Practical, stylish, sustainable maternity wear for every stage
At the latest, when your favorite jeans no longer fit and high heels are out of the question, it's time for maternity fashion. But you don’t have to fear styling frustration during pregnancy. The days when maternity clothing only had to be practical are long gone: now it can be anything from figure-hugging to elegant to casual and playful! We’ve put together a few tips to help you beautifully showcase your growing belly.
Take a look beyond your own wardrobe
Rent instead of buy The motto is: maybe you have friends or acquaintances who can lend you a few pieces of their maternity wear. This sustainable option not only saves money and resources, but it might also help you discover a new style you’ll love even after pregnancy. :) Another option is Maternity wear available for rent online — especially convenient when a celebration such as a wedding, baptism, or your Baby Shower is coming up and you only need a festive maternity dress for that particular occasion. Another idea: Second Hand Mode. Browsing online platforms, flea markets, or second-hand stores is especially worthwhile for clothing items that were only worn for one season, such as a maternity jacket for winter — and as an added bonus, you can of course resell your maternity clothes and create more space in your wardrobe after pregnancy. Taking a look in your partner’s wardrobe can also be worthwhile. Sometimes, clothing that’s one or two sizes larger is all you need. Men’s shirts, for example, have the great advantage of being cut less fitted, which means more room for your belly.
Think anew and be creative
Look at your wardrobe with fresh eyes! Chances are you won’t need to shop for much maternity clothing, and you might even find real treasures among your favorite pieces. Leggings, relaxed boyfriend jeans, loose dresses, and oversized jackets or shirts can carry you comfortably through pregnancy.
There’s no specific point in time when you “should” switch to maternity wear. After all, your pregnancy is unique, and how quickly your belly grows—as well as how your entire body changes—depends on very individual factors. If you notice that your everyday clothes no longer fit or start to feel uncomfortable, it’s probably time for maternity clothing. For some women, this happens after just a few weeks, while others wear their usual clothes until just before birth. Don’t let comparisons with other expectant mothers or supposed guidelines unsettle you—the main thing is comfort. ;) It’s best to buy or rent your maternity wear in the Size you wear without a baby bump .
Try out a few tricks
If your belly eventually wins the battle against the jeans button, this simple trick can help: thread a rubber band through the buttonhole and tie the flexible loop around the button. This keeps the pants in place, and with a slightly longer top, the little cheat won’t be noticeable at all. An alternative is Belly bands , which hide tight pants or too-short T-shirts, blouses, and the like. They come in all sorts of colors and with support functions—so they not only spice up your outfit, but also support your muscles and can help prevent Back pain .
Combine your maternity wear cleverly
Contrary to their often poor reputation, maternity clothes don’t always have to mean a sloppy look. :) Even if the term “maternity pants” doesn’t sound particularly sexy at first, when styled correctly, these comfortable pants look anything but boring: simply pair them with a chic lace top, an elegant blouse, or a cute sweater. Blazers and jackets can emphasize your shoulder area and visually balance your figure, as straight shoulders create a counterpoint to the curve of your belly. If you’re not enthusiastic about maternity pants, leggings or low-rise jeans can be a comfortable alternative. If you like to wear maxi dresses—perfect if you want to hide a little extra—try elongating your silhouette with a long vest.
During pregnancy, not only does your belly grow—your breasts do, too, and the increase in cup size is completely individual. By the end of your pregnancy, you’ll likely need a larger size than usual. Instead of buying new, larger bras, you can switch to a nursing bra during pregnancy. When purchasing, keep in mind that your breasts may grow another one to two sizes after birth and the onset of milk production. Nursing bras provide secure support and are especially comfortable—even if you’re not nursing yet. Once your little explorer is born, you can continue to wear them and nurse easily with the fold-down cups.
Dive in with the right casual swimwear
Whether at the pool, at the lake, or on the beach—even during pregnancy, you can look great in and by the water. Especially at the beginning of pregnancy, or if your figure hasn’t changed much besides your belly, classic swimwear is usually more than enough—when in doubt, go one or two sizes larger. Special maternity swimwear has the advantage that the bottoms can often be adjusted with tie strings, and the top is additionally reinforced. Also pay attention to adjustable straps on bikini tops or swimsuits. If your belly is already larger, low-rise bikini bottoms are particularly comfortable and won’t pinch anywhere. If you feel more comfortable in a swimsuit, there’s also a wide selection of special models that not only provide enough space for your belly, but also support it. Our tip: If you find your swimwear a bit too tight, thin scarves or shawls can help—you can simply tie them loosely around your hips or drape them over your shoulders.
The material plays an important role in maternity wear: pay attention to a comfortable fit so your clothing doesn’t pinch or restrict you anywhere. The best choice is maternity clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk—they’re skin-friendly and wick away moisture pleasantly. You should avoid synthetic fibers or rough wool, as these can cause itching or rashes on your belly, especially toward the end of pregnancy, when your skin is already prone to dryness and itching due to stretching. When choosing natural and sustainable materials, textile seals can serve as a guide. Well-known seals include, for example, “Oeko-Tex 100” and the traceable “MADE IN GREEN” by Oeko-Tex. These certify items that have been tested for harmful substances and chemicals that are concerning for health. Furthermore, all products marked with MADE IN GREEN are produced in environmentally friendly facilities with safe and socially responsible workplaces—including ours, which are certified with these two seals.
No matter what body shape you have, wear what makes you feel comfortable! It’s completely normal to have days when you feel sexy and confident, and days when you feel most comfortable in your oversized sweater.
Remember, even with all your sense of style, that your maternity clothes should first and foremost be comfortable. We hope you’ve found inspiration for your new favorite maternity look and wish you a wonderful pregnancy.
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Foire aux questions
When do I need maternity wear?
There is no exact time. Some women can continue to wear "normal" clothing during pregnancy, just a size or two larger. Once you start to feel constricted or, for example, notice that your pants are uncomfortable on your growing belly, it might be time to switch to maternity wear.
What maternity wear do I need?
Whether you even need maternity wear depends entirely on you and your body – every pregnancy is unique. In the beginning, oversized clothing, loose dresses, and pants are often sufficient. Then you don't need many pieces – however, many women appreciate the comfort of maternity jeans and nursing bras, so this purchase usually pays off.
How do I determine my size for maternity wear?
Stick to your pre-pregnancy clothing size, the one you wore without a baby bump. This applies to all items: maternity pants as well as maternity swimwear and underwear.
