When to Buy Maternity Pants: Tips for Dressing Your Bump

How far along are you in your pregnancy? Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to wear loose clothes that could make you look and feel drab. With the right pair of maternity pants, you can look and feel fabulous—especially when you pair these bottoms with stylish pregnancy tops.

Is it too soon to shop?

Being pregnant is an exciting time and you can certainly take this opportunity to look stylish in the right maternity clothes. But when is the best time to start shopping for online maternity dresses and pants?

Most women are concerned that they may be shopping too soon on their first trimester, especially if they are not confident that they are showing yet and they do not want to look frumpy. Here’s how to know if it’s time to get maternity clothes that fit better so you can feel and look your best while you’re pregnant.

  • Check out your closet. To get started, look at the clothes you currently have in your wardrobe and see which can still be worn as your belly grows. Stretchy bottoms like yoga pants and casual skirts with a garter waist can be great options, especially if their rise can be lowered so you don’t feel restriction around your stomach. You can also wear oversized shirts that can accommodate your bump for a few weeks, as well as tunics, leggings, wrap dresses, long tank tops, and empire waist dresses.
  • Invest in a good belly band early on. Consider getting a belly band when you can’t button your jeans anymore. It is made of a stretchy material such as spandex to help keep your bottoms up even while unbuttoned. It can also be useful postpartum when maternity clothes don’t fit anymore and regular clothing may still be too uncomfortable or small.
  • Buy pants during your second trimester. It may be too early to buy maternity pants and go shopping for online maternity dresses during your first trimester if you’re not yet showing. Around 3 to 5 months is a good time to shop for pants in particular. Don’t hesitate to invest in high quality pregnancy jeans. You can still wear them for a few months after you give birth.
Is this your second or third time getting pregnant? You may become bigger much sooner than in your first pregnancy, so go ahead and buy early so that you’re not forced to wear something ill-fitting or unflattering.