Why Are Maternity Garments No Longer Carried By Stores?

The maternity clothing market has become increasingly limited, with many stores no longer carrying maternity items. This has led to a lack of selection and comfort in purchasing clothing online, as it often fits differently. The trend of women not using maternity wear has also contributed to this issue. Some stores, like Target and Walmart, have removed their maternity sections, while Target’s section has five items.

The lack of selection is likely due to the fact that most women are not comfortable in wearing skirts, shorts, or dresses anymore. This is not surprising, as there is not much demand for maternity wear and stores can make more money by filling the space with non-maternity options.

To find the best places to buy maternity clothes online, it is essential to shop at resale shops and designer brands. However, the quality of most stores has significantly decreased, and the maternity clothing market is a floral-festooned, polyester-laden sartorial wasteland that fails to account for the varied lives women lead. It is essential to find a store that carries maternity items that are suitable for the specific demographics and preferences of women.

Do you need maternity clothes at 18 weeks?

During your second trimester, it’s advisable to buy maternity clothes, as you can’t predict your belly’s growth. Ask your mom friends for hand-me-downs to complete your wardrobe. Look for stretchy materials, adjustable straps, and ruched shirts that will grow with you. Avoid see-through or uncomfortably covered items, unless layering. Consider maternity tank tops with added support for breast changes.

While most pieces will only be worn for three-to-six months, it’s important to ensure they can withstand this pregnancy and future ones. While not necessarily high-quality items, they should be durable enough to last for the duration of the pregnancy.

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.

Are maternity clothes from Shein safe?

Shein clothing, suitable for both children and adults, contains high levels of lead, phthalates, and PFAS, which are linked to health and sustainability issues. Lead can cause developmental and neurological problems in children, while phthalates are linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Azo dyes used in textiles release carcinogenic aromatic amines when they come into contact with sweat.

These chemicals are harmful to the body and the environment. While there is no evidence to suggest Shein’s clothes are toxic, concerns about safety standards and the ethical practices of the fast fashion industry are raised.

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.

What trimester should I buy maternity clothes?

In the second trimester, the baby bump becomes more noticeable, and regular clothes may feel snug. This is when most moms start investing in a maternity wardrobe. Maternity jeans or pants with stretchy belly panels can provide room for the growing belly while providing support. Tops with ruching or pleating at the sides are designed to flatter the baby bump and will continue to fit as you grow. A good maternity dress, like the Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Side Ruched Dress, is essential for adapting throughout your journey.

In the third trimester, maximum comfort and functionality are paramount as your body prepares for the final stretch of pregnancy. Appearances should be easy to put on and take off, providing ample room for the burgeoning bump.

What happened to motherhood maternity clothes?

Luxury maternity brand Hatch has announced it will take over the management and operations of legacy brands Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, and Destination Maternity. The consolidation is part of an undisclosed equity funding round between Hatch and Marquee Brands, which has owned the legacy companies since 2019. Motherhood, A Pea in the Pod, and Destination Maternity will retain their own brands, while Hatch will oversee operations for all four companies under a new parent called Hatch Collective. This is a unique example of a DTC retailer growing large enough to absorb its legacy competitors. Hatch launched in 2011 and has seen 70 revenue growth in 2021 and 30 last year.

How to dress while pregnant without buying maternity clothes?

Prior to purchasing new garments for the purpose of concealing a pregnancy, it is recommended that consideration be given to the use of non-maternity items such as oversized button-down shirts, empire-waist dresses, waterfall cardigans, and stretchy pants or skirts with a smock waist. This approach can effectively result in the creation of a capsule maternity wardrobe.

How to dress during pregnancy without maternity clothes?

It is recommended that a capsule maternity wardrobe be constructed using non-maternity clothes. These include oversized button-down shirts, empire-waist dresses, waterfall cardigans, and stretchy pants or skirts.

Is 14 weeks too early for maternity clothes?

Maternity clothing preferences vary among expectant mothers, with some signs indicating readiness to purchase maternity clothes. Some indicators include unbuttoning pants tops after meals, preferring Spandex clothing, feeling bloated all day, noticing a bump peeking out of a shirt, and button-down shirts not buttoning all the way down. These signs coincide with baby growth in the uterus, which typically begins at 20 weeks. However, there is variability depending on factors such as height, body type, weight gain, number of babies in utero, and if it’s a first pregnancy.

The bump typically pops a little later in first pregnancies than in subsequent pregnancies. The timing of starting maternity clothes depends on individual preferences and the baby’s growth in the uterus.

Is 8 weeks too early to buy maternity clothes?

Maternity clothes should be purchased between eight to 12 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the mother’s preference. High-quality, larger bras are essential for a maternity and postpartum wardrobe. Invest in stretchy knit layering tanks and tees that can be dressed up with blazers, cardigans, and shackets for the office and hoodies for working out. Round out your wardrobe with slouchy joggers and fitted leggings for now and after the baby.

To keep your pregnancy private during the first trimester, choose loose-fitting clothing that glides over your figure, such as soft knit tops, elastic or drawstring waist bottoms, and dresses. Empire silhouettes work well throughout the pregnancy, and a fitted top cinched just below your bust can help keep your secret.

For work, maternity clothes should be professionally polished, as workleisure is on the rise. Opt for a mixed material blouse that combines the elegance of woven fabric with soft knit, style with relaxed, elastic waist or drawstring pants and loafers, and add on-trend chain-link hoop earrings to draw the eye away from your belly.

How many weeks pregnant do you start wearing 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.