Dressing for Maternity and Postpartum: Our Top Tips

Welcome to the cool mum club! Read on for our top maternity and postpartum dressing tips, from bump-friendly maternity style to baby-ready outfits and beyond. What to expect when you’re expecting…

Yay, you're pregnant - Congratulations! There are no rules or regulations around when to start wearing maternity clothes, but after around 12 weeks, you might begin to feel that you're not as comfortable in your usual outfits. From this point onwards, your regular wardrobe might start to pinch, pull, or feel a little tight.

For a lucky few, your existing clothing may still fit comfortably during pregnancy. However, anyone who has carried a baby probably knows all too well that it often isn't just your tummy that grows; your whole body can change when you're carrying a child (in all the most amazing ways!).

The way you carry your first might be different than baby two, three or more - whatever comes your way, your maternity style 'rules' are totally down to you!

Having an outfit to see you through pregnancy and postpartum that you know you can throw on in a rush and feel amazing every time in is really important. For me, that's a good dress - it can be dressed up with heels (not that my feet always fit into them!) or boots for a more casual look!

Katie, Joanie Ecommerce Manager

Maternity clothing can be a bit of a minefield, but because you're becoming a mum doesn't mean you need to reinvent your personal style completely. Buy maternity clothes that make you feel like 'you’: thinking and shopping this way means you’ll want to continue wearing the clothes long after the baby is born and saves you money in the long run, too.

During pregnancy, the focus often shifts towards comfort, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. When you feel good, you look good and feeling comfortable is more essential than ever during and after pregnancy! Remember, you can still look amazing and embrace your style with your new pregnancy body.

Our Top Tips For Maternity and Postpartum Style

When dressing for maternity and postpartum, you want to create a capsule wardrobe that will see you through the nine months that you're pregnant and beyond. Start with a great set of foundations: bras, knickers, tights, vests, tees and leggings.

Jersey basics shouldn’t break the bank, and can add a new dimension to your existing wardrobe - especially during the cooler months. Later into pregnancy and during the early days when the baby arrives, these guys will be on heavy rotation. Go for quality over quantity to ensure these staple styles last the many wash loads!

Another important factor to consider is ‘touch.’ During pregnancy, skin sensitivity is heightened, and it’s important to think about the fabrics that your clothes are made from - look for softer, gentler, natural fibres and bask in comfort.

After becoming a mum, I felt like my style had disappeared - but, really, it was just evolving. It wasn’t about going back to how I dressed before, but finding a new balance of comfort, confidence, and practicality that still felt like 'me.' Motherhood didn’t end my style - it just started a new chapter!

@eleanor_mcalister_

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Rather than splurging on ten new items that you'll never wear again after birth, we encourage you to invest in clothing you can wear pre, during and postpartum! Remember to always shop your own wardrobe first.

Use the things you already have - while your body changes, swap things with old friends and new-found mum mates. We do this with kids clothes like it's second nature, let’s do this for us grown-ups, too! If you're on the hunt for second-hand Joanie styles to see you through your pregnancy and postpartum, head to Joanie Pre-Loved!

Under or Over

Let’s start with the bump: to go under or over? That is the question!

Most pregnant women will likely choose a comfortable pair of trusty maternity leggings or jeans that go OVER the bump. A deep elasticated waistband or stretchy panel for support feels good and cocooning, and can be paired with an oversized tee or cosy cardigan for a classic pregnancy look.

Low-waisted straight leg jeans can be a particularly useful staple to go UNDER the bump. They accommodate the bump as it grows through your pregnancy, and are useful for those of us who run a little warmer as they allow the bump to ‘breathe’. Straight leg jeans can be easily styled with oversized tees, or layered with dresses for a '90s feel.

An empire line dress or top like Ceri (a smock shape that sits ABOVE the bump) will allow a little more room for the baby to grow without restriction, and are particularly useful during summer pregnancies.

Size Up

Rather than investing in maternity-specific clothing, you can often size up in regular styles to accommodate your growing form. These items will work harder as they'll transition with you into postpartum. It’s basic fashion maths - the more you wear something the lower its cost-per-wear, and the better value it is overall!

 A loose blazer, in particular a double breasted shape like Richy, elevates an outfit and adds a touch of sophistication. Oversized maxi dresses are also great staples: a 'throw-on dress; is the perfect solution to maternity style. Versatility is key in any maternity wardrobe, and dresses like Cady can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion.

Alteration for the Nation

Tailoring the size and fit of your clothes during and after pregnancy is an easier task with The Seam. This service is designed to encouraging a more conscious relationship with our clothes, supporting alterations, repairs, or made-to-measure projects with local tailors.

That's a Wrap!

Let a wrap dress take the strain! Versatile, adjustable, occasion-ready: loosen it a little bit more each week, and add a vest underneath for when your boobs start to swell. Wrap shapes like Michaelmas Daisy and Petite Daisy are perfect for easy maternity and postpartum dressing!

Best Foot Forward...

When it comes to footwear, you might think that prioritising comfort means opting for flats. Don't worry, though - our shoe line was designed with comfort in mind with cushioned inners and sensible heel heights, so if you're looking for something a little bit more dressy for your maternity and postpartum occasion wear wardrobe, look no further than our Montpellier Platforms! BUT - the swell is real, and we’d always recommend a backup Birkenstock for when it all gets too much...

On the hunt for more pre and post-maternity dressing staples? Join the Cool Mum Club and shop Breastfeeding-Friendly Styles, staple styles for bump and beyond, and more!