Pregnancy is a time of change, and with all other things, there is also the need for specific clothing that can accommodate a growing belly. Besides that, it is now important for the clothes to give a certain sense of style, too. Maternity wear has experienced a significant evolution over time, going from simply functional garments to actually fashionable items.
The Importance of Evolution in Maternity Wear
The transformation of maternity clothes is a huge thing which ensures that pregnant women have access to items that meet their particular needs in one of the most sensitive periods of life. As one’s body goes through changes, it is important to have a wardrobe that is ready to provide support, comfort, and style. Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on personal style, and it is a big deal for pregnant women to be able to maintain while they’re expecting. What’s more, taking care of individual style is now one of the common postpartum practices, but it is one that helps women get back to their true selves. Finally, let’s not forget inclusivity in maternity fashion. It makes sure that all ladies can find fitting and flattering clothing, regardless of their shape and size.
The Transformation of Maternity Style
However, maternity clothing hasn’t always been this versatile, and there were hardly any options to create fun and creative outfits. So let’s go through a timeline of how maternity apparel developed throughout history:
The 19th Century
In the 19th century, people witnessed a beginning of conscious maternity wear, even though the clothing options were pretty much limited. Unfortunately, the early 1800s offered very little when it came to maternity clothing, and women often wore corsets to conceal their growing bumps. After a while, women modified their habits for the sake of accommodating their changing bodies. That is when they started to wear dresses with high waistlines that were much safer and way more comfortable.
The Early 20th Century
Maternity fashion saw further advancements in the early 20th century, and it was largely seen in the 1920s. At that time, women started wearing items with a loose, dropped waistline which gave them a style option that was both practical and fashionable. By the 1930s, apparel companies started producing dresses that were particularly designed for pregnant women. This is the first time that maternity fashion has been recognized as a market with unique needs.
Mid-20th Century Changes
Due to the restrictions caused by WW2, in the 1940s, maternity clothing had to focus on practicality and minimal use of fabric. In the 1950s, there was much more variety, and the clothing started reflecting major fashion trends such as playful patterns and fuller skirts. In this era, pregnancy started to be seen as a natural part of life, and designers were encouraged to create items that would celebrate this unique chapter. The trend continued in the 1960s when maternity minidresses were introduced.
The Late 20th Century
In the later 20th century, pregnant ladies could see a shift towards practicality and comfort. In the 1970s, expectant mothers were usually wearing maternity pants with stretch panels. Apparently, maternity fashion was all about adaptability and movement. But in the 1980s, maternity apparel was commonly marketed as sophisticated and stylish. Designers started to create items that would accentuate the belly instead of hiding it. However, it was only in the 1990s that maternity clothing actually started to allow women to maintain their style during pregnancy.
The 21st Century
In the 21st century, there was a real revolution in maternity clothing and it began happening when body-hugging styles started to take the centre of attention. The 2000s were all about allowing women to flaunt their bumps with pride. In the 2010s, women got access to more style options through the rise of online shopping. Fast-forward to the 2020s, maternity wear is broad enough to accommodate all the possible style needs, but it is also designed to prioritize inclusivity and sustainability.
Pregnancy comes with endless challenges, but at least clothing doesn’t have to be one of time. Centuries ago, maternity apparel was quite restrictive and even uncomfortable, but it has gone through several stages of development ever since. Today, pregnant women can easily find functional items that are also compatible with their regular style preferences.
