Favorite maternity gear STM+

Dani428 · September 2014

So now that our poop babies are clearly getting "huge" every day, I think it would be really helpful for second + time moms to share what their favorite maternity clothes were. I feel like I wasted so much money on clothes/gear that I HATED and only wore once. Hopefully this will be helpful for FTMs

I personally loathed the half band pants...the whole belly panel were much more comfortable and kept the world from seeing my ever growing plumbers crack towards the end. I also loathed any nursing/pregnancy bras with underwires since they'd rub against the top of my belly. Also, splurge on maternity underwear towards the end...they changed my life...for realz.

Anyone else?

ally3242 · September 2014

I lived in leggings and tunics. Purchased 2 pair of pants and paired them with cardigans. The more comfortable, the better.

Dani428 · September 2014

yes yes yes to the ring suggestion @somerandomchick! Also, be prepared to buy shoes that are bigger than you're currently wearing. I was wearing a full size larger than I usually did at the end (don't worry they go back -- kinda).

Dani428 · September 2014

SORRY another one ---- MATERNITY SPANKS....enough said.

lindsayanne14 · September 2014

The ring advice from @somerandomchick‌ is spot on!

I would invest in basic pieces...plain T's, short and long sleeved, tanks, basic pants and jeans. You can always keep things fresh with cardigans, scarfs and jewelry. If you buy lots of patterned tops it gets pretty noticeable when you wear them over and over. And it's really expensive to buy an entire wardrobe.

Also, figure out what style of top you prefer. They tend to either be tent-like or tight fitting bump huggers. I tended to like the ones that were more form fitting and never wore the other kind I had because they made me feel ugly. It's just a style preference.

GWhizzers · September 2014

Layering tanks in basic colors to go under all the thin shirts. I agree with PPs that basic shirts are the best, especially if you want to stretch your pre-pregnancy wardrobe since you can use the cardigans, scarves, etc to change things up. Maybe add accessories to your list since those will often be cheaper than buying a shirt

2-3 pairs of jeans that you love since you'll probably wear them a lot, maybe more than leggings since we'll be most pregnant during winter instead of fall.

yarnymommy · September 2014

I would recommend for a FTM to not buy a TON of half band pants. Although they are comfy in the first and early second tri, I found that when I truly had a bump, they weren't as comfortable. I preferred the full panel pants.

I hated belly bands and thought they were useless.

I bought probably 10 or so maternity tanks in various colors and would wear these under almost all of my maternity shirts. As PP mentioned, there is the issue of the very thin shirts that need some kind of cami or something underneath, as well as sometimes the shirts are a little low cut. Also, I liked that when I'd stretch my arms up, sometimes my maternity shirt would lift up too, but the cami always stayed in place. More of a modesty thing for me that made me feel more comfortable.

I didn't invest much in maternity underwear. I found that Victoria's Secret lace waist panties (I liked the brief ones - they aren't your mama's briefs!). The lace was super stretchy and didn't cut into me, and they were comfy still even after a c-section.

blueberries8 · September 2014

Here are links to some of my favorite things that I got the most use out of from my last pregnancy:

https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1013253&vid=1&pid=796174012

https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=749650

https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=100172&vid=1&pid=187361142

https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41780&vid=1&pid=818368002

https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41780&vid=1&pid=811892012

I really lived in the Gap body tanks, which I layered with everything and the Old Navy yoga pants. In general I found I liked roll panels for yoga pants and leggings and full panels for jeans and dress pants. I wore leggings with long shirts or sweaters and boots for a lot of my pregnancy. I really liked the Gap for maternity tops and sweaters -- the stuff was really soft and comfy and most of it is still in good enough condition for this pregnancy. I also got a couple dresses from Pea in a Pod that were staples.

JaneShops · September 2014

Loving the advice, thanks STM+

Texasmomma13 · September 2014

Dd was born in August so I lived in maxi dresses that summer. I plan to just buy a few cardigans to throw over them this time.
My advice would be don't go buy a whole wardrobe early. You may need to move up a size later.

Ncountrygal · September 2014

Watch out for necklines too! If you're gifted in the boob dept, you might find they start popping out of previously flattering tops, corset style. This tends to happen right about the time your maternity tops stop covering your belly. It's not a good look! Unless you go for that sort of thing.

Dani428 · September 2014

Texasmomma13 said:

Dd was born in August so I lived in maxi dresses that summer. I plan to just buy a few cardigans to throw over them this time. My advice would be don't go buy a whole wardrobe early. You may need to move up a size later.

Or 2...or 3 like me! lol. I did that - so dumb!!!

RIngReady · September 2014

Yes to full panel pants. I know Motherhood Maternity is a hit or miss for people, but I loved their pants and jeans and actually found they were the most comfortable.

I lived in tan tops and cardigans or open front sweaters that allowed my bump to continue to expand without needing new clothes.

I really hated any of my shirts that have the elastic on the side, they were comfortable, but as soon as baby was gone I couldn't wear any of them because they scream maternity shirt.

Had no need for belly bands, I still have 2, one has never been out of the package.

Old navy black yoga maternity pants were my 'house uniform" and I still wear them today, well before blump #2.

scarneae · September 2014

Thanks ladies! I just bough a couple items, including a pair of jeans that I will be returning, as I just know my ass is going to get larger before I actually need them. Appreciate the advise!

lacey0482 · September 2014

Also hated the belly band. If you have big hips, you'll hate it too. It constantly rolls up.

For work clothes, Loft Maternity was definitely my favorite. Gap is pretty great too. Old Navy was good for jeans but they didn't last so I'll have to repurchase those. I bought a lot at consignment sales (many sell maternity too on top of children's clothes) and got tons in great condition since they are worn for such a short time. In my area it is consignment sale season right now for fall/winter clothing.

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