Maternity Knitwear

Knit weight, length and layering

Maternity knitwear is mostly bought for layering, so the two useful measurements are body length and knit weight. A longer front hem keeps the bump covered as it grows; a chunky knit adds warmth but also bulk over the bump, where a fine knit follows the shape instead.

Cardigans and open styles tend to stay wearable longest, because they do not need to fit over the bump at all. Pullovers and jumpers depend on the width through the body and on how much the knit relaxes with wear.

Fibre content is worth comparing across brands: wool and wool blends hold shape and warmth, cotton knits are cooler, and acrylic-heavy knits are usually cheaper but pill sooner. The composition is listed in each brand's own store.