Why Are Maternity Clothing Not Sold In Stores?

Maternity wear is a popular and essential part of pregnancy, but many stores do not carry it in-store. This lack of selection may be due to the increasing popularity of online shopping and the specific demographic that maternity clothing caters to. Some stores, like Target, Old Navy, HM, Macys, and JCP, have stopped carrying maternity wear, while others like Target and Walmart have taken out their maternity section.

To find the perfect time to start shopping for maternity clothes, it is important to consider when it is too soon or too late. Maternity clothes are meant to fit from the time regular clothes no longer fit, so it is crucial to start shopping early.

There are several popular stores and websites to shop for new maternity clothes, including H&M in Oxford Street, Target, Old Navy, and others. It is essential to research what you can and cannot eat, explore baby stores, and create a registry among the dozens of products available.

The lack of selection may be due to the recent trend where most women do not use maternity wear at all. Maternity clothes are still a thriving industry, with many stores only selling maternity wear. However, there is a relatively robust secondhand market for maternity clothing, which is happening on the mass or affordable fashion scene.

In conclusion, finding the right maternity clothing is crucial for looking and feeling your best as you count down each trimester to your delivery day.

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.

Is 12 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Pregnancy clothes should be purchased around 12-16 weeks into the second trimester, depending on the pregnancy. However, some women may need to buy maternity clothes earlier or later depending on their pregnancy type. Seven signs to buy maternity clothes include tight clothes, difficulty in sitting, standing, or bending over, unable to button or zip up pants, pants putting pressure on the tummy, tops riding up, shirt pulling too tightly across the chest, tight or uncomfortable bras, band or straps digging into the skin, and overflowing cups. Factors influencing the timing of buying maternity clothes during pregnancy include pregnancy stage, body type, and the need for support and comfort.

Is 4 months too early for maternity clothes?

Maternity wear is typically started around the second trimester, typically between 12 and 16 weeks, as regular clothes may feel too snug for comfort as the baby bump grows. Expecting mothers should start wearing maternity clothes based on their preferences and needs. Indicators of when to buy maternity wear include feeling restrictive or uncomfortable, or when the bump becomes more prominent. The first trimester, which includes weeks 1 to 12, is generally too early for most women to need maternity clothes as their body is still adjusting to early pregnancy changes and the bump hasn’t emerged enough to require maternity clothing.

Is 10 weeks too early to buy maternity clothes?

New mothers-to-be may initially experience a sense of elation regarding their pregnancy and the opportunity to display their pregnant abdomen during the initial stages. However, it is crucial to resist the temptation to begin assembling a maternity wardrobe within the first 12 weeks.

Is Shein child labor true or false?

Shein, a popular bargain bin retailer, has discovered two cases of child labor between Q1 and Q3 2023. The discovery was made through audits of suppliers working with the brand. Shein defines children as anyone under 15 and in China, it is illegal to employ children under 16. The company suspended orders from contract manufacturers and undertook investigations. Manufacturers were given 30 days to resolve the violation by terminating contracts with underage employees, ensuring payment of outstanding wages, arranging medical checkups, and facilitating repatriation to parents/legal guardians. As of October 2023, Shein has enforced stricter rules around contractors who were discovered to be using child labor, with suppliers immediately terminated by Shein.

Do you really need pregnancy clothes?

To save money on maternity clothes, consider buying in your usual size and ensuring quality clothes that fit your new proportions. When choosing outfits for pregnancy, focus on a few essentials that can be easily paired with one another. Neutral tones without bold patterns are a good choice for a well-prepared wardrobe. Remember that you only need a few essentials to be well-prepared for pregnancy, so make sure to choose clothes that can be easily paired with one another.

Can you wash toxins out of clothes?

Detoxing your closet involves focusing on plant-sourced fabrics, especially organic ones, such as cotton, linen, hemp, or Tencel. These fabrics require minimal chemical processing and are vegan-friendly, making them easier to find and less toxic than petroleum-based products. Avoid labeling wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, flame-retardant, or cling-free fabrics, as they often contain extra chemicals.

Look for GOTS-certified, OEKO-TEX, and BlueSign fabrics, which focus on eliminating toxic chemicals added during the garment manufacturing process. GOTS includes the fiber source, making it the most comprehensive certification for clothing. Start with workout and sleep clothes, as they are times of repair and toxin elimination. Switch to organic cotton for pajamas and athletic wear to give your body a break.

Wash clothes before the first wear, preferably with non-toxic laundry soap. Washing all clothes before the first wear can help eliminate some chemicals used in production, but not all toxins and synthetics can be removed from a piece of clothing. Research and demand better transparency from brands about their processes and fiber sourcing. A Greenpeace Report showed that many major brands contained hazardous toxins, so if you can’t find information about a company’s textiles, it’s safe to assume they use conventional chemical processing.

The number of non-toxic, organic clothing brands is increasing, making safer clothing more mainstream and easy to find. Although it may be more expensive than typical fast fashion brands, investing in key pieces that last is worth it for your long-term health and the planet.

Is there a market for maternity clothes?

The global maternity wear market, valued at USD 15040 million in 2020, is projected to reach USD 20630 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4. 4. This market caters to pregnant women seeking comfortable and stylish clothing. The market is driven by changing fashion trends, increasing awareness, and accessibility, which influence product design, consumer preferences, and overall market growth.

How many weeks pregnant before buying maternity clothes?

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” around this time. Many mothers find their feelings on maternity clothing evolve over the course of their pregnancy, with some initially resisting buying maternity clothes only to change their mind once the waistband becomes painfully tight.

However, some looser dresses or shirts may still fit as the pregnancy progresses. If you decide to buy maternity clothes, consider putting your pre-pregnancy items into short-term storage to ensure they are well-used and comfortable during the pregnancy.

How to dress while pregnant without buying maternity clothes?

Many people, including celebrities, wear non-maternity clothes during pregnancy. Before buying new items, consider incorporating items from your existing wardrobe into a capsule maternity wardrobe. Comfort is crucial for pregnant moms, so avoid items with scratchy sequins, annoying tags, or stiff structured material. Some of the best non-maternity clothes for pregnancy include oversized button-down shirts, empire-waist dresses, waterfall cardigans, and stretchy pants or skirts with a smock waist.

Button-down tops are versatile and can be worn until your belly starts to pop, providing easy nursing or pumping access. A cardigan with an open-front design allows for easy slip-on or off during extreme temperature changes during pregnancy. These versatile garments are perfect for navigating the unpredictable changes in temperature during pregnancy.

At what point in pregnancy do clothes not fit?

Maternity clothes should be purchased at the start of your second trimester, as the size and growth speed of your baby bump may vary. It is essential to find pieces that grow with your bump and flatter your body throughout every stage of pregnancy. To hide your pregnancy belly during the early stages, consider using eye-catching, colorful prints, loose-fitting clothes, and darker colors.

When shopping for early maternity clothing, start by investing in essential pieces that can be mixed and matched with your pre-existing wardrobe. For example, maternity leggings and smarter trousers can help keep you comfortable and grow with your bump. As things feel tighter and less fit, gradually build a capsule maternity wardrobe that will last through the nine months and beyond.

When buying early maternity clothing, avoid purchasing items that won’t be worn for the rest of your pregnancy. Tops, blouses, and dresses that button up or have a wrap style are great options because they can be worn while breastfeeding. Dark colors like navy and black will not accentuate your body shape and draw attention away from your baby bump.

In summary, when it comes to maternity clothes, it is crucial to choose pieces that will grow with your bump and flatter your body throughout every stage of pregnancy. Avoid buying early maternity clothing that won’t be suitable for the rest of your pregnancy.