Singer Rihanna’s pregnancy fashion has grabbed headlines for being daring, but don’t think she’s done setting fashion goals just because she’s postpartum. In her second public appearance after giving birth to a son, Rihanna was seen wearing a football shirt paired with a tracksuit, pearl necklace, vintage silk scarf and a pair of ankle boots. As a champion of athleisure style, RiRi proved that postpartum fashion doesn’t have to be boring!
Some other celebrities who have recently become new moms and who have killed fashion post pregnancy are media personality Kylie Jenner, actor-model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, model Ashley Graham among others. Closer to home, actors Neha Dhupia, plus stylist and businesswoman Pernia Qureshi Gilani rocked postpartum style and how!
What is Postpartum Style?
Clothes that look stylish but provide comfort to your recovering body after childbirth fall under postpartum fashion. “These clothes are as cute as they are comfortable! A new mother can wear ensembles, long or short, layer up, add safe accessories and wear fancy flats that are comfortable,” suggests stylist Ruby Bhatia.
Fashion designer Rina Dhaka also recognizes postpartum mums’ desire to dress up and recommends soft fabrics like voiles and cambric, as well as cashmere for winter. “In the prints, you can opt for soft patterns and polka dots in pastel tones.”
Fashion with utility
In many cases, however, it takes a few months for a new mother’s body to return to its pre-pregnancy shape, especially if she gave birth by caesarean section. It is therefore important to choose clothes that are not only comfortable, but also utilitarian. “I gave birth by caesarean section last year. It takes longer to recover from the surgery; therefore, the clothes must be comfortable around the waist. Also, many times the operation leaves a stubborn belly [fat] that new moms have to fight; in such cases, high waist or empire waist come to the rescue,” shares author Kanika Dhillon.
Recognizing their unique needs, a slew of new mom-focused brands, such as The Mom Store, MomzJoy, Mine4nine, Wobblywalk and Mometernity, offer utilitarian features without skimping on style. “We’re obsessed with the little things as much as the big things – flutter sleeves for flattering arms, elastic in the back of outfits to allow for size changes, breastfeeding access, side pockets to keep your hands free – for make dressing fun,” says Anisha Noel, founder of a sustainable fashion brand for maternity and beyond.
What’s better for baby
As a new mother, you are not only responsible for your comfort, but also for that of your baby. It is therefore important to choose clothes, jewelry and accessories that will not hinder or hurt your newborn. For example, Dhillon shares that she tried to make sure her postpartum wardrobe was just pure cottons. “Babies tend to put everything in their mouths, so the choice of fabric and safe design elements should be taken into consideration when choosing your postpartum outfits. Plus, babies love to throw things at you, literally. and metaphorically, so easily washable fabrics are a must for new mothers,” she shares from experience.
Dhaka suggests, “Nursing mothers can opt for patch pockets with a soft flap and soft, hypoallergenic baby buttons. Avoid fabrics that have sequins, studs, and fur-like fibers that can irritate your baby.
