As if pregnancy isn’t terrifying enough without the looming threat of ‘maternity wear’. Voluminous tent-style dresses in chintzy patterns that stop just short of a swollen, anaemic looking ankle in ‘comfortable shoes’.
Well fear not Mamas and Mamas to be, because we have entered what we like to call ‘the golden age’ of maternity dressing. Bold colours, contemporary cuts, gravity-defying styles that don’t hide the bump, but celebrate it in all of its bulbous glory. Whatever the weather, whatever the occasion, we’ve compiled the best maternity wear on the market right now… thats definitely more ‘Mother, Please!’ than ‘Mothercare.’
The Best Loungewear
Bumpsuit’s Cloud Slim Pant in Rust, £165
Where to start – these sweatpants from American brand, Bumpsuit, have changed our lives. This super soft maternity lounge pant fits comfortably under your bump and is perfect for lounging around the house. Made with Bumpsuit’s signature buttery soft fabric, they are lightweight and airy. Pair with The Cloud Tee below for the ultimate outfit! Oh and buy a pair for every day of the week, because you won’t want to take them off.
Bumpsuit’s Cloud Long Sleeve Top Tee, £87
This oversized cropped long sleeve top is made from super soft 4-way stretch fabric. Pairs perfectly with Bumpsuit’s bestselling cloud collection bottoms to make the comfiest lounge outfit! The fit is oversized and relaxed, so size down for a more fitted look. The quality of the fabric feels so luxurious and gentle against super-sensitive pregnancy skin, you’ll be wearing this top for the whole nine months.
Available from www.bumpsuit.co
Bumpsuit are dedicated in their mission to offer support for mums and mums-to-be and have organised a series of ‘Mommy and Me Walks’ – the next event to take place in London is on 29th June. You can find details here.
The Best Tank (that works with everything!)
Ilouity Ribbed Pregnancy Tank £54
The Ribbed Pregnancy Tank is Ilouity’s twist on the everyday tank. It’s extremely soft and slightly longer than usual, to cover your belly as it grows over the 9 months. It’s also short enough too wear during early pregnancy and throughout motherhood. The design is simple and flattering and is available in black, grey or white. Our tip? Get one of each and wear all summer long – on it’s own or under an oversized linen shirt.
Available from www.ilouity.com
The Best for All-Seasons
Bumpsuit’s Stevie Jumpsuit, £160
The Stevie jumpsuit is a sleeveless style with a flattering, lengthening turtleneck. It fastens with a zipper up the back for ease of dressing making it the perfect maternity bodysuit to throw on for everyday wear or events. Double-lined for extra support, The Stevie is a must-have for any expecting mother.
Available from www.bumpsuit.co
The Best Jeans
Ilouity’s Fit & Flare Jeans in Ecru, £136
Scandi brand Ilouity’s latest maternity denim collection is the product of extensive trials and research. Their uncompromising dedication to comfort-chic has successfully captured the attention of the expecting fashion set, with Vogue declaring the brand, ‘the maternity jeans you should have on your radar.’ Featuring the latest cuts and trends, Ilouity ensures you need not miss out on the new styles just because you are ‘with child’. The extensive denim range, championed by a hero bandeau waistband that keeps the jeans in place are suitable for all body types during all stages of maternity.
The low slung Fit and Flare Jeans are a versatile addition to any spring/summer maternity wardrobe as they work brilliantly with a trainer, sandal or slim fit boot.
Available from www.ilouity.com
The Best for ‘Making a Statement’
Bumpsuit’s Harper Jumpsuit, £180
The Harper jumpsuit features an off-the-shoulder Bardot-style neckline. This bodysuit is easy to mix and match and adds a little drama to your maternity wardrobe. Double-Lined for extra support, The Harper Maternity Bumpsuit looks fabulous under a bomber jacket and paired with a baseball boot for an easy-breezy casual look.
The Harper is double lined, which means whilst the soft 4-way stretch fabric is super supple, it’s also durable. You really get the sense that this brand have thought long and hard about the needs of an expectant mother.
Available from www.bumpsuit.co
The Best for Nursing
As a new mum or mum-to-be, you can never have too many nursing tops, but finding them in stylish and flattering styles is not always easy. Made from deliciously soft organic cotton, PO.P’s Nursing Top is blessed with an easy access invisible fold. This long sleeve Breton-striped wonder is sure to be a wardrobe staple throughout the seasons.
Available from www.polarnopyret.co.uk
The Best Showstopper
The Bumpsuit Off-the-Shoulder Evening Dress, £215
The Off the Shoulder Evening dress is the perfect choice for a formal event or party during any stage pregnancy. Made in Bumpsuit’s double lined signature jersey, the dress has a supportive feminine fit and a glamorous neckline. The elongating stylish slit is an extremely welcome addition, creating just the right amount of drama without being too revealing.
Available from www.bumpsuit.co
The Best Leggings
Isabella Oliver Willow Maternity Leggings with LENZING™ ECOVERO™, £35
‘Isabella Oliver’ (a name now synonymous with relaxed maternity style) bring you these ridiculously comfortable pregnancy leggings in caviar and white. Made from eco-conscious LENZING™ ECOVERO™ jersey, the elasticated over the bump jersey panel promises all-day comfort. The Willow feature a white contrast stripe down each side which is both flattering and elongating. Prepare to live in these during pregnancy!
Available from www.isabellaoliver.com
The Best for a Flattering Cut
Isabella Oliver Erica Maternity Top with LENZING™ ECOVERO™, £79
The Erica is a semi-open cardigan in a soft caviar black fabric that fastens with a single button at the bust and drapes over the bump. The semi-open style plays into the ‘delightfully undone’ aesthetic and looks equally as chic when paired with high-waisted leggings or a relaxed fit denim jeans. It’s super versatile and can be worn on its own or layered over a vest top. Made from soft, stretchy and sustainably sourced jersey, The Erica works well post pregnancy too because its perfect for breastfeeding once baby arrives.
Available from www.isabellaoliver.com
The Best for a Pop of Colour
The Serena dress is fantastic way to inject a burst of summer colour into your maternity wardrobe. With a sleeveless style and turtleneck detail, you can dress it up or down – perfect for a coffee date or smart enough for a restaurant with a jacket. This super soft dress is perfect for layering, is double-lined for support and will be your go-to dress on those days when you’d actually rather wear nothing at all!
Available from www.bumpsuit.co
The Best Postpartum Shapewear
Bumpsuit’s Support Waist Trainer £74
Bumpsuit’s Support Waist Trainer can be used for support or waist training. Bumpsuit and their fabulous collection of versatile maternity wear are the #1 compression band for shape wear and postpartum recovery. This Waist Trainer helps to support posture during breastfeeding and C-Section recovery – binding the stomach after birth which helps to support a woman’s organs and makes her feel light, carefree and confident.
The Support Waist Trainer is made from a soft, seamless elastic fabric that gently pulls you in with it’s high-tech hidden boning. It’s perfect underneath your flexible Bumpsuit wardrobe and is available in black and beige. Pop one in your hospital pregnancy bag right now!
