Maternity clothes are usually expensive and hard to find, especially work clothes. As the belly grows bigger and bigger, most mothers prefer loose fitting clothing rather than the ones reveal the pregnancy curve. Some mothers, like me, have the belly button come out during the early pregnancy, which does not look nice under tight clothing. In addition, body-hugging maternity clothes can only be worn during pregnancy, which is a waste of money unless you are planning for multiple pregnancies.
However, most loose clothing have a casual look which is not the best fit for the professional setting. After days of research, I came up with my professional maternity clothing ideas:
Warm Weather:
Plan A: a nice loose blouse + a nice loose skirt
It only works for the early pregnancy as it becomes so much harder to find a proper loose skirt to sit on the belly without putting pressure on it)
Plan B: a professional top (cardigan or coat)+ a nice loose dress.
This outfit works for all pregnancy stages.
Cold Weather:
Plan A: a professional top (cardigan or coat)+ a nice loose dress + maternity stocking
Plan B: a professional top (cardigan or coat)+ a nice long loose sweater that covers the bottom+ maternity legging
If the weather is really cold, add on a thick coat or down jacket.
The following a few brands and clothing choices that I choose for myself.
Brand -- Uniqlo
Uniqlo has a small maternity collection. If you go from its official website, it is under "Women" and "Collections". The only store in Sydney that carries maternity clothing is its Midcity Centre in CBD.
Some mothers love Uniqlo maternity shorts, but I find their high waist design putting too much pressure on the belly in the later stage of pregnancy and keeping unnecessary body heat during warm and hot weather. My personal suggestion is choosing low rise designed maternity undies such as Bikinis or Hiphuggers, with one or two size bigger than your normal size before pregnancy.
My favourite maternity clothing from Uniqlo is its maternity legging. Comparing to other brands, its price (less than $20) is reasonable and the quality is very good as long as you wrap it with a washing bag during machine wash. Plus, it is extremely comfortable even when I wear it in my last few weeks of pregnancy (I choose one size bigger than my regular size). The only downside is: its high waist design can keep necessarily body heat during warm weather. Low waist design, such as the legging from Mamaway can be a good alternative.
I also wear a few non-maternity clothing from Uniqlo.
1. Merino Blended V Neck Long Sleeve Dress
This dress is Merino wool blended, very loose around the belly area and comes with many colours: wine red, grey, black and brown. After trying on the wine red colour, I was so happy that I bought black and brown as well. Together with maternity stockings and my regular jackets, they become my cold weather work outfit in most days.
In addition, I can wear it as my casual outfit if I put on a casual jacket outside.
2. Men Light Down Jacket
When I reach the third trimester, even my biggest winter coats could not cover the belly. In the cold weather, I end up wearing my husband's Uniqlo down jacket. Its dark blue colour and conservative style goes very well with my maternity work outfit. In addition, it is very light, which does not bring extra weight to my already heavy body.
Brand - Mamaway
Mamaway is a maternity brand originally from Taiwan. Its design tends to have a cute and casual look.
1. Maternity Legging
Mamaway's maternity legging has a nice low waist design and uses an adjustable elastic band, which is very suitable for warm weather. But the elastic band can be quite uncomfortable during early pregnancy because it can be too loose to sit on the waist and a bit tight to put on the belly (avoid any pressure to the belly area if possible). It is also really uncomfortable in the later stage of pregnancy if you wear it for exercise. My suggestion is wearing it during mid-pregnancy if it falls in spring or autumn. Its original price is close to $50, much more expensive than Uniqlo. But during the sales season, it can go under $30.
2. Knitted Maternity & Nursing Long Top
This maternity and nursing top is practical and has an elegant look. Easy to wear during pregnancy and nursing stage. It goes well with maternity legging and a professional jacket.
Brand - Ripe
An Australian brand that provides a wide range of maternity clothing. Most of its design thought, are body-hugging. I was very lucky to find this pleat dress, which is elegant and loose around the belly area.
It has both black and blue colours to choose from. Personally, I prefer the blue dress over the black.
I also purchased this cosy knit long sweater for the very cold weather. Putting a work jacket outside creates a professional look.
Brand - INUjIRUSHI
INUjIRUSHI is a Japanese brand specialised in maternity clothing. I got two 160D black stockings and find them very comfortable and warm until I reach the end of my 9th month pregnancy. The elastic band becomes a little bit tight around my waist and I need to switch to my maternity leggings from Uniqlo and Mamaway.
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