[sunflwrmoonbeam]

While I'm by no means skinny, I'm not exactly all that large. I've been wearing XL maternity clothes this whole pregnancy primarily because of my boobs. Going by the rest of my proportions, I should be in M or L.

Of course, the belly of doom is now starting to not be covered by my shirts, no matter the size. The way I see it, I have a few options, and I could use advice:

a) Buy plus size maternity, which is $$$$$$ and not useful for terribly long
b) show off my glorious stretchmarks
c) wear my husband's t-shirts, which at least all cover the belly, but then I feel like a frump all the time

Which would you choose?

I just want clothes that fit!!!!

 

[Voltige]

Try a bella band, or other home made cloth band that will sit on your hips and cover your belly. I have one that my friend made. It's not tight at all, just provides coverage for those shirts that are getting too short. I actually use it mostly with my normal, non-maternity shirts because my belly is not huge and I like to wear my normal clothes if possible.

 

[boscopup]

Do you have a kids/maternity consignment shop near you? You might be able to find some bigger plus size stuff for really cheap. I just picked up a super comfy pair of capris for $5.98, and they look like they've never been worn!

Or check out Walmart for a couple cheap plus size regular tops that fit over your boobs/belly and wear your DH's shirts at home. Actually, check a thrift store for plus size tops too.

I found that now that I've switched to that pair of capris with a wide elastic band across the navel (this is what's comfy for me - I know not everyone can wear this style comfortably), I have more choices with my tops because they don't have to go quite so low to cover up the panel. My pants even have real pockets because the normal fabric goes high enough up! It's amazing.

Also, if you plan to have more kids, it might be worth investing in maternity clothes. This is my last kid (planned, at least

), so I've been trying to find the cheapest route to keeping me clothed the next couple months, as I may only have 5-6 weeks left. But if it were my first, I'd be more willing to spend a bit on clothes. I did buy a Bravado nursing tank last week (should be here within a few days) that I can wear now and for nursing... assuming the girls end up no bigger than a G cup for the long haul.

That will also help me get a little more out of my clothes, as I can wear it underneath. I bought the size that fit me while nursing last pregnancy - just hadn't bought the one I tried on, even though I loved the fit (local shop had it for $53... I got it from breakoutbras.com for $36.45 with a 10% off coupon since they're on sale

). The Bella Band or something similar would also be a good idea, as PPs mentioned.

Hopefully you'll find something that works! I'll warn you... finding tops while nursing isn't a picnic either, because the bust is so much bigger than the waist/hips. I so long to be a C cup again.

 

[scrappingmom]

DDC crashing... I was/am having the same problem, my sister gave me a suggestion that i rolled my eyes at(beinga teenager what would she know

.. the girl is smart! ) You know the long tanks that are the THING to wear these days? well get a couple! most are really stretchy and designed to come down the hip a good ways "normally" i have a couple and they work awsome and you totally look stylish! lol

DEFINETELY try them on first!
Another idea might be, if you plan to breastfeed, is go to a consignment shop or goodwill type place and look for teh babydoll sort of style tops which also are often time fairly long.. they work great for maternity AND nursing.
Use caution getting bigger tops, the necklines grow with them

and you may end up having to hike them up so much it doesnt do any good anyway... alot of them are comparatively short i've noticed lately too.....maybe its just me i'm not sure.

this is my 6th baby and the long tanks are the best i've found yet, beside bella band maybe, never used that

 

[PoppyMama]

I went to TJ Maxx and got some stretchy dresses and I'm flaunting the belly now. I don't love how I look from behind though so I wear an unzipped hoodie or sweater over most things. The bella band should be helpful too.

 

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

Boscopup, this: "Hopefully you'll find something that works! I'll warn you... finding tops while nursing isn't a picnic either, because the bust is so much bigger than the waist/hips."
is the norm for me. Pre-pregnancy my bust was 2 sizes larger than my waist/hips. Just imagine what it's like now!

You all have a point about the investing in maternity clothes. This is babe #1 for me, but I have PCOS so who know when or if babe #2+ will show up....

 

[Asher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrappingmom DDC crashing... I was/am having the same problem, my sister gave me a suggestion that i rolled my eyes at(beinga teenager what would she know .. the girl is smart! ) You know the long tanks that are the THING to wear these days? well get a couple! most are really stretchy and designed to come down the hip a good ways "normally" i have a couple and they work awsome and you totally look stylish! lol DEFINETELY try them on first! Another idea might be, if you plan to breastfeed, is go to a consignment shop or goodwill type place and look for teh babydoll sort of style tops which also are often time fairly long.. they work great for maternity AND nursing. Use caution getting bigger tops, the necklines grow with them and you may end up having to hike them up so much it doesnt do any good anyway... alot of them are comparatively short i've noticed lately too.....maybe its just me i'm not sure. this is my 6th baby and the long tanks are the best i've found yet, beside bella band maybe, never used that

I was coming to post this exact same thing! I love my tanks, it can change the look of an outfit or make my pre-pregnancy shirts fine with the long maternity tank underneath. I got some for 2.99 each from Burke Outlet.

 

[simplykate]

I second the bellaband. I'm typically a size small, but my waist is so long the only maternity tops that will cover are larges. But the bella band fixes that problem, plus it holds your pants up!

 

[Erinz]

I second the tanks, and the bella band! I use both. Mostly I prefer the long tanks or camis. I only have a few shirts that are long enough to cover my entire belly. I should add that while I am not skinny either, I'm in small to medium maternity with a 36DD, soon to be E I'm sure.

I always joke that as a 40th birthday gift to myself I'm getting a mummy tummy tuck and the breast reduction I've always longed for

 

[Carlin]

I'm in the same situation, as far as things getting too short, and really don't want to spend any more money on maternity clothes as dh is being laid off at the end of the month. I have a couple tanks I can wear, but might try to find a couple more cheap ones for under my work clothes. The bella band doesn't really work for me as I have to sit most of the day at work and it rolls up or down all the time. I don't mind the t-shirt and jogging pants look at home but it doesn't cut it for work!

 

[sonuptosondown]

I can't wear the maternity pants that sit at the hip--I have to wear the ones with the tummy panel if I don't want to expose my belly--which I don't

.

I have a bunch of long t-shirts from Downeast Basics and Shade. They look cute, are close fitting and are nice and long. They'd probably work even with lower pants. And they're pretty cheap, especially the ones from Downeast Basics. They're not maternity ones, just regular. I wore them before becoming pg. They run small--I like size XL and I'm a size 12.

 

[OneLove]

I am also large chested, but I have managed to stay in the Mediums this pregnancy. And it is because of the style of long shirts. I was able to wear regular sized (new) long t-shirts up until a month ago, but now they also barely cover my belly. But the maternity shirts are longer than the regular sized ones (I am talking about Target v-neck, t-shirts), though, you might be able to buy the non-maternity plus size shirts that are long.

This is my third pregnancy, and while I have managed to gain less weight this time, when I put on my older shirts (Larges and XLs) - they are really short at this point and my stomach does show, so I know what you are saying. I have also noticed that this long t-shirt style has changed dramatically in the last couple of years, so even ones from the fall/winter might be shorter than a shirt you buy today.

I say go out and buy some new Maternity shirts now, just get a few cheep ones. Target might have some, or even Motherhood. Sometime even The Gap has the larger sizes on-line, on clearance. If you are hoping to have another baby, you can keep them. Or just get really cheap ones and give them away when you are done. You can find them for $12-$15 and a few can go a long way!

I only bought a few shirts a couple of months ago and have been using them when I go out, bc I really hate all my old stuff (my old maternity clothes are from the era when everything was short, tops were high and pants were low! Yuck. Not the best time to be postpartum, let me tell you!

). You can still use maternity shirts when you first have the baby too. So think of them as lasting you another 4 months or so, at least.

I also like the full panel bellies on pants for this reason. I only have one pair of full panel pants from this pregnancy (but I saved some from my first pregnancy... they didn't even exist in my second pregnancy).
I really want to buy one more pair, bc the newer pair that I have are so comfortable, I know I will wear them repeatedly, if I ever make it to the store to buy them! The high waist covering is so much easier to deal with than any of the shorter waisted pants (but I am hoping the short waisted ones are good post-partum). I do sometimes tuck the high waist into my bra to keep them up though.

Mine are a thin, light, cotton kakki and work with everything.

Anyway, I say buy some shirts. There is nothing worse than feeling like you look frumpy! Don't let that start now, it's hard enough after you have the baby. You need to feel like you look good!!

:

Andee

Janey Sky

(7 in July) , Forest Patrick

(just turned 4), and what-is-my-name?

(due June 3, 09)

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[lovingthis]

have your tried one of the belly band things, like they sell at motherhood. I personally hate teh texture of the one at Motherhood ( they fuzz up), but I have been using them to keep wearing my regular pants and the bonus is that it also covers that little bit of belly that wants to hang out with some of my longer, regular shirts...it's just a gap cover, and to anyone that doesn't know, they would just think it was a stretchy tanktop underneath.
hope youfind a chea solution that works for you

 

[toonces80]

Since you sew, you could easily make something to cover the belly. Find a cheap, big Tshirt, cut off just under your breasts and sew in elastic but something very soft and not tight. Just good enough to keep it from falling off.

I have already given up on shirts and I am just trying to live in dresses as much as possible. Some much more comfortable and easier this time around.