“We wore nothin’ tight, never anything tight”

Abstract

This research explored women’s experiences with maternity clothing between 1935 and 1974. The study found that women’s maternity clothing choices were dependent primarily on what styles were in fashion during the pregnancy, the availability of maternity clothing, and personal preference. Women’s perception of their maternity clothing was dependent on the level of control they had over their maternity clothing, the number of options available, how they perceived their body, how well their clothing fit social requirements, the function and fit of clothing, whether or not the clothing matched their personal style, and the level of support from their social circle. Women acquired their maternity clothing through a combination of sewing, borrowing, purchase, or “making do” with non-maternity pieces. Factors considered in planning and wearing maternity clothing were the activities in which women participated during pregnancy, which were impacted by the social view of pregnancy.