Use What You Have
Your best bet to greening your maternity wardrobe is to make full use of the clothing that is already in your closet. Wear the clothes you already own as long as possible throughout your pregnancy. You will be surprised at just how far your favorite pants and shirts can stretch when you need them to! Here's how to use the clothes you have throughout your pregnancy.
First Trimester
During your first trimester of pregnancy, especially if this is your first pregnancy, you will probably be able to wear most of the items already hanging in your closet. Most women don't start showing until sometime in the early second trimester. But even before your belly forms that tell-tale bump, your pants and undergarments may begin to feel tight against your swelling belly. Move the button on your favorite pants, or forgo it all together to give your baby room to grow.
Second Trimester
Once you hit your fourth month of pregnancy, you will probably need to get a little more creative in order to expand your current wardrobe to meet your needs. A rubber band can work wonders at extending the life, and girth of your pants well into your pregnancy.
A Belly Belt (www.belly-belt.com) offers the same function as a rubber band but with a little more fashion sense. Each kit comes with four different size belts and three fabric panels (in white, denim, and black) that can be inserted into the waistband of pants or skirts to extend their use throughout your pregnancy.
You can also purchase a bra extender, which essentially hooks into your bra's hooks, to give you another couple of inches. This is a great way to save money and reduce the number of new bras you will go through as your breasts grow steadily bigger and fuller throughout your pregnancy.
You can also learn how to sew a button or stitch a hem (or make friends with someone who can) to increase the lifespan of your family's clothing. Too boring? Consider giving new life to old clothes by re-tailoring worn out duds. For a fraction of the cost of new, you can turn worn out pants into shorts or a pre-pregnancy dress into a shirt or skirt to use throughout your pregnancy.
Third Trimester
By now, your stomach and the rest of your body may feel like they are expanding at an alarming rate. Some of your clothes, like close-fitting tops or button-up pants, may no longer be an option. But other clothes, like large T-shirts, button-down shirts, low-rise jeans, and stretchy pants may take you all the way through your pregnancy. If you do need more clothes to wear during these last few months, look for items that you will be able to wear comfortably after your baby is born as well.
