Comfort in style: Postpartum fashion in Bangladesh

From the moments of joy that stem from watching your newborn stare back at you, to the self-doubt that comes from wondering if you are doing enough for them - this transitional period can be both beautiful and challenging. 

Mehreen, a 26-year-old, who recently stepped into the new journey of motherhood says, "The other day when I finally put my one-month-old to sleep, I got a few rare hours to myself, where a wave of realisation hit me. Previously, my fashion choices were mostly based on style, following the dictum 'Beauty is pain.' But now that I am a mother, my fashion mostly relies on comfort, functionality, and practicality." 

Finding the right clothes that are optimal for comfort, yet still complement the changing postpartum body, can be daunting.

Fortunately, many local brands offer a wide range of collections that cater to the needs of postpartum women, which are bound to make them feel confident, beautiful, and at ease. 

Bushra Siddique, a popular influencer, nutritionist, and wellness coach, who goes by the Instagram handle, @bsiddlife, shared, "Being a mother, my style has changed; it became more practical, with an emphasis on movement and comfort. Especially if my child is with me during this time, I tend to opt for things with pockets and colours that do not show stains easily."

Furthermore, in terms of materials, she prefers cotton or comfortable stretchy fabric. 

"To be honest, it takes a while to find what works best for you, with your new body and your style. Be patient and try new things out. You will be surprised - you might end up liking something you previously didn't," she added.

Finding the postpartum body's needs is truly an adventure that can open you up to new styles.

Kaftans 

During the postpartum period, kaftans prove to be the perfect blend of style and comfort. Owing to their loose, flowy design, kaftans provide ample space for movement and at the same time, gracefully accommodate the constantly changing postpartum bodies. 

Regarding kaftans, Bushra Siddique said, "I love kaftans as they are not only comfortable but also complimentary to any figure, making it the perfect outfit during postpartum." 

Local brands like Amira and Sailor craft kaftans that are soft, breathable, and stylish at the same time, so that new mothers can feel put together, even on their busiest days with their newborns. 

Ayesha, who is a new mother of a baby girl, commented, "If you are looking for something practical and comfortable with a touch of aesthetic appeal, then Amira should be the perfect place for you."

In terms of the price point, Sailor offers kaftans starting from only Tk1,290 and can go up to Tk3,000, approximately. Although Amira provides a more diverse collection, they are comparatively a little on the pricier side, as the starting price starts from Tk1,935. 

Overall, there is no doubt that these brands go the extra mile to ensure that new mothers feel confident and embrace their postpartum bodies with grace, radiating the new mother's glow wherever they go.  

Loungewear 

Shape's loungewear has proven to be a gem for the needs of a new mother's body. The soft and stretchy fabric allows free movement, while staying comfortable. 

An employee of Shape vouches for the functionality of their loungewear for mothers.

He stated, "This is a must-have in your wardrobe during this [postpartum] period of adjustment and recovery," referring to the stretchy nature of the outfit. 

The outfit also provides easy nursing access, which is an essential feature. Shape's loungewear is functional yet stylish, and easily accommodates the needs of new mothers. The price of loungewear from Shape will cost you around Tk1,800. 

Shrugs and capes 

Shrugs and capes are the perfect way to style up a basic outfit. This gives new moms a quick and comfortable fashion solution, while also helping them feel confident in their changing body.
It can also be a great option for mothers out there who prefer modest fashion, without compromising on style.

It can easily be draped over any outfit, simultaneously providing coverage and comfort. It offers convenience for breastfeeding mothers as they can take care of their baby's needs while maintaining their privacy. 

Moon, who has been wearing a hijab for three years now, says, "Being a mother of two, with a little one on the way, shrugs have been my go-to for a very long time now. It allows me the perfect balance of practicality and versatility." 

Local brands like Ecstasy, Le Reve provide stylish shrugs and capes within affordable prices, helping new moms feel their best without breaking the bank.

Nursing Bra 

Nursing bras are one of the most essential pieces of clothing that provides comfort and convenience for new breastfeeding mothers. They are designed to have stretchy and breathable fabric along with adjustable straps and easy-to-open cups that make it very easy for mothers to feed their hungry little ones instantly. 

In addition, they also prevent potential leakage and ensure that the mother is comfortable, avoiding any awkward situation, which allows her to fully focus on taking care of herself and her little one with confidence and ease.  

Local brands like Mothers Care and Mom Plus Mini specialise in affordable, stylish and high-quality nursing bras for women, providing an all-in-one package. 

Shapewear 

You are invited to a party where you feel like glamming up and flaunting your postpartum body in a new and beautiful dress. However, the drastic changes pregnancy brought with it might make the insecurity kick in. 

This is where shapewear comes to the rescue. It provides gentle support at the abdominal area and smooths out any bumps, giving you that extra boost of confidence that you need to rock your favourite outfit. 

International brands like Bumpsuit offer shapewear that is breathable and provide the comfort, support, and stability that you need, as your body slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy shape. Shapewear can be your secret weapon that assists you to feel the best version of yourself as you juggle your way through motherhood. 

Shoes 

During the postpartum period, it is no surprise that new moms are constantly on their feet, fulfilling the demands of their newborns. Hence, selecting the appropriate footwear that will provide them with the right kind of comfort and adequate support is crucial, which is often overlooked by many. 

"My feet got very swollen, like a baby elephant! I ended up wearing a bigger-sized trainer with almost every outfit in the last few weeks [of pregnancy]," commented Bushra Siddique. 

Local brands like Apex and Bata tailor to new mothers' requirements and offer a diverse range of comfortable and stylish options for daily wear, with features such as cushioned insoles, arch support, and slip-resistant shoes. These are perfect for accommodating the postpartum changes such as swollen feet.

One of the employees of Apex stated, "It is incredibly comforting to know that the new moms can rely on us in such a pivotal moment of transition." In terms of the quality and durability they provide, the prices are quite affordable. 

Regardless of what the occasion is, investing in the right kind of shoes makes a huge difference, giving you the perfect balance of comfort, confidence, and convenience; ensuring every step of yours is with ease.