Pregnancy Fashion Through History: How Maternity Wear Has Evolved

Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative journey, and as a pregnant person, finding clothing that is comfortable, flattering, and functional has always been a challenge. However, the way maternity wear has evolved throughout history reflects changing cultural norms, technological advancements, and even the shifting roles of women in society. In this blog, we’ll explore how pregnancy fashion has changed through the ages, from ancient times to the modern day, and how these changes have shaped the way we view pregnancy today.

Ancient Times: The Simple and Practical Approach

In ancient civilizations, pregnancy was often a private matter, and maternity fashion wasn’t focused on style but rather on comfort and practicality. Loose, flowing garments were common and helped accommodate a growing belly without the need for specialized clothing.

• Ancient Egypt: Women often wore draped linen garments that were breathable and adaptable. Maternity wear as a concept didn’t exist, but their everyday tunics easily adjusted for pregnancy. Jewelry, such as decorative belly chains, sometimes highlighted the bump in a celebratory way.

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Women wore simple tunics made of wool or linen. These unstructured garments offered flexibility and comfort. Roman stolas were adjustable and accommodating, although there were no garments created specifically as maternity wear.

Middle Ages: Modesty and Layers

During the medieval period, fashion became more modest and restrictive. Pregnancy was often hidden beneath layers of heavy garments, and maternity-specific fashion was still not in development.

• 12th and 13th centuries: Women wore long dresses with high collars, fitted sleeves, and multiple layers. Pregnancy was concealed beneath this structured clothing, with little regard for the changing body.

• 14th and 15th centuries: Bodices became more fitted, but pregnant women had to either modify existing dresses or wear looser layers. The focus was on modesty rather than comfort or fashion for pregnancy.

Renaissance: A Shift in Focus

Fashion during the Renaissance began to highlight the female form more dramatically. Although pregnancy was still concealed, there were early signs of clothes adapting slightly to the needs of expectant mothers.

• 16th century: Voluminous gowns and structured bodices became popular. Pregnant women would wear larger gowns or add a stomacher to hide the bump. The belly was still not something to be publicly displayed, and pregnancy fashion remained discreet.

17th and 18th Centuries: The First Signs of Maternity Wear

This era brought the first identifiable changes in maternity fashion. Society began to slowly accept and accommodate pregnancy in dress, though discretion was still a priority.

• 17th century: Despite the popularity of corsets and layers, pregnant women began adjusting garments with looser lacing and drawstrings. It was an early step toward dedicated maternity wear.

• 18th century: The empire waistline gained popularity. This high waist, located just under the bust, offered more comfort for growing bellies while allowing women to maintain a sense of style and grace during pregnancy.

19th Century: A Victim of Fashion, But Still Adaptable

The Victorian era emphasized tight and structured clothing. Despite the era’s fashion ideals, pregnant women found ways to adapt.

• Victorian era: Corsets and long skirts were the norm, even during pregnancy. Women often loosened their corsets or wore maternity stays designed for some degree of comfort. Maternity wear wasn’t yet widely available, so most women had to adjust their regular wardrobe as needed.

Early 20th Century: The Birth of Maternity Fashion

As the 20th century dawned, pregnancy began to be seen in a more public and accepting light. This opened the door for maternity wear to be recognized and developed as its own category.

• 1920s to 1930s: The flapper style allowed pregnant women to blend in with its loose silhouettes. The 1930s introduced the first purposefully designed maternity dresses that balanced comfort and style.

• 1940s: Hollywood's influence helped normalize pregnancy fashion. Stars like Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor inspired elegant, bump-friendly maternity wear. Women could now maintain both style and comfort during pregnancy.

1950s to 1980s: Comfort Meets Fashion

This period marked a dramatic change. Maternity wear began to look more like regular clothing and was widely marketed to expectant mothers.

• 1950s to 1960s: Form-fitting dresses made with stretchy fabrics like cotton and jersey became popular. Pregnant women were encouraged to embrace their changing bodies and enjoy fashionable maternity options.

• 1970s to 1980s: Maternity fashion embraced comfort and individuality. The 70s brought bohemian styles like maxi dresses and bell-bottoms. The 80s saw the expansion of stores and brands specifically dedicated to pregnancy fashion.

21st Century: Maternity Wear Goes Mainstream

Today, pregnancy fashion is more accessible, stylish, and inclusive than ever before. Maternity wear has earned a firm place in the fashion industry, offering a wide variety of options for every lifestyle and budget.

• Modern day: From designer maternity lines to affordable fast fashion, today’s pregnancy wardrobe includes everything from professional wear to casual activewear. Social media has transformed the way pregnant women shop for and share fashion ideas. Influencers and brands showcase maternity style that celebrates the pregnant form instead of hiding it.

A Changing Perspective

From ancient tunics to modern bump-hugging dresses, maternity wear has evolved dramatically. The transition from concealing pregnancy to celebrating it through fashion mirrors society’s shifting attitudes toward pregnancy itself. Today’s pregnancy fashion allows women to express their personal style while embracing this unique phase of life. With more options than ever before, pregnant women can celebrate their bodies and their journey through stylish, empowering clothing that fits their lives—and their bellies.