Maternity wardrobe

lovesclimbing

It's the big thread of maternity clothes! Shopping, buying, wearing. The questions are just to help prompt discussion so feel free to deviate from them. 

--What brands of maternity clothing do you like/don't like or are you interested/not interested in? Why?

--What stores/websites do you like/don't like to shop at for maternity wear, or where you plan to go?

--What particular styles of clothing do you like/don't like or have questions about? Under vs. over the belly? Stretch knits with side ruching vs. flowy and loose wovens? Maternity bras vs. jumping straight to nursing bras? Maternity underwear or regular underwear? Dress heavy wardrobe or plenty of pants?

--Anything else to add?

lovesclimbing

--What brands of maternity clothing do you like/don't like or are you interested/not interested in? Why?

I really like the basic fitted v-neck t-shirts at Target. Also, my favorite pair of maternity jeans was a Liz Lange Maternity for Target pair. My favorite shirt was also a Liz Lange for Target. These last two were thrifted, and the last few times I've been at Target, I haven't been impressed with the styles in their maternity section, so ... I've heard good things about Motherhood Maternity, but the only top I had from there, I really didn't like. It was a 3/4 sleeve flowy woven shirt. It was mostly sheer with an attached camisole underneath, but you could still see through even with the camisole! I was not impressed and got rid of it. 

--What stores/websites do you like/don't like to shop at for maternity wear, or where you plan to go?

As I said, Target. Mostly, I shop at thrift stores. You can find some great stuff for cheap!

--What particular styles of clothing do you like/don't like or have questions about? Under vs. over the belly? Stretch knits with side ruching vs. flowy and loose wovens? Maternity bras vs. jumping straight to nursing bras? Maternity underwear or regular underwear? Dress heavy wardrobe or plenty of pants?

I strongly dislike shirts with a band at the bottom. Some styles are just loose through the belly and then have a tighter band at the hem. I've found that style to be super unflattering. It just feels baggy and droopy. I have one shirt like that, and it's now my junk shirt I wear for cleaning and such when I'm pregnant. 

Over the belly pants are where it's at! Under the belly tend to feel like they're always falling down. I also like the way they kind of smooth and shape and support the bump. 

mill1020

@lovesclimbing I had an awesome pair of pants by Liz Lange Maternity for Target, but that was a couple of kids ago.  Slacks with the best belly support ever.  Even if I still had them I doubt I could still fit for any reasonable amount of time--I was smaller around the hips back then (haha).  But I've never had a pair of maternity jeans I enjoyed wearing or that were even remotely flattering.  Maybe this time I'll finally be cute and well-dressed.  Gave away my maternity stuff after #3, then again after #5.  Oh well.  More shopping for me.

Has anyone tried any of the H&M maternity stuff?

lovesclimbing

mill1020 said:

@lovesclimbing I had an awesome pair of pants by Liz Lange Maternity for Target, but that was a couple of kids ago.  Slacks with the best belly support ever.  Even if I still had them I doubt I could still fit for any reasonable amount of time--I was smaller around the hips back then (haha).  But I've never had a pair of maternity jeans I enjoyed wearing or that were even remotely flattering.  Maybe this time I'll finally be cute and well-dressed.  Gave away my maternity stuff after #3, then again after #5.  Oh well.  More shopping for me.

Has anyone tried any of the H&M maternity stuff?

I wear jeans six days a week, haha. I just looked, and I actually have two pairs of Liz Lange for Target jeans. I didn't remember they were both that brand. One is a flare leg and one is more of a wide/trouser leg. Both thrifted and bought a year and a half ago, so no idea if they carry those styles anymore. I like them both, particularly the flare pair. I thought they were pretty flattering and quite comfortable, but I like jeans in general, so ... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  I'm not as into the wide leg, and I'm thinking about taking them in a little (I'm a sewer) for this pregnancy. 

brookepdavis

--What brands of maternity clothing do you like/don't like or are you interested/not interested in? Why?
I'm not a big brand person. I'll wear whatever fits. I just knew I didn't want to spend a fortune on such a short lived wardrobe.

--What stores/websites do you like/don't like to shop at for maternity wear, or where you plan to go?
Target and Old Navy. I also had really good luck at TJMaxx and Marshalls.

--What particular styles of clothing do you like/don't like or have questions about? Under vs. over the belly? Stretch knits with side ruching vs. flowy and loose wovens? Maternity bras vs. jumping straight to nursing bras? Maternity underwear or regular underwear? Dress heavy wardrobe or plenty of pants?
I lived in dresses last time. I also showed pretty late so I was able to get away with not buying too many tops and just wearing the flowy ones I already had. I loved a basic tank with a cardigan for work once the non-maternity tops didn't fit anymore. My maternity jeans and shorts were under belly and work pants were over the belly. I liked under the belly a lot more, but I also have quite a butt that helps hold them up. I never got maternity bras or underwear. I actually just wore normal bras until DD was born and then switched to nursing bras. 

--Anything else to add?
You don't have to spend a fortune on a maternity wardrobe. You just need enough stuff to mix and match. However, this time it will be winter and I'm not sure how to handle that. My tank tops and shorts are going to cut it in the midwest winter.

chocolatelemons

--What brands of maternity clothing do you like/don't like or are you interested/not interested in? Why?
I bought a lot from peainapod. I ended up buying a pair of Paige jeans after having no luck with motherhood, gap, old navy etc. Best decision I made. So flattering! 

--What stores/websites do you like/don't like to shop at for maternity wear, or where you plan to go?
I'm going to try and buy as little as possible since I have a lot from my first pregnancy. I

--What particular styles of clothing do you like/don't like or have questions about? Under vs. over the belly? Stretch knits with side ruching vs. flowy and loose wovens? Maternity bras vs. jumping straight to nursing bras? Maternity underwear or regular underwear? Dress heavy wardrobe or plenty of pants?

Over the belly was itchy and uncomfortable to me.
--Anything else to add?

mamaoftwomonkeys

My favorite pants last go round were from pea in the pod, courtesy of Amazon Prime!

megpeg

Advice from March 2018- try thredup.com the stuff I got from there was really nice and cheap. I had a 40% off code for trying it my first time.

christac1010

--What brands of maternity clothing do you like/don't like or are you interested/not interested in? Why? 

I don’t know if I have a particular brand I like to buy so much as stores I prefer to shop at for maternity clothes. 

--What stores/websites do you like/don't like to shop at for maternity wear, or where you plan to go?

Target and Motherhood Maternity were my two main places last time. I basically bought a new wardrobe at MM because I work in a office and I needed more business causal clothes. There’s also a great clearance rack and I always waited until there were good sales or I could redeem any rewards (bump bucks maybe?). I don’t love shopping online because maternity fit/stretch can be weird. 

--What particular styles of clothing do you like/don't like or have questions about? Under vs. over the belly? Stretch knits with side ruching vs. flowy and loose wovens? Maternity bras vs. jumping straight to nursing bras? Maternity underwear or regular underwear? Dress heavy wardrobe or plenty of pants? 

I loved tighter stretchy tees. Maternity pants saved the day. I wish I bought them earlier instead of stretching out my pants and trying to use belly bands. I bought maternity bras that functioned as nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity. My boobs exploded in size by 20 weeks so I needed something (also nursing pads ftw). Maternity underwear were something I never thought about until I bought some on sale. Life changing. Especially after giving birth and running out of the hospital underwear. I would say I had a good mix of dresses and pants. 

--Anything else to add? 

I bought a lot of maternity dresses that I’ve been able to keep wearing when not pregnant. I wanted a lot of pieces to function during pregnancy, after giving birth, through postpartum, and possibly into my regular wardrobe. I definitely feel like I achieved that - but I bought WAY too many clothes. FTMs - you do not need an entire wardrobe! Just saying. 

starandrainbow

I tried my best to stay out of maternity clothes as long as possible with my DD, but had to switch out my dress pants because I was teaching at the time. I got stretchy waist maternity pants from J. Crew that lasted me the whole time.

My shirts were always long and flowy, so I could wear them for a while. I eventually got Paige jeans from Nordstrom that just had elastic where the pockets should be — I don’t like full belly jeans, they made me feel frumpy. However, I loved my full belly leggings from Motherhood Maternity. That store is much better than I anticipated.

I had a couple maternity t-shirts, some with side ruching but I didn’t specifically choose them that way. I don’t remember if I liked Ingrid & Isabelle or Isabella Oliver - sorry! Most shirts, I just went for brands I usually wear like J. Crew t-shirts and sized up one or two sizes.

Come summer (I had an August due date, July birth date), I invested in a few maternity dresses from Motherhood Maternity. I ordered millions of dresses online for my shower, but hated them all, and ended up wearing a very stretchy dress already in my closet.

My advice is to invest in pants early on, and if you get discouraged with the maternity styles, just size up in regular clothing.

Oh, and I had some maternity bras, but then realized nursing bras and just Gap sports bras were more comfortable and more sensible for me. Maternity bras are, IMO, exactly like nursing bras, without the clips to open them. Oh my amazement when my bra snapped open and I didn’t even know it was a nursing bra or how they really even worked. You learn a lot!

mill1020

@starandrainbow I didn’t even realize J Crew had maternity stuff.  Might have to check it out.

I like staying out of maternity-type clothing as long as possible, too.  The stretchy dress is my friend!

starandrainbow

@mill1020 I think it may only be online but I think if you get one or two pairs of dress pants early on it’s worth it! Plus you can wear them after because they don’t look “maternity” at all. I forget what they’re called but they’re like the Minnie pants that are really skinny and above the ankle. 

novelblessings

Last time I shopped at Target and Old Navy, but then I got rid of most of it. I tried to wear my regular clothes for as long as possible but my hips widened out pretty quickly and my thighs got thick LoL. That was 5 years ago. I mostly bought anything on sale or clearance. 

This time I’m going the leggings and dress/tunic route. I remember winter was ridiculous last time and I ended up just wearing yoga pants to work hoping no one would notice. I already have a stash of LuLaRoe and Agnes & Dora from last winter. But I will probably add some larger sized leggings. 

fillyjonk

paige maternity jeans are the best- they don’t sag or bag and they have the button waist expansion so they grow with you and you can wear them pp.

I lived in gap maternity during my last two pregnancies- my work is on the business side of business casual, but I loaned out my maternity wardrobe a few years ago and now plan to thrift and craigslist what I can. 

applesandbananas23

I've heard 2x from separate sources this week that Costco leggings are amazing and about $12 so I am going to try out a few pairs at our next stop! Not maternity but stretchy and comfy! 

JLaVO888

I lived in leggings last time with empire waist shirts and dresses. They were nice to have after baby came too. 

applesandbananas23

I basically live in leggings and tunicy shirts already so this seems like the best route for me! 

meggyme

Bumping since it's relevant discussion.

shrub

I had a pretty good maternity clothing stash and then I gave it all away. I thought we weren't going to try for more. Now I'm already missing it all! 

I love over the belly. Anything else bothered me and seemed to cut in too much or something. I seem to like a fitted top as well. 

if you are on the fence about maternity underwear, TRY IT. I didnt use any with my first but LOVED it with my second. I may or may not still wear some...

meggyme

I'm 5weeks and change and have already bought a pair of maternity leggings, a pair of maternity jeans, and a pair of faux leather leggings that can fold down low enough to wear through the winter. I anticipate wearing a lot of leggings once it's coole enough (which is coincidentally when I'll have started showing).

myjessesgirl

Loved leggings with both DD and DS. I preferred over-belly styles. And long/flows shirts worked until about 30 weeks... then I was too big and the shirts ended up not covering enough. (I had big babies: 8lbs 9oz and 9lbs 5oz... hoping we don’t break 10 lbs with #3!)

catlady2015

I have maternity jeans (one side panel, one over belly) and a couple maternity tanks/camis. I usually wear my jeans/pants on the tighter side so any blump is definitely uncomfortable. I am not ashamed to say I've pulled out the side panel jeans already! the OTB ones I want to wait on (even though I know I can fold them down) so they might stay up a little better. I also am making great use of drawstring shorts at the moment. also thinking I'll be rocking the sweater dress a lot this winter and lotsa leggings and long sweaters. 

For bras, I found a secret treasures (walmart) wire free bra that has been amazing and is quite supportive for a wire-free bra (I'm a DD) and have the worst time finding supportive bras that fit. I've already gone up a band size so I have had to get a couple new ones so my rib cage isn't squeezed to exploding. 

meggyme

I wish they made more maternity jeans with belt loops. I got a pair from Old Navy last time that had them, but so many of them don't and my pants would always fall down.

And I agree with drawstrings. They are amazing.

catlady2015

@meggyme - I have lounge pants with a drawstring crotch. Can't wait to bust those out!

swanbrooner

Most of my favorite maternity clothes actually came from Ross. Maternity clothes are so overpriced, and I don’t think I bought anything there over $13. Some of the stuff they have is a little tacky, but their maternity black skinny pants were amazing for work. 

lovesclimbing

I picked up three maternity tops at a thrift store. They had a free day where all clothing of certain types was free. And their prices are insanely cheap to being with. So I paid $1 for one and nothing for the other two! One is a Liz Lange for Target fitted v-neck, just like two others I have. It's in a size small though. I'm not sure if it will fit. My others are large, but I have lost some weight since last pregnancy, so ...  we'll see. It was free, so I took it anyway without trying it on, and I can always take it back. 

I'm super disappointed that Target doesn't sell the Liz Lange brand anymore. The last few times I've been there, it's been this Isabel Maternity brand, and I haven't liked any of it. 

dtspmama

ThredUp usually has some great maternity options so I always check there first!

kapowfal

Liz Lange was my favorite brand that I could touch and feel, so that makes me sad Target doesn't sell them anymore! Ross has an awful selection where I live, but I was able to find a few things. 

Zulily has a horrible return policy, I'll say that upfront. However, you can Google some brands and find the brands' dedicated, nice website. That's how I found PinkBlush. Their website is currently under development, but their items can still be found on Zulily. It's dwindling stock, however. 

Nordstrom Rack has maternity and a great return policy, same for Macy's. I have a Macy's order on it's way right now because they had a huge sale and 12% cash back on Ebates.

I have a Motherhood Maternity shop in the mall in my city, but I wasn't impressed with the selection when I was in there last. I might need to check it out again. 

I was heavily pregnant during the summer last time, so this time is the exact opposite. I grabbed a maternity coat on sale the other day because they are extremely discounted right now. It's black and white, though, and it gives me Cruella De Ville vibes, haha. It looks really warm and that is what matters; I am a wimp in the cold.

I am also in the tunic/leggings club. Today I have on a maxi skirt, lacy top, and sweater (my office is always freezing, imo). I am probably too casually dressed even though our office is business casual. I'm going to stop now, I'm just rambling. Haha.

purpleteacher82

I have a couple maternity tank tops that I love from Target. They are the Isabel brand and are about $10 a piece. Confession: I actually bought them before I was preggo just because I liked how long they were! 

chocolatelemons

@purpleteacher82 I still wear my maternity tanks from old navy for the same reason!

lovesclimbing

I just did a bunch of searching online and can't find Liz Lange Maternity anywhere! Checked her social media and everything. Super disappointing. There seems to be some random stuff on Amazon, but not much. 

meggyme

@chocolatelemons I love the Old Navy maternity tanks. I wore my un-pregnant too. They are so nice and long and not clingy. They’re perfect for wearing with leggings because they cover my butt.

TiffW2012

I'm in search of a whole new wardrobe because I've lost about 70 lbs from my last pre-pregnancy size and all my old stuff is too big.  I don't want to spend a ton of money because this will probably be our last.  I have an order pending with Zulily right now and my shopping cart has more items in it again!  Luckily I don't need too much dressy stuff because I'm a SAHM, but I do need some jeans/leggings, flowing tops, and workout clothes.

mamakate1616

+1 for pink blush maternity, important to have the “maternity” when you type in the web address because pink blush by itself was a naughty site lol. They have a lot of cute stuff and there is usually a sale going on. 
I also still have a few items from target that are in my regular rotation and I’m looking forward to breaking out some other things from storage.

maggiemadeit

@TiffW2012 Preggo workout clothes were a challenge for me last time. I got over the bump capris and yoga pants at old navy, but other than that I just wore my running shorts down low. Please let us know if you find a good source for preggo workout gear! 

cdub4292

Yay! Got my first order from H&M! I would def check them out! I got 3 pairs of leggings and a sweater for $37 & no shipping. Def a bargain! Can’t wait to break these bad boys out  

novelblessings

@maggiemadeit I just bought maternity running shorts online from Old Navy. Kohl’s also had a couple options. I started looking right away because everything is snug already and I’m still moving in this hot weather!

TiffW2012

@maggiemadeit I'll definitely let you know if I can find some good workout gear.  I have workout capris and leggings on order from zulily.  I went with them because they were cheap, so hopefully the work and I'll get more.  I've heard of people just sizing up, which I do have some that have gotten too big.  I just hate how expensive it can be for a short term need!

mill1020

lovesclimbing said:

I just did a bunch of searching online and can't find Liz Lange Maternity anywhere! Checked her social media and everything. Super disappointing. There seems to be some random stuff on Amazon, but not much. 

Whaaaaat?!  Nooooooo!  (Sorry, didn’t check this thread’s progress until just now.). 

lindseyb918

I love H&M for cheap/basic stuff. Lots of selection online! Pea in the Pod is good for high-quality clothes. Last pregnancy I got my bras from Wal-Mart, but they didn't hold up well. I'll be watching for recommendations for higher quality brands!

kristimh80

As a previous poster said, I'll be on Thred UP doing a lot of maternity shopping! I've bought a lot of things off there, many that still had tags at a fraction of the cost
Since it'll be over the winter, I'll invest in those comfy maternity leggings from Nordstrom and try to wear my stretchy clothes as long as possible :-) I've seen some cute dresses on Amazon with good reviews...looked like they'd be good for after baby too.