https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:46:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2625013 Wed, 21 Sep 2016 16:49:48 +0000 stiletto_mom 2625013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I definitely think it depends on how much you think your belly will grow/fluctuate. Since it's different for every woman, what I do might not work for someone else.</p> <p>Add to that, if you're pregnant through different seasons. Ugh, what a pain.</p> <p>I'm hoping to live off my maternity leggings and some regular tunics/long tops/blouses/sweaters for the fall. And just accessories with boots/booties, scarves and belts. </p> <p>I MAY get a pair of maternity jeans or something, but I'm hoping to be on mat leave before the big chill or snowfall hits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2613218 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:22:36 +0000 Mrsbells 2613218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weswife: I buy a combination of maternity clothes and regular clothes that have a loose fitting or empire waist </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2613167 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 07:57:26 +0000 mrsjd 2613167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not buy maternity clothes until I was about 20-21 weeks. I didn't really need them before that. I just ended up wearing my looser fitting regular clothes. That said, I did buy a few items in bigger sizes at that point and I regret it because they only lasted for 2-3 weeks. I hit a huge second trimester growth spurt and really needed maternity clothes at that point. I had to invest in a few nice pieces for work (I'm a lawyer) and then generally just filled in with Old Navy/Gap. I don't wear tshirts a lot and I have been pregnant in the summer so I've gotten the most use out of the cotton dresses I bought. For workout clothes, I liked Old Navy tights and my lululemon stuff still fits at 38 1/2 weeks because it's so stretchy and long. I also have a few long, loose nonmaternity blouses that still fit fine. It's amazing how you can make your old clothes still work if you are clever. </p> <p>@looch: This is so funny and generally true I think. Weirdly, I'm still in my pre-pregnancy bras at 38 1/2 weeks and they fit great. I was a 34DD pre-preg though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2613157 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 07:49:32 +0000 looch 2613157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt like the first thing that grows is the chest, I think most women try to still squeeze into their regular tops and then you have that weird gaping at the neckline that is such a giveaway, lol.</p> <p>I just bit the bullet and got maternity clothing. My workplace at the time was super casual (jeans okay) so I found a few pairs that I liked, plus a pair in white and a denim skirt and that was it for bottoms. I had 2 dresses I think, plus a few of the long sleeved tees with the ruching on the side (not a fan of the A-line tent tops) that I literally threw away after my son was born. I also had a few longline open cardigans and one cowl neck sweater. I am not a leggings person to begin with so I didn't bother with those at all.</p> <p>The biggest surprise for me was actually needing new shoes. I hadn't planned for that at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612634 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:28:28 +0000 ValentineMommy 2612634@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore the same maternity clothes throughout my pregnancy (as long as it was seasonally appropriate). They all fit throughout. Maternity clothes generally have a ton of stretch or a bunch of extra material. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612624 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:19:41 +0000 teacherbee 2612624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a nice pair of maternity jeans and several good-quality maternity tank tops at the beginning for the awkward in-between stage and they still fit great and are super comfortable now at almost 28 weeks. </p> <p>I can wear two of my pre-pregnancy jeans if I use the elastic band trick and/or the bella band but I just find maternity jeans so much more comfortable so I stick to them. </p> <p>I didn't find buying a size up to be very practical for me because the tops just didn't fit right. They would fit in the bust but be too baggy at the waist and cling to my belly. Everyone's different though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612548 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:07:39 +0000 snowjewelz 2612548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well if you're gonna be wearing maternity clothes at some point, might as well buy some! I made do with like the flowy-est tops and maybe 1-2 maternity things. I was 12 weeks during summer so I was able to just wear a lot of my flowy summer dresses. </p> <p>I just tried to get most things on sale/clearance! I also knew last time I wanted to have more kids; it worked out that I am pregnant pretty much the same exact season(s) again so I can put all of them to use again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612383 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 22:45:30 +0000 bluebubblez 2612383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Gap is always having a sale and their t-shirts are so comfy and flattering. Around 13 weeks or so, I went to Macy's and bought a couple of Jockey Seamless bras that I could grow into during my pregnancy -- they are so comfortable! If you don't need a lot of support, I highly recommend them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612353 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 21:01:42 +0000 Coffee-lover 2612353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lastpregnancy I tried buying some normal shirtsin a bigger size, but I stretched them and then couldnt even wear them postpartum. I ended up buying maternity shirts about 5 months in and wish I would have started with them.</p> <p>They are alot stretchier than they look, as long as you dont get the loose flowy ones they will still fit and look good now. I am 11 weeks today and pulled out my maternity stuff out again today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612257 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:06:05 +0000 Weswife 2612257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: I have lularoe leggings! Wearing them now 😊 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612254 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:01:16 +0000 avivoca 2612254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pants with a wider waistband are amazing. I have some LulaRoe leggings in the TC size that fit my giant 35 week belly now and will work postpartum too (then I'll go to one-size). I also have maxi dresses one size up that fit my belly quite well without stretching (they are flowy). I didn't want to buy a ton of maternity because this is my last pregnancy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612238 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 13:09:27 +0000 Weswife 2612238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: oh my husband is 6'4" lol much larger than me. His shirts are like dresses. A little too big 😊<br /> @stiletto_mom: I have belly bands but I hate them! Haha. Not sure why but hate them so I don't use them at all.<br /> @Modern Daisy: I am really excited about clothes too but they don't fit just right yet so I don't really know what to do. My regular clothes are too uncomfortable. And the few maternity I have-my mom bought me- are too big. I just don't like how nothing really fits! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612230 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:55:28 +0000 Modern Daisy 2612230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first pregnancy I was really excited for maternity clothes so I stocked up early and switched over once my pants got tight. My second pregnancy I had finally wised up and invested in more regular clothes that were 1-2 sizes larger than my regular size that got me to about 33 weeks so I was only in maternity clothes for a few weeks total and had a perfect postpartum wardrobe ready to go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612225 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:39:42 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2612225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stiletto_mom: I didthat a lot with my first pregnancy and also didn't have to buy as much maternity items... But at the end, many of my clothes were stretched out to the point of no return. Even pants unzipped with the Bella band, still stretched out so much that wearing them post partum was a no go.<br /> Just FYI for others that it's a possibility if you choose to wear pre pregnancy clothes your whole pregnancy :)<br /> This time around I don't want to do that so invested in some solid pieces </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612223 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:35:00 +0000 stiletto_mom 2612223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At 12 weeks, I bought two bella bands. I STILL use them (I'm 25 weeks) and haven't had to buy any maternity jeans yet.</p> <p>After that, I lived off my bella bands until around 20 weeks before my poor boobs started to get cut into by my regular bras. Then I purchased 3 maternity/nursing bars. Well worth!</p> <p>I popped by my local Macy's and Thyme Maternity, invested in a pair of maternity leggings, maternity black maxi skirt, and a pair of maternity denim shorts for the summer months. Perfect.</p> <p>Then over to Old Navy and just bought a plain black maternity tank top, and ONE maternity t-shirt (striped).</p> <p>Everything else is part of my old pre-pregnancy wardrobe. I still wear my old tanks and tees with the bella band and it looks fine. </p> <p>I have an black halter sundress (but if you have any sundress), I pair it with a crop top, and BOOM, looks like maternity.</p> <p>I wear my old maxi dresses with a belt over the belly. Again, looks like maternity without being maternity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612220 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:24:45 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2612220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weswife: well I stole many of dh's hoodies last pregnancy haha, cause I was also pregnant through the winter (delivered end of February). I did just buy a maternity sweatshirt from gap! But personally I loved the big oversized ones my hubby has. And he's not a super big guy. But he had one xl that I wear all the time. Even non pregnant lol! Something about baggy clothes is so cozy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612194 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 10:22:05 +0000 Weswife 2612194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KayKay: the problem is I don't know 😔... And I feel like I am just going to spend tons of money! Boo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612192 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 10:09:59 +0000 KayKay 2612192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you're planning on nursing, the larger chest size isn't going to go away for awhile! In the early stages of my pregnancy(s), I would just size up in some shirts to fit my chest and/or be looser through the body. I also have a fair number of looser/swingier tops now, which I still found flattering post-partum too. I also bought some of the cheap target long &amp; lean tank tops to layer under shirts that started getting a little short once my bump popped.</p> <p>I have a handful of true "maternity" tops, but tried to get mostly normal things that would just work throughout the pregnancy &amp; postpartum periods. </p> <p>I think a lot of it is personal preference and how your body takes to pregnancy/when you pop/how obvious/etc! I tend to like my tops looser anyways, whereas someone who likes things more fitted/tailored would probably want to do more true maternity things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612188 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:40:28 +0000 Weswife 2612188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: since we are preggo in the winter what about hoodies? I love hoodies! Should I buy a large one or maternity! They are like my favorite thing to wear when I am not working so I need at least one lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612187 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:39:32 +0000 Weswife 2612187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks ladies!!! All very helpful! I appreciate all the sharing and advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2612106 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 20:52:45 +0000 maddyz 2612106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Once I switched to maternity pants I had to change my shirts because I have a long torso and my normal shirts would show the stretchy band. I can wear pretty much everything I got early on now at 37 weeks. But I haven't put on much weight. Also, I have totally given up on pants of any kind at this point... but that's just because it's hot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611991 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:15:52 +0000 Littlebit7 2611991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The gap v neck basic t-shirts are AMAZING. I still wear them today (at home). Also gap made some black pants that felt like leggings but actually were great for dressy pants, or even kicking around in sneakers and a cute top. They were soooo comfortable. (I've been known to wear them with longer tops and tunics because how hard is it to find ankle length cute slim fit stretchy pants)<br /> I really felt like gap offered pretty good value, the stuff held up and grew with me. Honestly I was sad to retire some of it !! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611986 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:06:38 +0000 Alba4 2611986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like well-tailored clothes, so yes, I wore maternity clothes for both pregnancies. I found the stretch in pregnancy clothing to be so much more comfortable. I outgrew some shirts at the end of my second pregnancy, but in general I wore my maternity wardrobe from 12 weeks- delivery (38 weeks). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611982 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:03:18 +0000 youboots 2611982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I stocked up on ON and Gap on sale. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611980 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 14:00:56 +0000 meadow 2611980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fyi: Nursing tank tip I got from a friend...nursing tanks are typically over $10....if you buy a regular spaghetti straps tank from old navy ($5 or cheaper if you hit sales) in one size up from pre-pregnancy you can just pull down the neckline below your boob. I've done this for 3 months now &amp; it works great!!! You can wear regular or flowing tops above the tank &amp; feel like a human. Then to nurse...shirt up tank down &amp; you aren't exposed. When I'm home...I just wear the tank. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611948 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:29:04 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2611948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also- I have already bought some maternity clothes but I'm not wearing most of it yet. I have one pair of stretchy jeans I've worn once, but because like you I just have pudge and not a firm bump, they didn't stay up well haha, I was constantly adjusting.<br /> I like the motherhood shelf bra spaghetti strap tank for layering or just wearing solo since it's still warm out. It was only $12.95 and a BOGO 50% when I was there. If you want to oh a bit more- they have similar tanks but with the nursing bra feature and I lived in those the first several weeks post partum with my son, because I just nursed around the clock lol! So those are a good investment too.<br /> I also like the gap body shirts and tanks- mostly for comfort at home at this point </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611947 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:24:29 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2611947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm mostly trying to wear loose fitting swing style tops now. As you know, I'm in the exact same boat- almost down to the week ;)<br /> I also have a lot of high waisted leggings I wore for comfort and workouts before this pregnancy that still fit now and are my most comfortable item (Lucy's perfect core legging is 👌🏽. And they are amazing post partum for holding everything in again). But I did also splurge on the blanqi high waisted pregnancy leggings and they are awesome too.<br /> As for loose fitting tops- I have this from American eagle I love - their line of "sort and sexy" is all swing style and so cozy. <a href="https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-soft-sexy-hi-neck-tank-lead/web/s-prod/2360_2509_071?cm=sUS-cUSD&#038;catId=cat6280046" rel="nofollow">https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-soft-sexy-hi-neck-tank-lead/web/s-prod/2360_2509_071?cm=sUS-cUSD&#038;catId=cat6280046</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611944 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:01:02 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2611944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first, it was a spring/summer pregancy so I wore a lot of regular flowy tops and skirts with no waistband/loose dresses. I also got some regular tops in a larger size from the thrift store. I didn't buy a lot of maternity clothes. My second was a summer/fall pregnancy so I bought a lot more stuff.<br /> If you're due in late winter, I'd suggest some plain maternity tanks/tees that you can layer with regular cardigans to last through the winter. My town had a few second-hand maternity shops and they have really good selections! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611941 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 11:52:03 +0000 gingerbebe 2611941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore a lot of blousey thin loose fitting tops that were more empire waist during my pregnancy that weren't maternity. You can wear them postpartum and I wore them in cold weather layered with cardigans. I also wore a lot of long tanks and camis with cardigans and jackets and button down shirts layered over the top. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pregnancy-and-clothes-what-to-do#post-2611938 Sat, 27 Aug 2016 11:49:08 +0000 autumnleaves 2611938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was much happier wearing my maternity jeans then. Some pants and shirts I did outgrow but others lasted the whole pregnancy. I'd go ahead and get leggings and some maternity shirts. I got more wear out of full panel pants than demi. </p>