An alternative to $$ maternity T's

lily225

I went to Target today to get some plain cotton t's for everyday wearing (somehow I have ended up with a majority of "dressy" tops not good for everyday with the kids and playing outside.

They had plain t's for $10 but were all out of my size and then the rouched ones were $16 a piece - for a t-shirt? No thank you.

So I went around grabbing different non-maternity tops in a size or two bigger (I'm usually a M or a L and grabbed L's and XL's) to see if any of them had the length without looking like tents everywhere else. I found two perfect options. The first was a Merona T that was kind of gathered at the front of the shoulders. It looked exactly like a maternity T once I sized up. $10 for that one.

Then I found in the juniors section the Mossimo Boyfriend Tee for $8 (it's v-neck with a little pocket on one side). I went up 2 sizes in this one (a large was fine but knew it would get tight in the love-handle area in the future which I think is because it was junior sizing. I got an XL in that in 3 different colors. It really fits perfectly and I know I will be using them after baby is born when my boobs are huge from milk

Just thought I'd mention that there are still non-maternity shirts out there that work out great with a belly without looking like a tent up top. And for $2 cheaper than the basic maternity one I was a happy camper

alitria

Two other options that have worked great for me:

Instead of buying expensive maternity tanks for every day, I bought four packs of men's A shirts.  (wifebeaters)  They're not as fancy, but they work fine when I just want an extra layer or a little something to cover the cleavage.  I then invested my money in just a couple nicer maternity tanks for my dress clothes.  $11 for 4 instead of $15 each.  MUCH better. 

I have also been buying Old Navy shirts a size larger in tall.  You have to order online, but I have to order maternity online anyway.  The tall give me the length I need, and will be much more versatile after the baby comes.  Also, they will let me return tall items in the store, unlike maternity clothes.  This is working particularly well for knit items, I'm 24 weeks and all of my long sleeve tees and tanks still have plenty of room in the XL (which is my normal Old Navy size even) and cover the tops of my maternity pants with room to spare.  I don't know if they will work for months 8 and 9, but for now, I actually find them more flattering than many of my "maternity" tops. 

lily225

didn't know ON had a tall section - that's a great suggestion! I hate how overpriced maternity clothes are.

sadeathe

I'm glad you found some non-maternity shirts that work for you.  In the future, try Ross.  I found three ruched maternity t-shirts for $6 a piece there.  They didn't have a lot of maternity selection at the one I went to, but there were some cute pieces at reasonable rates.

lily225

sadeathe:

I'm glad you found some non-maternity shirts that work for you.  In the future, try Ross.  I found three ruched maternity t-shirts for $6 a piece there.  They didn't have a lot of maternity selection at the one I went to, but there were some cute pieces at reasonable rates.

We don't have a Ross (nor have I ever even seen one). And our TJMaxx doesn't carry maternity. Booo.