Traditional vs. Modern Maternity Fashion: A Singaporean Perspective

The purpose of outdated maternity fashion in Singapore was to only hide the pregnant belly. Lately, however, we witnessed some inevitable changes, such as replacing shapeless, voluminous blouses with maternity bras, mini skirts, jumpsuits, low-cut gowns, and hot pants. Whether the priority was style, comfort, or setting a trend, it appeared that pregnant women found more freedom in today's fashion than in the past. In this article, we will discuss how Singaporean moms embraced both traditional and maternity fashion from time to time.

Traditional Maternity Fashion in Singapore

The maternity fashion of Singapore was influenced by its diverse culture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan communities. Earlier, maternity wear wasn’t really about convenience, it was more about privacy. Out of many, the most common maternity outfit was the baju kurung, a flowing tunic worn with a long skirt. Its oversized design offers plenty of space for a growing belly without ignoring modesty.

Samfoo was another apparel, a blouse-and-trousers set, that used to be worn in every household in Singapore during the mid-19th century. The Peranakan mothers, influenced by both Malay and Chinese traditions, adapted the kebaya by wearing it in a looser style for pregnancy.

The right fabric choice also played a vital role in vintage maternity fashion. Cotton, silk, and batik were mostly preferred due to their breathable nature, which suits the tropical climate of Singapore. Batik, in particular, was prevalent among different communities. All of the fabrics were handcrafted with meaningful designs symbolizing luck and protection for the mother and baby.

There is no doubt that modern maternity wear has become more mainstream, but classic styles are still significant. Even today, many expectant moms in Singapore still wear the clothes of batik prints, flowy tunics, and modest designs in their closet, blending cultural heritage with contemporary fashion.

Shift Towards Modern Maternity Fashion

Maternity fashion has changed rapidly over the years. Due to globalization and Western influences, mothers in Singapore now have countless options to choose from. Instead of wearing loose dresses or dull outfits, they now prefer something more stylish and versatile that glorifies their hectic lifestyles. Modern maternity clothes are generally made of elastic fabrics that stretch with the physical changes. These outfits look great and you can easily do mundane tasks with a full range of body movements.

Urban lifestyle changes are also responsible for the upgrade in maternity fashion. A large number of Singaporean mothers are working women, so they need office-friendly maternity wear. Such as maternity bras that are invisible from the outside, stretchable skirts, professional dresses, etc.

Another big trend is maternity activewear and loungewear. Pregnant moms of Singapore like to stay fit, and that is why brands now sell leggings and tank tops that encourage fitness. Additionally, nursing bras and pumping bras are the bestsellers for moms who plan to breastfeed or pump. In short, today’s maternity fashion is more focused on comfort, style, and function all in one piece.

Comparing Then and Now's Comfort and Practicality

Maternity fashion revolves around comfort and it’s a top priority for moms-to-be. Both traditional and modern styles have their perks, but they also have some limitations. In terms of comfort and practicality, the differences are:

Then:

• Used to be handmade from fabrics like cotton, silk, and batik
• Loose-fitting designs allow air to circulate
• Some outfits, like kebayas and saris, were restrictive in movement
• Layered designs were heavy and warm

Now:

• Designed with synthetic fabrics like spandex and jersey for greater mobility
• Includes adjustable features like elastic waistbands and wrap designs
• Some synthetic fabrics may trap heat, so choose them carefully

In Closing

Traditional and modern maternity fashion in Singapore coexist. The former holds cultural value and the latter offers ultimate comfort and convenience. Brands like Lovemere support this shift by selling comfortable, trendy maternity wear that suits Singapore’s climate and lifestyle. As maternity fashion keeps on evolving, it will likely become even more functional, stylish, and sustainable. In the future, Singaporean moms will have more options than ever to feel confident and comfortable.