Baring your midriff is a trend best suited if you have flat abs and bold confidence in your shape. It makes a completely different statement when you’re pregnant. Once the wonderful news of your new addition sinks in, you’ll soon discover that your clothing is a challenge—and I’m not talking about a style dilemma. In my case, my business and casual wardrobe no longer fit and despite a bit of creativity and the use of clothing that I had always intended to take in, my expanding waistline was hard to miss. Proud as I was of my pregnancy, I did not want to flash everyone. My tops were never long enough to cover my belly and the oh-so-difficult-to-close waistband of my pants. The answer, of course, was to explore my options for maternity wear. However, I found my investments—maternity garments are not cheap or sadly not well made—either offered a short-term solution for the early stages of pregnancy or were way too big for the moment. Thankfully, a salesperson introduced me to the concept of a belly band also known as a belly tube, tummy tube or belly wrap.

Basically, it’s a tube top for your midsection, offering you a fashionable layered look and way to expand your wardrobe in several manners. Now my top recommendation for pregnant friends, the belly band is a soft, stretchy tube of fabric that conceals unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants or skirts, lengthens your tops to hide unattractive elastic waistbands or expandable tummy panels, and gives you the opportunity to wear your larger-sized maternity pants or skirts without risk of them hitting the floor. Flasher will not be among your new nick names. Instead, you’ll be eagerly and proudly welcoming “Mamma” or “Mommy” to your list.

Available in an assortment of colors, Lavinia Activewear offers a Meryl, microfiber tube top for your pre-pregnancy days that doubles as a belly band during your pregnancy. Honestly, I found it more comfortable than the tighter elastic bands sold in popular maternity shops. Select a color that matches your pants, skirts or tops or which contrasts their colors for a more noticeable layered look. Simply, fold the belly band in half for a snug fit over your waistband (softer and gentler than a belt) or wear the top half over your tummy like a cummerbund so that it keeps you from flashing skin and warm in the winter!! As the soft fabric is ideal for activewear, it allows your perspiration to escape from your body to the outer air. Even better, you can use this versatile belly band as a tube top post-pregnancy.