At a glance
- Top 10 maternity items from belly belts to tunics
1. Belly belt
Who says you can’t wear your regular clothes? Puh! Just buy this clever little kit with stretchy belts and fabric panels that can be attached to the waistband of your regular clothes. The panels come in black, white and denim and give an extra 18cms of bump space! Belly Belt.
2. Bump band
Snap up one of these clever multi-tasking jersey bands which will enable you to wear your trousers unbuttoned, hold up too loose maternity jeans and stop the flash of tummy. It’s brilliant for hiding your tum if you decide to breastfeed too! Maternity Band.
3. The perfect maternity bra
It’s time. You’re 8 to 12 weeks pregnant and there’s no putting it off. You need to get yourself measured for a maternity bra. Unwired bras are not recommended to protect delicate breast tissue but getting fitted professionally will ensure that doesn’t mean less support! We like Marks & Spencer, Mothercare and John Lewis for free expert bra fitting. A Pack of 2 maternity bras.
4. An edge-to-edge cardigan
This versatile item is the fashion order of the day. Run out and get one now! A wrap around cardi is not only cosy and incredibly chic, it will drape over your tum and work over everything from day dresses to jeans and t-shirts. You can always belt it over the top of your bump to add some shape. Find them at all good height street retailers including Wallis.
5. A wear-it-anywhere jersey dress
You may well end up living in your knee length, soft jersey dress. Pick a wrap or empire line style which will work as your bump gets bigger and dress it up or down with accessories. We love this flattering version from M&S, which comes in black as well as the trendy bird print. We want both! Wrap around dresses are a pregnancy staple so luckily most maternity ranges feature flattering designs.
6. A brilliant pair of jeans
Under bump? Over bump? Stretchy side panels? Finding the maternity jeans that work best for your body can only be done through a trying on session with a faithful friend! Once you have a pair on try bending, stretching, sitting and walking in them to make sure they don’t ride up or slide down. When you find the perfect style, buy 2 pairs!
Topshop reliably provide a range of flattering maternity jeans.
7. A pair of fabulous flats
If you’re used to wearing 6-inch heels to the supermarket, stop that nonsense right now! Safety is the new stiletto. Shop at Clarks, Marks & Spencer, Footglove and Hotter, who all stock comfy shoes with an edge.
8. Lots of leggings
Leggings are a gift sent from above that allow us to eat large pasta dinners comfortably. Take advantage of this invention and wear them under tunic tops or dresses. You'll find them in black, navy or even leopard print from retailers like Tesco.
9. A silky tunic
We love tunics and so will your pregnant tummy. They’re smart enough for work, comfy enough for the weekend and, with a few killer accessories, they’re easy to dress up for a night out. You'll find them at M&S but check out the selection in H&M's MAMA collection too.
10. A fabulous new costume
You may or may not feel like baring all in your string bikini. Instead, we suggest a tankini. That way you can decide how much you want to reveal. Top of our lust list is the selection at Mamas & Papas.