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Story: Pregnancy, birth and baby care

Maternity clothing, 1964

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Maternity clothing, 1964

By the second half of the 20th century pregnancy was not hidden, but it was not advertised either. Maternity wear was similar in appearance to everyday wear, but looser to allow for an expanding body. The clothing in this pattern published in 1964 emphasises practicality with a sense of style. Dress number 2 is given shape by the attached belt above the belly, while the striped pattern and large pockets mean that dress 1 is more stylish. Presumably, dress 3 with rompers was nightwear.

Courtesy of Simplicity

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Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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How to cite this page

Kerryn Pollock, Pregnancy, birth and baby care – Pregnancy attitudes, rituals and clothing, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/26160/maternity-clothing-1964 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 29 March 2011.