CONSCIOUS MATERNITY
“Sustainability” is seemingly the word on every fashion brand's lips — and that extends to maternity wear. From the very start of my pregnancy, I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t get sucked into thinking that I needed new clothing when I knew I had plenty of clothing which, worn slightly differently, would see me through. That being said I did invest in a few key pieces which have made the past six months much easier to navigate and given me a few easy-to-reach-for options when my brain hasn’t quite been able to compute getting dressed.
Courtesy: Clary and Peg
This jumpsuit has been a pregnancy treat — it’s my most reached for piece when I just can’t be bothered… It works for pretty much any occasion, from staying at home to actually having to leave the house (!) it’s a style I would have worn pre-pregnancy that will see me through when the baby is here.
Courtesy: Isabella Oliver
I acquired these leggings very early on and they’ve seen me right through. They were a no-brainer when it came to making my pre-pregnancy wardrobe work for the months ahead. Isabella Oliver has sustainable maternity wear down to a fine art and was recommended to me by so many of you — had I had more occasions to attend I definitely would have rented from their dress selection and their pre-loved section is definitely worth a look too.
Courtesy: Boob Design
I came across Boob Design via a Google Search for “sustainable maternity wear” and was instantly drawn to their simple designs which I knew would integrate into my wardrobe seamlessly, especially these flared trousers (which are now on sale!) made predominantly from organic cotton which is both STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certified. I’ve worn them in numerous ways and always felt comfortable and “done up.” I did have to invest in a few new bras early on in my pregnancy and this style called 24/7 hasn’t felt restricting like other styles have. If it still fits post-breastfeeding, it will continue to be a lovely sporty shaped non-wired bra that works for yoga as there are no potential plastic or metal parts to stick into your back.
Courtesy: Tilbea
These pieces from British brand Tilbea have been designed to see you through pregnancy and onward through your breastfeeding journey. The dungarees are made from soft, sustainable Italian fleece, making them cosy and comfortable whilst the polo neck is made from Lenzing Ecovero and has a special “lift up, pull down” piece of fabric integrated so that you can easily breastfeed baby without any faff! Find similar tops and dresses on Bravado! (see below) and Boob Design (see above).
Courtesy: Bravado!
From my first foray into maternity bras, I was definitely attracted to the simple crop top designs without clips and buckles and catches, which just looked less matronly and also easier to use. As I continued my research, it turned out that bras that unclipped were better for breastfeeding while lying on your side (which actually looks like a good non back-breaking option) with no risk of the fabric slipping or pinging back. I found this bra — the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra — in an easy-to-wear cinnamon colourway. You can adjust it at the back and the straps, plus it has easy-to-use clips so you can unclip quickly with one hand, as well as built-in removable padding which ordinarily I’d find annoying but is actually a winner for catching any leaking breast milk!