Throughout the years, maternity wear has been updated according to the current fashion climate. Specific maternity wear is less common nowadays, with women preferring to wear normal clothes, usually showcasing their growing baby bump. During the 1960`s the majority of maternity wear was not distinctive and often never actually showed that the woman was pregnant. Pregnant women seemed almost non-existent as they were not often shown on advertisements and especially because a number of women were only pictured with their husbands.

Just prior to the 1960`s, the maternity trousers were patented. They provided expansion in the vertical direction at the top of the trouser, across the abdomen. The high degree of elasticity ensured the pregnant woman was comfortable regardless of the extreme stretching of the garment.

During the decade new materials became available. No longer were clothes just made out of cloth but now pvc, polyester and doe cord became increasingly popular.

Bright colours were also emerging rather than the conservative colours of the previous decade. However ladylike glamour emulated by Jackie Kennedy still took centre stage, with lace, gloves and pearls part of everyday dress. Even whilst pregnant, Jackie Kennedy remained ladylike and elegant in her trademark pill box hats and suits.

A-line dresses came to the forefront in both maternity fashion and mainstream fashion. These dresses varied in style, some being fitted from the shoulders to the hips and then widening to the hem whilst others flared straight from the shoulders, completely ignoring the waist and hips. Pregnant women found A-line dresses both comfortable and concealing, with the material skimming over the baby bump, A-line dresses could be worn both casually and as evening wear. Lace dresses provided a glam yet comfortable look whilst classic trapeze style tops were also worn over fitted skirts with an inserted stretch panel.

Smock tops were also a favourite, once again skimming the bump and concealing the pregnancy. The loose fitting smock tops or dresses were ideal in the summer, allowing maximum movement and comfort. Teamed with matching trousers they provided an easy fashion fix for mums to be.

Peter Pan collar and pussy bow blouses became an instant hit for pregnant women as well as high necklines. Blouses with an over blouse and trousers provided simple day wear. Smartly tailored shirts paired with Capri trousers provided the most comfortable and casual look. Trousers were either full length or Capri but usually fitted with a stretch panel for comfort.

Pullover jerkins were a fashion favourite at the time, paired with a long sleeved high necked shirt. The turtle neck was a staple part of the maternity wardrobe, being paired with bright coloured jerkins and shirts. Similarly the slim skirt was also an essential item which could be worn with a number of different style shirts and tops.

As time goes by fashion changes and as a result so does maternity wear. Now expectant mothers prefer to opt for normal clothes rather than specific maternity wear although maternity clothes UK do appear to be looking back to the more vintage clothing era of the 1960`s.