THE EXPANSILE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PREGNANCY LEGGING
The blessings of pregnancy are many but sadly not for the otherwise celebrated waistline. So, when it dawned on me that my favourite jeans became unsuitable, I embraced this new bodily expansion with a mission to find something more comfortable yet stylish.
The author wearing Norma Kamali Spat Leggings.
However, fashion and pregnancy even though many states otherwise don't exactly go hand in hand. I am thrilled with the effort made by maternity wear brands, creating comfortable and suitable outfits for pregnant women, but calling them fashionable is far away from the truth. So my little mission expanded into an expansive search for the perfect pregnancy legging.
The Empire Silhouette.
Some research states that it was thanks to a new law signed by Bill Clinton in the 20th century that protected the pregnant woman's job that has been seen as a catapult for the commercialism around maternity styles and the boom of maternity brands, that indeed emphasised the pregnancy look rather than previously hid it. Others state that during the middle ages, women actually wanted to show off their bellies as soon as possible and therefore enhanced the stomach early, which was easily done with the then fashionable empire silhouette (just below the bust). Something that changed during the Victorian era as women tended to have more children (queen Victoria had 9) and it became more of a private matter that was then hidden with a wrap around dress that could be loosely worn. Whatever the theory, today I feel it's up to each individual to dress for her occasion and decide when to start showing off her belly. My favourite pregnancy style muse is the fearless Rihanna who not only shouts pregnant and fabulous but also performs, a true inspiration when I found mysefl lying in the sofa feeling tired.
Rihanna, definitely showing off her pregnancy style.
For me I just continued my usual oversized style, thanks to my long worn “fashion uniform”, which is basically wearing oversized shirts under a blazer. Which I happily persuaded, until none of the tights or unbuttoned suit trousers worked. Starting to look for pregnancy options however, I realised that whatever the expansion the style wasn’t very flattering. I’m sorry but no bump looks good with tight tights once your ankles starts to swollen… I was reaching as bit of a research despair when a very stylish friend came for dinner, stating the only item she bought for her pregnancy was the one and only Norma Kamali leggings, that when chosen one size above your normal would fit you throughout the whole pregnancy and with its clever (and fabulous) ankle slit would help the figure of your legs. Sold and thankful, I admired her post pregnancy style, looking just as chic after birth as I would have imagined she did before, (she’s french of course) and also endorsed her for continuing wearing the same leggings after - which means no waste.
Here is my guide I hope can help you not only find comfort in ease but within fashion aswell.
Slim fit, so take one size above your normal (for pregnancy style), High waist and on top easily packed as wrinkle free. Sadly not the most natural material (made in polyester) but I feel in its defence, it will stay with you forever.
$195
Fully opaque. Super-soft over bump band. Activewear essential. Bootcut silhouette. Supportive lower-back panel. Side pockets. Softly gathered at sides.
CHF 79
These leggings look fabulous with a slit over the ankle as well. Take one size up your normal to ensure you have that extra space for comfort.
CHF 201
These soft yet airy leggings are borderline trousers but hangs very appealingly. 96% is made with the sustainable material Lenzing™ ECOVERO™ Viskose.
CHF 32.95
These are designed with comfort in mind, but they look really chic, too. They're cut from technical Italian neoprene that's soft, supple and resistant to pilling and lint. The incredible stretch recovery ensures they maintain their flared shape, while the split cuffs are perfect for showing off your shoes (and slimming your swollen ankles).
€76