In a sector dedicated to looking and feeling good the beauty industry has always been among the leaders in fashionable, flattering and supportive work wear. And as the beauty industry is made up of a large proportion of female workers it shouldn't come as a surprise that beauty uniforms are also leading the way when it comes to comfortable, stylish and role specific maternity wear. So instead of being forced to wear elasticated waistbands, baggy tops and unflattering dresses pregnant women are able to continue looking and feeling at their professional best throughout their pregnancy.

Research shows that previously women have been forced to simply start buying their workwear one size up in order to accommodate their growing bump. Although larger clothing will fit the bump it will be far too big on the shoulders and neckline. And when work wear doesn't fit perfectly it doesn't look at its best. Clothing which has been specifically designed for pregnancy has been cut to accommodate the changes taking place, with plenty of room for a growing stomach and buttons that don't gape while fitting snugly elsewhere.

Working as a beauty professional is a physically demanding job, with long hours on your feet, bending, stretching and reaching so it's crucial that your uniform is up to the challenge. And this becomes even more important when sourcing maternity beauty wear. Uniform wearers require clothing that has been specifically designed with their role in mind, with spacious arm holes that won't dig in and cause discomfort. Look for garments with added Lycra that will stretch and give plenty of freedom for movement. And where possible try to choose intelligent fabrics that are designed to keep the wearer cool under pressure. Easy home laundering is also a must too, saving time and effort when it comes to keeping your uniform looking box fresh.

So what can you wear? Well the days of hiding in a shapeless smock are well and truly over. Today's pregnant woman is proud of her bump and wants beauty wear that flatters and enhances her changing figure. Employers will also be keen to ensure that their team look sharp and stylish across the board. That's why you'll find specially designed asymmetrical tunics that have been cut and produced with pregnancy in mind. There's flattering blouses with plenty of room to accommodate a blossoming figure and smart dresses that your team will want to wear time and time again. There's also a selection of comfortable maternity trousers, which are a great starting point for building any uniform. And for fashion focused beauty professionals pregnancy doesn't have to mean nine months wearing black. It's a time of celebration, where women want to feel proud of their bodies, and the beauty industry can be the trailblazer in helping pregnant workers feel confident, proud and beautiful during this special time in their lives. So instead of monochrome choose from a bold colour wheel to keep the look fresh and youthful – why not try a zesty yellow, eye-pooping pink or electric blue?