Product Spotlight: Maternity & Nursing Clothes

okayestmom12 · August 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 & Nursing 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:

Favorite [Maternity & Nursing 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:
Are there [Maternity & Nursing Clothes] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [Maternity & Nursing Clothes]:

For FTMs:

[Maternity & Nursing 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, add suggestions for future spotlights see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NZB2b3JaDWH7WnSQ0ZZMP4cMmKjUHFjlPanVeDTuzPY/edit?usp=sharing

Please feel free to add in suggestions at the bottom if there is anything you want to discuss... if you can't edit the spreadsheet, tag me below or shoot me a message.

(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!)

thechickendance · August 2018

So I'm not sure if the above format works for clothes, but my (long list of)questions for STMs are...
What brands did you like or not like?
What brands were best for business casual? For formal wear?
How large of a maternity wardrobe did you acquire, and what items were must haves?
For nursing bras, how many are needed and what features are must haves?

Thanks!

kayjay44 · August 2018

What brands did you like or not like? I'm really picky about maternity pants (specifically the bands) - I like GAP, Jessica Simpson, and Indigo Blue the best. For tops, I have lots from Target, GAP and Old Navy mostly.

What brands were best for business casual? For formal wear? I don't really do business casual and haven't since before I was pregnant (I work in a jeans environment). I've had to dress formally a few times - I have a few dresses that are pretty stretchy and work well through 2nd tri. I've been looking for a dress to wear as a bridesmaid this NYE when I'll be super pregnant. ASOS and Pink Blush have some good options so far.

How large of a maternity wardrobe did you acquire, and what items were must haves? I have like 4 pairs of jeans, a few pairs of shorts, a few sweaters, lots of tanks and ts. I mostly dress in layers - jeans, tank/tee, cardigan. It gives me options depending on temperature.

For nursing bras, how many are needed and what features are must haves? For mat leave, I mostly wear nursing tanks - most of mine are from Target. Once I go back to work, I actually prefer third love bras (24/7 tshirt bras) to nursing bras.

BourbonBiscuits · August 2018

Super good questions (and I can’t wait to read others answers!)

What brands did you like or not like? I got everything from target and gap. Didn’t like any of the Gap pants I got, but I did really like the dress, leggings and shirts I got from target.
What brands were best for business casual? For formal wear? I never did any formal wear, but we may have to go to a December wedding this year (if my doctor lets me travel) so I’m curious to see what others say. I’ve heard good things about pink blush too.
How large of a maternity wardrobe did you acquire, and what items were must haves? I had two pairs of black pants, two pairs of jeans, two shirred shirts, two tanks, one pair of leggings and a dress. I outgrew the jeans and black pants by like 7 months and lived in leggings, T-shirt’s and cardigans. Best maternity wear purchase BY FAR was a pair of knit Ugg’s. They stretched with my feet throughout the day in a way no other shoes did. I got black ones in a half size up and I can’t wait to break those puppies out again. I also think people give pregnant women a lot of slack when it comes to attire - maybe that’s just because I work in female dominated fields though.
For nursing bras, how many are needed and what features are must haves? I had 3 nursing bras (they came in a pack of 3) and 2 pumping bras. I hated the corset style pumping bra at work, but loved it at home. I posted earlier about my fav pumping bra for work. I’ll repost that if you want. I think pumping attire is totally different from nursing attire - I literally just hiked up whatever shirt I was wearing when I nursed, but pumping requires so much more outfit planning.

conchispita · August 2018

Favorite [Maternity & Nursing Clothes]: I've decided I hate most maternity clothes. My favorite "maternity" clothes are just loose shirts I bought a size up. Like others have said, you can find some good deals at Gap/Old Navy/Target, I like the Pink Blush dresses and tops, but their leggings started pilling right away. Has anyone tried either of these sights? They look like good wear-to-work options, but they are on the expensive side:

https://miatango.com/

https://stowawaycollection.com/

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I'm super cheap so whatever I bought was typically inexpensive, my sister just had a baby so I'll probably get some things from her. Last time I was *too* cheap and just felt really frumpy at the end, so I'm planning to spend a little more on a few flattering pieces (if I find any hahaha)

Are there [Maternity & Nursing Clothes] you don't have but are considering? Why?: All of them. I'm a size larger now, so some of the maternity clothes that worked last time are too small. Mostly stocking up on things that can be used for nursing too. Dresses are the easiest thing for me to wear, so I am going to buy some more of those.

Additional thoughts on [Maternity & Nursing Clothes]: Get things that can be used for nursing. I did not expect to breast feed, so most of my maternity clothes weren't good for that, and sadly all I could fit in to. Also, I made the mistake of buying mostly form-fitting maternity shirts. Those were great when I had a cute belly. Unfortunately after labor my belly had the shape of a deflated beach ball, so I really just wanted to wear loose shirts. Get some basic tight tanks and tees, but be sure you have enough stuff that could easily be layered over them for when your belly is in the awkward stage.

etnyah · August 2018

Anyone else tried maternity clothes from ASOS, particularly their own brand? I buy a lot of stuff from them when not pregnant, and I placed a huge order for what I hope will be all the maternity clothes I’ll need. I got: 2 camis, 2 semi-loose tank tops, 2 loose tees, 3 pairs of tights, 1 pair of pants/jeggings, 2 dresses (one that can be dressed up), 1 button-up shirt and 3 long sleeve tees (one is a nursing tee).

I also bought 4 nursing bras and 2 pairs of leggings from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Everything I bought is neutral and can be mixed and matched. Plus I have a number of huge cardigans that I wear regularly when not pregnant too. Did I go overboard? Anything I’m missing?

kayjay44 · August 2018

grebretso said:

Anyone else tried maternity clothes from ASOS, particularly their own brand? I buy a lot of stuff from them when not pregnant, and I placed a huge order for what I hope will be all the maternity clothes I’ll need. I got: 2 camis, 2 semi-loose tank tops, 2 loose tees, 3 pairs of tights, 1 pair of pants/jeggings, 2 dresses (one that can be dressed up), 1 button-up shirt and 3 long sleeve tees (one is a nursing tee).

I also bought 4 nursing bras and 2 pairs of leggings from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Everything I bought is neutral and can be mixed and matched. Plus I have a number of huge cardigans that I wear regularly when not pregnant too. Did I go overboard? Anything I’m missing?

I don't think you went overboard for sure. As for anything you're missing, I'd suggest a few nursing tanks. I prefer them at home to nursing bras - Especially when your body is so weird for a few weeks PP and your boobs go from being completely empty to porn star boobs.

etnyah · August 2018

Thanks @kayjay44! That does sound like a good idea. It’s so hard to know what I’ll prefer, I guess it’s just trial and error. I felt a little ridiculous buying four bras when I don’t even know what my size will be, but they seem pretty stretchy so that’s good. I’ll look into nursing tanks closer to February!

kdrn913 · August 2018

Yes to nursing tanks, I also loved that when you went to feed it also covered your stomach-

okayestmom12 · August 2018

With my first two pregnancies, I was much heavier and relegated to only shopping at Motherhood because the Plus Size Maternity selection is horribly small. Don’t you know fat people don’t get pregnant? <EYE ROLL>

This time around, I’m THRILLED to have options and just picked up a pair of jeans and a few hoodies at Target in their Ingrid & Isabel maternity section. And then went online and ordered more - ha!

I won’t be working this school year (teacher) so I’ll be rocking my SAHM uniform of leggings & tunics or leggings/ tank/ long cardigan. I do need some good, solid black maternity leggings (I have a bunch of LLR printed leggings to wear with solid tunics I ordered from Amazon) - any suggestions?

Back to the Target finds... I really like the jeans I bought. The panel is high in the front, low in the back, and is lovely!

I need to get some nursing tanks/ bras - I’ve heard good things about Kindered Bravely and they have sizes to support big knockers.

cas060 · August 2018

I hate shopping for clothes in general.. but now that my dress pants are too snug I guess it's time... can someone just go shopping for me??

ohsunnydays · August 2018

Can someone tell me about bras? I don’t think my boobs are that much bigger, but my bra bands seem tighter (and it doesn’t seem to help the heartburn). I’ve seen those bra extenders, are those worth it to hold me over a little while longer? I don’t want to buy new bras, only to have to buy more in a few months, but if that is the reality...?

bleucheeznwine · August 2018

I just placed a huge order from Destination Maternity. Lots was branded stuff, but some was theirs. Anyone have any experience with their stuff? I'm hoping it works out. I'm not sure if they're related to Motherhood Maternity, but I was meh on that stuff last time.

kayjay44 · August 2018

@bleucheeznwine - it’s the nicer version of motherhood, I think.

jessier19 · August 2018

@ohsunnydays I have a friend who swears by those bra extenders, she says they saved her during her last pregnancy. I say if your bras are currently still fitting everywhere else, why spring for new bras? The odds are high that your cup size will change before long anyway, right?

ohsunnydays · August 2018

Thanks @jessier19! I appreciate the advice. I think I will try them and hope it buys me a few months at least

danixbanani24 · August 2018

I have some gnarly Varicous veins from even prior to my first pregnancy. I’ve had treatments on them twice and they are still horrible especially my right leg. I’m looking into compression leggings by preggers but damn they are expensive! Any fellow mamas with gnarly vein issues?

jessier19 · August 2018

Does anyone have advice about where to find pants with a full band, but a band that's a stretchy cotton/spandex blend, instead of just pure spandex? The spandex is so itchy and hot, I miss cotton. I've got some skirts with stretchy cotton bands that I've been just completely living in, but it's going to start getting cold before too long...

kayjay44 · August 2018

@jessier19 - I know I've seen them but can't remember where. The issue with the cotton ones is that it stretches out and the pants won't stay up as well. Huge problem for me since I have no hips.

bleucheeznwine · August 2018

Pulled out some of my stuff from last time to try on. Under belly pants are the devil.

jessier19 · August 2018

Under belly pants are definitely the devil

okayestmom12 · August 2018

danixbanani24 said:

I have some gnarly Varicous veins from even prior to my first pregnancy. I’ve had treatments on them twice and they are still horrible especially my right leg. I’m looking into compression leggings by preggers but damn they are expensive! Any fellow mamas with gnarly vein issues?

Me! Ugh. They’re hideous, right? My legs are a mess from both of my kids. I was pretty self conscious about them but said F it this summer and wore shorts for the first time in years.

megpants209 · August 2018

Has anyone tried the 1822 brand maternity jeans? I saw them at Nordstrom but other places may carry as well. They look great and the price is really good too. I wear jeans nearly everyday for work so I'll need a few good pairs.

Also, do most people stay in their regular size in maternity? Not sure if I should buy a good bit now or purchase gradually as I get farther along.

kayjay44 · August 2018

@megpants209 - I wear the same size for the most part all the way through.

MrsCaliRN · August 2018

QUICK POST-PARTUM CLOTHING QUESTION- Formal Wear
I'll be in a wedding about 1 month post-partum and we're supposed to get a dress from David's Bridal. Anyone have experience with shopping for dresses during this period so soon after birth and can talk about realistic sizing, or when during the pregnancy to shop and try on dresses? Can anyone recommend a particular dress style from DB that might work well to conceal the post-partum bump a bit?

kayjay44 · August 2018

@MrsCaliRN - Empire waist anything should work. The issue is going to be boobs because you have no idea what they will be like PP.

hannahbananas11 · August 2018

I just got an invite today to the wedding of one of my best friends. The dress code is black tie and H will be wearing a tux. I'll be 25 weeks along at the wedding (first weekend of November). Any ideas for where to look for floor-length or formal cocktail-length dresses that won't break the bank? I'm hoping to not spend much more than $100, especially if it's a dress that I won't be able to wear post-partum...

lifeofboggs · August 2018

@hannahbananas11 luckily that’s around winter formal time for high school students I think so places like jc penny’s might or go to David’s bridal and get a clearance dress!

kayjay44 · August 2018

@hannahbananas11 - pink blush, ASOS....

I’m in a wedding on NYE and have to find a shiny gold dress that will fit a 7.5 month pregnant woman, so I’ve been doing lots of searching. I didn’t have to do this either of my last pregnancies.

adough27 · August 2018

@hannahbananas11 Rent the Runway has some maternity floor length gowns and some empire waist gowns that you can rent under $100.

hannahbananas11 · August 2018

Thanks for the suggestions! Of all of my friends that could get married while I'm pregnant, of course it had to be my fanciest one. LOL
I'll check out Rent the Runway, and I'll see what ASOS has, too. Thanks!
@kayjay44 good luck on finding a gold sparkly formal maternity dress! I'm sure it's out there somewhere, it'll just be a fun scavenger hunt to find it!

kdrn913 · August 2018

@MrsCaliRN I was in my friends wedding a few months pp and had to get measured when I was pregnant. They basically did breast measurement and kind of went from there, took my typical size and just prayed it fit. It ended up being too big, which was fine with me. I would plan on ordering a bigger size and get taken in pp if needed.

becks_726 · August 2018

I ordered a pair of Old Navy maternity leggings - the thicker variety - and I was super excited when I got them because the fabric felt lovely. But wtf is up with the fit? There is soooo much fabric around the crotch. Is that a maternity fit thing? Size problem? Or is it specific to these ones because they're made with thicker fabric with less stretch? Idk. I'm not going to bother returning them because I might just want that extra space at some point but I'm definitely going to do some in-person shopping this weekend.

conchispita · August 2018

@becks_726 that’s my luck with maternity pants too. I bought some jeans from ON too and they are too roomy in the crotch. I have some skinny jeans from Target with the same issue. This is part of the reason I’m hating maternity clothes right now.

I do have some yoga pants from Gap that don’t do that, and my sister gave me some leggings (don’t know from where) that fit right, so there are some good pants. Tricky part is finding them

madreofdragons · August 2018

Maybe leaving room for the super huge after birth pads.

becks_726 · August 2018

@conchispita that's irritating. I was really hoping I'd just had bad luck. I'll be sure to give gap a try.
@madreofdragons I wouldn't be entirely surprised. There is so much room!

kayjay44 · August 2018

@becks_726- I find it’s hard to find properly fitting maternity clothes, moreso than regular clothes, because everyone’s body changes differently. Trying on in store is definitely preferred but less and less places are actually carrying things in store.

becks_726 · August 2018

@kayjay44 there is nothing in store within an hour of my house

But I'll suck it up. I have trouble imagining clothes that will fit nicely now and in 5 months so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

cas060 · August 2018

My first time maternity clothes shopping today... tyme maternity thank the gods!

Found 2 dress pants and 2 dark jeans i can wear at work and hell theyre comfier than my normal clothes!! Maybe even look better too

The fake bump they had to try things on with just about killed me... omg shits about to get real-er... 17 weeks here i come!

lovesclimbing · August 2018

adough27 said:

@hannahbananas11 Rent the Runway has some maternity floor length gowns and some empire waist gowns that you can rent under $100.

*lurker from March*

Is there some special search term or something you used to find these? My brother is getting married when I'll be in 3rd Tri, and I couldn't find maternity stuff on there. I clicked their Maternity link under dresses, and it directed me to what appeared to be just a maternity subscription service, which I don't want.

ETA: After browsing, I did find a way to refine by "bump friendly" and trimester, but when I used those, it was pulling up sheath dresses and stuff that is in no way bump or 3rd Tri friendly.

lifeofboggs · August 2018

If you haven’t already ladies head to the nearest Boston store ASAP and grab there maternity clothes! Going out of business sales are like 75% off right now! I got 4 tops and 3 pants for $20

Product Spotlight: Maternity & Nursing Clothes

Re: Product Spotlight: Maternity & Nursing Clothes

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Product Spotlight: Maternity & Nursing Clothes

Re: Product Spotlight: Maternity &amp; Nursing Clothes

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Re: Product Spotlight: Maternity & Nursing Clothes