Maternity wear vs. nursing wear: a guide to your wardrobe

Maternity wear: designed for your growing belly

Traditional maternity wear is designed with one main goal in mind: to accommodate the growing belly. Thanks to jersey panels or empire waistlines, it offers total freedom of movement from the second trimester onwards.

Features of maternity wear:

• Loose fit around the stomach
• Elastic inserts (often at the waist)
• Stretch fabrics that grow with your belly
• Flattering empire-style cuts (fitted under the bust)

Advantages :

• Optimal abdominal support
• Flattering cuts for the pregnant woman's figure
• Comfort during the 9 months of pregnancy
• Wide selection of styles

Disadvantages :

• Often unusable after childbirth (too loose around the stomach)
• No access to the breast for breastfeeding
• Limited investment in time (only a few months)

Nursing wear: innovation for the postpartum period

Unlike simple maternity clothing, nursing garments feature discreet openings that make it easy to feed your baby: invisible zippers, hidden snaps, or double-layer systems.

At 23 Mai Paris, we design these clothes so that they don't look like baby clothes, but like real fashion items that you will be proud to wear.

Features of nursing wear:

• Discreet openings at chest level
• Fitted yet comfortable cuts
• Soft materials for contact with baby
• Modern and stylish designs

Advantages :

• Allows you to breastfeed anywhere, discreetly
• Can be worn for many months (6 to 24 months depending on the duration of breastfeeding)
• Can often be worn even after weaning
• Profitable investment in the long term

Disadvantages :

• May be too tight during the last months of pregnancy (depending on the model)
• Requires choosing high-quality models for good durability

The adaptable garment: the best of both worlds

The current trend, and the one we favor at 23 Mai Paris, is adaptable clothing. Why buy two wardrobes when one is enough?

What is maternity and nursing wear?

This garment is designed for:

• Adapting to a growing belly during pregnancy
• Incorporate openings for breastfeeding after birth
• Remaining portable even after weaning

How does it work?

• Stretchable materials that adapt to body shape variations
• Flowing cuts that suit every stage
• Discreet nursing openings integrated into the design

A well-cut nursing sweatshirt often has enough stretch to be worn during pregnancy, while still fitting perfectly once the baby arrives. It's the smartest investment you can make.

Comparison table: Pregnancy vs. Motherhood vs. Evolution

 

Our tips for a smart and responsible wardrobe

Rather than making multiple purchases, we recommend investing wisely starting in your fifth month of pregnancy.

Recommended strategy:

1. Keep your current basics as long as they fit you (first months of pregnancy).
2. Invest in 3-4 high-quality, scalable pieces in the second quarter.
3. Add 1-2 specific maternity items if necessary (maternity jeans in particular).
4. Avoid buying too early: your body shape and needs will change.

The basics to focus on:

• 2-3 Breastfeeding t-shirts (can be worn during pregnancy and afterwards)
• 1 adjustable nursing sweatshirt or sweater
• 1 Breastfeeding dress fluid and adaptable
• 1 pair of maternity jeans ( essential, but specific)

Selection criteria:

• Natural materials (cotton, modal, bamboo)
• Cuts that accommodate morphological variations
• Discreet nursing openings
• Neutral colors that are easy to match

A beautiful Breastfeeding t-shirt can perfectly enhance a rounded belly while becoming your best ally from the moment you become a mother.

Conclusion

Choosing between maternity wear and nursing wear doesn't have to be a difficult decision: versatile pieces mean you don't have to choose. By investing in a few quality basics in your second trimester, you can build a wardrobe that will see you through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

At 23 Mai Paris, we create nursing clothes designed to be worn at every stage of your motherhood. Because a stylish mom is a mom who consumes better, not necessarily more.