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Choosing the best maternity bodysuits for comfort and style

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Maternity bodysuits are a fairly new addition to the wardrobes of our most fashionable mamas. While Bumpsuit probably started the trend, many brands have been able to provide increasingly fab quality and cuts, providing ease and elegance throughout pregnancy and well beyond baby. In this guide, we delve into the world of bodysuits for pregnancy and post baby, and for every style occasion.

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Why bodysuits are a must-have in your pregnancy wardrobe

Maternity bodysuits are more than just a fashion statement; they’re a versatile and essential part of pregnancy wear. Designed to accommodate your changing body, these bodysuits offer the necessary support and flexibility for your bump, while due to their stretchy nature, suit you perfectly afterwards too.

But what sets maternity bodysuits apart from regular bodysuits? It’s their ability to blend functionality with fashion, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on style or comfort. Whether you’re lounging at home or heading out, these bodysuits are designed to keep you feeling confident and beautiful.

Our top choices for maternity bodysuits reviewed

Top cozy cotton bodysuits for daily wear

For your daily comfort and ease, our selection of cozy cotton bodysuits is unmatched. Soft to the touch and flexible enough to grow with you, they are ideal for everyday wear, providing both style and comfort.

Cotton rib onesie light heather grey
Credit: Skims

Cotton rib onesie light heather grey

Best plus size maternity bodysuits for all-day comfort

Catering to all body types, our range of plus size bodysuits ensures every expectant mother finds her perfect fit. Designed for all-day comfort, these bodysuits offer the right amount of stretch and support, adapting gracefully to your changing shape.

Maternity sculpting bodysuit mid thigh ochre
Credit: Skims

Maternity sculpting bodysuit mid thigh ochre

Most cozy winter warmth maternity bodysuits for chilly days

Embrace the colder months with our cozy winter warmth maternity bodysuits. Designed with thicker, insulating materials, these bodysuits keep you and your baby bump snug and warm, blending style with practicality.

The gigi in black
Credit: Revolve

The gigi in black

Top chic athletic maternity bodysuits for active moms-to-be

For the active expectant mother, our chic athletic bodysuits are a game-changer. Stretchy, supportive, and breathable, they’re perfect for staying active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Emama Maternity Bodysuit Full Length Black
Credit: emamaco

Emama Maternity Bodysuit Full Length Black

Most professional business casual bodysuits for work

Our professional business casual bodysuits are ideal for the working mom-to-be. Combining comfort with a professional look, they make dressing for the office during pregnancy effortless and stylish.

The stef jumpsuit in black
Credit: Revolve

The stef jumpsuit in black

Most striking evening glam bodysuits for night outs

Make a statement on your night out with our striking evening glam bodysuits. Designed to flatter your pregnancy silhouette, these bodysuits offer a blend of glamour and comfort for any evening occasion.

The stevie in black
Credit: Revolve

The stevie in black

Asos Design Maternity Ribbed Square Neck Long Sleeve Unitard Jumpsuit In Black
Credit: Asos

Asos Design Maternity Ribbed Square Neck Long Sleeve Unitard Jumpsuit In Black

Most reliable basic everyday bodysuits for simplicity

For simplicity and ease, our reliable basic everyday maternity bodysuits are a perfect choice. These essentials are versatile, comfortable, and can be styled in numerous ways, making them a staple for your maternity wardrobe.

The Body Rib Unitard Short Black
Credit: Hatch

The Body Rib Unitard Short Black

Ribbed Square Neck Bodysuit Black
Credit: Boody

Ribbed Square Neck Bodysuit Black

Most adaptable adjustable fit maternity bodysuits for growing bellies

Our adaptable adjustable fit maternity bodysuits are designed to grow with you. Featuring expandable elements, they ensure a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

The kate in black
Credit: Revolve

The kate in black

The Body Rib Unitard Grey Melange
Credit: Hatch

The Body Rib Unitard Grey Melange

Best sleek modern maternity bodysuits for a contemporary look

Our sleek modern maternity bodysuits cater to the contemporary mom-to-be. Featuring minimalist designs and clean lines, these bodysuits offer a modern twist to maternity wear, perfect for those who love a chic, streamlined look.

Juliette Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Black
Credit: emamaco

Juliette Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Black

Best ribbed casual chic maternity bodysuits for everyday elegance

Our fabulous casual chic maternity bodysuits are perfect for moms-to-be who seek everyday elegance. Effortlessly stylish and supremely comfortable, they’re ideal for running errands, casual outings, or just relaxing at home.

Rib Bike Short Bodysuit Black
Credit: Ingrid+Isabel

Rib Bike Short Bodysuit Black

Top empowering yoga and fitness maternity bodysuits for active lifestyles

Empower your active lifestyle with our yoga and fitness maternity bodysuits. Designed for movement and flexibility, these bodysuits support your fitness journey throughout pregnancy, making workouts comfortable and stylish.

Juliette Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Full Length Black
Credit: emamaco

Juliette Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Full Length Black

Most versatile layering essentials maternity bodysuits for mix and match

Our versatile layering essentials bodysuits are a must-have for creating diverse looks. Ideal for mixing and matching, they provide a seamless base to build your outfit, adapting to any style preference.

Layer up bodysuit Black
Credit: Storq

Layer up bodysuit Black

Most sustainable eco-friendly bodysuits for the environmentally conscious

For the environmentally conscious mom-to-be, our sustainable eco-friendly maternity bodysuits are an ideal choice. Made from eco-friendly materials, they offer comfort and style while being kind to the planet.

Ribbed Square Neck Bodysuit Taupe Black
Credit: Boody

Ribbed Square Neck Bodysuit Taupe Black

Most flattering body sculpting maternity bodysuits for a sleek silhouette

Our flattering body sculpting maternity bodysuits are designed to enhance your silhouette while providing the support and comfort needed during pregnancy. These bodysuits offer a sleek, smooth look under any outfit.

Maternity sculpting bodysuit mid thigh clay
Credit: Skims

Maternity sculpting bodysuit mid thigh clay

Most practical nursing-friendly maternity bodysuits for post-pregnancy

Our practical nursing-friendly maternity bodysuits are designed for ease of use post-pregnancy. With discreet nursing access, they ensure that you can comfortably feed your baby while maintaining style and comfort.

Emama Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Black
Credit: emamaco

Emama Nursing Maternity Bodysuit Black

Most supportive maternity bodysuits with belly support for extra care

Discover Skim’s sleek bodysuits to hug you in all the right places. While not specifically maternity, they are perfect for post-baby. These bodysuits provide additional support for your growing bump in the early stages without being too tight.

Cotton rib onesie soot
Credit: Skims

Cotton rib onesie soot

How do you wear a bodysuit with a belly?

Wearing a bodysuit while sporting a baby bump is all about finding the right fit and style. Maternity bodysuits are specifically designed to accommodate and comfortably support your growing belly. They often feature ruching, stretchy fabric blends, and adjustable closures to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit that adapts to your body’s changes.

When choosing a maternity bodysuit, look for options that provide easy access and convenience, especially if you’re considering it for postpartum use. When it comes to accessorizing, work with blazers, long cardigans, heels or Uggs for a super stylish look.

Do you wear a bra under a bodysuit?

Whether or not to wear a bra under a maternity bodysuit depends on your comfort and the design of the bodysuit. Many maternity bodysuits come with built-in support that can reduce the need for an additional bra. These may have features like built-in cups or extra fabric layers for breast support, especially useful as your body changes during pregnancy.

If your maternity bodysuit doesn’t have built-in support or if you prefer extra support, wearing a bra underneath is perfectly fine. Opt for maternity or nursing bras that offer flexibility, support, and comfort. The key is to ensure both the bra and the bodysuit work together comfortably, without causing any restriction or discomfort.

How many months pregnant do you start wearing maternity clothes?

The transition to maternity clothes varies for each woman, but most start considering maternity wear like bodysuits around the end of the first trimester or the start of the second trimester. This is typically when regular clothes start to feel snug and less comfortable due to the growing belly.

Maternity bodysuits are a great early investment as they’re designed to grow with your body. They offer flexibility and support from the early stages of pregnancy through to postpartum, making them a versatile and practical wardrobe addition for expectant mothers.

Should I buy maternity clothes or just bigger sizes?

When it comes to maternity wear, including bodysuits, opting for actual maternity clothes rather than just larger sizes is often the better choice. Maternity clothes are specifically designed to accommodate your growing belly and changing body shape, providing comfort and support where it’s needed most. This is particularly true for maternity bodysuits, which are tailored to offer extra room and flexibility in the belly area while fitting snugly elsewhere.

While larger sizes might seem like a quick fix, they often don’t provide the correct support and can be ill-fitting in areas other than the belly. Maternity clothes, on the other hand, are not just about size; they’re about smart design, ensuring that they grow with you throughout your pregnancy and even in the postpartum period.

What to wear when pregnant but not big enough for maternity clothes?

In the early stages of pregnancy, when you’re not quite ready for full maternity wear, maternity bodysuits can be an ideal choice. They offer flexibility and are designed to stretch, providing a comfortable fit even when your bump is just starting to show. Unlike regular bodysuits, maternity versions accommodate slight changes in your body without feeling overly loose or tight.

Look for maternity bodysuits with adjustable features and stretchable fabrics. These can be excellent transitional pieces that adapt to your body as it changes, making them a practical and comfortable option before you fully transition into larger maternity outfits.

Do bodysuits make you look slimmer?

Maternity bodysuits can be designed to create a slimming effect, especially those with features like side ruching, strategic seaming, and supportive panels. These elements can help contour your body and enhance your natural shape, giving a more streamlined appearance. It’s all about choosing the right style and fit that flatters your body during pregnancy.

While the primary goal of a maternity bodysuit is to provide comfort and accommodate your growing belly, many designs also focus on aesthetics, ensuring that you not only feel good but also look great.

Does shapewear reduce postpartum belly?

Shapewear, including certain types of maternity bodysuits designed for postpartum use, can help in smoothing and providing support to the postpartum belly. These garments can offer compression that helps in holding the abdominal muscles, which may be beneficial during the recovery phase. However, it’s crucial to choose shapewear that’s specifically designed for postpartum bodies, ensuring it’s gentle and doesn’t put excessive pressure on the midsection.

It’s important to note that while shapewear can help in contouring and support, it doesn’t directly lead to belly fat reduction. Physical recovery and weight loss post-pregnancy are best addressed through a combination of a healthy diet, exercise when appropriate, and time for the body to naturally heal.

How soon after giving birth can you wear shapewear?

Wearing shapewear or postpartum bodysuits after giving birth should be approached with care. The timeline for when you can start wearing these garments varies depending on individual recovery, the type of delivery, and your doctor’s advice. Generally, it’s safe to start wearing postpartum shapewear a few weeks after a natural delivery, but it might be longer if you’ve had a cesarean section, due to the need for incision healing.

Always prioritize comfort and safety, and ensure that the shapewear is specifically designed for postpartum use, offering gentle support without being too restrictive. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best time to start wearing these garments based on your personal recovery process.

Should you size up or down in bodysuits?

When it comes to maternity bodysuits, the key is to find a balance between comfort and fit. Generally, it’s advisable to choose your pre-pregnancy size in maternity bodysuits, as they are designed to accommodate your growing belly and body changes. Maternity wear, including bodysuits, is typically based on your regular size but with modifications to fit the pregnant form. Sizing up can sometimes result in a fit that’s too loose in areas other than the belly, while sizing down may be uncomfortably tight and restrictive.

Every brand and style can fit differently, so it’s important to check the specific sizing guidelines provided by the manufacturer and consider how your body is changing. Look for bodysuits with adjustable features or stretchy fabrics that can adapt to your body as it changes throughout your pregnancy.

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Author

Style Editor. Minimalist mama writing about capsule wardrobes. Inspired by French women yet also unafraid to leave the house with food on me.