Updated at: 06-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When pregnant, how do you wear non-maternity clothing? Pregnant and looking to wear non-maternity clothes? You may still be able to wear your regular clothes. Find out how to achieve it by reading on!

The first step is to make sure there are no restrictions on what can be worn by measuring at the top of the belly.

Pregnant women don’t have to give up their pants, despite popular belief! A good pair of yoga, leggings, or running bottoms with an elastic waistband can be used in the second test.

You can also try wearing an oversized tunic over the top of these items with boots or wedges if they don’t suit you well enough, or if you want a more dressy look, try wearing heels.

How to Find Bump-Friendly Fashion: A Glossary of Search Terms

Wear it Pregnant, Wear it Later! Non-Maternity Dresses for PregnancyFirst, if you’re looking for pregnancy-friendly dresses online, check to see if the merchant has the option to filter gowns by “Style” (usually found on the left-hand sidebar or tiled across the top of the page). If they do, use any or all of the keywords mentioned below to narrow down the results to possibilities that will fit your growing waistline. For bump-friendly results, use the search bar and manually enter in the terms below if you can’t filter by style or your style filters don’t contain them.

Babydoll Dresses

A babydoll dress has a particularly flattering silhouette for women who are expecting their first child. It’s common for this loose-fitting style to flow out from above or below the bust line, and it won’t be tight around your midsection. It’s excellent for fitting a growing bulge, and the additional fabric in the middle adds a nostalgic touch, as though you’re carrying around a bag of Lipsmackers from the 1990s. It’s all excellent news.

Empire Dresses

Fitted bodice and gathered skirt are common features of dresses with “empire” or “empire waist” silhouettes. Your tummy (and the rest of you) will appreciate the free, flowing fit of the skirt as you grow larger. Of course, due to the fact that your bust will continue to expand throughout pregnancy, it’s likely that this design may require sizing up.

Swing Dresses

When it comes to a swing dress, you can expect it to be loose and flowy. The bodice of a swing dress, in contrast to many traditional “A-line” dresses, flows from the shoulders outward. Pregnant women will love this style.

Flowy Dresses

Is there a better phrase to describe putting on clothes for a pregnant woman than “welcome”? In the fashion world, the phrase “flowy” is often used to refer to gowns that are easy to wear, concealing a bump and adjusting to your changing shape. Clothing that doesn’t touch your body, like flowy dresses, is just what I need right now, especially in this heat and with this baby bump.

Trapeze or Muumuu Dresses

In the neck and shoulder area, trapeze or muumuu dresses have a trapezoid form (thanks, 5th year geometry) and are cut narrowly, but flow out and have a tent-like appearance. Isn’t that SO pleasant in this heat?

Wrap Dresses

Let’s cheer for clothing that can be altered! The front of a wrap dress will be tied in some way. Your wrap dress should allow you to tie it a little higher than you would when you weren’t pregnant so the bow or knot hits over the bump, which is actually quite attractive when you’re expecting. You should sit down before you leave the house in a wrap dress to make sure there is enough material to cover both the bump and your genitals. Wearing a slip underneath the wrap will help to prevent any gaps from forming in the garment.

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Shift Dresses

“Shifts” and “sheaths” are two distinct terms, despite the fact that many people use them interchangeably. When it comes to a sheath, you can expect it to be quite tight-fitting (think of a classic work dress) and not to stretch. If you’re wearing a shift, you may expect it to hang loosely from your shoulders and fall to just above the knee in most cases. Boxy, but nevertheless highly flattering and accommodating of growing children.

Peplum Dresses

Pregnancy-friendly peplum dresses look excellent in both formal and informal settings. When it comes to hiding food babies, we’ve long relied on peplums. A peplum is a small strip of gathered fabric that falls just above the waist and hides the lower portion of the body.. Taking stock is also a smart approach in this situation, especially as the months go by.

Of course, peplums aren’t only for dresses—peplum blazers and tops are also excellent choices for pregnant women (and after).

Tiered Dresses

Ah, the wonderful trick of the fashion world: the tiered dress. This type of dress is exactly what it sounds like: a dress with tiers or layers of fabric cascading down and covering up the belly. They can be a little rough around the edges at times, but that’s just another clever sartorial trick.

Smocked Dresses

You can never go wrong with smocking for summer, whether you’re pregnant or not. If you’re looking for it, you won’t have a problem locating it throughout spring and summer 2019. Smocking is a technique in which fabric is collected into tight pleats and then attached to an elastic band, allowing for plenty of room for movement. Maxi and midi dresses with straps that tie at the shoulder have long been a favorite of fashionistas looking to wear them to the beach or a barbeque with a cage bag. Dresses with a lot of smocking, like the red one I’m wearing, are also available.

Sweater Dresses

In the midst of summer, the term “sweater” makes my stomach turn, but for those who will be bumping in the fall and winter, it’s a nice one to have in your back pocket. One of God’s greatest gifts to pregnant women is the ability to stretch. Sweater dresses are part of the “knit” family of dresses (explained further below). The same way that t-shirt dresses (also described below!) are your greatest friend in the summer, sweater dresses will be your closest friend in the winter. Because of the fabric’s ability to give and take in different directions as you move, sweater dresses can accommodate a wide range of body types and sizes without losing their form-fitting qualities. You’ll still need to go up a size or two, but these are a smart and comfortable choice that can easily be worn during non-pregnant periods as well.

T-Shirt Dresses

This is it, guys. It’s the right one. The wonderful t-shirt dress, made from the softest material and with the least amount of bulk. I commend you if you decide to wear this for the rest of your pregnancy, because it’s the ultimate in pregnancy wardrobe comfort. My one piece of advice with t-shirt dresses is to keep an eye on the length, especially if you’re looking at above-the-knee styles. Depending on how much fabric the bump takes up, you may need to go up a size or two in order to avoid the front of the dress becoming shorter than you prefer. I’ll be on the lookout for you.

Knit Dresses

The term “knit,” like “flowy,” refers to a broad category of fabrics that includes anything from jersey (the material used to make t-shirt dresses, as noted above) to ponte (the material used to make thick sweater dresses) (also described above). Knit dresses almost always have a lot of give, even though the specific composition and weight vary greatly. “knit dress” is a great search term for finding bump-friendly options when “sweater dress” and “t-shirt dress” fail. You can see an example of this in the photographs above (and below) of a knit dress I’m wearing in this post: the polka-dot dress by Oscar de la Renta that I wore in this post’s header. Friends, there’s a lot going on.

Comfy Knit Jumpsuits

In order to accommodate an expanding belly, cozy knit jumpsuits tend to be liberal with their fabric. Whether you’re kicking back at home or running errands, these shoes will keep you cozy and look great doing it.

Forgiving Wrap Coats

For those times when the zipper on your winter coat just won’t work anymore, use a wrap coat as a temporary solution. In these styles, you can grow into them a little more easily because there is no constraining zipper or button.

Quality High-Waisted Leggings

However, you can make do with the incredibly high-waisted leggings that you already own while looking for pregnancy leggings. If the leggings are of decent quality and have a reasonable amount of stretch, they should be able to fit over your bump and hopefully retain their shape over time.

Cozy Oversized Sweatshirts

As we spend so much time at home in the winter, these are a great option for a stylish outfit. Fortunately, these are also great for maternity wear, so you can keep wearing them as your baby bump grows.

Professional-Looking Blazers

Is there anything you’d like to add to your appearance? It’s an easy way to look professional without having to buy maternity clothing.

Old Stretched-Out Jeans

Go to the back of your closet and see what you can find. Have you ever held onto a pair of sagging pants for sentimental reasons? They may be able to accommodate your growing belly (probably not in your third trimester, but maybe into your second). A hairband looped through the buttonhole and over the button can also be used to keep your pants in place while they are unbuttoned. Wear with a long tunic to keep you warm and covered up.

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Sweet Babydoll or Swing Dresses

Loose-fitting dresses are ideal for pregnant women in the summer. Be aware that these gowns may become excessively short as your pregnancy progresses. Leggings or biker shorts are great options for wearing under them.

Well-Loved Joggers

Continue to wear your favorite pair of jogging pants below your belly. Allow your tummy to breathe by pairing them with a tight tank top or a stylish sports bra.

Versatile Cardigans

Cardigans can be worn before, throughout, and after pregnancy, and they’re great for layering during the cold.

Remember that you’re buying in the regular women’s section, not the maternity section, so size up! Depending on your body type, how much you’re showing, and how far along you are in your pregnancy, the size you need will vary from woman to woman. Some women may be able to wear their pre-pregnancy size in flexible dresses, while others will need to size up. Even in stretchy dresses (which are my favorite because I don’t like them skin-tight), I’m going up at least two sizes, and often three. If you’re still unsure about what size to get, take a measurement of your own and compare it to a size chart online. Pregnant women should think about how many more months they expect to wear the dress before choosing a size larger than they normally would, especially if they are in the first half of their pregnancy.

To sum up, understand the terms, use the terms, and perform the filtering, to the end. And if you’re not sure what to look for, use all of the keywords in this arsenal. Shopping for pregnant women is fun, but sometimes you just need to buy like a regular person. Using a few key bump-friendly phrases can help you find products that are specifically matched to your present, somewhat round demands.

6 Simple Steps To Wearing Non-Maternity Clothes During Pregnancy

One

Is this a trend? You may wear them as tunics combined with leggings or tanks!! If they’re constructed of a stretchy material, they’ll fit you perfectly because they’ll hug your body.

Two

His clothing. When you’re pregnant, oversized is your best friend. For a sophisticated and modern style, wear something fitted on the bottom, or match with his jeans and roll them up for an instant (and comfy) boyfriend look. Get ready to hit the town in style when you pair our prenatal tank with our belly support leggings and one of your favorite oversize flannel shirts.

Three

Maternity jeans are unnecessary if you simply want to wear them for a brief amount of time. For a smooth transition from one size to another, the BLANQI Built-In Support BellyBand lies perfectly over jeans, keeping your trousers in place and providing pant suspension. When you turn it around, you can use it to smooth and lightly compress your postpartum stomach while discreetly nursing your baby.

Four

In other words, maxi-skirts. When you wear a long skirt under your belly, it tends to drag on the ground. You can also drape it over your stomach and match it with a camisole for an adorable bohemian look. Alternatively, you could dig out your favorite graphic tee and wrap it over your bump with your maxi, making you appear effortlessly trendy.

Five

Maternity Belly Support Tank Top by BLANQI A must-have for any expectant mother’s wardrobe, this 3-in-1 transitional item does it all. What does it accomplish? This garment lifts and supports the belly, smooths you out and maintains everything in place, and holds up your undone pre-pregnancy pants. To complete the look, don your favorite shirt. During the cooler months, this tank looks wonderful with a chunky cardigan and a stylish bootie.

Six

Belts that aren’t too wide. An empire waistline can be achieved by placing a belt between the bust and the stomach. Try a flexible ribbon instead of a standard belt if you find it uncomfortably constricting.

Can you wear regular clothes during pregnancy?

For the most of the first trimester, most women can get away with wearing regular clothes (3 months). For this reason, you may choose to wear looser-fitting garments or a larger bra. Pregnant women may need to start wearing larger clothing around the time they are four or five months pregnant.

Does wearing tight clothes during pregnancy affect the baby?

Prabhu assures parents that, despite their fears, wearing too-tight clothing won’t harm their newborn. You can show off your baby bump in maternity jeans or slinky dresses, but there are plenty of other alternatives when it comes to pregnant women’s wardrobes today.

How can I wear non-maternity jeans while pregnant?

Try this tried-and-trusted method first: Pull the tail of an elastic band or rubber band halfway through the buttonhole of your pants. Wrap the loop around the button after tightening it. Voila! This is how to make maternity jeans longer on your own.

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Is it OK to wear high waisted leggings while pregnant?

When you’re expecting, you can wear tights without embarrassment. Wearing maternity tights instead of regular ones may be more comfortable after you’re expecting. Pregnant women can choose from a variety of contoured panels that support and cradle their bumps. Synthetic materials, which are used to produce the majority of tights, tend to make you perspire more than natural fibers.

Can I just buy bigger clothes instead of maternity?

What’s the best piece of advice you can give? For the duration of your pregnancy, buy regular clothing one or two sizes larger than your present size. For women who have not yet returned to their pre-baby sizes following their pregnancies, these pieces can be excellent transitional pieces. Low-rise jeans should be worn below your expanding tummy.

What is the difference between maternity clothes and regular clothes?

There is no difference in sizing between maternity and non-maternity clothing. Size small is the same for pregnant women as it is for nonpregnant women. Similarly, a regular 6 or 28 is similar to a maternity 6 or 28 when it comes to numbered sizes, as shown below.