Maternity clothes?!

Ersulli

I asked for a bunch of maternity clothes for Christmas so I wouldn't have to use a hair tie to keep my jeans closed anymore. At first I was really into it but yesterday I noticed my pants cutting into me above my belly creating a strange muffin top affect right under my boobs. This is my first pregnancy and I don't understand how these clothes are supposed to fit. They for kinda different everywhere and it's confusing...

hatrats

I just have the kind of maternity pants that have an elastic band that is a couple of inches tall and sits below your belly.  I think the kind that come up all the way up over your bump would be really uncomfortable.  But I've always been partial to lower rise pants, so that's just my preference.  You might try some of those.

Lbarron915

I felt the exact same way. Then I went to my local Motherhood Maternity store and pretty much just said, "Help!" They were wonderful! They helped me learn how things were supposed to fit and which pieces would grow with me to help me save money. She even helped me to fit a couple bras (turns out I have already grown 2 cup sizes, and was still squishing into my old ones. Oops!)

I would recommend finding a local maternity store and just go in when you have some time. Mine was great, and I feel so much more comfortable now.

Bmlopez3054

I agree with PP. I went in to Motherhood Maternity and said "I'm a FTM please help me!" The ladies at my store were amazing and I seriously tried on like 18 different pairs of pants before I found two that I really liked. My biggest issue was that I had never worn them before so for me they just felt so weird. But now I wear them every single day and actually find them comfortable. I got the kind that goes all the way up the belly. Sometimes they feel like they will fall a little. But not off my belly. And the bigger my belly gets the better they fit! Good luck!

talkthewholetime

I don't find the full panel pants uncomfortable, and I think they make me look less "lumpy" than something that would only come up half way. The only thing that annoys me is when the fabric sticks to my shirt and it gets all ridey-uppy.

jjh471

Old Navy target and sears have been my favorites. Sears is awesome!!!! They have a ton to choose from and the sales are really good too. I have been wearing regular yoga pants, I like them under my belly right on my hips. The fill panel kinda bugs me and makes my bras ride up...

awc1986

I prefer the "under-bump" pants. I've got most of my maternity stuff from Topshop and Asos. It's really hard to find non-frumpy, fashionable maternity wear! I'm a petite, young looking 27 and I'm not ready for most of what's on offer!

sammy.k

If your gap carries maternity I just found some amazing deals!!! Everything was on sale plus 50% off. Found a top for 1.98! I bought a whole new wardrobe for $100.

RedInLove

I have one pair of over-bump jeans, one over-bump leggings, and one under-bump leggings. With the under, I def have to make sure I pair it with a long sweater until I get some camis or tanks that aren't too long to tuck in to the pants to keep my belly covered. The over style allows me to wear non-maternity sweaters with less exposure since a lot of those aren't as long as my maternity tops.

I'm otherwise comfortable in both styles, though my bump doesn't fully hold up the over-belly panel much yet. They come up to an inch or two below my bra, and not as high in the back so it's not affecting anything else, I just have to pull it up now and then. I will be looking for more of both styles this week, and camis or tanks to go underneath.

ns1

I agree with the PPs about asking at a Motherhood Maternity store; they were a great help to me when I went in all sad about trying to find a bra!  With full panel maternity pants, until I get bigger, I usually fold the panel in half or so, otherwise it just feels like it's strangling my belly like you said.  

Magheeta

I love Gap maternity clothes, too. I've gotten a bunch of stuff on sale and clearance, and haven't had to spend that much so far. Destination Maternity is doing a 50% off sale right now, and I was able to nab 4 long-sleeve shirts for $10 each. I got about $300 of stuff for a little over $200, but I had to buy dress pants which never seem to be one sale. 

I also prefer the full panel pants because they don't cut into my belly. The people at the maternity stores are super nice and try to be very helpful. Good luck!!

deanna1313

I have a long body so the half panel doesnt work as well for me. Love the full panel. They will last the whole pregnancy unlike the half. Love my belly band too, but it probably won't last with my old jeans much longer.
I think it depends on the brand you buy and how they are made. I've seen a lot of different types.
I'm also loving non-maternity yoga pants. I unfold the waist band and let it go right over my belly like a belly band. I find a lot of maternity pants are bigger in the legs and hips. It's annoying because I haven't gained there in those places. my yoga pants are coming in handy because of this.

megmegs

I don't know if you have a Burlington Coat Factory near you, but they have a huge maternity section and everything is really cheap. I left there feeling like I won the clothes lottery.

Tnpeach

I love the full panel! My only problem is paying $35 before tax for a pair of pants. I am definitely looking around for something a bit cheaper, and will be checking BCF. Walmart has some pretty good deals online, and if they don't work, you can return them to a store.

bam326

Ann Taylor Loft and Gap have been my favorites. The bigger I have gotten, I tend to prefer full panel more. I feel like I am constantly pulling the demi panel up.

ns1

For cheap maternity clothes I love clothes mentor - consignment.