A Quick Look At Maternity Clothes
Maternity clothes had little place in the fashion world until around 1400. Before that time, women wore dresses that had little shape to them, so a maternity dress was normally just what they already owned. Late in the pregnancy, seams might be let out or an apron added to hide any gaps. While some wealthy women might order something special for their pregnancies, most women did not. Historically, the first dress designed specifically for wear during pregnancy appeared during the 17th century. This was a gown that had many yards of fabric that fell in folds down the front so that it could not only expand but conceal the pregnancy as well. By the 1900s, however, expectant mothers began demanding clothing to be worn during pregnancy. Even then, manufacturers felt that few women would pay much for clothing to be worn for just a few months, so the designs were far from fashionable. By late that century, however, women often worked until just prior to delivery. They also attended a full range of public functions, continued their exercise regime, and enjoyed formal events. In response to the demand, designers began to offer more choices and higher quality.
