Women in some cultures wear maternity clothes. These garments are used to adapt to the changing body of a women during pregnancy. Though they are not mandatory, they can be a more comfortable and fashionable option for pregnant women.
Historically, clothes, specifically dresses, were not designed to fit the body of a person. This changed during the Middle Ages. Western European dresses began to have seams, which pregnant women cut to allow for the growth of their bodies. At the time, women who were pregnant wore a waist less gown made with several folds, and aprons. During the nineteenth century, garments were designed to hide pregnancies.
Maternity wear was considered a fashion backwater for many decades during the twentieth century. Women commonly wore pinafores, sleeveless garments worn as aprons. Many clothing manufacturers did not believe these type of clothing lines were a profitable venture because they believed women would not want to buy garments that could only be worn for a few months. The increase in coverage and popularity of celebrity pregnancies during the 1990s boosted the maternity market by 10 percent over five years. Some attribute the high demand for these garments to the fact that women are travelling, working and staying active during their pregnancies.
These clothes continue to evolve around the world. There is now, in Eastern and Western cultures, a demand for fashionable clothes for pregnant women. In Western culture, the modern day garments flatter the new shape of the women by emphasizing the belly and breasts. There is generally no concern for hiding the pregnancy. Fabrics such as elastane are used because they are form fitting, yet allow for stretching.
In Eastern cultures, things are different. Though women still desire fashionable clothing, their approach is more modest. They opt for bold prints and bright colors. In Asian and Islamic cultures, garments made for pregnant women have longer hemlines, higher necklines and an overall looser fit. Some Chinese women try to hide pregnancies that follow their first because of the strict policy in their country that states they can have only one child. A lot of this wear in Asian countries is made from ant radiation fabrics because there is the belief that radiation from technologies could have an effect on the health of a baby.
These garments are specifically designed to fit a pregnant body. Blouses and dresses are made with extra fabric at the bottom for an expanding belly. Pants and skirts are made from stretchy material and elastic bands for large midsections. Nursing bras, though not usually worn during pregnancy, allow a mother to easily expose their breast for feeding times.
Belly bands with unzipped or unbuttoned non maternity clothes, clothing that is too loose or falls below the waist. A maternity belt is worn under clothes. The belt provides back support, takes weight off of the pelvis and generally alleviates pain in the pelvis, back and tummy.
Typically these garments cost the same amount as their non maternity counterparts. Discount stores sell them at cheaper prices than department or designer stores. These garments are sold virtually everywhere clothing is sold. Some clothing brands have separate lines for pregnant women.
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