Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, but it comes with a significant change in your body that can make dressing a bit more challenging. Choosing the right maternity dress is essential for maintaining comfort, feeling confident, and enjoying your pregnancy. But how do you go about selecting the perfect maternity dress? From understanding the best styles to figuring out when to buy maternity clothes, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
What Style Dress is Best for Pregnancy?
The best style for your maternity dress largely depends on your personal taste, comfort needs, and stage of pregnancy. However, some styles have proven to be universally flattering and practical for pregnant women:
- Empire Waist Dresses: These dresses are a popular choice because they gather just below the bust and flow gently over the belly. This style provides room for your growing bump while offering a lovely shape that makes you feel confident.
- Wrap Dresses: Wrap dresses allow for adjustable fit, making them perfect for fluctuating body sizes throughout your pregnancy. They are easy to dress up or down, making them versatile for both casual outings and more formal occasions.
- Maxi Dresses: Maxi dresses are a staple in maternity wear. These long, flowing dresses provide comfort and style in one go. The soft, stretchy material is perfect for accommodating your baby bump while giving you a chic look.
- Form-Fitting Dresses: If you want to embrace your changing body, a form-fitting maternity dress can accentuate your bump and help you feel fabulous. Stretchy fabrics that adapt to your shape ensure that form-fitting dresses are still comfortable to wear.
Choosing a maternity dress that allows for ease of movement and comfort should be your priority. Styles like these are designed to grow with you, so you can look and feel good throughout your pregnancy.
For more on how to dress through the different stages of pregnancy, check out Maternity Fashion Made Simple: How to Dress for Each Trimester.
How to Choose a Size for Maternity Clothes?
When choosing maternity clothes, including dresses, you might wonder how sizing works. Fortunately, most maternity clothing is designed to fit your pre-pregnancy size, so you won’t have to guess too much.
- Stick to Your Pre-Pregnancy Size: Maternity clothing is usually created with extra room in key areas such as the belly, hips, and bust. If you were a size 12 before pregnancy, you’ll likely wear a maternity size 12. However, always pay attention to the material and the fit. If a dress is form-fitting, you might prefer a looser option in later months.
- Consider Adjustable Features: Features like wrap ties, elastic waistbands, and adjustable straps make it easier to find the right fit and allow the dress to adapt as your bump grows.
When Should I Start Buying Maternity Clothes?
The timing for buying maternity clothes varies depending on your body and how your pregnancy progresses. Most women start wearing maternity clothing between 12 and 18 weeks. It’s a good idea to start thinking about maternity wear when you notice your regular clothes feeling tight and uncomfortable.
If you’re shopping for dresses early in your pregnancy, look for styles that can grow with you, such as empire waist or wrap dresses. These styles will accommodate your bump as it expands, so you won’t need to buy multiple sizes. For more tips on buying maternity clothes, explore our article on 11 Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes.
How to Choose Clothes During Pregnancy?
Choosing clothes during pregnancy isn’t just about maternity dresses—it’s about putting together a wardrobe that will make you feel comfortable and confident. Here are a few tips:
- Prioritise Comfort: Pregnancy can bring unexpected changes in your body, such as weight gain and increased sensitivity. Pay attention to the fabric of the clothes you choose—soft, stretchy materials like cotton and jersey are great for everyday comfort. Maternity jeans with elastic waistbands can also offer comfort when you don’t feel like wearing a dress.
- Think Versatility: It’s a good idea to invest in pieces that you can mix and match. Maternity dresses that can transition from casual to formal wear, or maternity bras that double as nursing bras, offer flexibility during and after pregnancy. Consider reversible maternity clothing as well; for more insights on this, explore our article on Top 6 Benefits to Reversible Maternity Clothes.
- Embrace Your Shape: Don’t shy away from form-fitting clothes that celebrate your baby bump. Wearing maternity clothes that highlight your bump can help you feel confident and embrace your pregnancy. Remember, choosing clothes that make you feel good is the ultimate goal.
- Pay Attention to the Seasons: If you’re going to be heavily pregnant during the summer, breathable fabrics and lightweight dresses are essential. For winter pregnancies, layering with cardigans or choosing maternity dresses with longer sleeves will keep you cosy.
Wrapping Up Your Maternity Dress Journey
Choosing the right maternity dress is all about finding what works for your body and lifestyle. Whether you prefer flowy maxi dresses, versatile wrap dresses, or form-fitting styles that accentuate your bump, there’s no shortage of options that will help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re ready to add some beautiful maternity dresses to your wardrobe, look no further than Angel Maternity. Our Maternity Dresses are thoughtfully designed to accommodate your growing bump and flatter your changing shape. Whether you’re looking for casual styles, work-appropriate dresses, or something for a special occasion, we have dresses that will make you feel fabulous at every stage of your pregnancy. Many of our dresses can even be worn postpartum, giving you comfort and style beyond pregnancy. Treat yourself to a maternity dress that makes you feel like a million bucks!