Ways To Cut Costs On Maternity Clothing?

Maternity clothes can be expensive, but these 7 tips can help you save money on your wardrobe. To find cheap maternity clothes, consider working with what you already have and shopping secondhand. Maternity wear is often gently used, so it’s often only worn for a short amount of time.

Invest in basics, use non-maternity clothes for pregnancy, shop affordable brands for statement pieces, and rent a go when you feel you need it. Look for secondhand items as they usually are stuff people wear for a short amount of time. Consider getting a maternity pants expander, experiment with a bra expander for regular bras, wear babydoll, drapey or open-back tops, try elastic waistbands, and invest in cloth diapers.

When expecting, consider the clothes you already own, borrow from your partner, accept hand-me-down maternity clothes, and shop for maternity clothes in your own closet. Borrow clothes from your partner, find lightly used maternity clothes online, and make a clothes swap.

Budgeting for your maternity wardrobe can be challenging, but there are several strategies to help you save money. Some tips include not buying full-price maternity clothes early, finding free maternity clothes, assessing your existing wardrobe, borrowing clothes from your partner, accepting hand-me-down maternity clothes, trying maternity clothes hacks, checking Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, and buying by the bag instead of single pieces. By following these tips, you can create a budget-friendly wardrobe that suits your growing and changing body.

Is it worth buying maternity clothes?

Lindsey and Belinda have discovered that their maternity wardrobe consists solely of pants and leggings, whereas Kelly has opted to borrow or purchase secondhand items for the majority of her maternity wear. They have indicated a preference for wearing ordinary pajamas for bedtime, as they sit under their bump for comfort.

Why are maternity clothes so expensive?

Maternity clothes are generally more expensive than ordinary everyday clothing due to their specific target audience, which includes mothers who will wear them during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or both. Not all pregnant moms wear maternity clothes during their pregnancy, leading to a smaller volume of items produced. The higher the volume of one style of clothing, the lower the price per garment. Maternity wear is specialized, with not all pattern makers or CMT factories capable of producing specialized garments.

Manufacturing in South Africa is challenging for maternity wear brands due to the lack of local CMT factories capable of producing the required quality and smaller quantities. Importing maternity wear can also be costly due to high shipping costs, exchange rates, high import duties, and quantities purchased. This also applies to boutique clothing brands that don’t supply the masses.

To make the right maternity clothing purchase, consider buying items that will last longer than just a few months and look for quality items that can be worn for both pregnancy and breastfeeding or post-partum. Brands like Lonzi and Bean offer maternity dresses and tops with breastfeeding panels for discreet breastfeeding and flattering appearances. Quality and longevity are key when it comes to making the right maternity clothing purchases.

How many weeks pregnant should I buy maternity clothes?

During pregnancy, it’s essential to switch to maternity clothes when you feel tight or uncomfortable. Most women buy maternity clothes around 12-16 weeks into the first or second trimester. However, some women may need to buy them earlier or later depending on their pregnancy. There are seven signs that suggest it’s time to buy maternity clothes: tight clothes around the waist and hips, difficulty in sitting, standing, or bending over freely, difficulty in buttoning or zipping pants, pressure on the tummy or skin, riding up tops, tight or uncomfortable shirts, tight or uncomfortable bras, straps digging into the skin, and overflowing cups.

How much do people spend on maternity clothes?

The maternity wear market, a $2 billion industry, is experiencing a decline due to factors such as a stagnant birthrate, fewer expectant mothers, and more women postponing motherhood. Pregnant women spend an average of $500 per pregnancy on maternity clothes, which equates to between $50 and $60 spent per month. This segment of the $12 billion fashion industry is likely to attract more women due to the need to replace wardrobe essentials. However, analysts argue that the market is in decline due to factors such as a stagnant birthrate, fewer expectant mothers, and more women avoiding motherhood.

Some women are advocating for the extension of the lives of high-end, non-maternity garments and tailoring, as suggested in the book Bump It Up. The short lifespan of these clothes, as many pregnant women don’t show in earnest until the second trimester, is a significant challenge for maternity sellers.

How much money should I have before having a baby?

Setting aside cash for unexpected expenses is crucial, especially when having children. A solid emergency fund should hold three to six months’ worth of your take-home pay. Start with $1, 000 and gradually increase to cover one month’s expenses. Katie Babcock, a marketing professional at Principal, suggests that having children improves the ability to save for emergencies. Additionally, create a budget with a baby in mind, accounting for current living expenses and all related costs.

This includes ongoing costs like health insurance, copays for doctor visits, diapers, formula, food, clothing, and daycare, as well as one-time charges for outfitting the nursery and stocking up on baby gear.

How much should you save for maternity?

Financial preparation for a child is essential, and it’s important to start setting aside money as much as possible before the baby is born. Start by setting aside 10 of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks of leave, as this will be missed during the rest of your maternity leave. Calculating your SMP before tax will help determine how long you can take off work. Remember that baby items are expensive, and families spend on average £2000+ on essentials before the baby is born, so it’s crucial to factor this into your savings.

Setting up a budget for maternity leave can be easier once you know your savings total. Asking family and friends for donations for birthdays and Christmases can help reach your savings goal, but creating a shopping list of items you’ll need, want, and may buy when the time comes is also helpful. There are numerous baby registry sites and wishlists online that provide a convenient link to send to loved ones for gift-giving.

To help save, cut back on certain things while trying to conceive, such as swapping meals for home cooking, gym memberships for running outdoors, nights out for movie nights in, and shopping trips kept to a minimum. Round up purchases to the nearest pound or note denomination and set the change aside for the baby. Many online banks now automatically help you do this and can set you up with specific savings accounts to ensure the best savings rates.

Setting up a direct debit into your savings account is another way to save without thinking about it. By monitoring your finances closely, you can work out how much money you’ll have left at the end of the month after bills and other regular expenditure, give yourself a small allowance for general spending, and set the rest aside in a place where you can’t be tempted to dip into it.

What month do you start wearing maternity?

Maternity clothes are often considered by many mothers around the end of the first trimester or beginning of the second trimester, as they are expected to feel like they are starting to “pop”. However, many mothers find their feelings on maternity clothing evolve over the course of their pregnancy. They may initially resist buying maternity clothes but change their mind once the waistband becomes painfully tight.

Alternatively, they may be pleasantly surprised to discover that looser dresses or shirts continue to fit as their pregnancy progresses. It is important to consider the unique needs and preferences of each mother during the process of pregnancy.

How to avoid spending money on maternity clothes?

Investing in quality basics can save money in the long run by creating a capsule maternity wardrobe that reduces the need to shop for new outfits regularly. Consider purchasing pregnancy jeans, leggings, everyday tees, and tops with built-in nursing access, as well as seasonal essentials like knits for winter or maternity dresses for summer. Pay attention to fabric choices, fit, and overall quality of garments. Neutral shades like black, white, and beige are easier to mix and match.

Trends come and go, but dark-wash denim jeans with a slim-fit straight leg design and stretchy over-belly band are timeless and versatile. A top made from cotton with a touch of spandex for added stretch and a double layer fabric design over the bust for easy nursing access is a true investment piece for before, during, and after pregnancy.

When buying maternity clothes do I buy my normal size?

Maternity clothing should be tailored to the individual’s pre-pregnancy size, as each pregnancy is unique. If you prefer a relaxed fit or have a large bust, consider ordering a size up. If you have gained extra weight or are expecting twins, consider a size up from your regular size.

Maternity jeans may feel slightly snug at first, but they will stretch and become softer with each wear. It’s important to stay with your regular Australian pre-pregnancy size and avoid slipping down as you walk.

Pants and leggings can vary in style, with some preferring over-the-belly styles for support, while others prefer nothing touching their belly. This preference may change in later trimesters, as skin becomes tight, itchy, and sensitive. Some underbelly leggings are ideal for post-birth recovery.

How much money do you need on maternity leave?

The Shared Parental Leave (SMP) program provides eligible employees with a paid leave allowance covering the initial six weeks of leave at the employee’s average weekly earnings (before tax), followed by an additional 33 weeks at a rate of £184. The amount of earnings subject to taxation and National Insurance deductions is either 90 or 30 percent, depending on the specific circumstances. It is remunerated in a manner analogous to that of wages.

What is the most generous maternity leave in the world?

Estonia is the country with the best paid maternity leave in terms of time off and employee salary. Other countries with great maternity leave benefits include Greece, Slovakia, Japan, and Luxembourg. There are 41 countries offering paid maternity leave and 141 offering some type of leave. Only seven countries do not require employers to offer paid maternity leave, including the United States, Papua New Guinea, and some Pacific Islands countries.