10 Types Of Clothes You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

By Alex Assoune Oct 02, 2021

You're doing a great job as a future parent if you are wondering what not to wear during your pregnancy. As a pregnant woman, you need to make sure that you feel comfortable.

Comfort is an utmost priority over style to keep your body and baby happy and healthy during pregnancy. So wear the right clothes for yourself and listen to your body closely while it changes.

To help you avoid making wardrobe mistakes when pregnant, here are some types of clothes you should avoid wearing with a growing belly.

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1. Tight pants

Many women love wearing tight pants, and you might be one of them. But you should also be aware that there are some consequences of wearing tight-fitting clothes for too long.

No studies and no scientific evidence indicate that tight pants might cause issues to the baby. While tight pants might still feel ok during early pregnancy, you should stop wearing them as soon as you feel any discomfort.

Tight pants, in general, can be a little restricting in the later stages of pregnancy when the bump is growing. So don't hesitate to replace them with other options that could feel more comfortable and invest in maternity clothing.

Check out our selection of the best affordable and sustainable maternity brands that every woman needs to know to look fashionable and feel comfortable during pregnancy on a budget.

2. Unsupportive bras

You don't want to make the mistake of wearing unsupportive bras during pregnancy. If you wear the wrong kind of underwear, you might experience pain.

To avoid unnecessary issues, choose bigger bra cup sizes that provide adequate comfort and support for pregnant women. During pregnancy, your body quickly changes.

It usually happens quite early in pregnancy. And most women experience changes in their upper body before the end of the first trimester.

Choose maternity-friendly bras that you can wear when pregnant to support your breasts and help you feel comfortable while reducing chest pain and back pain.

Make sure you wear high-quality bras that fit well and don't put any pressure on your breasts. As they change in shape and size, a correctly fitted bra will offer adequate support and comfort.

Avoid any fancy, tight-fitting underwear during pregnancy and let your skin breathe properly. It's important to buy what feels comfortable to you. It depends on your body proportions and is different for all women.

Read our round-up of the best ethical lingerie labels that make quality underwear under high social and environmental standards.

3. Compression underwear

Another mistake made by many women during pregnancy is to wear compression underwear. Compression socks and lingerie can obstruct movement and cause discomfort.

You should avoid this type of clothing item, especially during the later stages of your pregnancy. Make sure you wear high-quality underwear that fits well but doesn't put pressure on your growing body.

During pregnancy, comfort and mobility are priorities. Make sure to buy what fits and feels right. It's a good idea to invest in maternity and nursing-friendly underwear before you experience any discomfort.

4. Skintight tops

Skintight tops can cause issues during the prenatal period when your body changes quickly. You might feel nauseous and sick during your pregnancy. So don't wear clothes that put pressure on your body.

Wearing clothes that are too tight around the abdomen or waist may accentuate discomfort. They can cause an unsettled tummy, heartburn, swelling, and more.

Ensure you buy clothes that fit your growing body. And make comfort a priority over style or price. Go for loose clothing in light fabrics that give your body and baby room to grow.

The best top you can wear when pregnant are stylish, maternity-friendly, and often oversized to give room to your growing bump. Choose stylish and comfy blouses, tunics, shirts, tees, and crews.

Check out our selection for the best in cute, stylish, affordable, and sustainable maternity tops. These fashionable tops are easy to wear before, during, and after pregnancy.

5. Synthetic fabrics

You should avoid wearing clothing made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and acrylic, especially before, during, and after pregnancy.

The best garments to wear when pregnant are eco-friendly, versatile, timeless, durable, easy to wear, and made from organic fabrics to enhance your style, grow your confidence, and save the planet.

Organic clothing is one of the best things you can buy as a future parent. Natural materials that were grown organically protect people and the environment.

Synthetic fabrics aren't the most healthy or environmentally friendly. They can have disastrous consequences for people, animals, and the planet.

Organic fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp are much better because they are non-GMO and grown organically, without using hazardous chemicals that endanger your body and baby.

6. Skinny jeans

Tight pants like denim jeans can have some consequences for the woman wearing them. They don't fit every body type, may feel uncomfortable while sitting or traveling, and aren't the best for every fashion style.

Skinny jeans may not be flattering for some women, especially with accentuated curves during pregnancy. They can hinder mobility, irritate the skin, limit airflow, and heat private parts.

The best jeans for pregnancy are stylish, comfy, high-quality, and eco-friendly maternity jeans. They are affordable and sustainable and made from organic fabrics to enhance your style and confidence while preserving your health.

Stretchy denim jeans with a legging-like waistband are great for a growing belly. The bottom part looks and feels like conventional jeans, and the upper part at the waistline is super elastic and comfy.

Check out our selection for the very best in affordable and sustainable maternity jeans that every mom and mom-to-be needs to know to look stylish and feel happy and healthy.

7. High heels

High heels aren't the best to wear to keep happy and healthy legs and feet, especially during pregnancy. They can cause swelling, foot cramps, imbalances, leg pain, and back pain.

It's also easier to slip or fall while wearing high heels, and it's the last thing you want to do while carrying your baby. Don't increase your chances of slipping while pregnant.

The best shoes for pregnant women are cheap, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and comfy. They provide adequate support and cushion and give a good ground feel.

Choose minimalist flat shoes and sandals with a thin sole that are naturally lightweight without a raised heel bed or added padding around the arch.

Flat shoes will help you feel the ground and keep your feet safe when pregnant while providing enough cushion. Here is our selection of the best affordable, vegan, sustainable, minimalist sandals.

8. Out of season clothing

Avoid clothing styles that aren't appropriate for the season, especially during pregnancy. Look for lightweight, breathable garments in the summer to keep your body cool and shielded from high temperatures.

In the winter, add a few layers that will help you stay warm. Craft winter outfits that highlight your best features and make you look great effortlessly without being uncomfortable.

It's crucial to regulate your body temperature adequately during pregnancy. Try to adapt your fashion style to avoid freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer.

9. Dirty clothes

Taking good care of your clothes saves you money in the long run and protects your skin, your baby, and the environment. Avoid wearing dirty clothes and try to do your laundry when necessary.

Wash your clothes often enough to get rid of viruses, bacteria, fungus, and germs that may cause itching, red skin, or other complications.

How often you should wash your clothes depends on the materials, how much you sweat, and how active you are during the day. You can wear most casual clothes up to five times before they need to go in the washing machine.

To help you take care of clothes and keep your skin healthy, here is the ultimate guide on how often you should do your laundry.

10. Uncomfortable clothing

Remember to avoid uncomfortable clothing styles during pregnancy, and you should be fine. Comfortable clothes will make you look and feel your best and prevent unnecessary health complications.

Clothing is our skin and should make us feel great at all times. It's crucial to wear clothes that feel right, especially when expecting a child or nursing.

Read our ultimate guide to what clothing you can wear during pregnancy to craft affordable, fashionable, comfortable, and sustainable outfits for a growing belly.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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