|
The FAQ's of Maternity Fashions
The time arrives when your conventional wardrobe is no longer
an option and maternity clothing can no longer be avoided. By
addressing the most common concerns of moms-to-be
included below in their most frequently asked questions, you
should be able to shop intelligently and without fear for
stylish, comfortable fashions.
Q.How do I know what size I am in maternity clothes?
A: Many women make the mistake of thinking they have to
buy bigger sizes when they are pregnant. But maternity
manufacturers make it easy - they scale the clothes to fit your
pre-pregnancy size, and make the proper adjustments to fit
growing bellies and bosoms. This way, pant legs and sleeves
still fit to your frame (assuming your legs and arms don't get
longer with pregnancy!), necklines fall correctly, and hemlines
are proportionate. One piece of advice, though - be sure to
look for your pre-pregnancy NUMBERED size, not LETTER
(ie, look for a 10, not a Medium). Manufacturers vary widely on
what they each call a Small, Medium, or Large, so be aware
of the corresponding number size.
Q. I find it frustrating to have to buy a whole new
wardrobe that I will only be able to wear for a few
months. Any advice?
A: Some maternity clothes are inherently versatile, and some
are actually designed to take you beyond your pregnancy. For
example, the drawstring waist is becoming increasingly
popular in maternity wear, because of its limitless potential. It
can be worn in the very early stages of pregnancy, when your
non-maternity pieces are just getting uncomfortable, but
before other maternity pieces may fit properly. It will expand
with you throughout your nine months, and will be there for
you after your pregnancy, before you are able to regain your
pre-pregnancy shape. Other styles are specifically designed
for extended wear, and include pants/skirts with no maternity
panel to sag after you no longer fill it out completely. Instead,
the fabric, by its nature, is extremely resilient. It will stretch to
fit you in your 9th month, and restrict to fit you for the
following 3 months. It allows for a zip fly front and top button
closures features that you were able to enjoy before your
pregnancy, and now will be able to continue to wear.
Q. What is the hottest maternity fashion trend this
season?
A: The biggest movement in maternity fashions is towards
body hugging and slimming styles. Women are opting to
show off their blossoming bodies, rather than trying to hide
them. Dresses are skimming the hips and accentuating the
bellies. Tops are no loner tunic length, but are now falling just
below the belly, some even above. Tanks and camisoles are
body fitting with spaghetti straps that allow you the versatility
of wearing them alone, or with a blouse or jacket for a little
extra coverage. Pants are adopting the new slim-fitting ankle
and cropped length look that you will find prevalent in the
non-maternity marketplace.
Q. I am a size 12, but am only 5'1" tall. Are there
maternity clothes out there for me? It seems that many
of the "petite" sizes are only for sizes 2 or 4.
A: Many maternity companies have expanded their lines to
address the demands for petite sizes . A true petite size
range includes all the numbered sizes you would find in missy
sizes, but are cut to fit those 5'4" and under. So a pair of
pants that are 12 Petite, for example, would fit a
missy-size-12 person around the waist and hips, but are
usually cut 2 " shorter. Some vendors do offer a full and true
petite size range, and others do only have certain sizes that
come cut in petite lengths. Be sure not to confuse sizes
marked with a "P" for sizes that are actually "extra small" and
not petite length, as some manufacturers interchange the two
when sizing their items. If you are not sure, and are not able
to try on your selection, it's probably best to ask.
Q. What are the first maternity clothes I should be
buying?
A. Quality basics! The most important pieces that
you will have throughout your pregnancy are quality basics
that can be worn together or with other items you purchase
throughout your nine months. A good pair of black pants, a
short orlong black skirt, and a pair of twill or denim pants can
take you a long way. The importance is on the quality. As in
your non-maternity wardrobe, you will have your "favorites"
that you'll wear over and over again, and you will want them to
last through your whole pregnancy, much less through one
washing, without falling apart! A few coordinating tops picked
up along the way will go far in giving you a fresh new look, and
a much needed psychological boost just when you need it
most.
Q. Can you tell me about the difference between
maternity and nursing bras - what to look for and how to
get a good fit? How soon should I buy one?
A: Maternity bras are made with extra support in mind. Cups
usually have fuller coverage, straps are usually wider so they
don't dig into your shoulders, and the band around the back is
usually wider to offer more back support. Nursing bras are
also constructed with extra support, but they have some type
of ability to lower or move one cup at a time without taking the
whole bra off to nurse. Some have a clasp or Velcro at the top
of the cup that attaches it to the strap, and some have the
elasticity to just pull one cup over your breast to the side. You
should seek to obtain a good maternity bra as soon as your
non-maternity bras become uncomfortable. However, you
should wait as long as you possibly can to get a nursing bra,
as your breasts will become larger post pregnancy, and you
will want the best fit you can get. Some good sources for
nursing bras are Japanese Weekend and Bravado!
Q. How do return policies differ between Maternity stores
and Maternity online stores? Is there anything that I
should be wary of?
A: Most brick-and-mortar maternity stores and boutiques have
restrictive return policies, and may only allow an exchange, or
return for store credit only. One advantage of ordering online or
through a mail order catalog, is that return/exchange policies
necessarily tend to be more lenient, because of the inability to
try the clothes on. This affords you the added luxury of being
able to try on your selections in the privacy of your own home!
Usually, returns can be made within a certain time frame, and
full credit may be given, excluding original shipping and
handling charges. But be careful to check each individual
retailer for specific restrictions on returns for such items as
lingerie, swimwear, Holiday specialty items, and Final Sale
items, as well as for return shipping charges and convenience.
Q. If a washing label says hand wash, is it ok to put it in
the washer under a gentle cycle?
A: Always carefully follow the garment care instructions on the
label of your maternity clothes. Quality manufacturers have
tested the fabric for reactions to various washing methods,
and have selected the method that will give your garment the
longest and best life. Dryer heat can shrink cottons to a doll's
size, and can also quickly destroy any spandex or elastic in
the garment. If you have a specific question about garment
care for a specific item, it is best to contact the manufacturer
to find out exactly what might happen with any given care
method.
Q. Do you have any advice for making the maternity
clothes that I buy last my whole 9 months and maybe
even through my next pregnancy?
A: Purchasing quality maternity clothes is your best bet for
making your wardrobe last as long as possible. High quality
manufacturers use high quality material, that is tested and
re-tested for wear ability and wash ability. This, together with
high quality construction will prevent you from watching your
favorite pair of pants unravel before your eyes! Well made
garments will be able to withstand the additional
washing/drying of the clothes you wear over and over again
and will be well worth the extra investment!
Q. I work in a very professional environment where
tailored suiting is a must, and I have frequent occasions
that require elegant eveningwear. Consequently, I have
an extensive and varied pre-pregnancy wardrobe that
would be cost prohibitive to duplicate for 7 months of
maternity wear. Do I have any options?
A: Consider leasing. Leasing maternity clothes is a novel
approach that is gaining in popularity and availability.
Basically, a company will make the initial investment in
purchasing the items, and then make them available to the
consumer for a particular lease term and price. This type of
arrangement can be particularly beneficial if you either need a
large variety of styles throughout your pregnancy, or if you are
looking for something "extra-special" to wear only once and
you prefer not to buy. One such company is Maternity
Outfitters at maternityoutfitters.com. Their collection is
divided into 3 categories - Special Occasion, Wardrobe
Planner, and Interview Suits. Special Occasion and Interview
Suits work on a 2 week lease period, and offer a selection of
"one-occasion-only" styles. For example, a maternity wedding
gown that may retail for $325, would be available for a 2 week
lease for $150. Or a long evening gown with a velvet shrug that
retails for $192, could lease for $90. The Interview Suits are
$49, also for a 2 week period. This gives you the flexibility of
having a very special suit for a very special occasion, without
the very special price tag! The Wardrobe Planner leases out
for a one month term, and is designed more for your every day
needs, with the benefit of changing styles monthly, to keep
you constantly fresh.
Your options are almost limitless for good maternity styles, so
prepare yourself to enjoy a satisfying shopping experience for
clothing that will help you look and feel your best!
Copyright © 2001 Teresa Gallagher, President Anna Cris Maternity, and Maria Mueller. Reprinted with permission.
|
