For a long time, maternity wear has been an industry that reflected how society views pregnancy and femininity. Freelance writer and journalist Coco Khan is cohost of the UK politics podcast Pod Save the U. She emphasizes the way fashion for women has changed tremendously, from the prison cell-like corsets of the Victorian era to modern styles that empower and embrace the baby bump.
During the Victorian era clothing for expectant mothers was made with concealment in mind. They knew that women wore their corsets not just to disguise their pregnancy, but to intimidate, sexualize and demonize her feminine power. It mostly worked through the rest of the 20th century. The design philosophy reigning at that time was simple, “make it big.” The typical aesthetic of maternity clothing at the time included unfitted shapes that mostly served to hide or obscure the transformation of a woman’s body during that momentous period.
The dawn of the 21st century truly was a turning point in functional graphic tee design. For today’s fashion, it’s about highlighting the curves of pregnancy, accentuating the baby bump instead of concealing it. Celebrity culture has played a huge role in this development. Ever since, high-profile celebrities, first ladies and Instagram influencers have been sending the message that maternity wear can be chic, polished and fashionable. These red carpet-ready celebrity baby bump shoots encourage women to feel good about their bodies during pregnancy. They increase empowerment, agency, and confidence for expectant and new mothers.
Social media platforms have exacerbated this development, giving women permission to love their new curves. Baby bumps Have you noticed how many expectant mothers are now flaunting their baby bumps? It’s an incredible change from the attitudes of prior generations. The current maternity clothing boom is another sign of this change, offering women a stunning range of styles and creation. These choices serve many different palates and many different interests. From slinky lace nursing bras to stylish dresses, today’s options allow women to express their individuality while comfortably accommodating their growing bodies.
Khan notes another important aspect of modern maternity wear: practicality. Now that more women are speaking up and pushing for more functional clothing, designers have started to include aspects such as pockets in maternity clothes. Khan remarked on this trend, saying,
“Wouldn’t it make life easier? The growing campaign for pockets on women’s clothes.”
This emphasis on utility complements the contemporary aesthetic, as many maternity clothes now include thoughtful details such as tiny pockets for convenience.
Nursing bras today are an essential part of maternity apparel. They’re sleek, too—available in sexy lace sling—as well as on-trend sophistication that makes them ideal for today’s new moms who desire comfort and sassy chic style. These innovations reflect a broader understanding of women’s needs during and after pregnancy, creating a more inclusive approach to maternity fashion.
Coco Khan’s own experience as a mother is reflected in her son’s dungarees, which symbolize the playful and practical aspects of modern parenting. Maternity fashion has come a long way, proving just how trendy and chic pregnancy can be. This revolution is an important outward sign of women’s remarkable and continuing inner journey toward empowerment and self-acceptance in one of life’s most transformative chapters.