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10 Things You Should Never Wear When You're Pregnant & 10 That Keep You Comfortable


10 Things You Should Never Wear When You're Pregnant & 10 That Keep You Comfortable


Stylish Baby Bump

A lot changes when you’re pregnant, least of all your body. Amid morning sickness and food aversions, style seems like the last thing on our minds—but some people still want incredible ‘fits. In fact, the perfect closet can help boost confidence through such a big life change! That’s why we’re here to break down a few items you can slip into and which ones deserve their time on the bench. 

a pregnant woman in a pink and orange dressZyanya Citlalli on Unsplash

1. Tight Slacks

This almost goes without saying, but we’re often so comfortable with our everyday wardrobe that we forget our incoming bump. Tight slacks won’t cause any problems for your child, but they will cause serious discomfort as they grow in your belly, and the last thing you want is a red ring around your hips. 

Matilda WormwoodMatilda Wormwood on Pexels

2. Unsupportive Bras

Unsupportive bras are uncomfortable enough, but when your chest starts to swell, it’s even worse. It might be hard to kiss those adorable undergarments goodbye, but you only have to say sayonara for a few months. 

pregnant woman in seashoreNeal E. Johnson on Unsplash

3. Planned Maternity Clothes

Don’t get it wrong—we’re not advising that you ignore maternity clothes! We are, however, saying that you should wait until your bump starts to show. A lot of women opt for early shopping, but your bump might not be the same size you bargained for, leaving you with a heap of unused clothing. 

pregnant near doorCamylla Battani on Unsplash

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4. Sized-Up Clothes

Sizing up your clothes is a great way to maintain your style during pregnancy. However, you want to be careful how you approach the tactic. When you simply size up, you might have frumpy clothes that don’t show off your figure. You might also have ill-fitting articles that make you uncomfortable.

Jonathan BorbaJonathan Borba on Pexels

5. High Heels

We all love how our legs look in heels, but those stilettos won’t do you any favors. High heels, especially on swollen ankles, will feel like walking on fire pokers, and the aesthetics aren’t worth the discomfort. 

pair of women's brown pointed-toe pumps on boardEmily Pottiger on Unsplash

6. Your Favorite Tees

As soon as your belly starts to swell, it’s time to retire your favorite shirts. No one knows how big their bump will actually be, and wearing everyday faves is a good way to ruin them. Remember: the more you wear them, the more stretched out they’ll get. 

a pregnant woman holding her belly in her handsTim Kraaijvanger on Unsplash

7. Leather

Leather might look cool, but it doesn’t have any give. Much like denim, you’re stuck in an unforgivable material that only makes you uncomfortable. Anything from pants, skirts, and jackets can probably stay in the closet until your bun’s out of the oven. 

A pair of black shoes and a black leather jacketAnna Evans on Unsplash

8. Skinny Jeans

Speaking of denim, you might want to retire those skinny jeans. While pregnant mamas can still rock maternity denim (more on that later), everyday denim will constrict you. Not only that, but skinny jeans are hard enough to walk around in when you’re not pregnant! 

man in red and blue plaid dress shirt and blue denim jeans standing on road duringJorge Salvador on Unsplash

9. Fancy Underwear

Your undergarments have a lot more to do with overall health than you think. When you’re pregnant, normal panties can actually become a breeding ground for bacteria, which isn’t good for you or the baby. Maternity underwear is the way to go!

Pavel DanilyukPavel Danilyuk on Pexels

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10. Synthetic Fabrics

There’s no way around it: pregnancy will make you uncomfortable. Morning sickness, swollen ankles, and an aching back feel ten times worse when you’re in the wrong clothes—and that includes synthetic fabrics. Keep away from polyester, fleece, and nylon. 

a pregnant woman in a pink dress standing on a rock by a lakeArteida MjESHTRI on Unsplash

We know it sounds like your closet can’t look cute during pregnancy, but that’s not true! You can rock a baby bump and a stylish wardrobe that keeps you comfortable. Let’s dive into a few ways how. 

1. Your Own Closet

The first thing you should always shop is your own closet. Your baby bump won’t show for the first few months, and even then, it might not balloon to the size of a watermelon. Many people opt for their own wardrobe to keep comfortable and maintain their identity! 

Leah NewhouseLeah Newhouse on Pexels

2. Maternity Tights

Nylon may be off the table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear tights. Maternity tights keep your legs nice and protected, all while boasting a high-waisted, breathable style. Don’t worry; you won’t feel pools of sweat by the end of the day. 

a pregnant woman standing on a stool with her hands on her stomachTamara Govedarovic on Unsplash

3. Yoga Pants

Everyone has an opinion on leggings, and not all of them are kind. But you know what? You’re pregnant, and you deserve to feel comfortable! Yoga pants have just enough give to ensure a snug fit. They’re also easy to layer, which makes it easier to stay warm in the cooler months. 

Pavel DanilyukPavel Danilyuk on Pexels

4. Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are comfortable any day of the week, so why not slip into one during pregnancy? They’re made of exactly the kind of fabric you want, and they offer enough give to keep you comfortable. They’re especially useful in the summer on account of how flowy they are. 

Ivanna HavryliukIvanna Havryliuk on Pexels

5. Bold Patterns

It’s natural to feel self-conscious about a baby bump or any gained weight. However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your new physique. Push through the negativity—and the dark clothes—and wear something bold! Stripes, floral prints, and loud colors all incorporate your sunny personality. 

person touching stomachAlicia Petresc on Unsplash

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6. Sweatpants

Some people say you shouldn’t leave the house in sweats, but they’re not pregnant, are they? We didn’t think so! That baby bump means adjustment, and the best way to stay comfy is with a durable pair of sweatpants. Also, don't get it twisted; plenty of fashionable styles don't even look like typical sweatpants, keeping you on top of the latest looks. 

Alicia ZinnAlicia Zinn on Pexels

7. Maternity Denim

Told you we’d be back to talk about denim! Baby bump or not, people love a good pair of jeans, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the party. Maternity jeans come with the perfect pocket for your little one, keeping them snug and keeping you stylish. 

Daniel DuarteDaniel Duarte on Pexels

8. T-Shirt Dress

Is there anything worse than trying to dress for a summer pregnancy? It feels like nothing fits, and the next thing you know, you’ve given up on a cute outfit. No more! T-shirt dresses are your ticket to the good life, offering simple style in breathable fabrics. 

Filipe SabinoFilipe Sabino on Pexels

9. Fitted Dress

Who said you should hide your baby bump? Heck, how many women have graced magazine covers with their bumps on full display? That’s the kind of confidence we love, and you deserve to feel amazing! Fitted dresses show off your curves and bump, all while keeping you comfortable in the summer heat. 

pregnant woman wearing red long-sleeved dressfreestocks on Unsplash

10. Belly Bands

Belly bands aren’t really a fashion choice, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention them. Trust us, with all that added weight coming in, your back will thank you for grabbing this little number. They fit nicely under your clothes, too. 

woman wearing gold ring and pink dressJuan Encalada on Unsplash