If you are a mother (or pregnant), you understand going through all of the body transitions. Fluctuating from a pre-motherhood body to a pregnant body to a postpartum body and then (eventually) a point of re-finding or re-defining your body. It’s incredible what the female body can do, but it can also be a confusing mind game when it comes to navigating it all.
To be honest, after having Alina, I thought I would have been able to shrink back down to my pre-baby size pretty soon after birth. Many of my friends’ bodies did just that… but in combination of complications during birth, a longer recovery, and just plain genes, I find myself in this weird in-between stage. A place where I don’t fit into my maternity clothes or my pre-baby clothes. I don’t just want to buy an entire new wardrobe for this stage that most likely won’t last forever.
As I’m sure a lot of you are in a similar place to me, I want to show you what I’m doing to build out a sustainable transitional wardrobe that will take me from the postpartum stage to a stage where my body feels a little more familiar to me. I’ve combined some tips and tricks I’ve learned by being in this stage and hopefully you can adopt some of them as well! Here goes nothing.
Transitional Wardrobe: What to Look For When Shopping
The key to building the best transitional wardrobe is to find items with details that can carry you through the varying postpartum stages. When shopping, look for these things:
Oversized Silhouettes
Oversized items will fit nicely now and will transition seamlessly as your body changes. With dresses, I like looking for details, like seam across the small of my waist, or an attachable tie. It’s still oversized, but also gives me some shape.
Another oversize item I love are button down shirts. I’ll wear them as a tunic over leggings or unbutton them and use it like a sweater or thin jacket. The more oversized the better. It’s a timeless piece that you can use in any stage of your postpartum journey.
Transitional Necklines
Think shirts, dresses and overalls that have buttons, ties or zippers for easy breastfeeding access, but that aren’t maternity wear, so you can still wear them after your babe has transitioned off the boob.
Another thing I’ll look for is ruching/smocking, either across chest or waist – it’s stretchy, which helps with fluctuating sizes.
Forgiving Waistlines
Pants or dresses with stretchy waistlines allow the item to fit to your body and do a better job of accommodating your changing size. High waisted items have felt more comfortable and secure to me, so that’s what I gravitate towards.
Sweats
You can’t go wrong with sweats. Sweats are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe now, whether they’re lounging in the nursery or heading to brunch. Don’t be afraid to dress them up or wear them casually!
Layering
A great way to add interest (or cover up places you aren’t comfortable with yet) is to add layers. I love adding oversized sweaters to anything. It makes me feel comfortable and secure!
Body Basics
Some traditional “maternity” items I’ve been using a bunch are the basics. Nursing & pumping bras, bralettes, tanks, and tummy girdles. I find that they just have more support and help make me feel a little more like myself.
Remember, if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on this postpartum transitional wardrobe, get creative. Buy a COUPLE of pieces you can wear over and over again. Nothing too trendy, just classic and timeless. Also, don’t be afraid to search secondhand stores, your partners’ closet (great oversized shirt options), or ask your other mom friends!
Let me know in the comments below what you think! Also, add anything you think I missed!
Hana
August 28, 2021Thanks for opening up and sharing you story doll! I am in a similar situation as yourself and was pretty surprised to see my body not snap back. I did try to do a lot of ab workout and felt like it was even getting worse. To make a long story short I found out I had muscle separation in the abdomen ( diastasis recti) which my doctor never checked for at my 6 week checkup! I switched to doing core exercises , which you can find on YouTube. As far as cardio I’m not a fan of the gym but I try to go walking. Don’t feel discouraged mama I know it can get frustrating at times but Take care of you. Oh one thing I can advise you to do is get a doula who does postpartum massages. omg it truly helps not only for physical health but mental as well. Apologize for writing so much but wanted to share my experience xo