Too early to break out the maternity clothes??

Carly79 · June 2016

I will admit that I have started wearing some maternity tops. Mainly because I needed some new tops for summer and rather than buying something I wouldn't be able to wear most the summer I tried to buy some maternity tops that don't look too maternity and don't make me look pregnant. I carry most my weight in my midsection and depending what I wear can look pregnant whether I am or not so I'm concerned that my maternity pants are going to highlight that and I'll look like I'm 6 months pregnant but am not even 12 weeks yet. But, my pants are starting to feel tight, and I can't make the hair tie trick work well for some reason. Maxi skirts and dresses are my best friends but I only have so many. I am very excited to wear my maternity clothes as they are so comfy and I loved wearing them with my first pregnancy but I'm worried how obvious it will be. Anyone else wearing maternity clothes at 9 weeks? Thoughts on what's too soon?

emilyn2012 · June 2016

I didn't make the switch to tops until closer to 15 woth my first but I had one of those belly bands at 8-10 weeks last time and can see it in my future again this time. I think I was on maternity pants by 12 weeks though for things like work. I've been rocking maxi skirts but the issue with those is I wear them with fitted tops and you can totally see the bloat. We took a bump picture Saturday and I actually had a bump..... Although I'm not sure I ever lost it from my first pregnancy

ashanne88 · June 2016

I don't think it's too soon. Comfort is everyone's primary concern right now. The side-ruched tops can seem "maternity" but I've seen non-maternity ones too so...

I do think a lot of maternity clothes emphasize the bump, so it might not help if you're not ready for people to know yet. I have been wearing looser, longer shirts and unbuttoning my pants at my desk when needed (no shame).

christac1010 · June 2016

I'll be 10 weeks tomorrow and I've been wearing a belly band for at least two weeks now. This past weekend was the first time I couldn't button my jeans, but during the week I wear dress pants for work. They're completely unforgiving and I couldn't get any trick to work. So the belly band came to my rescue! I can actually sit comfortably at work now.

ThePax89 · June 2016

Never too early. I took out my belly band last week.

lindsladle15 · June 2016

I say do what works for you.
I'm only 7 weeks tomorrow and don't need them yet, but you go for it!
Also, personally, I have an almost 12 month old and an almost 2 year old, so I am over my maternity clothes until I absolutely have to break them out!

ETA: I also totally get the excitement (especially for FTM's) about switching to maternity clothes...it's so amazing to realize your body is changing because a BABY is growing inside of it!

KimC85 · June 2016

Whatever is comfortable

TexasGal24 · June 2016

I say do whatever you need to do! I'm at about 9 1/2 weeks and my regular jeans squeeze me and make me feel uncomfortable so I've been wearing stretchy pants for the last two weeks. I feel like I'm going to be in maternity clothes soon myself!

Josie3=5 · June 2016

Not too early if it's uncomfortable. I'm in maternity pants because the belly band isn't cutting it. I feel like maternity tops scream 'I'm pregnant' so much more than maternity pants so I'm trying to stay out of those for as long as I can and just trying to find tops that cover the band portion of the pants. Can we all agree that all pants for all people should just be maternity pants? SO COMFORTABLE.

ashanne88 · June 2016

@Josie3=5 Yes, maternity pants should be the standard! They're soooo comfy.

Smiley-1980 · June 2016

I wore my maternity jeans yesterday but they fall down a bit more because I'm not really showing yet so that is a pain but I cannot wear my regular jeans anymore at all. I have been trying to wear my yoga capris every day (I have 3 pairs) because they are black and can pass for work pants for now.

clichedemorgy · June 2016

I've been wearing dresses and maxis for the last two weeks. I dread having to put on pants.

I'm 10wks today and I'm pretty sure I won't be fitting into much soon.

keifekm · June 2016

The bloat is real with this one so I am definitely making the switch. Stretchy pants and dresses all the way! I look a little ridiculous at times since I'm not filling them out but it's all in the name of comfort right now.

Shawlls · June 2016

I'm only 6.5 weeks and so bloated! Nothing fits! This is my second (and I'm petite).

ToBeMiller1921 · June 2016

It's never too early to be comfortable. Maternity clothes are expensive and you might as well get as much wear out of them as possible. Enjoy those stretchy pants!!

Carly79 · June 2016

Thanks all for being on my side This morning I was out of maxi skirts or dresses I liked so I resorted to black pants that just aren't very comfy. Pretty sure hubby will be bringing up the maternity clothes totes from the basement this weekend.

karaelaine1991 · June 2016

I agree with PP, if you're comfortable in maternity clothes, go for it! I remember when I wore for the first time with my last pregnancy they felt like the most comfortable clothes I'd ever worn... if that's how you're feeling in yours, I'd say you're ready for them!

Ali Grindell · June 2016

I started "showing"/bloating up pretty early so I was looking 4 months pregnant at 7 weeks and was trying to hide it. Now that everyone knows, I'm just embracing my belly. I've already starting using a belly band and bought a maternity dress and shirt. I'm on the prowl for some maternity shorts since none of mine fit me now. Whether I wear maternity clothes or not, I look pregnant so I don't bother trying to hide it. Do whatever is going to make you comfortable.

ChaoticWolf · June 2016

I mistakenly bought maternity yoga pants last year before I was KU (Target, why are your plus size and maternity sections in the same place?), but they were so comfortable I kept wearing them. So technically I was wearing maternity pants this whole time. They're wonderful. Wear them.

katiebartton · June 2016

I wish I didn't wait so long with my first - I say go for it whenever! Being comfortable is the most important! No reason to be miserable!

julianna88-2 · June 2016

Being comfortable is very important to me. Even when I'm not pregnant I wear maternity clothes just because its so comfortable for me. I don't like feeling tight.

sarahmsoda · June 2016

I feel like I am in the same boat, I wore a maternity top with a belly band (and normal pants) last night and I looked quite pregnant. I only carry weight in my belly so being pregnant has really emphasized my stomach and I look noticeably pregnant for 10 weeks even though I know its all blump.

I think it is fine to wear maternity clothes when YOU feel you need them and they are most comfortable. I wear maternity shorts around the house because they are much more comfortable and I am sure in the next few weeks most of my wearable wardrobe will be maternity.

We are all going to show at different stages of our pregnancies and I think its great to embrace it!

enpowers · June 2016

Speaking of maternity clothes, does anyone have any recommendations for good black (non-see through when you bend over) leggings?

azwildcat62 · June 2016

Where are good places to buy maternity clothes?

christac1010 · June 2016

@kelseyh62 I started at Target. They have great essesnitals like shirts, belly bands, and dresses. Plus they're usually on sale or Cartwheel. Not to mention the 5% you save with the REDcard (try the debit card to avoid more credit cards). Motherhood Maternity is expensive, but the clearance section usually has some good finds. I bought a pair of jeans on clearance last week for $15. I've also heard Old Navy has a great selection, but I haven't been to a store yet to check it out.

lindsladle15 · June 2016

I've enjoyed Old Navy's maternity, but I don't have any stores nearby that have a maternity section. I exclusively buy it online (there is a HUGE selection and tons of it is always on sale) and then if it doesn't work I return it in store or send it back.

canavara · June 2016

We went shopping for a few maternity clothes today and it was horrible. We went into Gap and I asked some 18-year-old sales person if they had any and she gave me the weirdest possible response: "No... we might still have some in the back but like, we're starting to finally get rid of it all..." as if maternity was like some weird taboo embarrassing thing. I think she forgot she was talking to someone who was specifically requesting it. Also, Nordstrom's doesn't sell maternity clothing at all. Macy's does but it's the most depressing tiny hidden section ever.

We finally found a Destination Maternity store which had an okay selection although whoever it was on this board that commented that all maternity clothes are striped dresses? You win, because holy crap that is true. Also everyone in the store was 6 months along or more so I felt super self-conscious with my barely noticeable bump. They did have this really cool strap-on bump for people early on though so you could see... guess it's never too soon if that kind of thing is available

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/bw/uio4ks5w0gmy.jpg

Heeb918 · June 2016

Last time I didn't wear maternity clothes until about 24 weeks, and last time I was working so all my maternity clothes are dressy. I had some extra kohl's cash and tried there this week and they had some great stuff! So maybe try there. They have a mix of dressy and casual clothes.

zdmd_14 · June 2016

I need a pair of maternity jeans since this bloat seems here to stay--have you all found that getting your prepregnancy pant size at old navy generally seems to work? No maternity stuff is in the physical store here.

Briala · June 2016

I liked the Motherhood Maternity Store jeans, The Gap has great tops that are really cute but unless they are on sale they were a little pricey. Last time I actually found some really awesome maternity clothes on JcPenny's website that they were really cute, comfortable, and not super expensive. The t-shirts they have are great, I plan on getting some of their long sleeve shirts for the winter too.

Teach123 · June 2016

Most maternity stuff you have to order online. There are very few places that have anything in store. Macy's did seem to have quite a bit of stuff online though. I don't know what their shipping policy is though, and if returns would be worth it.

JLJ2012 · June 2016

Anyone know if H&M has maternity in store? They looked like they had a few cute things and some good skinny jean options. I usually do my best to avoid maternity in general and just buy up a size in clothes and choose shirts that are cut loose, or layer things. But it is nice to have actual maternity pants and tanks.

cjs260 · June 2016

@JLJ2012 they do in my H&M. Not a huge selection, but cheap and cute!

azwildcat62 · June 2016

Great tips - thanks ladies! For some reason I'm kind of nervous to actually go buy maternity clothes.

mrskimm09 · June 2016

Yes. 10 weeks today and need to pick up some more tops somewhere.

ashanne88 · June 2016

I've taken the plunge and am wearing full maternity today. I just can't do regular pants any more.

For maternity stores, all my stuff is from Motherhood Maternity (expensive but they have really good sales), Old Navy and Target. The old Navy stuff I purchased online and worked out, plus they were discounting almost everything so I got a bunch of stuff for cheap. I would recommend using your pre-pregnancy size if you're not sure.

Lecool · June 2016

@canavara I hope you got that dress because it looks super cute on you!

Not in maternity clothes yet, but I haven't worn jeans in probably three weeks. They're just too tight and uncomfortable. I bought a couple new pairs of leggings that are a size up for a little more room. I think I'll be able to get away with that for awhile, but I probably need to get some nicer pants soon.

Carly79 · June 2016

I just ordered some pants from Motherhood and they had a buy 1 get 1 free on some of their bottoms. That helps make it a little more reasonable. Old Navy had a good selection when I was searching a few years ago and they are awesome about returning to the store so if you don't want to mess with sending it back you can return to the store. If you are in an Old Navy, be sure to check out their clearance because if they don't sell Maternity, when it's returned they clearance it out so you can get a decent deal on it. Kohl's usually has a good selection. Sear's used to have a little bit but I was in there the other day and it appears the one here is getting ready to discontinue it. Most of their stuff was clearance out. For anyone not sure about buying maternity, check out a Motherhood or Destination Maternity store if you have one near by. Since it's all Maternity/Nursing related it's a different experience to shop and makes things seem real

Also, Motherhood has a line that is meant for early pregnancy if you are looking. Amazon and online stores are definitely in my future for this pregnancy for anything I need.

zdmd_14 · June 2016

Do you guys prefer side panel or low panel pants? (Looking at old navy still). I don't think side panel was a thing last time I was pregnant

katesmama0706 · June 2016

@zdmd_14 I'm actually a full panel kind of girl but the side panel wasn't a thing during my last pregnancy either and that was less than a year ago!

Carly79 · June 2016

I am a full panel kind of gal. The other one's just fall down. The full panel helps keep my pants up where they are supposed to be and I don't feel like I have something around my belly irritating me.

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