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Tips for Choosing Maternity Dresses
By
Kieth | April 10, 2012
Today there is a wide variety of pregnancy clothing available. Huge, frumpy dresses are a thing of the past and these days, maternity wear even includes pants and formal clothing. There are several manufacturers and supplies of maternity clothes and you can find a dress which suits your needs in many stores. Online stores also sell great maternity wear, thus allowing you to shop in the convenience of your own home. Budget is another thing you don’t have to worry too much about because there are maternity wear stores that suit every budget. Here are some tips on Choosing Maternity Dresses.
What materials to look for?
Pay special attention to the material when buying maternity dresses. Maternity clothes material should always be natural and comfortable. Cotton is always a good choice as it does not lead to itching, rash or allergic skin reactions. Avoid buying anything made of synthetic fibers. Dresses or blouses should have extra material around the abdominal region to accommodate your growing belly. Buy clothes made of good quality materials that will make you feel comfortable even as your pregnancy progresses. Pregnancy will bring about various changes in your body and it is important that you don’t experience any discomfort during this time.
Which is the best style?
With the huge range of maternity clothes available today, you may be tempted into buying something trendy and attractive, especially for work or social occasions. However it is always better to stick to the basics. The ideal maternity clothes style should emphasize comfort. Opt for neutral colors and play them up with different accessories. If you are a working woman, look for dresses that can be worn to the office as well as to dinners or other outings. A good suit jacket is also a great addition to your wardrobe. Staples such as these will also come in handy in case of future pregnancies.
What size of clothes?
Since your body will grow during pregnancy, it is essential to look closely at the size of the clothes you are buying. Many women buy clothes that are much larger than what they normally wear. Avoid doing this as you will simply be left with clothes that are unattractive and uncomfortable. Maternity clothes have extra fabric in them such as elastic belly panels which can accommodate your growing size and still keep you comfortable. Many stores also keep strap-on fake bellies which you can try on. This will enable you to see how a particular dress will look in the later months of your pregnancy.
What about footwear?
Smart and comfortable maternity footwear can be found in various specialty shops or online stores. There are a few pointers you need to keep in mind when buying maternity footwear. Your foot can increase to about half or one full shoe size during pregnancy due to weight gain and hormonal changes. Therefore the shoes you choose should be able to support your foot properly. Pregnant women often experience edema or swelling of the feet and the shoes need to have extra room for this. Foot-bed sandals are considered to be a good choice for pregnant women as they are comfortable, supportive and adjustable.
Undergarments for pregnancy
It is a good idea to get fitted for pregnancy inner wear as soon as you are pregnant. Even though the breasts may not increase in size right away, the milk ducts will start developing. It is important that your undergarments or other clothing do not hamper the growth of the milk ducts. Avoid wearing wired bras during pregnancy as the size and shape of the breasts will keep changing and such bras may dig into the skin and cause discomfort. They may also affect milk duct development. Also remember to carry along a comfortable nursing bra when you go to the hospital for your delivery.
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