The Mom Uniform. Some dread the laid-back look, while others embrace the chance to put on their yoga pants and never look back. Something that I strongly believe in when it comes to clothing is this: whatever you’re wearing, it should feel good.
I know, I know. What a novel idea, right? How could clothing that doesn’t constrict your movements and keeps your butt crack from showing be at all desirable? For those of you who are moms already, I’m sure you can understand why it’s important to be comfortable. Besides giving your body some cozy time to recoup after pushing a watermelon out of your hooha or being opened up during an “easy” c-section, your ability to move is an essential part of caring for your little one (and yourself).
Psst… Make sure you don’t miss out on the comfortable sustainable fashion giveaway at the end of this post!
Exercising – So you may buy these comfortable “active wear” clothes originally because you’re going to be working out like a son of a gun. You’ll have all this free time and be keenly committed to losing the baby belly, right? Errrrrnnnnn. (That’s the sound that the “you’re wrong” button in game shows makes, by the way.)
Okay, maybe you’re a more motivated individual than me, but setting aside some time between groceries, meals, dishes, laundry, playtime, nature exploration, socializing, cleaning, and all the other responsibilities that eat up my time, this just hasn’t happened for me so far. The idea of being able to sneak in some quick exercise without having to go change clothes is a great one, even if you don’t end up doing a single squat. One step at a time.
Cleaning Up the Never-Ending Mess – Toddlers have this amazing ability to be able to turn a perfectly clean and tidy room into a disaster zone in the time it takes to open the fridge, decide you still have nothing worth eating there, and close the door to gaze upon the whirlwind. I am constantly bending and stretching, turning and lunging to pick up the trails of dolls, books, and stolen kitchen supplies that my toddler is finished with. Yes, it’s beneficial to have them help out, but a toddler is not mentally ready to tackle a full clean up of that proportion, so mama gets a bit of a workout keeping up. Oh well, at least I’m making up for some of that neglected gym time.
Playing Outside – There are so many reasons why children (and adults) benefit from time spent outdoors. I want to foster a positive relationship between my little one and the natural world, and in order to do that, I need to be comfortable playing outside, too. Whether we’re rolling down grassy hills, hiking through the forest, or carefully stepping on rocks to cross a stream, I want to be able to lead and/or follow her without my clothing choices holding me back.
Navigating Playgrounds – Maybe I’m that helicopter mom (yep, I totally am), but there comes a time (or many times) in every mama’s life when she has to clamor up onto a playground structure to aide her little love in some sort of maiming/fearful/coordination-lacking/unkind situation. In each of these instances, one hopes to be able to do so while still remaining at least a sliver of collected control. When your butt is hanging out of your low-rise jeans, or your restrictive garb is keeping you from reaching that 8-foot plateau where the twirly slide sits, you’ll have a tough time doing so with any tact.
Gardening – Part of fostering a relationship with the outdoors, to me, is ensuring that my daughter has a healthy understanding of how plants grow, how we can help them, and where our food comes from. Now, try bending down to weed a garden bed in your fancy jeans. Not going to happen without popping a button or bearing through the uncomfortable confinement that is high fashion. “Darling, gardening is so enjoyable!” “Then why are you wincing, Mama?” Again, it’s active wear and comfortable clothes for the win!
The Oh-Crap-You’re-Oozing-Crap Running Weight Routine – If you haven’t had to hold your child at arm’s distance while you quickly dash to a safe place to deal with a leaking doo-saster, then you haven’t lived. The rush you get as you speed along, hoping you can keep from getting too much poo on your clothes or your hair! You may have to pull off some serious ninja moves to open doors and gates, lay down mats, and strip off that forever-stained onesie in your effort to return your life to a slightly less smelly and squishy state. Who needs a gym pass when you can experience cardio and lifting weights in such a natural way?
Bath Time – As you get used to the bathing of your baby, something you’re sure to come up against is how freaking uncomfortable it can be to bend and lean through the various stages of baby bath-dom. At first you’re contorted as you try to simultaneously hold up baby’s head from going under while doing your hygienic duties, then you’re suddenly thwarting off splash attacks and saving your toddler from offing themselves with their “crazy tricks”. Trust me, bath time may start to seem more like a 3-ring circus than the calm meditation that you were used to before this little fish joined your routine, and you’re going to want some mobility while you bend, stretch, dive, and wash.
Impromptu Dance Parties – Let’s be honest. Life with a little one isn’t all sunshine and roses, but it’s no prison sentence, either. With the woes come the joy, and there are a tremendous amount of moments that are brimming with joy. Particularly, those special moments when a song starts playing and your babe can’t help but be moved by the beat. Music is undoubtedly important to early childhood, and I try to never miss an opportunity to bust a move with my toddler. We laugh, we smile, we sing, we spin, we bop and tumble to the rhythm. These moments come on so spontaneously that there is no time for a quick costume change, so you better be ready to move at any minute.
So, while comfortable clothes are a necessity in raising young minds and bodies, looking like a “frumpy” mom certainly isn’t a requirement. You have more than enough reasons to dress and look however you want (besides accepting individuality, that whole watermelon vs. hooha/surgery thing grants you comfort in however that works for you). However, I can guarantee you’ll feel better and burst through those “baby blues” when you wear something that makes you feel good. In my experience, I’ve realized just how powerful putting on clothes that make you feel attractive can be.
Leave Nothing But Footprints is a brand focused on sustainable fashion that refuses to compromise on comfort or style. Based in Toronto, LNBF has made it their mission to design flattering styles for all silhouettes with eco-friendly and luxurious fabrics, like bamboo and organic cotton. I love that the bamboo fabrics made in their mills use fewer chemicals, and less water to manufacture than synthetics and cotton. Bamboo also has anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking properties, which is key to desirable fashion in motherhood.
Now, let’s talk style. When I was first approached by LNBF to review their sustainable fashion line, I popped onto their website to see what kind of clothes they offered and if there was anything I would actually wear. This whole simplifying and de-cluttering process has made me very mindful of only inviting into my home and my life items that I truly want and will use. After browsing the selection of stylish yet comfortable clothing, I had a difficult time deciding which items I wanted to choose to review, as there were so many beautiful pieces to pick from. In the end, I opted for a Bella Organic Cotton Cardigan, a Daphne Maxi Skirt, and an Opera Dress. I could not be happier with my choices!
The Bella Organic Cotton Cardigan is the most beautiful blue colour, and works well for both dressy and casual situations. I love how comfortable it is to the touch, and how it keeps me warm in this Spring weather without overheating me like some of my heavier sweaters. I’m also a big fan of the cut of the cardigan, as it does it’s job of keeping me warm and covered, while being short enough at the back to keep from hiding my butt and turning my outfit into a giant poncho – a problem I often face as a short girl trying to maintain some sort of shapely appearance.
The Daphne Maxi Skirt, while not quite as sensible for navigating playgrounds and rolling down hills, has fast become my go-to “dressing up” item of clothing. I find it very flattering, extremely comfortable, and that high-rising slit definitely does the job of making me feel sexy, even as I pick the boogers out of those tiny nostrils.
The Opera Dress is, in fact, a dress (I know, shocking), so you might think it’s a no-go for running after the little ones. Wrong! This is the perfect style for popping some form-fitting shorts on underneath to keep your lady bits tucked away, while still being able to rock the skirt. While it doesn’t have the pockets I was imagining when I ordered this piece (the “pockets” drop straight down to the bottom hem, so I wouldn’t want to put too much of anything in there), I do appreciate how the added fabric on the midsection keeps any lines and bumps from being noticeable. The neckline is quite classy, too, and keeps everything hidden while still adding an element of mysterious sexiness to the oh-so-comfortable dress.
The bottom here is that, if you’re a mom, you don’t have to sacrifice looking good for feeling comfortable and being able to move your busy mama body. Whether you’re working out, hosting a playdate, running errands, or boogie-ing down in an impromptu dance party, LNBF has an outfit that will grant you comfort and compliments as you live your busy life.
Now, this is where it gets really good. Just for you, my amazing readers, LNBF is offering up a $100 Gift Card to use on the LNBF website, so you can try out some of their comfortable sustainable fashion pieces yourself. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Contest is open to Canadian entrants only (Quebec, since this doesn’t exceed $100 you can enter, too!). Full contest terms and conditions can be found within Rafflecopter. Good luck!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Leave Nothing But Footprints, but all of the above is my true and honest opinion about comfortable clothes, sustainable fashion, and the dread of leaking baby poo. To check out my full disclosure policy, find it here.
145 thoughts on “8 Reasons Moms Need Comfortable Clothes & Sustainable Fashion”
I love the look of this line – it does look comfy AND stylish! No easy feat. Crossing my fingers for this giveaway and the Opera dress for me too!
So classy, right? Thanks for entering, Joan! Good luck!
I would like tie dye flare jeans
Yea! My Salt Spring Island self loves tie dye, and Joan @ mADDworld! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Love that Opera dress! PS I always do the thumbs up too 😉
Haha! Glad I’m not alone in my cheesy awkwardness. Thanks for entering! (PS I love your nerdy blog!)
Wonderful would love to win
Thanks for entering! Good luck! 🙂
I love the cora maxi dress!
That was a serious contender in my what-do-I-pick dilemma! Love the way it looks. Thanks for commenting!
Would love to try the ALEXA TUNIC DRESS, they have some really nice pieces.
Yes! Another piece I considered. So many great pieces, indeed! Good luck!
thanks for the chance , i would get the liv jogger and christina tunic tee ,looks comfy and stylish
That Christina tunic tee is adorable! Good luck!
I love the collection! I like the Elizabeth tunic and aurora pants 😀
Both choices I would love to try as well! So. Many. Great items! Good luck!
Would love to wear the Loretta Layered Tank and the Huron V neck tee for hubby!
I love that they have some awesome styles for men, too! Maybe a kids’ line will be next? Thanks for the comment!
I love the Opera dress & the Bella Organic Cotton Cardigan.
I am love, love, loving these! The cardigan is my new favourite cover, and that dress is the perfect mix of classy/sexy/comfy. Good luck!
Love these clothes. I tend to think about sustainability in what we eat and just realized that our clothes is a whole other conversation! Thanks
Isn’t it amazing what we don’t consider until someone else brings it up? This happens to me all the time! So many considerations in life. Thanks for commenting!
The Hailey cardigan would pair well with a lot of pieces and looks comfy.
Gah! Another great choice I had to choose between this time. Good luck!
I love the Daphne Maxi Skirt, It looks comfortable.
Super comfortable, and it makes me feel attractive, which is definitely a mood booster! Thanks for the comment!
Would love the Opera dress!
It feels so comfy and classy! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Love that maxi skirt! With two under two, I need to be comfortable!
Yes! Now is not a time in my life for restrictive clothing! I LOVE this maxi skirt!!
The RENEE STRIPED TOP is an item I’d love to wear!
It is pretty, isn’t it? Thanks for commenting!
1) You’re GORGEOUS. I just need to say that.
2) I would loooove to try on those Aurora pants and the Loretta layered Tank. 🙂
Ha! You just made my day! I kept looking at the photos and wondering if I should redo them with some makeup on or at least taming my crazy hair. Silly human insecurity. 🙂
The aurora pants were definitely on my what-should-I-choose list! They look great!
Loving the Alexander tunic dress. I love how you displayed how versatile the items are with toddler. I am going though those stages now
Such a nice looking dress! Thank you for your kind words. I put a lot of effort into what I post, and I’m glad the thought put into it shows. 🙂 Good luck!
huron vneck tee
I love the Opera dress! Love LNBF
I like so many of their items. They look so comfortable but all also really stylish. I love the Veronica and Ellie dresses the most.
I would LOVE to try the Opera Dress 🙂
I love the Khloe Maxi Dress!
I like the Cora maxi dress
I’d like to try the christina tunic tee.
The Opera dress looks perfect! Comfie, and eco fashion. Just. Love it!
Iwould like to try the little black dress. It looks comfy and a great cover up of flaws
would love to win this
I would love to try their summer dresses. Thanks!
oh my what would I NOT like to try, all if possible, love the tie dye jeans yes please, thanks for the chance to win
I would like to try the opera dress
I love that cardigan your wearing just my colour and a great style.
I really like the look of the Opera dress, it would be great for travelling.
I like to try the Baily top
I like the layered tank and the Mandy tee had great detail on the back.
I really like the clothes are a very casual comfy but look great! I would love the SHAYLA SPLIT TUNIC & SURI LEGGINGS IN FULL LENGTH. This outfit could be dress up for work but could also be great for going out after work!
Love to try the Opera dress!!
I love the Heidi Chiffon Tunic
I would like to try the Avant top.
So many things caught my eye but would be interested in the Daphne Maxi Skirt
The skirts!
the Daphne Maxi Skirt, looks so comfy and cute
I would like to try the SURI LEGGINGS IN CAPRI LENGTH.
I would love the MINDY HANDKERCHIEF DRESS
I like the Men’s Jasper Pocket Tee.
I like the layered tank and the Mandy tee
I would like the Elizabeth Tunic
I would love the Liberty French Terry Capri & Lori Tank in purple
i love the Julia Maxi dress its very pretty
I love the Julia maxi dress and the long skirts
I love the Opera Dress in burgundy!
I love the Opera Dress…. big time.
I’d love to try the tunic dress – so cute.
love the maxi skirts
The LBNF items I would love to try are the Leah Gauchos with the Cristina Tee. It is amazing that LBNF is eco-friendly apparel. I have not tried their clothing before but I do own a LBNF summer tote and the inside is made from recycled water bottles.
I adore the Daphne Maxi Skirt! I would love it for the summer.
Wow,they sure have some great items but i do love the Daphne Maxi Skirt
i like the Alexa Tunic Dress
I LOVE the Bella Organic cozy cardigan !! The color is beautiful too. This style of cloths is so popular here on Vancouver Island and I love it. Thank you for this Wonderful giveaway 🙂
I love the Maxi dress!!
I would love to try the Bella Organic Cotton Cardigan. Love the colour!
I really like the LORETTA LAYERED TANK
The Maxi Skirt
I’d like to try one of their shirts
I’d love to try the Opera Dress.
I would like to try the Opera Dress!
The Katie Tunic Dress in Violet
I love the Mandy Top
i like all the dresses
i would love to get the http://lnbf.ca/collections/active-collection/products/va-va-tank
I like the tie dye jeans. The line of clothing looks so comfortable.
The Opera dress would look great!
I love the Opera dress in Grape. I’d like to try the Va-Va Tank in orchid too.
The skirt and opera dress look lovely!
Or the tunics or Veronica dress 😉
I would like to try the opera dress. It looks comfortable and classy.
I love the Daphne Maxi Skirt in stripes! 😉
The Julia Maxi Dress!
I think I could easily spend all day in the Opera dress. It looks super comfy and cute!
I would love to try the Mary Cardigan and the Melissa Light Active Hoodie
~Jonnie
The Bella Organic cozy cardigan looks cute
Ooh, that skirt!
I like the Suri Leggings in Full Length in Capri Length.
I love the cora maxi dress
The opera dress is something I love the most. I need a piece like that in my wardrobe.
Would love the Veronica dress
I want the Mary cardigan and the Katie Tunic dress
Lovely styles. I like the Mary Cardigan.
I love the Kira Active Poncho
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
I would love to have the Julia Maxi Dress
http://lnbf.ca/collections/spring-summer/products/cora-maxi-dress the color midnight!!
Loving the dress and that slit skirt is beautiful would love it
Loving the daphne!
I like the LORETTA LAYERED TANK and the ALEXA TUNIC DRESS.
I like all their stuff but really like the SHAYLA SPLIT TUNIC.
I love cotton tees but need more dressy shirts like tunics or knits, but would love to try anything pretty, thanks!
I love the Opera Dress, it would be so comfortable to go to work in.
I love the aurora pant.They are a little flared and made with cozy bamboo material.I also
love the Vivian chiffon oversized tunic because I think they would look good together and
it also looks so comfy!!
I love their active collection. The Va-Va-Tank is an awesome design! I also like the Amy top & the Voyage Skort!
There are so many awesome pieces. I don’t know what I would pick. I do love the cora maxi dress though.
I’d like to try the exercise wear
I love the opera dress
I like the Heidi Tunic and the Sydney dress a lot.
The clothing looks comfortable and effortless. i need a new pair of capris and the Suri style looks great!
I would like the Ellie Dress.
I like the bella cardigan
LOVE ALEXA TUNIC DRESS.
I love the Cora Maxi dress.
I know my girlfriend loves this brand, she’s pregnant with twins right now but I would love to win so she could buy some post baby comfy clothes!
You are so sweet! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lot there that would be perfect for post-pregnancy. So comfy and stretchy and stylish to help her feel put-together at an often frumpy-feeling time. It’s amazing what throwing on something you like can make you feel.
I would love to get the bonnie split back tank in white
I would love the Mira Hoodie and the Suri leggings
I’d get the Suri Leggings in Capri Length in the color dark grey
Love to win this <3
I would love to try the Bailey Top
These clothes look super comfy and stylish!
They certainly are! I couldn’t pick a favourite of the three I got, they’ll all just so perfect for me. Thanks for entering, Jenn!
I am crazy about the mindy handkerchief dress. It looks so beautiful and I cant wait to try them out. Thanks for sharign this awesome company with us! http://lnbf.ca/collections/spring-summer/products/mindy-handkerchief-dress
I love everything, it looks so comfortable and stylish at the same time…gorgeous clothes!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for this one!!!
I’d love to try the Cora Maxi Dress! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!!
GOOD LUCK everyone, hope you’re having a good weekend
i like the Mindy Handkerchief Dress and Elizabeth Tunic
I really like the Sydney Tank Dress.
I love the cora maxi dress but there are so many others id love too –im all about comfort these days
Super stylish clothes,hard to choose
Love this <3
<3 Thanks for your kindness, Anna!