A Look into the Evolution of Maternity Fashion

It wasn’t until the 14th century that women’s clothes began to highlight the feminine feature and complement a woman’s curves. It was during this time when the maternity clothes were also conceived. Still, the maternity clothing segment was never a profitable area up to the 20th century. Women could wear any flowing fabric that could conceal their bump and expand with their bellies. Gradually, bibs started to be added at the bust line to permit breastfeeding.

With time, that is by the last decade of the 20th century; celebrity moms-to-be started drawing the attention of the media. Fashion cognizant, now, got a hint that maternity clothes could look chic and feel comfortable at the same time. Let’s have a look at our infographic.

As we hit the 21st century, pregnant mommies weren’t shy at all with their baby bumps and started showing them off everywhere without hesitation. Stretchy maternity dresses and belly-baring pregnancy tops became the norm of the new era. Further, bodycon dresses and empire waist maternity dresses became a go-to look for women who wanted to flaunt their bump in style. But, comfort was always the top priority.

Gradually, celebrities started mastering the art of maternity style, and they created positive vibes around them. They started adding confidence to the pregnant ladies that there was nothing to be shy about their baby bump. Fashion designers began to customize maternity dresses in different hues and shades, with beautiful designs and prints.

The maternity fashion, which was just on the red carpet by the 90s, had taken an elegant form by the first decade of the 21st century. Pregnant women started embracing the trend. Low-rise jeans, crop tops, dresses, maxi gowns, and what not begun to be designed and worn!

In 2020, twenty years ahead of the time when maternity fashion had started taking shape, any style can be transformed into a chic maternity look. Not just celebrities and royals, but even the civilians have started styling themselves in maternity dresses. Modern mommies-to-be consider maternity fashion to be an exciting and loud period; no one is shy anymore. 

Today, in 2021, maternity kaftan is a new maternity fashion trend that many moms are embracing. Ever since Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan has gone from sporting chic co-ords, shirts, and dresses to making a style statement in kaftans during her second pregnancy, kaftans have become a new favorite for moms-to-be. From blue and white shaded floral prints to inspiring paisley patterns, the ‘3 Idiots’ actress has made the kaftan a celebrity-approved fashion staple that fuses comfort and chic factor into one.

Things have changed a lot dramatically over time, and we have come a long way since the evolution of maternity clothes started. Today, we have a variety of maternity clothes available – maternity leggings, jeans, shirts, tops, breastfeeding ponchos, dresses, maxis, etc. Maternity clothes have become so fashionable that pregnant women have a range of options to pick up a new look every day. 

Not just style, designers make sure that the clothes are very comfortable. Spandex is being used along with cotton to make the clothes stretchable and allow freedom in movement. Belly bands in different forms are available to cover and support the growing tummy. In addition to clothes, markets are flooded with a variety of nursing wear like nursing covers, bras, scarves, and everything else that an expecting or a nursing mummy might ever need. 

If we look at it fashion-wise, pregnancy has turned out to be another beautiful period in a woman’s life. Stylish and comfy maternity clothes are easier to find than ever. There is no shame or shying away in flaunting one’s baby bump.