Maternity clothes- what are your hot picks?
The annoying thing about maternity clothes is knowing that they won’t be used again once your baby is about 9 months old. I say this because I needed some of my maternity clothes for at least this long after each of my offspring were born. I know some people walk out of hospital in their skinny jeans after giving birth and I am sure for them the issue of maternity clothes is even more of a pain ;)
So what are key maternity clothes you need for your wardrobe and more importantly where can you find ones that are a) comfortable b) affordable c) make you look like a million dollars?
Well obviously everyone is different and I have banged on about the importance of a good maternity bra. According to recent advice the sooner you start wearing one during your pregnancy the better so that “the area” is well supported throughout.
There were three items I splurged on, mainly because I wore them nearly everyday. I bought them from a specialist maternity shop when I saw they had a sale. It’s worth waiting for sales (if you can) because it makes the sting of buying them a little less painful. I bought a pair of black trousers with that deliciously supportive wide band round the middle and two nice tops for work.
Kmart, Target and Pumpkin Patch also have some lovely maternity wear especially in tops and ¾ length pants. I also found e-bay a great place to pick up some bargains and I used it to offload my clothes as well when I’d finished using them. With summer approaching and maxi dresses in fashion it means you can also pick up some lovely long dresses which flatter you in all the right places from shops like Cotton On or French Connection.
What maternity clothes do you think are “must haves” for mums to be and where do you get them from?
26 Member comments Post a reply
Buying maternity clothes can be a pain. Sarah looks at "must haves" and asks what your suggestions are.
Read the full blog post: Maternity clothes- what are your hot picks?
Posted 11 November 2010 - 02:35 AM
I want to know where to purchase clothes when you are a bigger person to begin with. I cant seem to find anything nice. It is depressing. I have gone from fat clothes to really fat clothes.
PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE help me.... I can be the only one.
Posted 11 November 2010 - 07:18 AM
Hi mommabee,
Check out MamaMore Maternity. Our Plus Maternity range is in sizes 18-28. HTH. Not sure if I can post a link but you'll find us if you google MamaMore.
Jocelyn
Posted 14 November 2010 - 08:57 AM
I was a size 12 before I was pregnant so I've been lucky enough to just buy bigger sizes so far. The only maternity clothes I've bought so far (at 21 weeks) is jeans and work pants. I tried those elastic waistband extenders but didn't really like them that much. Oh and I bought to most comfy bra ever! The SuperBra for sleeping in!
Posted 14 November 2010 - 10:38 AM
arrr see im the opposite!
I refuse to buy maternity clothing as i think its a con and a rip off! all new stuff is so expensive! and i havent seen anything in my area that looks particularly nice! So ive just been buying bigger singlets (for cheap from rivers etc) and stretchy skirts (mostly from the Op shops!)
So the only advice i have is go to the Second hand shops (salvos etc) and buy cheap stuff from them smile xxxx
Posted 14 November 2010 - 12:16 PM
Posted 15 November 2010 - 10:54 AM
I agree, I only had a couple of maternity things, and I got those given to me. I either op shopped, or bought stuff from Millers (shorts mainly) because you will find most millers stuff has an elastic waist band. I only went up to a size 10 (i was all baby, and i could still wear a lot of my size 8s done up under the bump) so I didn't need to worry about finding maternity clothes. I wore a lot of my non-maternity tops (stretchy material) with one of those waist band thingies that covers the bump. Kmart has some nice Bub2B (i think thats the name) clothes at the moment.
Posted 15 November 2010 - 11:57 AM
well im up to baby number 4.... and this time around i have splurged on clothes, because im so sick and tired of feeling big and frumpy!!! Shopping is wayyyy to hard with 3 kids under the age of 5 and a basketball belly, so I bought the majority of my stuff online - i found queenbee maternity FABULOUS and also Soon and Bloom have some gorgeous stuff, best part is im sure i will get to wear most of it after bub is born, because it doesnt look like typical 'maternity' clothing!! =) wish i had discovered these places with my first 3 bubs!!
Posted 16 November 2010 - 05:13 AM
Hot Milk maternity bras are fantastic. I also love Jeans West maternity jeans.
Posted 16 November 2010 - 05:21 AM
Mommabee, I was just about to write something about this when I read your post. I too have found that there is nothing maternity wise that caters for the plus size woman. I was finding I had to go up sizes just to get anything to fit over my belly and then it would just make me look like a sack. It would be nice to see someone cater for the larger pregnant woman, and it would also be nice to see this available at retail stores like target, kmart etc. While I'm at it having a little vent, there isn't a lot in the lines of maternity bras and underwear for someone my size. C'mon here, we larger pregnant ladies would like to feel sexy as well.
Posted 16 November 2010 - 10:32 AM
I too am REALLY bummed out by the lack of 'style' in maternity wear - or if it is stylish - you have to pay the big bucks - lol - ok - so the big bucks for me is anything over $50 for one item tongue
I was a 'curvy' size 14 to begin with - and find the maternity singlets from Kmart/Target are all I'm living in - and they're all in grey!!! Come on 'designers' have a bit more imagination!!
Am waiting on 2x HotMilk maternity bras to come in the mail - and have to say i LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVE my Jeans West maternity jeans! I have a bootcut and a skinny leg pair to wear my boots over - they're better than my old maternity jeans (don't want to trash their brand so I won't LOL!)
Posted 16 November 2010 - 08:58 PM
I agree - everything is really frumpy looking or just horrible prints. I've noticed as well that the range varies from Kmart to kmart. We're lucky we have two close by and the closest one has LOADS of maternity bras, singlets etc but not many clothes and the other has loads of clothes and no bras!
Posted 17 November 2010 - 08:14 AM
If anyone is after second hand maternity clothes, check out www.ninemonthsmore.com.au
Its run by a friend of mine who was sick of paying full retail for clothes you only wear for a couple of months!
Posted 17 November 2010 - 08:31 AM
Topshop.com Get the advantage of Birtish Pounds while you can, cheap shipping too with track and trace
Posted 17 November 2010 - 10:53 AM
I also refuse to buy maternity clothes.. I purchased a "belly belt: for $20.00 online & think its the best thing ever!! I'm 38 weeks & still wearing all my old skinny jeans & shorts etc.. I also just purchased two extra pairs of leggings & was lucky enough to already have a wide selection of long tunic style tops & have been wearing dresses as tops with leggings etc. For my baby shower & christmas I got myself a thin black cotton maxi dress & think i'll be wearing it until it falls apart!!
Posted 09 January 2011 - 02:53 AM
The only nice maternity clothes I've seen so far (except for online stores which I won't buy clothes from) is Pea in a Pod. I stocked up when I went to Melbourne last month for a holiday.
Posted 09 January 2011 - 03:14 AM
I have been buying a bit of 2nd hand maternity clothes on Trademe..its always in good condition as its only been worn for a few months! I like to go tights on the bottom with a floaty tunic/babydoll style top or a tight singlet/t.shirt on top with a floaty skirt or looser shorts/pants. But i like to show off my bump. I think a lot of the maternity gear is big all over, and often if you wear them on both top and bottom you end up looking like a sack!! Most of the stuff i wear isnt maternity, just stretchy normal clothes, perhaps a size (or two) bigger than I would normally wear!
Maxi dresses look good on with a pregnant bump, too and you can get these for cheap ($30) from glassons, Warehouse, etc smile
I havent been fully pregnant during winter yet though, so anyone who has I would appreciate some fashion advice!!most of the above stuff was what I have worn so far this preg (18.5 Wks) or with DS's pregnancy (he was born in Feb) so mostly summer stuff.
I have 1 pair of maternity jeans, and was thinking of getting some nice fitted pregnancy long-sleved tops and then just wearing an open jumper/jacket over top when its cold?! dont really know how to tackle the winter seasons outfits just yet!!
Posted 09 January 2011 - 08:40 AM
The bub2bub range at my local KMart are awesome. I bought a pair of lightweight cargo pants from there and have been living in them, they are so comfortable. I've been telling my non-pregnant friends to get a pair. My fella even wants a pair he said.
My sister also raves on about her maternity jeans that she got from Jeans West
Posted 11 January 2011 - 12:30 AM
i loved reading this thread, gave me hints and ideas.
being my first pregnancy i dont know what to do for clothes. im only 15.6w so mostly still wearing my old clothes still.
i was a size 12-13 on bottom and a 14 on top (no hips, broad shoulders). so far my skinny jeans still fit but are not really comfortable. i have been living in leggings and a bigger top.
i agree with an earlier post that there is no style in maternity clothes! i live in warrnambool and we only have the target and kmart with maternity stuff, mostly the stuff looks too old for me!
im going to check out all the online links people have posted! i hope to find something smile
thanks again ladies!
Posted 11 January 2011 - 02:38 AM
I am trying to find some cheap maternity jeans that are long enough!!! kmart and pumpkin patch are too short... I might have a look at jeans west some time
Posted 15 January 2011 - 03:42 AM
I actually found a website through Babyology called www.oksa.com.au. The clothes are made in Australia and cater for plus-sizes (up to 16 I think). The clothes were reasonably priced and I was able to wear them whilst pregnant and also whilst breastfeeding. The biggest seller for me was that you can wear them post-baby, even when you have finished breastfeeding (justifying the cost)- I wear them now!
I agree that there is nothing else out there- kmart and target make you look even frumpier and I wasn't prepared to spend $$$$ on any clothes!
Posted 26 February 2011 - 02:13 AM
I love Cosmic Maternity jeans. They come in 3/4 and full length and they have a tie inside the waist so they don't fall down!! I have MANY pairs and they get loaned out to everyone. They are great post baby and all through the pregnancy.
My absolute best discovery .
I love Ripe wrap dresses and they also have a standard top that comes in long and short sleeves. Both great for whole pregnancy and post (breast feeding).
I am a size 18 and these are amazing.
Posted 26 February 2011 - 02:46 AM
Hey ladies, I've been shopping on www.asos.com (as seen on screen from england) ... I shopped their pre pregnancy as they have amazing fashions for both women and men. I've bought quite a few dresses for around 10 quid (i.e. just over 20 nz dollars) and I get comments on how nice they are every time I step out the door!! All your basics on there including stockings, leggings, ball gowns, jeans ... anything you want for pregnancy. Dont get side tracked in the shoe and handbag section though. Also as Im an H cup, its a nightmare to get bras let alone maternity ones ... I managed to get a Freya one through asos.com for the equivalent of $55 nz ... I loved it so much that I got another one here in NZ ... for $100, yip same bra! For anyone D cup and above would also recommend www.bravissimo.com for all your underwear needs ... the current exchange rate mates it so favourable to shop online in the UK.
Posted 25 April 2011 - 02:30 AM
the only maternity wear I bought were some jeans for work and a dressy top from ebay for when I had to go to an engagement party when I was 36wks.
The rest of the time I loaded up on singlet tops (they have some great long ones I'm still wearing now!) and leggings from supre. I find maternity wear hideous and way overpriced.
Posted 27 April 2011 - 03:13 AM
Hi ladies,
Late I know - but there is a whole online store dedicated to plus size maternity wear, designed and made in Australia.
Jeans, corporate wear, pj's swimwear - singlet with envelope opening for breastfeeding upto a size 28.............. love you to check us out.
Check out www.plusmaternity.com.au of find us on face book - plus maternity australia.
Hope this helps smile Nadine
Posted 19 June 2011 - 11:13 AM
Many ppl think that maternity clothes will not be useful after pregnancy, but not true! Especially considering the weight gain... I need my maternity clothes just as desperately even after 9 weeks since giving birth.
True, there aren't many nice looking brands out there. I also found that pea in the pod is beautiful, but too expensive. On the other hand, the cheaper stuff from target etc. just doesn't have the same style.
A friend of mine just got the cosmo pregnancy winter magazine recently and there's a new brand out in Australia called Olian Maternity. There are only a handful of websites selling it. I think if you live in Sydney, you can go try it on at one of the shops. Otherwise, can only get online. I checked out Www.shopmaternity.com.au and they seem to have some pretty stuff. Unfortunately for me, I will have to wait for my next pregnancy to try it out!
Posted 19 June 2011 - 07:57 PM
Follow the discussion on the forum.
You need to confirm your account to comment.