Maternity Trends for the Millennium
What do you think?
In manufacturing its line of cotton and cotton/lycra maternity clothing,
designers at Maternal Instincts, Inc. continue to anticipate the demands
for comfortable high quality cotton and cotton/lycra clothing that fits
the needs of both working and stay-at home pregnant women. Both dressy
and casual items that coordinate are popular. Cut, fit, and color are
important. What we do know is that pregnant women insist on soft, roomy
comfortable clothing.
Style trends are never easy to anticipate. Many women want to look pregnant
and show it all off. Just as many women want to wear slim, trendy items
showing their pregnancy only at the last possible moment. The secret is
to be ready for all these style changes with simplicity the keynote. -Pat
Henneberry, President, Maternal Instincts, Inc.
As a leading manufacturer of maternity and nursing bras and nursing sleepwear
(both private label and brand name), Leading lady is gearing-up for the
millennium using the following trends as a guide:
As the country witnesses the last of the Baby Boomer moms giving birth,
the focus for the millennium is now on a much younger mom (20-35). Demographic
trends show that the new generation "Y" group (20-26) is looking for a
resurgence of traditional values. As quoted in American Demographics
magazine, Feb. 1999 (Y Not Love?), Helen Stapinski writes, "In their latest
survey, 'The New Millennium Woman,' Nickles and Ashcraft found that 82
percent of 20 to 24 year-olds thought motherhood was the most important
job in the world, compared to 72 percent in the more jaded 24-34 year
of Gen X category." Leading Lady believes these young moms are influencing
the market as we see the demand increase for updated, youthful style nursing
and maternity bras.
For example, nursing and maternity bra styling is changing.molded
cup nursing bras are one of the fastest growing new products offered by
Leading Lady. We believe this new style of bra will continue to give moms
a fresh younger look for the Millennium while keeping them feeling pretty
and confident. Just as popular too, is the new sport bra look-a wonderful
casual bra for moms on the go.
The evolution of fabrics: While cotton will continue to be the number
one choice of nursing moms for its breathability, cotton blends are forging
their way onto the scene. Currently, the most recognized blend is cotton/lycra.
Leading Lady has seen demand for this fabric increase. Its body-sculpting
properties offer the wearer youthful and natural-looking support, a forgiving
fit and easy care. Nursing bras in the millennium are sure to benefit
from the introduction of even newer fabrics-micro-denier and micro touch.
These are the softest fabrics yet and are just starting to be manufactured
for maternity/nursing bras.
Leading Lady has also seen an increased demand for shorty nursing pajamas
and boxer PJ sets. This, too, is in keeping with the demographic information
that supports a trend for younger styling with a tailored and fun look!
Leading Lady sees this youthful trend as a wonderful opportunity to refresh
basic styles that will continue to provide the comfort and quality people
have come to associate with the Leading Lady name. -Doreen Brennan,
Marketing Specialist, Leading Lady
I have noticed that the maternity fitness wear market has grown since
our business began two years ago and I feel there are several factors
contributing to this trend.
Recent research by Dr. James Clapp sheds new light on some old myths
about exercise during and after pregnancy which supports women who choose
to workout during and after their pregnancies.
Further, new styles and fabrics have been designed recently which are
attractive, functional and comfortable. It is obvious to me that athletic
clothing companies are starting to realize that the maternity fitness
wear market has unexpected potential. -Laurie Bagley, Owner of Fit
Maternity and Beyond
The maternity industry is continually trying to keep abreast of the needs
of their customers. One must keep in mind that the pregnant woman does
not want to spend a lot of money on her wardrobe since she will wear the
clothes for a limited time only. She is looking for comfort, washability,
and durability, but she also wants to be stylish. For the pregnant mom
who doesn't have a career position, the trend is in active wear looks.
This encompasses denim overalls, shirtings, jackets and pants. It also
includes knits in textured fabrics such as flat back ribs, polar fleece,
quilting and french terry.
Heather yarn plays a very important role in both active looks and career
looks in shades of grays, browns and blues.
For the working mom the strongest direction we see is in the fabrics
itself. Coordinated separates in heathered flat back ribs, menswear striping,
ultra suede, velour and fine wale washed corduroy. -Eric F. New, Vice
President of National Sales, Lady Roi
The 25th anniversary of Title IX, the US Women's soccer team winning
the World Cup, and the explosive WNBA has helped heighten the awareness
that sports play in women's lives today. Girls are encouraged and able
to play sports throughout their school years. This active lifestyle continues
to be more and more a part of a woman's adult life. Coupled with the awareness
(and growing clinical evidence) that exercise benefits both pregnant mother
and unborn baby, maternity manufacturers will become more sensitive to
a woman's athletic needs during pregnancy.
Women will be looking for fitness apparel that reflects their athletic
prowess; apparel that will support them in their varied athletic activities.
Fabrics will be important to these women. Women accustomed to the technical
advantage received from current athletic fabrics will be looking for the
same performance in their maternity wear. Temperature, chaffing, and rashing
are all issues that can be addressed by today's technical fabrics for
fitness wear.
Women who are active prior to pregnancy will want to remain active throughout
their pregnancy. The millennium will be the time when these strong women
are recognized and rewarded with products that cater to their lifestyle.
Maternity manufacturers will have to meet this demand or risk falling
by the wayside. -Bess Hilpert, CEO, Mothers in Motion
Turn-of-the-century maternity fashions are up to the challenge of keeping
in step with the demands of women as they round the corner to the 21st
century.
Colors are varied and vibrant. Gray has replaced black in the basics,
as well as being a color statement on its own, with shades running from
the palest hues, to slate, and to the deepest charcoals. It helps create
the color combination of the season when paired with the new pinks that
flow from a soft blush to a deep raspberry or fuchsia.
Sensational fabrics are giving maternity wear a new vitality. Silks,
satins, micro-suedes, jersey knits, boucles, ribbed ottomans, soft crepes,
corduroys, velours, chenilles....the selection is endless! Owner and designer
of Ma Divine Clementine, Dominique Perron, has incorporated the "hottest
knit fabric of the season - Ponte de Roma" into her whole line. The fabric
has classic roots from the 50s and "has just enough weight to winter nearly
everywhere in North America, and just enough stretch to keep its shape."
Classic velvets and satins, gold lamé, sheer organza overlays, and nylon
mesh will be seen at millennium celebrations. For the transitional seasons
in between, nothing beats the new matte jersey, with the look and feel
of silk, and the care of cotton.
Hemlines are as varied as personalities and there is an option for everyone:
mini, slightly above the knee, the new 26" length that falls just at the
knee, mid- calf, slightly above the ankle, and at the ankle.
Pant styles come in flair and boot leg, as well as the traditional straight
leg, falling either at the ankle, or the new cropped length, slightly
above the ankle. New for jeans is the rolled up cuff. Waistbands are incorporating
the limitless drawstring, and maternity front panels are being replaced
by zippers and a series of buttons for expanding and restricting as needed.
With all of the new fabulous choices in maternity wear, pregnant women
can feel confident and gratified that they are in the latest fashion styles...and
in total comfort. -Teresa Gallagher and Maria G. Mueller, Anna Cris
Maternity
I see the trend in maternity clothes heading toward the more fitted shape
to not be hiding the belly, but to celebrate it. Most fabrics work better
when there is a percentage of until the last trimester.
The pregnant woman of today wants to be as fashionable as her friend
who is not pregnant. She wants to wear items such as bootleg pants, capri
length garments and jeans. She wants to surround herself in such luxurious
fabrics as cashmere, lace, silk and fine cottons.
The clothes today do not resemble anything that our mothers wore. The
modern woman of today wants the adoring glances she received before this
magical journey began.
-Heidi Weinstein, L'attesa
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