Frequently asked questions

• Do you need maternity tees?

  Yes, you do need maternity tees if you are pregnant. Most non-maternity tees become uncomfortable by week 16 to 20 as the bump grows. The hem rides up and the body of the tee pulls tight across the bump. Maternity tees are cut with extra length over the front and additional ease across the waist, which means they continue to sit properly through the third trimester. A few well-chosen maternity tees usually replace most of your regular tee wardrobe through pregnancy. They are the most-worn category in most maternity capsules.

• What is the difference between a maternity tee and a regular tee?

  The difference between a maternity tee and a regular tee is the cut. A maternity tee has additional length over the front of the body to accommodate the bump, extra ease through the waist and hips, and often slightly longer arms and a slightly higher neckline to compensate for the bump pulling the front up. The shoulders and bust typically fit standard sizing. A well-designed maternity tee doesn't read obviously maternity; it just fits a bump. The shape works around a forward bump while keeping the rest of the body proportions consistent.

• How many maternity tees do I need?

  The number of maternity tees you need is typically four to six for comfortable daily rotation. Aim for a mix: two short-sleeve options in neutrals, one or two longer-line wrap or box-cut styles for slightly polished moments, and one or two stripe or print pieces for variety. Add a long-sleeve option for cooler weather. Six tees in rotation cover most weeks of pregnancy. Most mothers find that investing in a smaller number of better tees is more satisfying than buying many low-quality maternity tees that don't last.

• What size maternity tee should I buy?

  The size maternity tee you should buy is usually your pre-pregnancy size in most cases. Our maternity tees are cut with bump accommodation built into the pattern, so the rest of the tee fits your normal frame. If you're between sizes, size up by one for late-pregnancy and postpartum comfort. The shoulders, bust, and arms should fit close to your usual size. Sizing up too much makes the tee look oversized rather than tailored and often makes it sit poorly on the bump.

• Can you wear maternity tees after pregnancy?

  Yes, you can wear maternity tees after pregnancy, particularly longline wrap, box-cut, and stripe-panel styles. These cuts translate well into postpartum wear and many continue to work indefinitely after weaning. The additional length and ease that flattered a bump also flatters a recovering postpartum body. The pieces that translate less well are ones with very specific ruched bump panels. Straight-cut maternity tees usually become favourite regular tees because the proportions are flattering even on a non-pregnant body.