Product Spotlight: Maternity Clothes

and_peggy

Many of us are already wearing (or need to be wearing) maternity clothes. What are your go-tos and favorite brands? Share it all here!

and_peggy

Big fan of Kindred Bravely. Lots of their stuff doubles as nursing clothes as well which is great. I got rid of all my maternity clothes after my last and only have a few things that I’ve picked up. I probably won’t buy much since I live in T-shirt’s anyways. But I am looking for shorts, and joggers, if anyone has suggestions. I tend to buy shirts on sale 🤷🏻‍♀️

paytonpedro

I really liked Old Navy maternity with my first and second but most of their stuff looks more nursing related lately and their styles are just meh for me. I really like Liz Lang by Target maternity. Target also has a Hatch line which is just as cute but significantly cheaper! I try not to spend a crazy amount on clothes I’ll only wear for a few months really. I’ve gotten a few really nice things on Poshmark both new with tags and in excellent used condition. Currently waiting on a pair of Jean shorts to arrive 🙈. 

Overall, I don’t plan on buying much more for this pregnancy because it will be my last. But when summer comes I might get a few maternity tanks or a cute shirt. Sometimes it’s hard to resist!!

ETA: I also try not to ever spend full price on anything maternity too, unless I absolutely have to have it. But that might just be me lol. Some things are getting crazy pricy now and personally I just don’t think it’s worth it for maternity clothes. I feel similarly about baby clothes, which are worn for an even shorter amount of time and usually get pooped on- but don’t get me started lol. 

and_peggy

@paytonpedro same with you - I don’t usually buy maternity clothes unless needed. I usually just “shop” in my husbands side of the closet😆

I bought 1 pair of jeans because I gave the other 2 away, and honestly it’s fine because my other stuff went through 4 pregnancies. I’ll have to look at hatch. I liked LL stuff too because I wear it when I nurse. (But I’m not sure I’ll want to nurse long this time. Nursed last baby a year and he ate every 90 minutes and never took a bottle so that was pretty rough and I don’t know that I can do it again.)

Also with you - baby 4 was our last and I got rid of ALL the baby clothes and then decided we wanted another. So I’ve got boy clothes 12 months and up. My daughter is 5 and her clothes are long gone but given to my SIL and a friend so I may be able to get a few things back if it’s a girl. But I’m also team resale shop and will be buying all the stuff there as soon as I know the sex. Maybe a few new things but it’s just hard to justify.

mehugg

Since the second half of my first pregnancy was COVID, I bought very little actual maternity clothing - and tried to get away with buying some stuff for nursing and wearing it while pregnant. It sometimes worked okay 🤷 quarantine problems, I suppose...

BUT my biggest advice is to switch to wireless bras. Kindred bravely, even target - changed my life and I'm never going back! (I have C's so not huge but definitely need support and get it!)

darkrose88

I bought a few basics from Motherhood last time, but actually had a friend give me some of her maternity clothes so I really didn't get much. I had to give them all back after DS was born, so I've been doing a bit of shopping around for clothes on sale. I got a few things off Poshmark that I love, and a few basic maternity tees from Target that I'm loving. I honestly think I'll mostly be living in dresses come the summer, and Amazon has some really cute flowy dresses that work prefect for a bump & double as nursing dresses, so I'll probably pick up a few more of those.  

itsme215

@mehugg I bought some wireless bras from Target in week 6 because my regular ones were hurting. The wireless ones are so comfy! I may never go back…

wigglyicecream

@itsme215 I got some cheap wireless ones from Target a while ago bc I wanted something that was not nursing but not wired. These milks are free, no more cages lol 

geshem

I've bought a few basics, mostly leggings and maternity/nursing bras. @mehugg I always wear wirefree, but I agree it's a good idea especially now. I also have some kindred bravely ones, but I will say that while the front overlap bras are comfy for sleeping, when I was engorged it could be uncomfortable to pull to the side for nursing/pumping since it would cut in on the side of my breast, if that makes sense.

When I was pregnant with DS1 a friend lent me her whole maternity wardrobe, which was so sweet and helpful, but alas I had to give it back. I bought a few things for DS2 but not so much, I don't honestly remember what I wore the whole time lol. I guess I'll find out when I open the box once I can't fit into my regular clothes again. But another friend was just giving her maternity clothes away so I'm hopefully all set now! We're mostly the same size, the only thing is she's at least a foot taller than my 5 foot nothing, so some of the things are going to be too long lol.

Since this is probably going to be my last pregnancy, I plan to give away my things afterward to help someone else out I'm very much with those not wanting to spend a ton on clothes you won't be able to wear that long.

brittanynmorris

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'll be doing some research of these brands! As a FTM I'm struggling on what I actually need versus what I think I need.

As for clothing, I am a teacher at a school that requires business casual (silly, I know) throughout the week. Any suggestions on dress pants or something that looks like dress pants? I'm natrually pretty small, so even the insane amount of bloat I'm experincing in week 6, my pants are uncomfortable... 

wisewitch222

@brittanynmorris I do maternity tights or leggings with dresses for a long time. Then once I have an actual bump, straight up actual maternity dress pants are the way to go. I got a couple pairs from Motherhood my first pregnancy. 

maggiemadeit

I have really liked Gap maternity. They have the comfiest leggings (although not squat proof, they are the kind you want to wear with a tunic or dress to cover your behind). I also second, or third, or fourth Kindred Bravely. I received a bra and some jammies as a gift, and they were some of my favorites for nursing. 

geshem

Does anyone know a good short legging/maternity shorts to go under dresses? I basically live in short skirts/dresses over shorts in the summer, and I only really have long maternity leggings since both my previous babies were winter babies.

geshem

Huh, just digging through my maternity stuff to find my leggings and realized I don't have kindred bravely after all, but what I think is a very similar bra from Cakye (bought on Amazon).

While on the topic of bras, I know this isn't really relevant yet, but I LOVED my simple wishes hands free pumping bra. If you're going to need to do more than very occasional pumping, it is a must!

For work pants, as long as you're not tucking your top in all the way, the Belly Belt helped me make them last a bit longer before having to go to maternity pants. It's a waistband extender that has a button and a buttonhole, or a hook and eye option. I found it a bit more comfortable than the ponytail trick.

I think the leggings I found most comfortable were my BeMaternity by Ingrid and Isabel. They're a thick tights material and very stretchy. I can confirm once I'm big enough to wear them again. I live in skirts/dresses and leggings in the winter.

paytonpedro

Maybe but it’s a UO but I personally can’t stand wireless bras 😅😅 I also have dd’s when not nursing and cantaloupes when nursing, so I really need that extra support! I have one sports bra and I wear it like once a month because my boobs just get lost in it and I’m constantly adjusting!
@brittanynmorris can you wear black jeans? I’ve seen those on maternity sites recently, although I can’t recall exactly where. Old Navy might have some maternity pixie pants, and that might be where I saw the black jeans. 

anniemarie887

Leggings/joggers - Lululemon align or bust 

Jeans - madewell
Work clothes - Seraphine maternity 
Target has great, affordable stuff. As does H&M. Being pregnant in the summer is great IMO bc of the ability to just wear dresses. 

I have a rent the runway subscription and will
be flipping it over to the maternity stuff probably next month? The bloat is getting up there!

darkrose88

@anniemarie887 ooooh I forgot H&M had maternity clothes and I just happen to have 2 H&M gift cards! Or really I should say had. Totally just ordered a few things from there since I had the cards lol. 

leahrnmom

I've never been very pregnant in the summer. I'm thinking lots of dresses and will need to get some shorts. 

aukeev

Does anyone have recommendations on maternity underwear? With DS1 I convinced myself they were unnecessary and just bought regular underwear in a size up for my third tri, but they were still uncomfortable. 

coco2787

If you’re on a budget Goodwill and FB marketplace are a great place to look for cheap maternity clothes. This is my last pregnancy so I’m trying to resist buying anything new. 

@aukeev I really liked these underwear Limited-time deal: Intimate Portal Maternity Underwear | Pregnancy Postpartum Panties | Under the Bump Bikinis https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETCZLUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_AJQDTGSMDACKTKZW3G85?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

paytonpedro

@aukeev VS has maternity undies!! I should get them on the 10th so if you don’t mind waiting a few days, I can let you know what I think! 

Same as you, I never bought maternity undies with my last 2. I honestly don’t think I missed out too much, but was super excited when I saw them at VS!!!

aukeev

@paytonpedro Ooh, please do share a review when you think of it! I was just looking at some from Kindred Bravely. 

I think I only bought about four maternity pieces with DS1 and just stuck out the summer (he's also a summer baby) wearing athletic shorts under the belly and in huge t-shirts and flowy dresses. I think this time I'd like to get a few things that are more put together looking. 

starkette

@aukeev I get the under-the-belly undies (they're also great post c-section). I get them from amazon and they're the comfiest imo.

I always convince myself I don't need to buy anything and then become sooo uncomfortable around 20 weeks. I've been pregnant during the summer twice (two september babies) and wore a lot of dresses, maxi skirts, and loose tops. But we have a long winter where we live and summer is pretty mild. Trying to find the balance between cold weather clothes and summer. 

csardaszz

I second the Align leggings from Lululemon and I heartily second Seraphine for other maternity clothes. Their styles are cute and everything is super comfy and good quality. Plus, despite being based in Europe the shipping is disturbingly fast [to the US, at least].

leahrnmom

Ok so I went thrift shopping today and got a pair of Target brand shorts. Two pair of black motherhood crop leggings. 2 nursing bras, and a nursing dress!!! Jackpot

wigglyicecream

I broke out some of my old maternity long sleeves and sweaters and washed them so they are ready. Will definitely keep my eyes open for some thrift stuff for summer time 

buffythevampireslayer

I bought a few pieces from Storq with a gift card and they are super lovely, the leggings are maybe the softest leggings I’ve ever touched and everything is pretty flattering!

I definitely plan on getting quite a few things from Target.

meagan822

@geshem Hi! I have ordered ones on Amazon, but I don’t know how they are yet. I’m hoping for them to be able to go with tops or dresses in summer! They are titled

Maacie Maternity Yoga Shorts Over Bump Workout Running Active Athletic Shorts

They have good reviews, so you could read some of those if nothing else.  

meagan822

I know this looks like a lot, although with all but a couple brands I have only one in each.  The exceptions are Time & True Maternity and Motherhood maternity. This is a list of brands I’ve bought from/am buying from, so it may give some brands to look up!   

How I saved a LOT OF MONEY was by shopping on ThredUP (online thrift store.) I sorted the maternity clothes by like new and new and priced low to high. This allowed me to get a variety of cute outfits at an affordable price. 

I also looked at Walmart’s maternity section. It’s way more affordable new than any other I’ve seen. I know they change it out regularly, so if nothing looks good to you, check another time. I got two solid (black and grey) short sleeved V neck tshirts with ruched sides. They are the softest shirts I’ve every felt. They were only $6 a piece and that’s impossible to beat. I also got two short sleeved ruched bodycon dresses for $13 a piece. One is solid black and one is navy and floral. I also got maternity jeggings and a pair of maternity leggings right in that price range too. I still want to find a really soft pair of leggings or yoga pants, because these ones seemed a little stiff. 

I’m mostly “done” shopping maternity except for a couple more cute summer/vacation dresses, and certain specifics (Maternity shoot, baby shower dress..) 

I’m especially trying to think of how outfits will go together and making sure there are a lot of possible combinations, so I can feel cute in outfits even in my third trimester. The other thing I’m keeping in mind is making sure a lot of the clothes will look nice postpartum! 

I’ve watched a lot of maternity clothes tips and capsule wardrobes videos on YouTube, so there are a lot of good sources of info there as well! Even just for figuring out what outfits go together well and the basics that will make your pregnancy easier.😊

and_peggy

@meagan-firsttimemommy8-22 this makes me laugh because it’s so different the first time around vs (3rd plus). And I don’t mean that as disrespect. The research and excitement as a FTM, so much anxiety but it was fun to do all those things for the first time. I just remember being there and after the second kid, I just pulled big T-shirt’s from my husband’s side of the closet and called it a day 😆

Your list may seem like a lot to those of us that have been there, knowing what we know now, but I genuinely hope you enjoy every minute of it because it’s such a special time. 💜

meagan822

@and_peggy That’s entirely understandable! I know people have different levels of excitement when it comes to clothes to start with, let alone maternity. 😂 I watched a lot of outfit videos on the topic and stuff like that even before getting married or thinking about getting pregnant, but I’m definitely excited now! I am guessing I wouldn’t  buy many things for a future pregnancy, but just throw all of this in a tupper tote! I do love shopping though..😅 I think the key think is being comfortable. And I do have a couple favorites of my husband’s sweatshirts..🤔😂

I’m sure this time around will be different from future. Thankfully I haven’t been too anxious and avoiding the types of googling that will put negative thoughts in there, but it takes awhile for it to sink in. Hearing the heartbeat will probably make it hit harder!  

Thank you for the well wishes! I hope your pregnancy goes well! How sweet it’ll be to introduce this one to the other little ones!🥰

maggiemadeit

@meagan-firsttimemommy8-22 The Tupperware pregnancy box is key! I was pretty excited to bring mine out of storage and take inventory. I’m not a huge shopper normally, but there is just something about maternity clothes that I adore. Trying not to buy anything just yet, but once I hear a heartbeat I am going in search of summer dresses, shorts, and an adorable preggo bathing suit! I’ve had winter babies and I am loving the excuse to buy some new summer things, even though I know this is our last baby. 

ced45

Silly question from a first timer for everyone who's already buying maternity clothes... how do you know what size to buy/how big your bump will end up being? Do you just buy your normal size in maternity wear and they've already factored in the average bump size for that size? Do you end up needing different stuff for a 7 month bump vs 9 month? Feeling like an idiot over here lol

mangoandguava

ced45 said:

Silly question from a first timer for everyone who's already buying maternity clothes... how do you know what size to buy/how big your bump will end up being? Do you just buy your normal size in maternity wear and they've already factored in the average bump size for that size? Do you end up needing different stuff for a 7 month bump vs 9 month? Feeling like an idiot over here lol

Saaaaaame to the bolded. Plus I’m already a big girl, all my pants are 16s and god help me, they’re already too tight with the bloating, even the stretchy ones. I haven’t bought anything yet, but I currently hate everything I own except two maxi-length prairie dresses.

meagan822

@maggiemadeit I can see how bringing out a tupper tote of maternity clothes will be so fun next time! Especially when you likely forget many of the things inside. Before getting pregnant, I moved all my clothes that weren’t accommodating in the 1st or “4th” trimester into a tupper tote as well, as I don’t want to come across a significant of clothes that won’t fit when I’m a bit rounder.😅🤣 How exciting it will be once you get to refresh your maternity clothes with some fun new summer things!! I hope for everything to go smoothly for you and little one!💕

@ced45 Congratulations! I’m a first time mom too. I’ve been navigating that as well. It’s not a silly question! Most maternity clothes are made to fit your normal size plus a bump. With that said, I’ve found a few things to factor in. Our bodies normally have a bit of a size range because of how our system works, and because sizes vary. For example, I often fit in sizes between XS-M non pregnancy. Another thing to factor in is that even in non maternity clothes, there are a variety of shapes, cuts, sizes, and fits! Therefore some outfits whether pregnant or not, won’t always fit, even if they are the right size. Of course a constantly changing body makes it even harder! I have been mostly getting Mediums in maternity, but for more stretchy items, I have been getting smalls too. Consider the materials and shapes as well. I have a couple non stretchy maternity shirts that I’m more likely to outgrow or find uncomfortable sooner. I have mostly stretchy ones that will likely last throughout the whole pregnancy. If you are shopping in person, try on the clothes and see if the tummy area will stretch quite a bit. Mostly make sure you have clothes with extra tummy room as you begin to grow, and depending how your body grows and changes, accept that you may outgrow a few and need to add more stretchy or slightly bigger sizes as well! If you find some maternity brands you like the fits of, they may be a good brand to stick with as well! 💕 Best of luck! You aren’t alone in finding maternity sizes difficult to figure out at first!  

coco2787

@ced45 typically you just buy your pre-pregnancy size when you buy maternity clothes. If this is your first I would just buy a few things at a time as your bump grows.

maggiemadeit

@ced45 I am normally a small, and small size maternity works for me until months 8-9, when I’ve needed to size up to medium. My bumps have also been weeks ahead in terms of size, so that might not be a universal experience. 

paytonpedro

Same as @maggiemadeit, I usually wear a medium and that’s great until 8-9 months when my belly is hanging out the bottom. I then just size up to large. But I also carry big (I have no torso) and I have big babies. 

bridgiebee82

Ok I was wondering the same thing about sizing. I'm plus size to begin with (22, 2XL) and I wasn't sure what sizes to look for. The maternity clothes in my local stores are super cute but I also don't want to go out and spend a whole lot of money right away on maternity clothes. I am a Catholic school teacher so I know I'll be able to get away with tunics and dresses over leggings. I'm just worried for when it gets hot out--our school doesn't have AC! 😭😱

ced45

Super helpful, thanks all!!!

onlygooddays08

Does anyone have recs for business dress clothes? The more formal the better. I haven't been able to find a maternity suit that's not $300 for the blazer alone. Considering just buying some nonmaternity open front blazers and some nice looking solid shift dresses I saw on Amazon when my suits stop fitting (which is soon, I think 😬), but something that resembles a matching suit would be ideal.