Considering that women have been having babies since the dawn of time, it's remarkable that our sartorial options for the nine months that we're pregnant are so limited. Why should we be confined to shapeless sacks and elasticated waistbands? Why are we entirely overlooked by designers during that period? Can't we still enjoy trends and look and feel sexy and stylish if we so desire? Come on fashion, buck up your ideas.
Here we round up the best brands offering clothes that will see you seamlessly (and we mean really no pinging of seams or stitches) through pregnancy and beyond...
ASOS
We've said it once, and we'll say it again: praise be for ASOS. The extensive range online of maternity brands at our go-to highstreet saviour is unrivalled and more importantly fits in with our non-pregnancy wardrobe entirely. If we want to carry on wearing pencil skirts and denim shirts we can and we will!
Sea
New York-based brand Sea offers modern separates and feminine dresses with lots of billowing silhouettes and peplum shapes. If you have an event to go to or simply want to look chic throughout your pregnancy, look no further than this brand which perfectly captures everyday elegance with pieces that can fit over a growing bump.
Sea Border-print silk long-sleeved belt dress, £605, available at Matches Fashion
Cloe Cassandro
Okay, okay, Cloe Cassandro’s ethical luxury loungewear isn't technically a maternity brand but the handmade, hand-dyed and hand-printed pieces produced by local Balinese artisans are all incredibly comfortable and chic.
The brand's philosophy is straightforward and we love it: classic design and the most beautiful silk chiffon fabrics are combined to create simple, timeless pieces which are produced ethically and to the highest standard.
This open oversize shirt is a staple piece for any maternity wardrobe as it's breezy, flattering and versatile.
COS
We can always count on COS for Scandi chic, offering sophisticated wardrobe staples that could be mistaken for Acne or Céline. Thanks to oversized silhouettes and form-flattering shapes and colour palettes, COS should be on any pregnant shopper's radar.
Donna Ida
We all have a favourite pair of jeans that have seen us quite literally through thick and thin. But if/when that dark day comes when you can no longer do up the top button, whether it's thanks to one too many roast potatoes or a bun in the oven, there's Donna Ida.
At the brand's Denim Clinic and Maternity Alterations Service, the team can not only find you the perfect pair of jeans but alter new jeans, or an existing pair to fit around your new bump, for just £40. The process can be reversed post-pregnancy and jeans can be amended back to their original shape.
If jeans are too uncomfortable, dungarees or a pinafore are a pregnant lady's best friend – spacious, stylish and quick and easy to get into.
Hatch
This New York maternity brand’s collections are made using environmentally-conscious means and consist of sophisticated pieces that will make you look and feel your best throughout your pregnancy. From Date Night Tops to Winter Tunics and Jersey Turtlenecks, maternity wear never looked so good.
Isabella Oliver
Trying to tug your favourite work blouse over your new tum is no mean feat but thankfully Isabella Oliver offers a whole host of blouses, dresses, tops and trousers that will bulk up both your workwear and weekend wardrobe.
NB this is the shirt you’ll live in.
Gap
Gap may not be top of our list for highstreet havens but we must give credit where it's due for simple staples. Gap's maternity offering is impressive, ranging from leather and denim jackets to cosy loungewear.
Marks & Spencer
When we saw Fashion Editor Harriet Stewart rocking this gingham dress and Converse combo we had to hunt down that gown. It turns out the dress was Marks & Spencer and after rooting through their maternity offering, the majority of their pregnancy wear is as covetable as this. Who knew?
Marks & Spencer Gingham Check Shirt Dress, £35
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