How environmentally-friendly fabrics make for a stylish and comfortable nine months.

Gone are the days when maternity clothes meant frumpy smocks and dodgy dungarees. Thankfully there is now a wide range of stylish and flattering clothes available to see you through your pregnancy. With comfort and style an absolute must, some of the environmentally friendly fabrics now available are ideal.

What is eco maternity wear?

Designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, eco maternity clothing has a low impact on the environment. It is made using materials that are easily renewed and grown without the excessive use of chemicals.

Bamboo

The latest thing in eco maternity fashion is bamboo fabric. Bamboo grass is the fastest growing plant in the world and requires very few pesticides, making it really eco-friendly. It is also the perfect fabric for maternity wear as it is light, floaty and stretchy.

It is super soft (much softer than cotton) and very comfortable. It is also breathable and hypo-allergenic with unique anti-bacterial and deodorising properties. Its insulating qualities mean it keeps you warm on cold days but will cool you down in warmer weather. And it’s really good value for money too!

Organic cotton

Made using a fraction of the chemicals and pesticides used for regular cotton, organic cotton is another option, which is kind to the planet and kind to your changing shape.

What is available?

Bamboo and organic cotton are both really versatile fabrics, ideal for soft, drapey tops and skirts, or hard-wearing jeans. Many items double up as nursing wear to last throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

There are some lovely, elegant dresses available, which are perfect for evenings out. Soft jersey vests, trousers, skirts and wrap-around tops make essential pregnancy basics. Some websites also have some great underwear to choose from.

Bamboo yoga trousers are perfect throughout your pregnancy and beyond for a super comfortable option.

The bamboo belly band is a really simple but clever design. It is a wide, stretchy band of fabric that can be worn under non-maternity clothes to cover up your bump. It looks just like a t-shirt, creating a layered effect without all the excess fabric. It is also perfect for use after the birth. It covers up your tummy and back as you breastfeed, whilst also supporting your post-baby belly.

Where can you buy it?

For a range of simple, elegant and comfortable designs, www.buyorganics.co.uk offer a selection of really affordable maternity clothing.

Belly bands are available from www.glowmaternityandbaby.co.uk, which also has a range of bamboo pregnancy clothing to choose from.

For a comfy hooded top and roll-top trousers try www.bynature.co.uk.

www.spiritofnature.co.uk has a small selection of pregnancy and breastfeeding essentials.

Try these bamboo maternity jeans for just £20 from www.babipur.co.uk.

Also www.lilimay.co.uk, www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk or www.thenaturalstore.co.uk for the New Bamboo Mum Collection, which is designed in partnership with the NCT (National Childbirth Trust). A donation of £1 of each item sold will fund breastfeeding counsellors. Garments include comfy roll-top yoga trousers and breastfeeding wrap tops.