Product Spotlight 2/5: Maternity Clothes!

SmashJam

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... maternity clothes! 

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.  

For S+TMs: 

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences (height, build, location climate):
• Favorite [maternity clothing item/brand]:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like about it:
• What you don't like about it, if anything:
• Is there a [maternity clothing item/brand] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
• Is there a [maternity clothing item/brand] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [maternity clothing item/brand]?:

For FTMs

• [maternity clothing item/brand] you're interested in:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing

noideawhatshesdoing

I'm still mostly fitting into my regular clothes, but have picked up a few things on clearance at Old Navy. Couldn't stand the thought of spending too much money on things I'm only going to wear for a short time period. There isn't much out there for my particular style when it comes to maternity wear, but I did pick up a few fun tops from https://www.mamasanmaternity.com/ so far the tops seem really soft and comfy and a couple will work even after delivery without looking funny.

mamabird18

Other than maternity leggings, I never bought any maternity clothes and won't this time either. But super high waist maternity leggings are amazing. I never really stopped wearing them!!

morethanamama

Agreed with @mamabird18. I'm getting bottoms, a couple if bras since I've grown a size, and a couple of dresses mostly because I don't want to stretch mine out. Most jeans kind of fit me but they are extremely uncomfortable. Maternity leggings for the win!

SmashJam

+1 for maternity leggings. I also never stopped wearing mine. I hate hate hate the waistband maternity pants because the band always shows no matter what and so does your crack when you are on the floor playing with kiddos. I got a lot of those hand me down so I wear them most of the time but I bought some gap skinny full panels and wore those a LOT. They were 40% off so nothing too crazy. This is my third time being pregnant and almost ALL my other stuff is hand me down, so I am thinking I got my money's worth out of them.

angleyeskkhr

I have to go to Court and  not allowed to wear leggings to work. So that’s a no go for me. 

I bought three pairs of work pants from Motherhood Maternity that are decent. But MM is soooooooo expensive. 

wildtot

I would love to live in leggings but it's too cold right now. I bought a few things from thredup and during the motherhood clearance sale. Once we get closer to summer I'll buy some dresses since they are the most comfortable for me with a c section. Right now I am just trying to survive the winter but not buy too much warm clothes. I use mostly borrowed clothes last time but those friends are back in Cali so no go on borrowing this time. 

stillcozy

For S+TMs: 

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences (height, build, location climate): it's freaking cold here right now but will get really nice and hot by july 
• Favorite [maternity clothing item/brand]: maxi dresses for june and july regular ones from target
• Link/picture: this is from my first pregnancy 
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): not as expensive since its just a regular maxi dress I just sized up 
• What you like about it: flowy easy to move in and not to restricting when big and nice and cool for those june and july months 
• What you don't like about it, if anything: nothing
• Is there a [maternity clothing item/brand] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I would love a pink blush dress this time around. I also love the high waisted pregnancy leggings or pants
• Is there a [maternity clothing item/brand] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: not really. just dont like how tight in the chest some brands run as a big chested girl it makes me size up sometimes 
• Additional thoughts on [maternity clothing item/brand]?:
• you 

And846

So far I’m loving the Ponte pants...cozy like a legging but more structured with pockets and seams on the sides to resemble skinny for dress pants. I have a few, some just pull on and others with a zipper and button waist band.

i also loaded up on a few Lilly Pulitzer swing/loose dresses during their winter sale this past January.  I wear them anyway so it will be great to have post birth as well for loose fitting item. Add a cardigan and ballet flats and i can wear it to work. 

I hate are spending money on items i won’t wear long term and always analyze the cost per wear so I’m being choosy with what i get; basically sticking to my style and brands just trying different fits/sizes.

what maternity leggings are y’all speaking of that you love? Target? 

owl_momma

I really like the Motherhood brand. I bought a few items from Loft maternity online and I HATE the pants. The jeans sag and I already outgrew a pair of pants! (I'm normally an 8 so I bought an 8 and now I cant get them up over my hips, they have absolutely no give)

I also like the Jessica Simpson brand. And I don't know if this has been posted on the board yet, but Motherhood.com is having a sale, 40% off their sale items, I got a ton of stuff yesterday for a great deal!

I really don't like the Target brand of maternity clothes, I found the fit to be very off.

SmashJam

I LOVE gap maternity leggings and they are literally always 40% off so they are like, $25. They are full panel but I still wore them post birth just folded them down!

michelle_bird

I love Motherhood leggings - a pair of jeggings in particular, so I'm going to check out that sale.  

For work, I love the Old Navy side panel pants.  They're skinny and were super comfortable my entire pregnancy. I've lost a lot of weight and tried to wear some to church on Sunday but I'm going to need a size down this time. I also had a couple nice pair from Motherhood but they just didn't get as much wear.  I bought some cheapo ones from Ross too and they're going to Goodwill.  I don't even know why I packed them up last time.

Jeans, I love the Old Navy side panel jeans.  Last time I got boot cut and this time I'll probably get the skinny. They were super comfortable and I wore them after pregnancy too.

I was huge (no torso) so I definitely needed maternity tops.  I got several from Motherhood on sale and then got tanks from Old Navy/Gap and wore cardigans over them.  I bought a few clearance shirts at Target but didn't like them as much as the clearance Old Navy ones, which were softer.

paytonpedro

I got all mine last pregnancy from target and old navy. I like the pants that cover the belly as opposed to the ones with a maternity band/panels- they made me look like I had a muffin top. I think the biggest rip off is maternity sweat pants... your regular sweats will fit you just fine. Lol. 

zande2016

For those who have to wear suits/business attire/no leggings to work, what pants have you found that you like? Last time I had the Motherhood Maternity pants, which I find run small, and now I am wearing them again but the panel that goes over the belly is starting to wear and roll down uncomfortably. I got a pair from Old Navy that are okay but I don't understand why they only seem to have ankle pants. It's COLD, my ankles need to be covered. 

morethanamama

Can I say I'm really annoyed at old Navy and Gap for not selling in store anymore? The maternity stuff is only online. And half of the stuff I wanted on old Navy was sold out. WTH.

supersara2

@kissableviv I agree!! I haven't needed to buy maternity clothes yet (but that time is coming), but I would want to be able to try on in a store before I buy.

bearrosebudbutterflyrainbow

Hi, FTM here!  Hoping this falls under 'maternity clothes', but my bras are getting super uncomfortable.  The underwire digs in and the band seems a bit too small nowadays, even on the last clip.  When do you size up?  Like when are these tatas going to stop growing?! (Not complaining though, cause the hubs is loving it LOL).  Wasn't sure if it would be wasteful to buy one I could only wear for a little while and then have to size up again.

wildtot

@julybabybear I’d say if it’s really that uncomfortable but some cheap one. If you plan on BFing they could continue to grow for sometime. 

And846

@julybabybear i just sized up a size or two about 5 weeks ago and I’m still comfortable in the new bras. I just got a cheap nude a d white from Target and have also been utilizing my sports bras more. 

bearrosebudbutterflyrainbow

@wildtot @And846 Thanks guys!  I am soooo cheap, but I think it's time to go shopping.  I know I'm about to go into Target for one bra and come out with 48 random items and be lovin' it. 

js8812

@zande2016 I wear suits to work and need long length pants, so I hate shopping for maternity stuff. I used to love j. Crew maternity, but they discontinued the line. I also have a few pairs from Gap, but they aren’t as nice now as they used to make them. I use the belly band to get longer use of my regular pants and also wear dresses as much as possible with a suit jacket. 

Last time I was pregnant I ended up doing laundry so often because I had a select number of pants that I liked. I recently did a maternity stitch fix and got some long Liverpool pants that I really like. The pockets are like Jean pockets, so not dressy IMO. As along as my top is long enough to cover them I’m cool with it. 

If if you have a regular or petite inseam I’d try Nordstrom! 

SmashJam

@js8812 I got some liverpool jeggings in my maternity stitchfix that I love as well! They are black which isn't my fave but meh, I can deal. I can't wait for my next box end of march!

flockofmoosen3

I don't remember if they are all high rise, but NY & Company has pull-on dress pants that are comfy like PJs but the cut and material is office appropriate. Love them!! 

Jessicajorden

@lindseyleigh1989 I love Target! I’m so sad we no longer them in Canada. I’ve been purchasing maternity dresses from them online though and my parents live in a border city so I have them grab me some maternity tanks when they go over and have them send them to me. I bought two pairs of maternity jeans from Thyme Maternity. They were an investment but I have skinny legs compared to my waist line so it’s hard to find pants that don’t hang off my legs. I’m just living in lululemon high waisted pants at the moment my belly hasn’t fully popped yet but I’ll throw on my mat jeans when I go out.  

runsomewhere

kissableviv said:

Can I say I'm really annoyed at old Navy and Gap for not selling in store anymore? The maternity stuff is only online. And half of the stuff I wanted on old Navy was sold out. WTH.

I came here to say this exact thing. Old Navy was such a cheap, cute and easy go to during my last pregnancy. If H&M also stopped selling maternity in store I am going to be so sad. Also, adding to my complaining, the maternity stuff at Target is awful right now! Hardly anything in stock and nothing cute. 

DynamiteTrujillo

I REALLY want to be able to wear nothing but leggings and flowy tops and tunics, but am having lots of trouble finding maternity leggings that fit. I have been ordering them online and returning them like crazy. I really like the over the belly thing, but I am a really short, small person and they're all pretty baggy on me. Lame. I look like a 10 year old in these leggings. LOL. Even the extra small's are, like, too big. Oh well, I'll keep trying and returning and in the meantime continue to wear my regular leggings with the waistband folded down. (Not all that comfortable)

zombiehoohaa

kissableviv said:

Can I say I'm really annoyed at old Navy and Gap for not selling in store anymore? The maternity stuff is only online. And half of the stuff I wanted on old Navy was sold out. WTH.

@kissableviv Go to the Old Navy outlet at Orange Outlets. They have maternity (at least the last time I was there). 

zombiehoohaa

I've been living in leggings all of this pregnancy! I bought a pair of maternity leggings and maternity jeans from Old Navy. Super comfy. I bought regular blouses, just 1 size up. I will be wearing maxi dresses more when the weather decides to stop being hormonal here in So CA. 
Anyone looking for maxi dresses, check out Groupon. I was hesitant at first, however I bought a maxi dress and it is SUPER comfortable, decent material, and flowy. Good prices as well. 

js8812

@SmashJam I have another fix coming tomorrow or Wednesday because I forgot to adjust the frequency. Oh well!  . I hope your next one has some good stuff, too. 

coco305

+ 1 ro target having an awful
selection right now
+1 to being annoyed at old navy for everything being online and sold out

also I bought motherhood maternity leggings, and the leg opening was so wide they looked like bootcut pants - are my ankles really expected to get that big?? 

knottie9f2468e8835387e9

@coco305 I had the same problem with my motherhood maternity leggings but after I washed them a couple times the ankles didn't look as weird. And they're the comfiest pair I've got so they're my go to, weird ankles and all lol

Knottie1457877025

I got a few nice pairs of dress pants from thyme maternity... pricey but will last the entire pregnancy as the waist is adjustable on the sides and includes full belly. Super soft and very nice fit!

babygagnon2018

@smashjam & @js8812  I just got my 3rd maternity box yesterday and I thought I was obsessed pre-pregancy, now I am in big trouble.  Their maternity jeans are AMAZINGGGG.  I'm about to live in them after giving birth too.  Although I did get 2 shirts that looked super "grandma like"

Jealous of all you ladies still in normal clothes- I havn't been able to fit into my normal jeans since week 12.  Bought another pair of jeans at target because of my registry coupon.  Cant wait until it gets warmer- so much easier to dress.

mamamecha

Hahaha @coco305 I'm currently wearing my first and only pair of maternity leggings right now and I put them on and thought the same thing! I expect some swelling but really hoping it's not that much!

SmashJam

@babygagnon2018 I'm so excited for my Mar 26 box now! What kind of maternity jeans are they? full panel, stretchy band, etc. I raved about the ones I got a couple months ago but they are already tight on my lower abdomen (they are really just jeggings) and its hard to pull them up higher. 

4deep

kissableviv said:

Can I say I'm really annoyed at old Navy and Gap for not selling in store anymore? The maternity stuff is only online. And half of the stuff I wanted on old Navy was sold out. WTH.

AMEN to that! I actually went up to my Gap the other day in search for clothes (last time I went was several years ago) and I asked the sales lady what happened to the maternity section and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said it all moved online a couple years ago. WTF? I felt extremely old and uninformed.  How are you supposed to know what fits best? UGH I hate that. 

julianne0

I found the best pair of pants to wear to work. They’re from Loft and they’re leggings but look like actual professional work pants! The best. So comfortable too. I’ll try to find them online and share the link. Loft is usually too expensive for me but they have sales pretty often

morethanamama

I ordered a dress for a wedding from pinkblush.com and splurged on a cute lavender sweater that was only $20. Pretty shocked the order shipped within 30 min of placing my order - it will be here on Saturday...they must be based in California! The dress was a bit $$ but it looks so cute!

Also STOKED to report that my super $$ Lorna Jane leggings still fit fabulously as long as I don't tie the elastic around the waist! And I have 2 pairs so yay, I feel like I can survive until it's warmer without buying new bottoms... hopefully...

runsomewhere

I'm liking some of the maternity stuff from Kimi + Kai Maternity on Zulily today. I've gotten a couple stretchy dressed and tops from there too that I've been happy with. Might need to do a little shopping.

babygagnon2018

SmashJam they are full panel and stretchy.  The panel is a bit loose at the top which is good so I have extra room to grow.  As long as my thighs dont get any bigger I'll be good haha  
Not CRAZY about the wash but the fit is totally worth it

acunamatada

@scottona saw you were looking for maternity clothes ideas- this threads a good resource!