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I want to start by saying everyone experiences a different pregnancy. We all start at different sizes and gain weight in different ways. Some mommas are so sick they lose weight in the beginning. Some people are having a single baby while others are carrying multiples.
My answer though for every momma of every shape and size is that you should start wearing maternity clothes as soon as your clothing starts feeling uncomfortable.
It is really that simple.
When to Start Wearing Maternity Clothes
When you feel uncomfortable in your clothing!
For some people, this is 20 weeks for others it is 10 weeks. And that is perfectly fine!
I do have one major thing to keep in mind!
Avoid wearing maternity clothing until you have announced your pregnancy!
Certain maternity clothing is obvious. The shirts that have the bunching on the sides…dead give-away! If your shirt rides up someone could see your maternity jeans.
I wouldn’t risk wearing maternity clothing until people know you are pregnant.
Overall though there is no rule as to when you can start wearing maternity clothes, do so when you are ready.
How Do I Know What Size to Buy?
When my teeny tiny sister was pregnant my mom went crazy buying her large maternity clothes. They were crazy big for her!
She was a size small. Even while pregnant.
You don’t need to go crazy upsizing!
Maternity clothes are designed to make room for your belly while still fitting the rest of you nicely.
I will say, however, that if you ride between two sizes go ahead and size up. You want to be comfortable in your clothing.
How Much Should You Invest in Maternity Clothing?
The amount of clothing you purchase is completely up to you and your financial situation. This will also depend on your lifestyle.
Are you someone who tends to be minimal? Some people make it through a pregnancy without buying hardly any maternity items at all.
Maybe you work in a very professional setting and need business attire that works with your bump. You may find your wardrobe to be a bit more expensive.
Your lifestyle and profession will be huge factors. My final thought on investing in a maternity wardrobe is to do it quickly. Don’t suffer in tight clothing for 25 weeks and only get 15 weeks of use out of your clothing. Get the most use possible by investing early.
What Maternity Clothes to Purchase
The basics to invest in are of course jeans, shirts, and dresses if you are into them. Get what best fits the season and what you will be wearing most.
If you feel like you need new bras I recommend get nursing bras if you are planning to go that route. During my first pregnancy, my boobs were immediately huge. I didn’t want to invest in new normal bras then have the baby and invest in nursing bras. I am a money saver when I can.
Bras are also an area I recommend sizing up if you are between sizes. Your boobs will get bigger when your milk comes in.
If you are not planning to nurse then skip that bit!
In my first pregnancy, I made do with one pair of maternity jeans, about 8 shirts, 3 dresses, and a handful of nursing bras.
We had a couple of weddings when I was around 30 weeks so a few dresses were necessary.
A large part of my pregnancy was summer and fall. I typically wore athletic clothing. Shorts and leggings could be worn low if I had a long shirt to get over my belly.
Try to create a capsule wardrobe while pregnant. You can find videos on this for inspiration on what types of clothing is easily multiple purposed.
I recommend sticking with plain clothing rather than patterns. People are much more like to notice you keep wearing that striped shirt than the repetition of a basic gray shirt. Go for simple.
Consider when you are going to give birth. If you are barely going to be pregnant during the cold months don’t bother purchasing long sleeves. Instead, make your short sleeve shirts work by adding an open cardigan over them.
Purchasing clothing that makes sense for your lifestyle. Start with the basics and if you find yourself lacking in an area you can always buy more!
First Pregnancy Versus Second Pregnancy
During my first pregnancy, I didn’t gain weight for a long time. My body did shift though. I waited and waited to get maternity clothing. I am just a money-saver.
I was putting up with making due with my clothing. Things were getting uncomfortable. I finally told my husband today is the day I go shopping. It is time!
I had a shopping experience like no other!
In the dressing room with the stretchy maternity jeans on for the first time, I almost cried. In fact, I may have actually cried. I just remember being so emotional.
Pregnancy man! You can cry over anything!
I felt comfortable! FINALLY.
It finally hit me how much I had been struggling with my clothing.
This is why I recommend getting at least some maternity clothing early on. There is no reason to wait and suffer.
I didn’t buy a ton, but I bought enough to finally be comfortable.
With my second pregnancy, I started showing so much earlier than my first. The maternity clothes made their appearance early!
With this pregnancy, I was given quite a few hand-me-downs from friends and family as well as using what I had from my first pregnancy.
One huge bummer is I am having a summer baby, while my first was a winter baby. Completely different seasons can throw you off on what you need.
Postpartum
There is no shame in wearing maternity clothes postpartum, especially pants! They will come in handy for a few weeks…or months. No judgement!
As I mention previously, consider purchasing nursing bras while pregnant if you intend to breastfeed. My favorites were cotton and comfortable. There were good for both sleep and daytime.
Conclusion
Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. You can wear maternity clothes from day one or never at all. Do what makes you feel good and comfortable.
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