WHEN THEIR CLOTHES no longer fit, many pregnant women start hiding under unflattering layers. That's despite pregnancy bringing many positive physical changes such as bigger breasts and a curvier silhouette. What can pregnant women wear that will fit, be comfortable and look good?
Celebrities such as Demi Moore, Madonna and Catherine Zeta-Jones have changed our view of expectant mothers by wearing sexy and fashionable clothing. Many designer labels have caught on to the trend and now have collections of low-cut and fashionable trousers and skirts. Many maternity lines have also incorporated catwalk styles into their designs, and high-street brands have taken note.
While trendy offerings abound in international maternity lines, the local market has more conservative styles. Many shops in Causeway Bay feature clothing with basic cuts and shapes.
Mother World (shop E, G/F, 96-106 Percival St, Causeway Bay, tel: 2504 2737) carries A-shaped dresses and long blouses that can be adjusted at the back to accommodate growing bellies. Many come in one size only, which means you run the risk of looking bigger. Good buys include tracksuit pants ($339) and comfortable capri jeans with an elastic waistband ($439).
Gennie's (Po Ming Building, 53 Lee Garden Rd, Causeway Bay, tel: 2504 5885) stocks an elegant range of larger-cut dresses in pastels or floral prints for spring. You'll also find blouses with ruffles and pailettes, along with dark suits for the office. Other essentials include nursing bras (from cups A-F) and girdles for post-pregnancy. A special intimates set including bra, vest and underwear costs $1,600.
Twiggy Maternity Wear (Shop 2, G/F, 4 Great George St, Causeway Bay, tel: 2882 1088) attracts a mixture of tourists, expats and locals, and carries international and local brands. You'll find comfortable wraps from Italy with fur trimming ($2,800). Sweaters and jackets ($100 to $1,000) are cut fairly big and are available in Italian sizes 38-48.
At the other end of the spectrum are stylish and elegant brands from the US and Australia, with more cutting-edge fashion. 'Expectant mothers usually get advice from the older generation, who tell their daughters to wear loose fitting clothes to cover and protect the belly,' says Patty Nelson from Linea Negra Maternity in Lan Kwai Fong. 'We tend to re-educate the women - we show them what wonderful and fashionable clothes they can wear to show off their tummy.'