Are looking for stylish, comfortable, eco-friendly maternity clothes?

UPDATE: Check out our follow-up post on Motherhood and Fashion.

As owner of Jute and Jackfruit, and also 29 weeks pregnant, the above question has been on my mind for several months as I increasingly grow out of my usual sizes and existing wardrobe.

At the beginning of my second trimester, I began searching the Internet and in stores to see what I could find. I remember prioritizing comfort and expandability, since there is nothing worse than a waist band suffocating you when you have a growing baby inside of you! I also wanted clothes that I could look professional in and others that were simply fun and stylish. Most importantly too, I needed outfits that I could wear for many hours at a stretch without getting uncomfortable, especially when we did shows.

As I am sure many of you have as well, I tried the Bella Band in the beginning, but for some reason it did not work well for me. I am normally a size extra small, or small on occasion, so I purchased the size small. I was not even that big for many months (most people had no idea I was pregnant unless I told them) and yet that band was extremely uncomfortable for me (not sure why).

The end result was that I had to find other options for pants, skirts and leggings since that band was not going to allow me continue wearing my current wardrobe.

Without many options to choose from,  I decided to investigate Jute and Jackfruit’s collections to see what I could find. I also wanted to see if I could find clothes that would not only work throughout pregnancy, but that could remain part of my wardrobe afterward (and not have to be recycled or donated to someone else).

None of Jute and Jackfruit’s clothes are specifically designed for pregnancy (or maternity wear), so finding “maternity-suitable” clothes that would work for this stage in life seemed like a good challenge– especially since a core part of Jute and Jackfruit’s mission is to place the environment at the forefront of everything we do. If I could find clothes that would serve during AND after pregnancy, to me, that would to me be the most ideal “eco-fashion” and “green” solution of them all.

Much to my surprise, a number of items and outfits in Jute and Jackfruit’s collections ended up working extremely well for me– both for casual as well as more dressy outfits. I’d like to share these ideas with you not only because they worked for me, but also because maybe they will spark additional ideas in you as to what could work for your own wardrobe. As you read through, I encourage you to think about going beyond the maternity wear to find options that might work for you (or your loved one or friend) during pregnancy as well as after so that the clothing can have expanded use.

First for me is the Orbit Top by Prairie Underground. I love this top and wore it consistently throughout my second (and now still into 3rd trimester). As I grow, it keeps getting better! The Orbit is easily layered with a long sleeve Tee underneath for cooler days or worn as is (short sleeve). I highly recommend pairing it with a Stewart + Brown long sleeve organic cotton tees (also pictured top left in gray) since those Tees are SO soft and very long (fitting perfectly over any size belly). I don’t know about you, but my sensitivity to fabrics has increased during pregnancy, and I find myself migrating only toward those fabrics that are very soft and comfortable on my skin. Organic cotton has been ideal.

Stewart + Brown are masters of soft, premium fabrics (mostly made from organic cotton) so they have been good choices for me, but tops that have some bamboo blended in, are also great. I have worn the Feral Childe Sullivan Tee a lot, which is stylish yet incredibly comfortable and is made from organic cotton and soy. You may have your own favorite fabric and that is great. Wear whatever makes you happy and makes you feel good!

You can easily layer the Orbit Top (or something like it) with your favorite long sleeve Tee, pairing it with any color.  The Orbit also easily transitions across seasons since it is short sleeve. For those who are not familiar, Prairie Underground clothing is made in the USA (Seattle to be exact) from certified organic cotton and in some cases with hemp blended in.

In addition to the Orbit, the Mod Hoodie Tunic by Earth Creations (pictured below in black) worked really well for me in the first two trimesters. I recommend black, since it is very flattering in all situations and will not show lines of layering (if you choose to wear anything underneath). It is also incredibly soft on the skin (made from organic cotton and bamboo).

Due to Earth Creations’ soft, stretch fabrics, pretty much all of Jute and Jackfruit’s Earth Creations collection will work in the first two trimesters of pregnancy, and in some cases the whole pregnancy. Of particular note would be the Syracuse Skirt, the Juneau Jacket, and the Dharma pants. In fact, the Syracuse Skirt will both work through all 3 trimesters due to its very soft, elastic waist which can be worn below the belly. The Arabesque Skirt seems like it may also work for all 3 since it is a roll over elastic waist although admittedly I have not worn that one (I am too short for that length of skirt!). Earth Creations clothing is all Made in the USA and dyed with all natural clay dyes.

Earth Creations Mod Hoodie Tunic in Black

Another great “maternity” dress/top is the Angel Dress by Jonano (pictured above). This dress comes in Red, Blue (as shown) and Black, and is very flattering at any stage in pregnancy. Made from the very soft organic cotton and bamboo fabric combination, the chest seam accentuates just the right curves and the flare sleeves add a bit of style edge to the dress. The dress can also be worn as a tunic top over leggings or slim pants, and will accommodate any size belly.

Next, and perhaps the most critical item for me has been the organic cotton and bamboo leggings by Jonano. These leggings are low waist, very soft, and so elastic that they have taken me comfortably into the third trimester. Falling below the tummy, the waist is so comfortable it does not cause any pressure on the belly (like many leggings do!) and can be worn easily all day long. These leggings are great for pairing with a tunic top, a dress, or long shirt and can be dressed up or down.

Pictured above are the Nadia leggings, (which come in brown or black). The leggings also come in the shorter Capri style (featured below with the Angel Dress) which are perfect for the warmer weather. Both styles are equally soft and comfortable, making them absolute staples for pregnancy. They saved my wardrobe!

In addition to these leggings, the silk micro modal leggings by Feral Childe are incredible (pictured above in blue with the Mod Hoodie Tunic). They are by far the softest leggings I have encountered and are perfect for dressing up and adding more stylistic edge to your outfit. For work, pair these with a Feral Childe jacket or your favorite tunic top or any longer top.  These leggings are full length but can be hemmed shorter as desired.

A few other ideas come from Feral Childe, Peligrosa and Indigenous. The Organic Wool Cape (pictured above) by Feral Childe is an excellent piece for layering and can be used throughout the entire pregnancy. This Cape is especially ideal when the weather is unpredictable and you want to stay warm while also looking stylish. The wool cape here is pictured with the Jonano Capri Leggings and the Stewart + Brown Long Sleeve Tee (which are both fantastic for pregnancy). The Long Sleeve Tee is long, SO comfortable and ideal for layering with just about anything.

The organic boiled wool skirt by Peligrosa (pictured below) was also a wardrobe saver for me in the 2nd trimester for work related events. It has an elastic waist, warm, breathable (with silk lining) and looks great with boots. The skirt comes in camel color which transitions well through Spring and fall.

The Indigenous striped sweater pairs nicely with this skirt and is also very soft and moderately long, so will easily cover one’s belly through first and second trimesters and possibly third depending on one’s size. Indigenous Designs clothing are all made primarily from certified organic cotton, with some merino wool and alpaca pieces in the collection. Indigenous Designs is one of the few US apparel companies that is both organic as well as fair trade. They work with women artisans in Peru to sew, loom and knit their garments.

So that’s it for now– I hope you found some ideas for soft, comfortable clothes that you can wear throughout pregnancy while also avoiding having to throw or give them away after your baby is born! We’ve got more ideas on the way too as the weather warms here in the Boston area for Spring and Summer (so stay tuned!).

UPDATE: Check out our follow-up post on Motherhood and Fashion.