Product Spotlight Series: Maternity Clothes (4/17)

offtoneverland · April 2018

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... maternity clothes!

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

Any lifestyle factors that could influence your picks:
Favorite [maternity clothes]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [maternity clothes item] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [maternity clothes item] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [maternity clothes]?:

For FTMs

[Maternity clothes] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, click this link.

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

Amber1174 · April 2018

I plan to make most of my clothes, but I did sign up for Stitch Fix. I thought it would be nice to get a few pieces in the mail I can choose from each month.

I'll also start blogging soon about how to make some of the baby products like baby wraps, etc. I'm excited!

arieselle · April 2018

@Amber1174 I’ve requested maternity clothes in my upcoming fixes as well. Has anyone else used stitch fix for maternity wear? I happened to be at target yesterday and bought jeans with the over the belly band and a lower back cuz they were 17 bucks as well as a Bellaband and two tank tops(2 for $16). Since I’m a ftm I’m hoping the STM and TTM will be helpful in this thread for the must haves and the “don’t waste your money” tips. I’m hoping 2 of my friends that had babies in February and March have some good hand me downs too.

purelex · April 2018

@Amber1174, @arieselle -- following! I've debated trying out some maternity clothes from StitchFix also... would love to know how your fixes turn out.

lifesabeach85 · April 2018

I'm not going to use the prompts for this because, I mean, you should know what types of clothes you usually wear based on where you work, how you work out, what you wear on the weekends, etc.

Some people really hate maternity clothes and will try to avoid them for as long as possible by wearing baggy regular clothes, using a rubber band on their jeans, etc. But I LOVE maternity clothes. They're so comfy, and for me, I felt like the defined my bump well and when I was just in baggy regular clothes I looked dumpy and not pregnant.

I think it's nice to have a couple of investment pieces that will last you a long time and also a lot of less expensive items, because, you know, it's only like six months that you need them

Less expensive maternity clothing: Old Navy, Pink Blush, Motherhood

More expensive maternity clothing: A Pea in the Pod

Really expensive maternity clothing: Seraphine

Some personal preferences/thoughts:

- I liked the side panel and then the full panel maternity jeans. Low panel always felt funny.
- I heard of maternity underwear but this never seemed necessary to me. Just regular bikini underpants fit fine
- In my experience maternity clothing is very generously cut so I usually have to size down. It usually says to pick your pre-maternity size, but I usually go down about a size in maternity. It can really depend on the brand though, and sometimes the cut of the clothing.
- Most maternity clothing is for people like 5-8 months pregnant. When you are 38+ weeks pregnant nothing fits well.

A question: Who has experience with maternity coats? DD was born in August so I didnt need one, but i will probably need some sort of layer this time around. Worth buying one?

MojieJo · April 2018

@lifesabeach85 My kids were born in August, too, so no experience, but I refuse to spend money (especially that much money, maternity costs are expensive!) on something that's going to get such a short wear time out of it, so I'm borrowing a coat from a larger family member (my mom) and wearing that. It won't be cute or super flattering, but it'll fit my bump just fine and do the job.

There are also coat extenders that are panels that zip into your current coat to give more room, but they're still more than I'm willing to spend on something that I'm not going to wear for long (like $40-50, I think?). Some do let you wear your coat while also wearing your baby after birth, though, if that's your thing, so it could be worth it.

hollyeva · April 2018

@lifesabeach85 I have a maternity coat from DD1 because I had her in winter. I continued to use the coat after the birth for a bit as well. I got it from a thrift store, but it's part of the Liz Lange Maternity for Target collection. It's a pea coat. I completely agree with your assessment of the costs on maternity wear.

I think bella bands are worth it, and lounge pants are our friends. I have most of my clothes from the previous prenancies which is helpful but I'm buying more gaucho pants because decent-length maternity shorts are difficult to find. I really like the ones I got off Amazon and I'm looking into more maternity swimsuits this time around.

Anyone have recommendations on maternity swimsuits for someone who borders between Large and XL sizes?

MojieJo · April 2018

Also, on the subject of low panel vs. high panel pants, I despise high panels. They don't stay up on me (I'm long-waisted, so they hit me in an awkward spot) and they're usually so itchy! I lived in low panels and roll down waistbands.

I never wore maternity underwear, either. I just sized up one size in my regular hipsters/boyshorts/bikinis and was comfortable. They stayed below my bump, which I liked.

I also found that I didn't like maternity jeans. I'm tiny (XS/0/00/24 in designer jeans) when not pregnant, so finding ones that fit that weren't extremely expensive designer ones was almost impossible (nothing from Target, Motherhood Maternity, Old Navy, etc. was small enough). I have several pairs of very nice designer ones and ended up not wearing them because of the panels driving me crazy. So cute but so uncomfortable.

Dresses and skirts were my best friend even though I basically never wear them when I'm not pregnant. Just make sure to get them long enough to account for your belly taking up some of the length. 95% of mine aren't maternity dresses, just stretchy jersey ones in my normal non-maternity size or one size up.

I wore a lot of leggings if I needed pants. I was a fan of Beyond Yoga's maternity line (then called Beyond the Bump, I think it's just part of their normal line now). I didn't love all their stuff, but anything made of the spacedye material was very soft and flattering. I have several pairs of leggings and a few tanks with built in bras.

arieselle · April 2018

@lifesabeach85 omg I didn’t even think about a coat. Maybe I can get by without zippering mine. I’m so cheap. Fingers crossed I can get a hand me down coat. @purelex I’ll post from my stitchfix fix when it comes- should be the first week of may.

Clobert · April 2018

I love maternity jeans. I’m very happy to be back in them. I have high panel ones because i felt like I didn’t have to pull, but I might get lower ones or shorts for summer because I was due in March last time. A lot of people say not to waste your money on maternity but if you wear your favorite clothes while you’re pregnant they will get stretched out and you’ll need new clothes anyway. H&M had really great basics last time. I liked their jeans and tops with scrunchy sides and I got a few dresses. I think I went to motherhood maternity and old navy and target but H&M was definately my fav and great prices. Because we’re due in November you might not get much use out of a maternity coat so maybe look to borrow one or look for a maternity/ baby wearing option? A coat with a tie or empire waste can be worn a little open with warm scarves. I recommend buying some things that can be used post post partum and for nursing too. You might have flowy loose tips or dresses that can be pulled down or unbuttoned to nurse, but if not they’ll be useful for the first few months.

runningyogimama · April 2018

I’m a big fan of maternity clothes - I don’t know why some people fight it! But I’m also short, so something oversized on me looks bulky and ridiculous. I got clothes from where I normally would - Target, Old Navy, Gap. Check local FB swap groups.

I much prefer full panel jeans and dress pants. Not a fan of the low rise ones. I actually did need maternity underwear. And a maternity coat was necessary since I was pregnant in the winter last time (I got one on clearance at target).

I also needed my true size in maternity clothes for second trimester, and since I’m so short, my belly was so big by the end, I actually needed a size or two up. So, basically, like all other clothes, it depends on your body.

offtoneverland · April 2018

@arieselle @Amber1174 Please bump up this thread when you get your StitchFix items so we can see what you got!

@lifesabeach85 Haha, I thought the prompts were kind of weird for this topic, but I stuck with them anyways to be consistent.

@MojieJo Thanks for the yoga pants recommendation. I'm going to need some work out clothes for sure, so having a few things to wear would be great.

I didn't think about a coat either. Hopefully I can get away without zipping my coat up. I really don't want to have to buy one for just like a month of cold weather.

I'm team full panel for sure. I had a pair of low panel ones for my last pregnancy and I never liked how they fit. I guess I just like the support of the full panel to help shape my belly a bit. But I have a short torso, so maybe they fit me a bit better for that reason.

Agree with PP who said maternity clothes seem to run large. I was smaller during my last pregnancy, but I still fit in the XS maternity work pants I have. I got a new pair of jeans from Motherhood Maternity in the mail today. I thought I might need a size medium, but small fit really well. (I'm around a size 6 usually, if that helps anyone with sizing.)

I ordered several shirts and a few pairs of pants from the Motherhood Maternity website a few days ago. I wouldn't buy the clothes full price, but their sale section is great! I really like their clothes and they seem to hold up really well.

Also recommend checking out any local consignment stores if you have them. For my last pregnancy, I bought a lot of clothes (and some baby items) for really cheap. They were used, but still in very good shape. I don't usually like to buy items used, but for maternity/baby items you might only use a few times, it's worth it.

MojieJo · April 2018

You're welcome, @offtoneverland!

dancingram · April 2018

I'm also planning on doing a Stitch Fix box in another month or so, and then maybe one in the fall.

For my DD I was able to get away with two pairs of jeans, a jumper, three dresses, , leggings, tights, and a small stack of tanks and tees. I supplemented with layers from my regular wardrobe to change things up. A Denim vest, cardigans, flannel shirts, etc.

Most of my stuff came from Old Navy, Gap, and ThredUp. I tried not to spend a lot but I knew I wanted to have more than one baby, so I bought staples and took good care of them.

I cant wait until I'm big enough to wear them all again! They were so comfy!

lurvleybunchococonuts · April 2018

Speaking of maternity coats, my mom actually has a "cape" it's not SUPER warm, but I've been thinking of trying to convince her to let me use it for the fall/early winter. I think it'd work pretty well instead of getting a maternity coat.
I'm planning on checking out Target's maternity section over this weekend to try and find either a belly band or some jeans. I don't think my boss is gonna let the comfy lounge pants look slide for much longer

And I know it's just bloat, plus I'm already chubby to begin with (so that doesn't exactly help), but I can't stand the digging into my stomach feeling these days.

kristah2 · April 2018

*lurking from December BMB*
DS1 was a November baby and I live in Canada where it seems to be always cold.
What I did was in the spring I found a soft shell spring coat on sale and sized up. I also bought a cute sweater that had 2 naps closer to the top and opened up and I let my belly peak out. Between these two items (both of which I can still wear), if I threw on a scarf I was perfect! You're like a human heater at 9 months pregnant anyway. For the exceptionally cold days (maybe 1 or 2) I got away with just leaving my jacket open.

wildrainbow · April 2018

I'm recommending the nursing tanks from motherhood maternity. You can wear them while pg and they are super long. I wore mine under my shirts because the belly takes up a lot of room.

I got all my maternity clothes from a friend and they were/are in excellent condition. I will have to get some shorts and a swim suit since most of my clothes are for cooler weather.

Anyone have a recommendation on swim suits? I'm afraid I'm going to have to get a bikini top since my boobs are ginormous before pregnancy and buying a tankini to fit them will just make it huge around my bump.

Edit: autocorrect hates me

vicioustrollop · April 2018

I am really digging everything I've gotten from Thred Up lately. It's cheap and I've gotten a dress, shorts, 7 shirts, shorts for my toddler, a football jersey onesie for the baby, and a first thanksgiving outfit for the baby (a few things still had original tags on them) and I spent about $115.

Other than that I like Motherhood for my work clothes and Old Navy for more casual stuff.

pelorunningmama · April 2018

Most of my maternity stuff is from Target, Old Navy, Pea in the Pod, and Gap. I have one or two pairs of maternity pants that I like and one pair of shorts. My favorite type of panel is the side panel. The full panel is just too hot in the Texas weather for me. This will be the 3rd life for all of my clothes, so I'm trying to update my wardrobe slightly since everything is looking a bit worn. I'm also a fan of some regular stuff from J. Crew. I've been buying these elastic waist skirts from there (I think I have 7 now!) and they are fantastic. They are roomy and comfortable and are able to be dressed up easily enough for my casual office.

Eveinshock · April 2018

All I had last time (winter pregnancy) was a few pairs of leggings, and a bunch of those knee length, fitted, rouched side dresses, 2 sweatpants, and a couple loose shirts. None of that stuff is gonna work this time due #1 to it being summer and #2 bc I gained a ton of weight this last year anyway.

I spent hours scouring every website I could find for plus size maternity summer clothes and I hated everything. I wanted some sun dresses but everything is short. I might just try regular plus size clothes but my belly was so gigantic last time I am not sure that's gonna look right....
Anyone have any tips or comes across anything please let me know.

brookepdavis · April 2018

Last time was also a November baby so hopefully I won't have to buy too much this time around. I lived in Old Navy stretchy dresses and cardigans for work in the summer. In the fall I refused to buy any real cold weather clothes (I'm in Ohio), so I just added leggings under my dresses and lived in sweats at home towards the end. I really like Old Navy's maternity stuff. It's not that expensive and super comfy. I also found some really cute fancier dresses at TJMaxx and Marshalls for work when I needed more than a stretchy dress. I had a few things from Target and Pink Blush too.

I pretty much only wore dresses for work. I had two pairs of full panel pants, but I only had one maternity top for work. I was able to wear my flowy non-maternity tops until 27 weeks or so. As far as waistbands go, the low panel were my favorite. Towards the end the full panel felt too restricting.

My entire maternity wardrobe consisted of the following: 5 tank tops, 2 casual tops, 1 work top, 2 full panel dress pants, 1 pair of low panel jeans, 1 pair of low panel leggings, 4 stretchy dresses, 3 fancier dresses (for church, baby shower, etc.), 2 maxi dresses, 2 pairs of low panel shorts and 1 maternity bikini bottom. Other than that I supplemented with non-maternity clothes. I probably spend less than $250 on my entire maternity wardrobe.

vrj0522 · April 2018

I was coming to say what our lurker said. Unless you already have really cold days where you live by November, I wouldn't splurge on a coat. I've had an October baby and 2 spring babies. I never bought a maternity coat and instead wore a looser one and that worked perfectly fine but for my October baby, I never even needed one. You really do run so hot that last month, or two.

I am mixed on what fit me right before. I liked low panel pants better my first 2 pregnancies but high panel last pregnancy. I guess it might depend on how your belly grows. I bought maternity underwear the first time and it's roomy but unnecessary. You can just size up and it'll be just as good.

Like pp stated, go for comfort. Yoga pants, maxi skirts and dresses are amazing for not making me feel all tight and uncomfortable. The time will come when you won't even want to get dressed for the day so the more comfortable your clothes are, the better you'll feel about it.

The fit from ON and Gap worked really well for me, although I've also bought quite a bit from Motherhood, Kohl's, and Target. If you're a Kohl's shopper you probably know of the constant really good deals they have so them and ON usually have the best pricing.

If you can help it, wait until you must buy maternity clothes before you do your big splurging, to make sure that sizes will work for you. If you must buy something early, try to keep it minimal or you risk having to get a whole new wardrobe later on. Definitely plan on nothing fitting anymore the last month. That is such a tricky one because you don't want to buy new clothes to just use for a month but nothing fits so you feel like you have to.

lurvleybunchococonuts · April 2018

I caved got a pair of maternity leggings, a pair of jeans, and a shortsleeve sweater/shirt that says love and the "v" are little footsie prints

in my defense I was resale shopping so spent a total of like $15 so meh. If they only fit for a few months that's okay. I'm embracing ALL the bloat/comfort.

arieselle · May 2018

Hey all! As promised I am posting my stitch fix haul. I think I’m going to keep it all, which- after my 20 dollar styling fee is added plus the 25% discount brings it to 154.00. On mobile so apologies in advance if the pics are huge! The navy blue shirt is taken showing the back to show the straps. The second to last item is a short sleeved kimono. PM me if you want a code that will get you started or have any specific questions about the items!

offtoneverland · May 2018

@arieselle Super super cute! Are the clothes comfy/do they fit well? $154 for 5 items is not too bad at all. Hooray for some great summer pieces to keep you cool!

tessiesmom26 · May 2018

@arieselle Super cute! I just got a Stitch too, and kept all 5 (well technically 8) items too! I told them that I don't have too much of a bump yet, so they sent me stretchy jeans, a tank similar to yours, a lightweight sweater, a dress, and a three pack of maternity tanks! I meant to take pictures to share and completely forgot!

arieselle · May 2018

@offtoneverland they fit great! The band on the shorts is a full belly band so I probably won’t need that until late July/August and the striped shirt is a little big but I’m sure it will be perfect for cool summer nights. They nailed it! And it’s probably one of the least expensive “full fixes” I’ve recieved.

susan112118 · May 2018

I also requested a fix as well, but I didn't schedule mine until June 1st. I'll try to remember to come back and post pictures of what I get.

msb11182018 · May 2018

I find it almost impossible to find maternity pants that are long enough, I think I will be depending on leggings and dresses. Last time I had two pairs of pants and a hand full of tops that definitely needed to be retired once baby arrived from so much use. I did buy a coat from motherhood maternity but that was for a May baby, I think having a November baby I will just be able to get away with sweaters and cardigans towards the end even in Michigan.

pink_polkadots · May 2018

Has anyone ordered any maternity clothes off amazon? I found a couple shirts and dresses I like, but I feel like it’s always hit or miss with clothes from Amazon. I’m a little tentative to order anything. And the thought of returning stuff sounds exhausting.

wildrainbow · May 2018

@pink_polkadots I haven't yet, but I'm going to. FIL gave me a $100 gift card, so this seems like a prudent use of it since all my maternity clothes are fall/winter.

Eveinshock · May 2018

https://a.co/jgv90lY
I am plus sized. I bought 2 of these on amazon in XL. I really like them. One of them is quite long though. I'm 5'9 so it's fine but might be too long for some.

mamabee1113 · May 2018

@pink_polkadots I bought one maternity tank top off amazon and I am obsessed. Its my go-to top outside of work. I rely on reviews big time when ordering clothes and so far, so good. (fingers crossed)

pink_polkadots · May 2018

@Eveinshock I was actually looking at that dress. How’s the quality/fit?

hollyeva · May 2018

@pink_polkadots I've been ordering clothes off Amazon, and so far they have fit well. I just pay attention to the "fits as expected" settings you see on them. I really like the Beachcoco clothes, they are super comfortable.

Eveinshock · May 2018

pink_polkadots said:

@Eveinshock I was actually looking at that dress. How’s the quality/fit?

really happy with both. I am thinking of ordering more. However due to the length (and maybe the material) does tend to get a bit hot under there. And its not even real summer heat yet. So they are great for work but running around after the 1 year old and doing housework or outside stuff on the weekend is just not as comfy.

also bought these and love them too. i do not find leggings flattering normally on me as i feel they show every lump but these someone really camouflage that. https://a.co/5wAVxN0

MojieJo · May 2018

@pink_polkadots I don't normally do clothes shopping on Amazon, but I bought a Black Cherry brand maternity dress (3/4 sleeves, knee length, very body-hugging) for like $15? Maybe $19?

I loved it so much for the price that I got three more colors (I ended up with black, burgundy, kelly green and "purple", which is more of a fuchsia color). I think it'll look cute post-baby, too, so it was definitely worth it even though I have a maternity wardrobe from last time around.

I normally wear an XS (0 in sized stuff) and got a S, which was as small as it went. They run small, so it fit perfectly. I'm not sure the belly will be big enough all the way to the end, but it was cheap enough that I don't mind if it doesn't.

sweet_dreams84 · May 2018

I have a pair of leggings from Walmart that I love lounging in. Also purchased a pair from Target called Isabel maternity by Ingrid for about $20 that I’m loving. Very stretchy and full panel. With my last pregnancy I wore my Jessica Simpson full panel jeans a lot. I’ll probably purchase another pair to alternate. I also bought a black tankini from zulily this that I was happy with last go around. My experience with zulily though is to size up, esp if you are larger chested! I’ve been checking out the pea in the pod clearance section online and I’ve goten some good deals on fall clothes. My philosophy is I only get to be pregnant a few times so I want to enjoy it and look good!

susan112118 · June 2018

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/8r/906fhw9siixh.jpg

I got my maternity Stitch fix box today. I think I'm going to keep the graphic tee and the blue maternity dress. The jeans were just too expensive and the blouse and other dress weren't flattering.

runwmusic · June 2018

Any advice on bras? I have already gone up two cup sizes and I'm only 15 weeks. I got some maternity bras (iLoveSIA 3pack Nursing bra https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YGSELHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OB-eBbF4K4N99)

so that I don't have to keep buying more but feel goofy so early on and they don't offer much suports. Also they show in anything remotely v necked. Not sure if no under wire has anything to do with the stretch marks I already have

was not prepared to buy bras so often and nervous what I'll be at the end if I'm already a 36DDD

offtoneverland · June 2018

@ftm_jen I tried bras similar to those from Amazon and I didn't like them either. I was a 34DD before pregnancy, now a 36DDD, so I felt really saggy wearing those bras and didn't like looking like I was wearing a sports bra everywhere. I took another poster's recommendation to go to Soma and get fitted. The bras are around the same price range as Victoria's Secret and I really like them. I told the fitter that I was pregnant and hoped to find something that could grow with me a little bit, and she helped me find two good bras that I love and are very comfortable. Do you have a Soma near you?

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