Maternity clothes are a fairly recent fashion development. Up until the 1400s, women's dresses were not fitted, so expectant mothers just wore what they had. If necessary, they would let the seams out to accommodate their pregnancy. The wealthy sometimes had a special dress or two made for the occasion, but the average woman did not. The first dress on record designed for pregnancy was made in the 1600s, a voluminous gown that concealed as well as expanded. By the 20th century, however, special clothing for expectant mothers began to achieve popularity. Still, it was far from cutting edge couture, since clothing manufacturers did not believe that women would be willing to pay very much for garments that would be worn for so short a time. As the century progressed, expectant mothers were often employed until late in their pregnancy. Fashions changed, and more options became available.