Maternity clothes

wickedtiny

I've already bought some maternity basics from Gap but haven't worn any of them yet. I am in this in between phase where my normal jeans no longer button but maternity tops are still too big .. but if I try and wear maternity jeans with regular tops the panel shows and I risk giving away my secret. So, for now, I bought a pair of skinny jeans w. stretch from Express that are a size bigger than my usual. I also have a pair of cropped jeans that I had gotten from StitchFix too big and kept, so these are working in my favor.

ON non-maternity styles are still too big for me to wear at 8 weeks so I haven't even bothered with their maternity yet.  Before I was pregnant I used to shop in their kid section; that's how big their clothes are on me.

lularoemama

trucksntutus said:

I have some full panel jeans I loved, they were skinny jeans. And a pair of full panel shorts! I'll need a couple more pairs of those I imagine given GA is hot. But I will for sure be okay with not having a Dec baby in the NE winter. 

NE girl here! After going through 100+ degree weather at the end of my last pregnancy... I think I might actually enjoy the cold winter this time LOL

rosebud332

@wickedtiny Have you tried to ponytail trick in your pants? Just take a ponytail holder and put it through the button hole in your pants and then wrap around the button. It definitely gives you some room when they won’t button and they’ll still stay up.

wickedtiny

@rosebud332 Oh yes ... I was doing this trick at 5w. haha 

mag1cbeli3ver

RE: full panel pants/shorts
Are they awful in the summer? I tend to overheat easily and I sweat a lot. I'm worried about having an extra layer over my already bigger belly. Is this a problem, or not really? I'd imagine the panels are breathable, but I just want to see what others have to say before I buy anything for summer. Right now, definitely thinking maxi skirts, and side panel shorts/pants. Thanks for your input!

AdorkablePixie

@mag1cbeli3ver That's a good question! It gets SO hot and humid here in the summer, I'm already miserable in the summer without extra baby weight and a big belly.

hkom

Officially a member of the fasten-your-pants-with-a-hair-tie society

kristah2

Full panel pants do NOT breath well and they are super warm. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Get ready for a lot of stomach sweat. 

Katzalia

I’ve never been pregnant in summer. Not looking forward to the layers issue. The full panel was cozy in winter. I’m thinking not so much in the hot weather. 

PensiveCrayon

I honestly don’t remember full-panel being awful in the summer. I had a December due date and lived in Las Vegas where summer lasts until November, too. Maybe I’ve just blocked out any memories of discomfort though. In any case, you can fold the panel down halfway if it helps. I did that when my belly wasn’t big enough for the whole thing. 

coco2787

you can fold the panel down on full panel maternity bottoms so it isn't as much like an extra layer.  I always preferred the side panels though, mostly because they stayed up better.  I have no butt so the full panel would always slide down (and pull my underwear down with).  I plan on wearing lots of dresses this summer.

runrinserepeat

With my late June baby, I hit a point in May when I just refused to wear jeans anymore. I wore my side inset panel pants, and I wore jersey knit skirts (not even maternity). My belly was just not having the full panel anymore. I know I spent a lot of time with my belly actually poking out under my shirts, too, which is awful, but I just didn't give any more shits at that point. I was done. 

I actually think we might be okay, since we won't hit third tri until October, right? So things should start to cool down a bit by the time we reach the whale-stage. 

mag1cbeli3ver

Thanks for the input, everyone! Definitely thinking I'll stick to mostly skirts and dresses for summer, and get into the full panel pants for the cooler fall months.

lexidawg

Has anyone found dresses that will work for now when we aren't showing yet and for like August and September when we are?  i don't want to buy dresses now that wont fit then but don't want the dresses to look crazy now. 

tumbleweed-1

@lexidawg I’m hoping some of the dresses I own now will keep working. One is a wrap dress that I know will be fine because it’s a hand me down that a friend gave me years ago & I saw her wear it a few times with her first pregnancy. Other ones I’m hoping will work are maxi dresses. One of them is too long and I keep meaning to hem it, but with a big belly it might be fine. I’ll keep it as is and see if it’s the right length. And I have one really stretchy sweater dress, but I don’t think it will work late 3rd tri because it will probably be too short. It’ll still “work”, but will definitely need pants/leggings too, but I guess since it’ll be fall that’s a given. 

tunnel

@mag1cbeli3ver I find full panel versus side panel to be really a matter of preference.  I felt more supported and smoothed out with the full panel but know some people who hate full panels and found them itchy and hot.

lexidawg

@tumbleweed-1 Maxi dresses are a good idea. I have no clue why I don't have any. LOL!

Katzalia

Any suggestions for where to find maternity jeans (white or grey) that might work for the next several months? I think full panel is out until I have more of a belly, so maybe side panel? I seem to be only seeing a lot of full panel options. 

I lost a bunch of weight a few months pre-pregnancy, so I have limited options that fit now, but I can’t bring myself to buy more nonmatermity stuff  in my current size because it will fit for a month before the bump starts growing. 

hbmama21

I’m that total weirdo that mega-loathes maternity clothes, especially full-panel pants. They were terrible (for me) and worsened the pregnancy belly rash that I got. I waddled around like the saggy baggy elephant doused in itchy ants at work. This time I’m blessed to be home with Squish though so.... hellllllooooo sweat pants!! Come to mama!

coco2787

@Katzalia they don't have all sizes left, but I just ordered these https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=6589040020002&cid=1080805

echo-charlietango

Boop. Just bought two LLR Julia dresses. Found them on ThredUP, then read several blogs that said that Julias are true to size for first and second trimesters. I hope they fit for a long time, and they look like they'll be comfy for postpartum wear also.

PensiveCrayon

@echo-charlietango Good choice! Solids or patterns?

echo-charlietango

Stripes for both! Both are black + white, one is mostly white, the other is mostly black. I’m excited to try them on, and layer them with my collection of neon colored button downs. 

Bonus: They should be perfect for HDBD photos

trucksntutus

Just got out all my maxi dresses I've had since last pregancy, and bought a new one yesterday, which I love. Usually just have to go a size up with those. 

livy94

If maternity clothes keep you comfortable I don’t see anything being wrong with it. If definitely a plus to be comfortable right now.

Livy and my sweet baby due 12/5/2018

kadeephd

@echo-charlietango Very cute!  I bought three Julia dresses in a lot on eBay and am hoping they will work for me for quite a while.  Right now I feel like I'm not showing enough to wear them yet though.  I feel like I look different, like my stomach is a bit rounder, but I think anyone looking at my would just thing I had a bit of a (non-baby) tummy.  I'm hoping in a few weeks I'll be able to wear them.

echo-charlietango

@kadeephd What colors or patterns did you get? I can’t wait to look pregnant too! I was talking to DH about it last night - because I’ve gained one size at my bust, and two in my hips. The bloat is looking like more fat and it just bugs me. I won’t wear my Julias either until kiddo leans out of my pelvis. 

k_m10

I’ve picked up a few Target clearance items here and there. I’m between 8-9 weeks (per dating US) and my old pants definitely don’t fit. I got some side panel and full panel jeans from Target but I don’t love them. I also got some full panel from Old Navy but they slide down.
Recently I’ve been wearing some jeans I had that are one size up and those are fine. The Old Navy luxe tees (non-maternity) are my best friend because they’re nice and long.

kadeephd

@echo-charlietango Here are two of them.  The pink one is a bit brighter than I'd normally do, but I actually think it's my favorite.  The third one is also striped, but I'm not a fan of the colors.  It's more pastel-ly.  I might dye it (can you dye llr?) or just wear it around the house.  I got xs, which is the size I wear in most llr, but I probably should have sized up to small.  Oh well.  I can't complain because I got all three for $22.50.

echo-charlietango

@k_m10 Oh, I forgot about Old Navy tees! Typically I’m anti t-shirt, but my usual tank top undershirts are getting too short and I’m tired of spending $$. 

echo-charlietango

@kadeephd Oh those are cute! I hope my sz smalls fit (this will be my first non-legging acquisition) because I paid more than $20 - you got an awesome deal

PensiveCrayon

AW'y pic of me wearing my Julia in spoiler. I was maybe around 27 weeks in the photo? Anyway, the dress is just great for pregnancy. I would never wear it while non-pregnant because I'm self-conscious about my tummy pooch and thighs but I love that it shows off the bump during pregnancy.

echo-charlietango

@PensiveCrayon It is perfect! Yay, so happy for this thread, dang. 

kadeephd

@PensiveCrayon SO cute!  I hope mine look like that

runrinserepeat

I think I'm stuck wearing sweatshirts to work until mid-June when I can tell everyone. My belly is so obvious at this point, and IDK what else I can wear to hide this for the next 4-5 weeks  

Gwyneddlesliegrace

My friend and I have a tote of traveling maternity clothes. Because we both have 5 and we tend to stagger, it’s come in handy! 

I do need to find a pair of black skinny pants, preferably with pockets that I can wear when shooting weddings. Amazon has nothing, but I actually looked at Walmart and they have a lot of cheap cute things! I also get stitch fix, so I am hoping that has some cute pieces before the wedding rush starts in June.

k_m10

@Gwyneddlesliegrace Target has some thick maternity Ponte pants that have pockets on the back. They look nice and they’re really comfy. 
https://www.target.com/p/maternity-crossover-panel-ponte-pants-isabel-maternity-153-by-ingrid-isabel-174/-/A-52471024

katy0990

@katzalia I can relate. I am 25 pounds lighter than when I got pregnant with DS 3 years ago and 15 lbs lighter than last year, so my clothes are too big and my maternity stuff is way too big, but I don’t want to buy anything in my current size because who knows how long it will fit for.

AdorkablePixie

@PensiveCrayon That is so cute! Did you need to size up. I've heard you need to. I may buy a couple used Julia's to wear during pregnancy. I love how they hug the bump!!

This morning I am so bloated I can't button my work pants all the way. I was only able to do one.

PensiveCrayon

@AdorkablePixie I actually didn't -- that's a size small...I think! I'll check the label when I'm back home again. The fabric is also one of their less-forgiving fabrics, stretch-wise, so I'm sure if you got a more stretchy fabric you'd be golden. Disclaimer: I never actually tried to wear the dress past the beginning of the 3rd trimester. So maybe sizing up would help there.

And ETA: My big package of shorts and pants from Motherhood is scheduled to arrive today! So excited to not have to choose between a) the jeans that fall down and b) the joggers that are way too hot for this summery weather.