Maternity Clothes: The 1937 Skirt With a Window for the Bump

In 1937 a company called Page Boy offered a patented skirt with a window built over the expanding abdomen. The point was the hemline, which stayed stable instead of hiking up as the bump grew. I love that the first big problem in maternity clothes was a hem that would not behave.

Before that, wrap-around skirts with a series of buttons were already around, and the US had ready-to-wear for pregnant women from Lane Bryant in the 1900s, with adjustable drawstring waists and wrap-front dresses. Today the window has become stretch fabric and a clever waistband. The idea is the same: clothes that grow with you, so you do not have to fight them.

A quick test for any piece below: put it on and sit down, then raise your arms. If the waist stays put and the hem stays level, it was made by someone who thought about it.

Dresses are the easiest place to start, because one piece does the whole outfit. Hatch's Softsculpt Knit Arden Dress is a black boat-neck maxi, fitted at the bust and waist with an A-line skirt and long sleeves, in a knit that stretches as you change. The Kiley Cord Mini Dress, also Hatch, is chestnut corduroy with oversized front pockets and an easy A-line shape. PinkBlush Maternity's red ribbed midi has a polo collar and hugs the bump, while its brown plaid tiered midi has a square neckline, puff sleeves and a smocked bodice. Hatch's nursing dresses widen the choice: the Bri Nursing Mini Dress, the Darla Nursing Dress in camel plaid, the Eva Waffle Nursing Dress in ivory and navy stripe, and the Elia Dress. Tip: pick the one whose neckline you would wear anyway, since the rest will stretch.

Hatch's Over the Bump Straight Maternity Jean is true indigo with a stovepipe leg and a compression panel that rises high over the belly. Its Relaxed Wide Leg Maternity Jean is black and sits under the bump on an expanding wedge waistband. The Drapey Denim Ellie Pant is chocolate, soft and fluid, with a 360-degree elastic waistband, a snap and a fly. PinkBlush Maternity's medium-wash wide-leg jeans have a stretchy over-the-bump waistband that gives gentle support. Hatch's Boyfriend Maternity Jeans add a true indigo boyfriend cut, DL1961's Hepburn is a wide leg, Paige's Noella is a straight leg, and the DL1961 x Bumpsuit Miro is a barrel shape. Tip: try them on with the shoes you wear most, because a wide leg and a stovepipe leg hit very differently. What I would skip: any pair you have to hold up with your hand.

Knits do the quiet work here. Hatch's Bridgette Turtleneck is an ivory superfine merino with a fine rib and subtle bell sleeves, and the Celine Cardigan is black merino with a flared shape and deep ribbed cuffs that glides over the bump. PinkBlush Maternity's mocha sweater has dolman sleeves and side slits, and its cream drop-shoulder sweater is a soft, breathable knit in a relaxed fit. Tip: layer the Celine cardigan open over the turtleneck, then let the cream sweater be your weekend pick. Mocha and cream sit nicely together if you want a calm, neutral stack.

Hatch's Pinstripe Blazer is navy pinstripe stretch suiting with an elongated, easy fit, and the Pinstripe Stretch Work Pant matches it with a straight leg, pintuck seams and an elastic waistband on the inside. If you want something less matching, the HATCH Stretch Suit Pant is black stretch jersey with a slightly tapered leg and side pockets. The Classic Buttondown is a camel plaid viscose shirt, oversized and drapey, and the button front gives nursing access. Tip: wear the blazer open and let the shirt hang loose over the pants. It reads relaxed and still gets you through a meeting.

This is the group I would keep reaching for. Hatch's Romy Pullover Classic Sweatshirt is blue opal French terry that is garment washed, with a ribbed hem and side seams set forward to make room for the bump. The Classic Cotton PJ Set is printed cotton and nursing-friendly, and the Feeding Jumpsuit is black pointelle cotton with front patch pockets and working buttons. PinkBlush Maternity's Barrel Leg Terry Sweatpants are taupe with a drawstring waist and a wide leg. For days at home, Hatch's Indoor Outdoor Joggers and Bodyflex Leggings sit beside Beyond Yoga's Spacedye Love The Bump Maternity Midi 7/8 Leggings and the Year of Ours Maternity Onesie. Tip: choose the pieces that work for pregnancy and nursing both, so you keep wearing them afterward.

With maternity clothes, check the waistband before anything else. A window in a 1937 skirt and a wedge in a modern jean are answers to the same question: what happens to this piece when your body changes. Choose clothes that answer it kindly, then let the rest be about what you like. If a sweater, a dress or a pair of pajamas still feels good after you sit down, reach, and sit down again, it is a keeper. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Baby Clothes and The Midi Skirt Is Back on Its Own Terms.