Maternity fashion has not always been the most comfortable, flattering or feminine and it has gone through various evolutions as all fashion trends do. I'll be honest, when I'm pregnant, all I want is comfort over anything stylish or sophisticated but I still gaze admirably at the eight month pregnant women who look amazing in some of the most stylish dresses and outfits I've ever seen. Kate Middleton is one such person, who always seems to ooze beauty and grace at all stages of her pregnancy.

I tend to stick with my skinny jeans with its over the bump stretchy belly band and a tight t-shirt and checkered shirt. I'm not the most fashionably conscious! On top of that, maternity clothes can be quite expensive and when you are only wearing them for a short period of time in your life, it can sometimes feel like a waste. But then again, spending money on your comfort and your style is never really a waste. Feeling good during pregnancy can be hit and miss as aches and pains, morning sickness, and tiredness hit you badly. Sometimes, wearing clothes that make you feel good can lift your spirits a little, so why not splash out on that maternity dress you were eyeing up?

Fashion is an incredibly personal thing, and when you become pregnant, you're limited somewhat with whats available on the High Street, but throughout the years, and especially in our day and age there are a lot more options for women. Can you imagine what it was like 100 or more years ago, when maternity fashion (and the attitude that went with it) was incredibly limited? Over the years, maternity fashion and trends have changed drastically.

20 Pre 20th Century

Pregnancy was not necessarily something to flaunt in the late nineteenth century. As you can imagine, pregnancy showed that a woman was a sexual being and the idea of that was, well, not showcased and women were encouraged to hide their bodies and their blossoming bellies during the nine months, a task, which we all know is easier said than done. Especially in the third trimester since baby gains most of his or her weight in the last few months.

Dresses were of the same style for the time period as maternity fashion was not yet a thing. Women generally made do with what was in their closest, adding material and folds to hide the burgeoning belly as the pregnancy went on. More often than not, an apron was the height of maternity fashion. In fact, many women continued to wear their corsets. Maternity fashion was not something pregnant women of the time thought about, especially considering many women of the upper classes, were not seen for the entire time they were pregnant. They were limited to their homes, more often than not in their beds, and hidden away from the public during the period of their "confinement".

19 1900's - Lane Bryant

It was the turn of the century that saw the need for pregnant women to be stylish as well as comfortable during their pregnancy as the idea of "confinement" was losing it's appeal for the average woman. As women became more mobile and went out and about during their pregnancy, they needed something to wear that was both comfortable and stylish. This was an incredible move that encouraged the industry to cater for women's needs.

Dressmaker, Lane Bryant, was the first, in 1904, selling from her 5th Avenue store, to bring out a maternity range to women's praise everywhere. One of her customers who was pregnant asked the designer to make her something that was "presentable but comfortable" which she could wear in public, Bryant made her a dress which incorporated an elasticized waistband with an accordion-pleated skirt. Her designs were simple and affordable, dresses which could be adjusted. Of course, the first dress she made, became the most popular in her store as both middle class and poorer pregnant women flocked buy them.

18 1910's - The Every Size Maternity Skirt

It was in the 1910's that magazine's started to recognize maternity fashion and advertisements began for clothing lines which were suitable for the pregnant woman. Interestingly enough, however, images used in advertising did not depict the pregnant form, choosing instead to advertise the clothes using a traditionally slim female figure. It would not be right in the early twentieth century to highlight the discomforts of pregnancy and of course, the inevitable weight gain.

This of course was done to show women that the clothes were the same outfits they would ordinarily purchase and wear albeit with a change made to accommodate the pregnant belly. Generally, these amendments were extra fasteners at the side of the skirt or dress which allowed the woman to alter the size as she grew. It was the text of the advertisements that sold the clothes rather than any images, with promises of "graceful yet comfortable" clothing.

17 1910's - Maternity Corsets

Believe it or not, women wore maternity corsets right up until the 1920's when maternity girdles replaced the burgeoning corset. The first girdles were not necessarily very supportive and but when they were replaced by more helpful girdles they resembled that of our belly bands which we use today for back support during pregnancy.

I'd imagine we're all a little aghast at the idea of pulling on any sort of corset while the baby kicks and punches under your rib cage. Maternity corsets were used to hold in any unwanted girth. They were often made with whalebone and I can't imagine they were in any way comfortable.

Oddly enough, since many girls as young as seven wore corsets routinely in the early 1900's, their bone structure and abdominal muscles were more than likely weaker than a woman who didn't wear a corset, and when they became pregnant in later life, would have benefitted greatly from the extra support of a maternity corset. Of course, they weren't designed for comfort, but rather to hide the pregnant body.

16 1920's - Loose Fashions

The wonderful fashion of the 1920's consisted of loose "flapper" style dresses which were almost too perfect for a Mum-to-be. The pregnant figure was still very hush-hush in the 1920's and pregnant women chose to continue hiding their pregnant bump for as long as they could. Designers took this on board and maternity fashion was still a very loose affair. In fact, you would often see maternity wear advertisements boasting clothing for women who wanted to be "entirely free from embarrassment of a noticeable appearance during a trying period."

Belts were highly popular in the 1920's and the maternity fashion of the time incorporated this trend with a movable belt which could be adjusted depending on your stage in pregnancy. Otherwise, belts on maternity clothing were elasticated and stretched as the belly stretched. Oftentimes, the belt was positioned below the bump or removed entirely which was of course the most flattering and forgiving for a pregnant woman.

15 1930's - So Very Feminine

As fashion always changes, the following decade saw a considerable change in the fashion environment with a move towards a more noticeable feminine form in a conservative and modern way. A defined high waist, longer hemlines and shoulder pads all of which emphasized the figure were the look of the 1930's.

Of course, concealing the pregnancy was still a priority for as long as possible. Designers were given the task to come up with innovative ways to naturally avert the gaze from the waist line and focus the eye on other aspects of the design. They used techniques such as patterned fabric with floral and polka dot designs being the most popular. Adding bolero jackets, flounces and large bows which hung down from the neck and shoulders were clever features which hid as much as possible in those early months allowing women to hide their pregnancy for a little longer.

14 1930's - The Easy On Maternity Dress

The 1930's also saw the introduction of the wrap dress which was one of the most innovative pregnancy designs for all women and still used today. It was an "Easy On" design that marvelled women the world over. In essence, one panel of the dress delicately wraps around another allowing for much adjustment to size, with the dress tied at the side. Alternatively, a wrap dress could be tied at the back allowing for a more seamless and polished front.

This style of dress oozed comfort and practically for the pregnant woman and was used not only on dresses but also coats and dress slips making life a lot easier for women while still also being highly fashionable. It was here in the 1930's that designers really started to consider the needs of the pregnant woman in terms of comfort while also giving them a level of sophistication and design.

13 1940's - The Evolution Of The Wrap Dress

The 1940's simply took the wrap dress, which was still hugely popular, and embellished on the design and practicality of it. Why drop something when you're onto a good thing? Of course, WWII limited fashion in all stakes. Pregnant women flocked to the stores to stock up on the wrap dress which proved to be one of the most comfortable and yet stylish dresses for their wardrobes.

This decade saw the wrap dress get an upgrade with a greater design flair which included the use of buttons and studs on shirt style dresses. Extra fabric in the form of pleats in the front and back of the skirt allowed for the dress to grow as the bump expanded and the dress belt was loosened for comfort and movement. The useful aspect of these dresses was that they could be easily expanded as the bump grew and afterwards, loosened for breastfeeding.

12 1950's - The Cute Smock Top

The late 1940's and the 1950's saw the introduction of outfits consisting of the professional skirt and jacket set and of course the pant playsuit, which were newer options for women whether pregnant or not. During the 1940's, many pregnant women took to smock tops which were worn while working in the house or cooking. It was not a fashion statement at the time but more used as an apron to keep regular clothes clean while doing dirty jobs.

Pregnant women enjoyed the comfort of wearing the smock top so much that designers quickly fastened in on the idea and developed a stylish range to be worn by the pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy. The ordinary smock top was large and cumbersome but designers added a touch of sophistication to the once ordinary clothing and made it fashionable. The smock top was often worn over skirts or the newly introduced crop trousers. A comfortable and yet fashionable outfit that pregnant women loved.

11 1950's - Button Down Skirts And Pencil Skirts

The 1950's also saw the amalgamation of  various styles to create something new. The wrap around skirt of the 1930's combined with the loose pleated tops and smock apron tops of the 1940's saw the introduction of the button down shirts with pencil skirts and also button down coats. The versatility of this new style of outfit was promising for pregnant women who found their comfort, practicality and design to be appealing. Designed from men's shirts, the button down shirt could be tucked into a skirt or left loose in a tent like shape giving free movement and extra comfort. The style could be adapted for whatever stage of pregnancy the expectant mother was in.

This classic and beautiful maternity style was often incorporated with cropped or full length trousers as pants were more versatile and appealing for the busy Mum-to-be in the 1950's. Pants were produced in gabardine or denim fabric and given side adjustable tabs for extra comfort throughout pregnancy.

10 1960's - Improving On Maternity Style

While the 1960's still saw women hiding their pregnancies, the style was much the same from the 1950s with minor adjustments on the already fashionably loose outfits. As trends and tastes changed, so too did maternity fashion but more often in fabric, colours and patterns with added embellishments than new designs. Smock tops were still the high point of maternity fashion, however they became larger and looser and by the end of the 1960's they merged with the hippy style and fashion.

"A line" skirts and dresses were fashionable which allowed women to hide their pregnancies that little bit longer and gave women a greater choice in maternity wear. Of course, as these dresses and skirts were loose but not overly baggy or adjustable, women now had to purchase different styles for the various stages of their pregnancy. This of course meant, women were more in tune with the greater availability of maternity fashion designs.

9 1960's - The Maternity Suit

The 1960's also saw the introduction of the maternity suit as belly bands were introduced. Much like the adjustable and elasticated waist bands we wear today on our trousers and skirts, the innovative move to an adjustable waist band gave pregnant women greater freedom and reassurance during their pregnancy as their clothes grew with them.

The 1960's version included an extra panel above the natural waist band. This waist band had a draw string pull at the top which, when tightened over the belly, reduced pressure off the pregnant belly. Both skirts and trousers featured this embellishment which was welcomed by all expectant Mums. As we do today, a longer top hides this extra panel allowing the woman to wear the belly band style clothing in confidence.

The maternity suit gave working and professional women the extra self-assurance they needed as they could easily hide their pregnancy for longer while still remaining professional and sophisticated in attire they would ordinarily wear.

8 1970's - The Midi And The Maxi

The 1970's saw a major shift in the design stakes of maternity fashion as the hippy revolution took over. The rules were almost thrown out of the window as women were happily seen in long flowing dresses or short shift dresses. Belly bumps were proudly displayed and maximized with dress designs as women celebrated their pregnancies. Maxi dresses and midi dresses were all the rage in the 1970's as they came in a large variety of designs and styles.

Comfort was of primary essence now while the fashion of these garments was so popular that they were deemed incredibly in vogue. Wide legged and flared trousers were also popular. Polyester was embraced by designers as they recognized that women needed comfort and support. The stretchy material of polyester was used in maternity dresses, trousers, skirts and shorts which gave women the freedom and movement they needed in their pregnancies.

7 1970's - The Floral Baby Doll And Bohemian Dress

With the hippy trend continuing in the 1970's, maternity fashion was unable to escape it either. With flower power style coming on board, dresses were worn with large or exaggerated patterns. These patterns eventually turned to designs with long sleeves, over embellished shoulders with the use of buttons, bows and studs. But the baby doll dress was still a firm favourite in the 1970's for its incredible comfort, style and grace. The open and free flowing fabric was certainly suited to pregnancy.

The baby doll dress was accompanied by the bohemian tunic dress which was similar in its free flowing nature but more structured in its boxy square style. The essential component of 1970's maternity style was one of comfort, and stretchy material such as polyester was utilized. This gave the baby doll and bohemian style dresses a lasting and comfortable appeal. Adding to that, the pleated maxi dress was a firm favourite as it allowed the extra bit of time to cover and hide any blossoming baby bump.

6 1980's - The Oversized Dress And Coat

Somewhere between the 1970's and the 1980's something went a little awry and maternity fashion took an interesting but not necessarily flattering turn. The 1980's saw the introduction of the over-sized, boxy and shapeless maternity range. Everything was on the larger side, not just the Mum-to-be. Of course, Diana, Princess of Wales, played a large part in determining the course of maternity fashion in the early 1980's with her two pregnancies.

With Diana's style, we saw more and more shapeless outfits which dropped straight from the waist giving no definition or shape to the waist or the figure. The oversized shirtless dress became the maternity fashion item of the moment as pregnant women followed the Royal's personal tastes in clothing. They came in bright and glaring colours, often with large oversized bows. Women also worn long tunics and sweaters in the 1980's which were thrown on over stretchy leggings, choosing comfort over style.

5 1990's - The Working Mum-To-Be

As more and more mothers found their way out of the house and into the workplace, they began to discover that it was  difficult to find suitable work attire while pregnant. Designers noticed this and happily the emergence of the work suit for the expectant Mum came to the stores. More often than not, these styles were based on men's fashions and their business suits because, of course, the workplace was still seen as a man's world in the 1990's.

The maternity range, suited for the workplace, consisted of darker colours and larger jackets which were usually boxier and less ornate than some of the brighter and more feminine of maternity fashions. There was still an element that suggested that the pregnant woman should still cover up and conceal her pregnancy, especially in the workplace. The attitude was prevalent that women and pregnancy should not be associated with the man's world of fast business.

4 1990's - The Rise Of The Sexy Mum-To-Be

The 1990's saw a major shift in attitude to pregnant women which more than likely has a lot to do with Demi Moore's nude cover of Vanity Fair magazine which occurred when she was heavily pregnant. Women everywhere became conscious of the fact that their pregnant body was one to be celebrated and that accentuating the bump and showing it off in flattering clothes was a positive thing to do. Demi acknowledged that the photo shoot seemed "to give a little bit more permission to feel sexy and attractive when you're pregnant." And why not? A pregnant woman can be every bit as sexy and attractive as the next woman.

Maternity fashion veered away from the oversized tunics, boxy shoulders and tops and moved towards figure hugging designs which emphasized the pregnant body in all its glory. The slim fitting designs empowered women everywhere who felt more feminine than ever as feminism took over and women took control of their fashion.

3 2000's - The Accentuated Bump

From the 2000's onwards, maternity fashion took a change that allowed it to adapt more to the current trends in fashion generally and match what was on the high street. Women became much more fashion concious and wanted to continue wearing their ordinary style while pregnant. As the majority of high street and designer brands developed their own range of maternity style, fashion, while pregnant, became much more accessible to women. There was no longer a specific style or pattern for pregnant women but rather a reassurance that a woman can wear pretty much what she wants while expecting. With such a vast array of designs and fashions, women became inundated with choice.

In another twist of fashion, it was not uncommon to see women flaunting their baby bump in excessively daring outfits especially from celebrities and musicians on stage. Women wore belly hugging and belly baring tops, unafraid to show off their pregnant bumps. The pregnant figure was no longer hidden.

2 And Today - Bump Pride

As is the continuing trend from the 2000's, women these days have a lot of fashion varieties to choose from in the trend stakes whether pregnant or not. As bump pride is still highly prevalent today, it's acceptable for a woman to wear what she desires while expecting. Whether she wants to show off her bump in tight fitting dresses or tops, or wear loose baggy fitting sweaters and dungarees, it's her choice and she will more than likely find the style she is looking for.

Maternity fashion is now based on the current trends and aligned with it to give women the choices they would ordinarily purchase. Adapting the latest trends to a maternity range is simple and encourages women to purchase for their nine months more than they ever would as there are so many options. Of course, many crafty Mums-to-be are now adapting their clothes to make them last longer throughout their pregnancy with some very clever clothes hacks!

1 What About The Future

And so, where does this leave us for the future? We have seen maternity wear change incredibly fast in the last 100 and more years as attitudes to women and pregnancy have moved on. From deliberately and specifically hiding the pregnant form in the nineteenth century to encapsulating it and flauting it in our generation, maternity fashion and attitudes have come a long way.

Which way will maternity fashion go now since we have captured its necessity and brought it to the mainstream fashion designer, who year after year gives us more and more choice? I imagine maternity fashion will remain in line with the seasonal trends brought to our stores but perhaps with an added twist of including inbuilt heart rate monitors and blood pressure gauges. The "smart" maternity trend if you will, that can track your vitals during pregnancy! Or maybe not.

Sources: What To Expect, Buzzfeed, Slate.com, VintageDancer.com