Maternity shopping stinks - advice??

Jenny Knotek

Ran short on time so only hit Gap and Destination.  Gap was horrible - teeny tiny collection, and most things not available in medium.  So I get a few things, two demi panel pants and few tops - most of the tops looked ridiculous, even by mat standards.  Destination?  Ridiculous return policy, which I didn't find out about until I had already swiped and signed (when they have you initial your receipt!)  I went online and bought a bunch of stuff from Gap instead- MUCH better online selection, and I bought double sizes knowing I can return the size that doesn't work.

 A question:  When I was trying stuff on, I actually felt more comfortable in a size SMALLER than usual (Gap stuff).  Is this normal, or should I buy my regular size, even though they were baggy, in the anticipation of gaining a bunch of weight (not bump)?  So far, no weight gain.

hisbabybear

i would have gotten your same size or actually a size larger. you are definitely going to grow out of that stuff before you know it. i hope you can return it.

trinise

I only do online shopping at old navy, they have super sales and have a wonderful return for free by mail policy. I am wearing my normal sizes in maternity clothes at ON. MM is okay but I hate bogus return policies.

ZaraLou

I have noticed that gap sizes run big sometimes. I wear a small almost everywhere but once in awhile I will try on a small at gap and it is humongous. I say you buy whatever feels best when you are trying it on!

Sum06Bride

I would have bought either your size or a size larger, I was a md, I buy both md & lg...in tops esp!!!

I like Kohls, they sell motherhood maternity and you use the Kohls maternity policy(not sure if this is local to you)...I also like JCPenney Duo Maternity, they have cute comfortable stuff in their bigger locations...

Stuff will look ridiculous right now for you, but you will fill it out faster than you think, keep your wardrobe small right now, I personally like the full panels, the 1/2 ones tend to hurt almost, like cutting into me...and if you can, try to borrow from friends/family if they have it...

jensahokie

I want to second the online buying and the full panel... I bought a few demi-panel pants and they already fit well... so I probably won't be able to wear them for too long.

I've order a ton on Gap/ON and always end up with free shipping... and then I end up sending some back (but no problem bc it's free and super easy to drop off at a FedEx store).

I ordered M top at Gap according to the size chart, but they are huge right now... guessing I will just grow into them. (pre-IVF I was a small, but since I gained weight, I guess maybe I ended up a M by the time I got the BFP)

327way

My advice would be wait until you have a little belly.  It's awful to try on things that don't fit and feel like you're swimming in a tent.  I find the Gap Maternity stores to not have much, but the prices are incredible on what they do have. And they do run big.

I've had amazing luck with Olian and Liz Lange (regular not Target) and it's actually flattering b/c it shows your arms and chest and makes your belly look cute not just bloated.

I have had no luck with Babystyle sizes, but they were very helpful.

But really, wait until you're showing a little bit. You'll find that things fit a lot better. I only started to really show a week or two ago.

mrs.fonz

I agree that Gap online has a much better selection (plus, you can return stuff via mail). ?Old Navy's online selection of stuff is also much better. ?I did venture to Pea in a Pod and while I found some great stuff there, I think I went a little overboard (pregnancy hormones, tsk tsk). ?

I must say that you should definitely stick to your pre-pregnancy size. ?I was a pre-pregnancy XS in Gap and while stuff was a little loose around the chest and thighs 2-3 weeks ago, I definitely think I've grown more into the clothes. ?You just can't really predict where your weight is going to fall. ?So, I guess better safe than sorry ?

Jenny Knotek

I have always been a 6 or 8 at the gap - but haven't bought pants there in over a year, I would say.  

 Thanks for all of your advice - I didn't know Kohls also carried Motherhood, which is a nice alternative, or JCP.  I'd love Olian, but Liz Lange looks a little out of my price range!