbands to ensure you have the widest selection to suit your style. and Cotton jersey is super soft and super stretchy, ideal for around your sensitive tummy.
Versatile Style
Ensuring you invest in pregnancy clothing in versatile styles which adapt to your ever increasing shape are key to both comfort and value for money. Here are our much loved pregnancy style secrets to a chic yet comfortable pregnancy:
- Look for ruched sides that can be gathered or loosened with your bump.
- Extra length on pregnancy tops is key, non-pregnancy tops tend to be too short, exposing your midriff.
- Look for pieces which you can layer. Some women experience increased perspiring so layers can help to cool off and warm up as you do.
- Wraps are wonderful for enhancing your cleavage and giving great bump coverage. The front tie style can gather the extra fabric on tops and dresses for early pregnancy and can be loosened for the last trimester.
- Extra jersey panels in trousers and skirts will allow them to expand as you do. At Seraphine many of our super stretchy panels are discreetly hidden in the pocket area for subtle comfort.
- Opt for wider waistbands rather than narrow ones as these will provide more support and give the option to roll them over, adjusting the look and fit.
- Go for pregnancy tops which are cut generously both in the waist and bust area, as you will need this generous fit as both bump and bust area grows.
Seraphine's pregnancy clothes are designed to fit you all the way to the end of your pregnancy and you will love wearing our pregnancy clothes after the birth until you regain your pre-pregnancy shape. Our maternity trousers and jeans have a comfortable low waist fit and are so stylish no one will guess you are wearing pregnancy clothes! You will find all the latest fashion trends for our range of maternity tops and dressesand we also have a gorgeous range of maternity underwear and swimwear.
