The Baby Boom: 3 Must-have Maternity Pieces

It’s not that she “can’t handle it.” The rumors simply aren’t true—Beyoncé is not expecting her second child with husband, Jay-Z. (Or so the story goes for now.)

I’ve admittedly fallen behind on my celebrity gossip intake. But, last week, there was no escaping the media frenzy ignited by the “Bow Down/I Been On” singer’s ailments on her Mrs. Carter Show tour. If it’s on the Internet, it must be true, right? That’s what I thought until I read a report yesterday on Rollingstone.com. According to the site, Jay-Z shut this story down in a response to a congratulatory email from the program director of New York radio station Hot 97. Sadly, Blue Ivy may have to postpone her role as “big sister” a little longer.

This makes me think about the designers hankering to outfit Beyoncé in the latest maternity ensembles. For now, they’ll have to settle on Kim Kardashian whose fashion choices have been heavily scrutinized. (Kardashian is FINALLY reconsidering some questionable choices starting with her ill-fitting Christian Louboutin five-inch heels.)

Have you thought about selling to this market sector? If not, maybe now is the time to take action. Celebrity baby boom aside, in a recent market research report, The Maternity Wears Stores predicted an increased demand for maternity apparel as the US birthrate continues to grow. And in a report by Global Industry Analysts (GIA), the maternity apparel market in the U.S. is expected to exceed $4.8 billion by 2015. It’s a no-brainer! Not sure where to start? Check out the following promotional examples from Promo Marketing product search.

1. Maternity Stretch Broadcloth Blouse from Edwards Garment

The tailored blouse with added stretch features a bracelet sleeve. It has contoured side seams with front/back darts and is wrinkle-resistant and machine washable.

2. Ladies CRS Jersey Maternity T from LAT Sportswear

The 5.5 oz., 100% combed ringspun cotton jersey has a topstitched ribbed collar and a tapered neck. Choose from black, light blue, pink or white.

3. Ladies Silk Touch Maternity 3/4-sleeve V-neck Shirt from SanMar

The 5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton piqué shirt offers superb softness, which translates to extra comfort. Available colors include black, red or white.

(Editor’s Note: For other “Do’s” and even more “Don’ts,” check out the wonders of Kim Kardashian’s many pregnancy looks.)