When Priya Regan, hailing from Tamil Nadu but currently residing in Kuwait, found this to be a commonality, she decided she wanted to bring about change. She launched a line of maternity and feeding wear that is available in sizes S to 5XL.

“It’s very unfortunate that something as pure and normal as breastfeeding is looked down upon in public spaces. Because of this, I know many women who don’t feed the infants for long hours. I felt that bringing about a line of clothing that will make such women feel at ease and be aesthetically appealing would solve this problem,” says Priya, who runs a bridal wear boutique called Mabia based in Chennai.

 

Right from kurtas to party dresses and saree blouses, the apparels are fitted with concealed zips on the sides to make feeding easy for new mothers. “I attended a tailoring course in the UK to learn more about designing clothing for to-be and new moms. Based on what I learnt, I have incorporated zips instead of hooks in the clothing, unlike what one might find in Indian maternity wear bands,” she says. The clothes come in various materials like cotton, 60 per cent georgette blends that are imported from France and other handloom fabrics from India. Priya says, “I use everything except rayon because the feedback hasn’t been positive from my customers about this particular fabric. Also, we don’t customise and stitch the garments like most tailoring units do, but stock readymade pieces.” She adds, “The USP of our line is that it caters to plus-size women as well. We have limited pieces of up to size 4 and 5XL and are willing to deliver more pieces upon receiving orders.”

 

While the kurtas are priced at Rs. 900 (starting), some of the other pieces sell for up to Rs. 5000. “The same embroidery or handwork which is done on the bridal sarees and blouses is done on these dresses and evening gowns,” sums up Priya. The clothes come in attractive colours and she has plans of expanding to more kinds of outfits.