Canadiana: Haramaki Love

As a newbie to this whole being pregnant thing, I'm wondering how long I can go without setting foot in a 'maternity' store. There's just something about that word that makes me cringe. I don't know, maybe I'm being silly. I'm sure there are lots of nice maternity shops out there, but the word combined with my natural disdain for shopping has got me looking high and low for ways to keep my current wardrobe growing with me.

This is why I'm extra thankful for my friend, Julia. Julia is the owner of the wonderful Montreal-based online shop, Haramaki Love, and an expert on all things pregnancy related. When I started to notice that the buttons on my jeans didn't want to do up anymore I gave her a call and ordered two of her haramakis. What is a haramaki you ask? Well, a picture (or two) is worth a thousand words...



Haramakis are a tube of fabric, 95% cotton 5% lycra, that you can wear over your pants and under your shirt—which, if you're pregnant will cover up those unbuttoned buttons and unzipped flies. The word haramaki comes from the Japanese words hara meaning centre of the body and maki meaning to wrap up. Julia fell in love with these special tubular garments while living in Japan and is now sharing her haramakis with her North American customers. I'm completely addicted to mine and wear them everyday. I have a regular black one (pictured above) that I wear over pants and shorts and a long one that I wear over leggings to cover my bum. They are super versatile and provide me with comfort and peace of mind as I walk around the city with my pants fully undone ;)

I think I'm also going to appreciate that added layer of warmth come winter. Of course, haramakis aren't just for mamas-to-be, I know I'll continue to incorporate mine into my wardrobe once the wee beast has arrived.

You can learn more about Julia's haramakis and order your very own on her website, and be sure to check out her blog too.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
xo bess

ps. That's me at 22 weeks!