https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:31:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2564391 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:10:05 +0000 lioneyes 2564391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>belly bands with regular jeans (wore those until the end); blanqui high-waisted leggings; old navy tank maxi dresses with a jean jacket or (old navy maternity) chambray shirt tied over; stretchy tops with side ruching (nordstrom- rosie pope brand and ingrid&amp;isabel); and at the end lots of workout wear (gap maternity) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2563833 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 13:01:24 +0000 opalandpearl 2563833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I wore quite a few of my own pieces for most of the pregnancy (tops only). Pre-pregnancy I began to invest in tunics and tops that are 'forgiving'. </p> <p>Shirts: I purchased long sleeve, short sleeve, tank tops. Plain and basic. You can accessorize and have the comfort of those tops. Cotton and easy to wash. </p> <p>Pants: I got a cute pair of H &amp; M jeans and two pairs of black pants. Then I invested in a pair of fitness tights and wore a lot of my regular tights. </p> <p>Dresses/Shorts/Other: I did wear my maxi dresses (cotton) from Old Navy. I didn't need to change sizes. </p> <p>Borrow from others if possible!! Even if it is a top or two!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2551419 Wed, 18 May 2016 15:29:34 +0000 BUNBUN 2551419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've tried to build my maternity wardrobe very slowly as I need it (and yes, I have to make sure I do laundry 1x/week). I'm tall and on the larger side (size 8-12, long). I have to dress up for work, so most of my maternity clothing is on the nicer side. I don't like leggings and I live in the American south, so it's already 80 degrees here. I'm only at 19 weeks, but right now I've got:<br /> 1 belly band (holds up too-big mat pants/skirt and holds closed pre-preg pants)<br /> 1 pair below-the-belly dress pants<br /> 1 pair over-the-belly dress pants (that I haven't worn yet)<br /> 1 maternity blazer for conferences and nicer work meetings<br /> 1 pair maternity jeans from Destination Maternity (that I HATE. they do not stay up at all unless I wear the belly band with them, but it's almost too hot to wear them)<br /> 1 maternity top (which should work as a nursing top)<br /> 4 maternity dresses (3 of which are actually nursing dresses, so that I can use them post-preg)<br /> 3 casual maternity tank tops<br /> 1 Old Navy maternity maxi skirt (I have to use the belly band to hold that up right now too)</p> <p>I've got one or two flowy work shirts that I can still pull off and my yoga pants still fit (as of now). I have a bunch of longer tank tops that I will continue to wear as long as I can. I wear one of my pre-preg cardigans daily. </p> <p>I'm just starting to look-out for 1 pair of maternity shorts that will get me through the summer</p> <p> I haven't been able to find ANYTHING in-store (or in consignment shops), so I've focused on sites that have good return policies. Seraphine Maternity, Figure8Maternity, Destination Maternity (for some items, most don't fit me well), Loft (for slacks only), Old Navy (for super-casual only). Everything else is too casual for work or doesn't fit me, and my work dresses can be dressed up or down, so I just use those with a pre-preg cardigan or jean jacket.</p> <p>I know it's frustrating, but I would shop very, very slowly because it seems that how items fit will change drastically. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2551389 Wed, 18 May 2016 14:51:12 +0000 Rescuemom10 2551389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: Where in Canada are you? Too far from the border for a weekend shopping trip in the States?<br /> I ask because I am so close to the border so I see lots of CA people come over.</p> <p>If you like leggings I hear people LOVE Lularoe for Maternity. Plus side is they are not maternity so you can wear them AFTER baby too. I have 2 pairs of their leggings and they are pretty darn amazing. Just would have to find someone who sells them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2544190 Mon, 09 May 2016 08:25:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2544190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got as little as possible.. With the variety of styles available today, it's not too hard to find flowy/long things that will cover a bump. But maternity jeans/leggings are a must! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2544119 Mon, 09 May 2016 06:50:13 +0000 looch 2544119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One thing that I found was that what worked for me prior to pregnancy worked for me during pregnancy. For example, I am pear shaped and can't really wear leggings with long tops, so I avoided that look while pregnant. I also did better with fitted tops, like tees with ruching, rather than the a line style tops.</p> <p>I got a ton of mileage out of those loose, open cardigans. I also didn't count on needing a new pair of shoes towards the end because of swelling and as for a coat, I decided rather than invest in a maternity coat, I'd simply size up and I found a really good solution at a discount department store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2543936 Sun, 08 May 2016 15:14:29 +0000 Keybee 2543936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found that I needed maternity pants, my others were uncomfortable, but a lot of my dresses and shirts fit. If you can get accustomed to only having a few articles of clothing, you won't have to spend much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2543901 Sun, 08 May 2016 11:59:32 +0000 ShootingStar 2543901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: I think it depends on your body type for larger clothes to be more flattering. I'm kind of plus size, so I liked having maternity wear earlier to emphasize it's a bump, and not just me gaining weight. And while I could've worn my regular jeans much longer than I did, they got uncomfortable and just made me look like I had a giant muffin top. </p> <p>Personally, I figure that since you're going to need maternity clothes at some point (remember you'll probably need them post partum for a bit too) that you might as well get as much use out of them as you can. I see no point in waiting 6 months to buy basics like jeans, which I wear evey day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2543881 Sun, 08 May 2016 10:31:02 +0000 mrsmacandcheese 2543881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Boomerang Kids has online maternity consignment! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do/page/2#post-2543719 Sat, 07 May 2016 17:34:12 +0000 SweetiePie 2543719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: are you able to shop Shopbop.com? They have maternity. But it's high end, so expensive. But still some sales! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543718 Sat, 07 May 2016 17:33:22 +0000 SweetiePie 2543718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@delight: yes, I'm in the US. They only have it online though!<br /> And J Crew has maternity online as well but I think just pants (at least when I was pregnant 2 years ago). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543686 Sat, 07 May 2016 16:29:07 +0000 LemonJack 2543686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was able to wear casual clothes to work, so I rotated between three pairs of maternity jeans. I had some maternity shirts, and I especially needed those the last trimester as none of my regular shirts were long enough. I mostly wore maternity tank tops with a regular cardigan and scarf over it as I have a lot of those. I also bought a maternity maxi skirt, yoga shorts and yoga capris and wore those mostly the first few weeks after I had her since it was warm by then.</p> <p>I was able to get away with my regular clothes and just a belly band until a little before 20 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543653 Sat, 07 May 2016 13:45:47 +0000 Modern Daisy 2543653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ignored my friends the first time and bypassed the belly band going straight to maternity clothes around 14 weeks. It was my first pregnancy and I was really excited to wear a whole new wardrobe. This time - thank goodness for that band! As long as your weight gain is in the normal range you really only need maternity clothes (tops especially) in the last few weeks. I find that regular clothing in a larger size is much more flattering and also more affordable since there is such a huge markup when something is maternity. I finally just grew out of my regular pants with the belly band at 30 weeks!</p> <p>Plus it takes a long time to lose the weight so a wardrobe of regular but larger clothes are better for this time too. I actually had a separate "fat" wardrobe I wore during this time I had saved from years prior before I lost a lot of weight.</p> <p>But as far as real maternity - pants obviously and lots of cotton tshirts! I work in a formal environment so had to buy some nicer tops and Blazers as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543637 Sat, 07 May 2016 12:30:35 +0000 delight 2543637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: I didn't know AT loft had maternity. Are you in the US? It's hard to find Loft in Canada. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543636 Sat, 07 May 2016 12:30:05 +0000 delight 2543636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I don't know where you are but London, Guelph and Toronto have maternity sections in their H&amp;M and Old Navy. They are just small little sections so just ask when you get there or call ahead to make sure they have them. Very few Ontario Gap stores have maternity. I buy mine online. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543598 Sat, 07 May 2016 09:53:34 +0000 SweetiePie 2543598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a lot of maternity clothes BUT there were some regular pieces that still worked well.<br /> Any dresses that were really stretchy worked (I had some ribbed tank dresses and maxi dresses) but I did find that the cheap old navy maternity dresses still felt best. </p> <p>I also went to TJ Maxx/Marshall's and got 5 or so of those fold over maxi skirts. They can be unfolded for a "full panel" effect or folded under the bump. I wore those a ton (I was due end of Sept)</p> <p>I also was able to wear some regular t- shirts that just had a lot of room. But mostly I liked fitted stuff so materntity worked best for that. </p> <p>My musts for my summer pregnancy were:<br /> - maternity tanks from Gap, ON, and AT Loft<br /> - one pair of full panel cut-off jean shorts<br /> - leggings (mat from Gap)<br /> - fold over maxis<br /> - maxi dresses<br /> - I'm a denim freak so I also got 3-4 nice pairs of jeans. But prob could have gotten away with 2.<br /> - I wore regular denim jackets and cardigans since I usually wear them open anyway.<br /> - yoga pants for lounging but also a lot of my sweats still fit<br /> - flip flops were all that fit my elephant feet! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543586 Sat, 07 May 2016 09:13:13 +0000 MrsSCB 2543586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>25 weeks and I would not get by without maternity clothes! I took awhile to show, but I definitely need them now. I've bought jeans, shorts, a few tops and dresses. I can still wear some of my more flowy shirts and also yoga pants, leggings and anything with an elastic waist (like running shorts). A lot of tops, while I can get them on, are too short with a bump. I can't really wear any dresses because most of my pre-preg dresses cut in close at the waist. Flowier dresses you could probably get away with. I'm still wearing my same work pants with a bellaband because I haven't found ones I like. But I think I'll need them soon. I haven't spent too much, because I've only bought sale stuff. Love my jeans from Gap. I also like everything I've gotten from H&amp;M. Target and Asos are great, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543578 Sat, 07 May 2016 08:56:09 +0000 tlcbaby 2543578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can still wear my old yoga pants and running shorts (just fold down or wear under the belly) at 21 weeks, but jeans/pants are much more comfy if you get maternity. I have a boot cut pair and a pair of skinny jeans. I like maternity tees and tanks, too, because they are longer, which helps when you get really close to the end and nothing will cover the bump. I can get away with my regular empire waist dresses and maxi dresses, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543551 Sat, 07 May 2016 06:37:59 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2543551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely needed maternity clothes including underwear! I was so comfortable once I started wearing them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543543 Sat, 07 May 2016 05:59:18 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2543543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I got away with normal clothes for quite a while. But definitely need jeans and now nearing the end my regular tops don't cover my belly! I ordered everything I have from gap online. Shop the sale section and wait until they have a 40% off code. Send stuff back for free if it doesn't fit or you don't like it! They have quite a bit of options. Good luck! We are definitely more limited for options in Canada, I feel your pain! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543528 Sat, 07 May 2016 00:47:51 +0000 tysonja 2543528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my basics for the three pregnancies were:<br /> regular leggings/maternity leggings<br /> 1 or 2 pairs of maternity jeans (full panel)<br /> 1 pair maternity shorts (if summer)<br /> 4 basic maternity tank tops (old navy)<br /> 2-3 basic maternity t-shirts<br /> 1-3 maternity dresses or long tops</p> <p>everything else i wore was regular clothes... oversized cardigans, stretchy empire waist short dresses w/ leggings and maxi dresses. by the end i didn't care what i was wearing... as long as it covered the bump. hehe.</p> <p>im in canada too, but vancouver, so there are a few options here. i bought stuff from destination maternity (expensive, but decent sale section), old navy, gap (the larger stores have a mat section, or shop online), and target (before they left...). if you're near the border it's worth a trip down. </p> <p>if i could only pick 3 items they would be: jeans, tanks, leggings. you can get away with regular leggings the whole time, i did for my 1st pregnancy, but it's not worth it. haha.</p> <p>eta: i wore my non-maternity fold-over band jersey skirts (long and knee length) a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543518 Fri, 06 May 2016 22:41:13 +0000 sometimesshesings 2543518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: I agree that it will save you money to buy breastfeeding-friendly maternity clothes if you plan to nurse. With my first pregnancy, I didn't realize I'd be wearing my maternity clothes for 2-3 months pp, and I was disappointed that many of my dresses and shirts did not have easy breastfeeding access. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543508 Fri, 06 May 2016 21:23:50 +0000 Hoots 2543508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: Have you tried ebay? I bought a couple larger lots off of ebay for cheap. It was seriously the best thing I did. Everything was in awesome condition. Because I bought larger lots for cheap, it didn't particularly matter that a few things here and there didn't fit. You just have to be a bit patient until the right lot in the right size comes up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543506 Fri, 06 May 2016 21:16:13 +0000 macintosh 2543506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have Buy Buy Baby or Destinstion Maternity? Both of those carry Motherhood maternity which had great, comfy basics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543505 Fri, 06 May 2016 21:15:52 +0000 Goldengirl 2543505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: oh man that sounds amazing. I'm excited! Haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543504 Fri, 06 May 2016 21:14:52 +0000 caterw 2543504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: yes they are different! They will either have a stretchier under belly band or they will come all the way up over your bump. I definitely prefer the over- bump (aka full panel) because they are less likely to fall down (and they are mega comfy). I got mine from Motherhood Maternity and they lasted my whole pregnancy and I kept wearing them until I lost the baby weight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543503 Fri, 06 May 2016 21:11:19 +0000 Goldengirl 2543503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tinyperson: @delight: have never noticed any maternity in H&amp;M or Old Navy... do they have specific sections? Maybe only some stores? I also don't know if I've seen at Gap but could do online. Don't see anything online for Old Navy, so frustrating! </p> <p>@Alba4: argh I wish we had Macys in Canada! My fave department store.</p> <p>@catlady: @caterw: @Alba4: are maternity leggings different than regular ones in a bigger size? I am a huge leggings girl through fall and winter so I see myself living in those. For summer probably just lots of dresses which is what I do anyway.</p> <p>I think one of the biggest challenges will be that I have 4 weddings in the third trimester so will need to find some kind of formal wear. Will cross that bridge later!</p> <p>Thanks for all the advice everyone :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543490 Fri, 06 May 2016 20:53:10 +0000 caterw 2543490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely needed some maternity clothes (especially pants). I SAH so I had mostly leggings, one pair of jeans, and one pair of shorts. Tops are way easier to find in non maternity. I bought one size up in tunic tops and flowy type shirts a lot. I also recommend getting tops and dresses that are for maternity and nursing if you plan to breastfeed so they last longer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543473 Fri, 06 May 2016 20:23:24 +0000 delight 2543473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldengirl: I love H&amp;M maternity! Their skinny jeans fit me really well. Most of my maternity clothes are from there. The rest is from Old Navy or Thyme. I find Thyme really pricey though. Old Navy has the best deals, their stuff is always on sale. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/maternity-clothes-what-did-you-do#post-2543435 Fri, 06 May 2016 19:28:10 +0000 avivoca 2543435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Most of my work clothes were (are) maternity. I didn't have a ton of stuff, so I wore it all to death. Until about 35 weeks, I could get away with non-maternity shirts in a size up, but now I'm 18 weeks and my maternity shirts are all I can wear. I'm so much bigger this time (but I haven't gained any weight, go figure). </p>