When I was pregnant with DS, I borrowed a lot of maternity clothes, and what I bought I mostly got from Old Navy (or the Goodwill). This time around, it seems like ON clothes are HUGE. Even in small sizes. I have enough shorts/pants, but I'm mostly looking for tops for summer. Any suggestions on where to shop for smaller sizes? I don't have as much free time for Goodwill shopping, unfortunately.
Maternity clothes - help me out small mamas!
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Joined
·
432 Posts
I could use the advice too, although more for the bottoms. I bought pants/jeans from Motherhood and Craigslist. They fit okay just to try on, but once I start moving around, they slide down. Drives me crazy to keep hiking my pants up.<br><br>
It's the style with the belly panel you can fold down, but not very elastic. I prefer the ones with the thicker elastic band that rides low. Unfortunately I only have a few pair of they style.
It's the style with the belly panel you can fold down, but not very elastic. I prefer the ones with the thicker elastic band that rides low. Unfortunately I only have a few pair of they style.
Ugh. This is why I hate maternity clothes so much, they're all huge! I am not particularly small, pretty average sized (5'7" and 125lbs not pregnant) but I have to buy the smallest sizes available in most brands of maternity clothes and even then they're usually too big until my third tri. Anyway, vent over.<br><br>
I have pretty much given up on pants, they're the worst because for me at least the bigger my belly gets the more they fall down, I usually get a pair of really lowrise jeans in a size up from normal or whatever fits at the time. This works well for most of pregnancy and drawstring pants fill in the gaps pretty well, luckily I have been pregnant in warm places and/or over the summer so linen pants are appropriate. Skirts are generally easier to wear, I love the fold over waistband yoga type skirts. Yoga pants are great too, but I can't wear them out because I feel like I'm in my pjs!<br><br>
The more expensive brands tend to be smaller, in my experience. Also, a couple of years ago (when I was pregnant with my now 3yo) I found some smaller pants at Kohls. No idea what the sizing is like now but then they worked.<br><br>
Now fior shirts, which is what you actually asked about <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">-<br>
I love the Target maternity tees. I live in them. They actually fit and they aren't tent-like, if you know what I mean. They fit at the shoulders (though as I said I'm 5'7" and 125 not pg and I wear an XS in the Target stuff, so it might not work for someone who is really small) and they are fairly form fitting and attractive. They are not, however, long enough for my in late pregnancy but I have a long torso and my belly gets HUGE in the last few weeks.
I have pretty much given up on pants, they're the worst because for me at least the bigger my belly gets the more they fall down, I usually get a pair of really lowrise jeans in a size up from normal or whatever fits at the time. This works well for most of pregnancy and drawstring pants fill in the gaps pretty well, luckily I have been pregnant in warm places and/or over the summer so linen pants are appropriate. Skirts are generally easier to wear, I love the fold over waistband yoga type skirts. Yoga pants are great too, but I can't wear them out because I feel like I'm in my pjs!<br><br>
The more expensive brands tend to be smaller, in my experience. Also, a couple of years ago (when I was pregnant with my now 3yo) I found some smaller pants at Kohls. No idea what the sizing is like now but then they worked.<br><br>
Now fior shirts, which is what you actually asked about <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">-<br>
I love the Target maternity tees. I live in them. They actually fit and they aren't tent-like, if you know what I mean. They fit at the shoulders (though as I said I'm 5'7" and 125 not pg and I wear an XS in the Target stuff, so it might not work for someone who is really small) and they are fairly form fitting and attractive. They are not, however, long enough for my in late pregnancy but I have a long torso and my belly gets HUGE in the last few weeks.
I got a few tops from JC Penney in solid colors with ties around the back in size small and they seem like they are cut smaller than a lot of my other tops. Also, try the tops at Target (I think it's called Liz Lange Maternity) in size small, they are actually cut the smallest I have found.
Joined
·
1,677 Posts
I'm not a small mama but I did go shopping the other day and ON and Motherhood were on the bigger size range this year.Target which I used to fit in is too small especially the Liz Lang line.Like PP check Target and maybe ON online they used to have extra small which would probably be small/medium this year.
I don't really wear maternity tops. I am big-chested, so maybe that's why they don't seem to make a difference for me. I have a few I got off craigslist last time, mostly from Old Navy, and I hardly ever wore them, or wore them just as much non-pregnant. I find that any longer, stretchy-fabric T-shirt will do the job.<br><br>
I did get one really nice maternity shirt this time round at H&M -- if you have an H&M nearby it's worth checking out, and their sizes run <i>small</i>.
I did get one really nice maternity shirt this time round at H&M -- if you have an H&M nearby it's worth checking out, and their sizes run <i>small</i>.
Joined
·
403 Posts
For tops I have mainly been wearing longer non maternity shirts. I do have a few tanks from Old Navy that are stretchy and work well. I haven't found any shorts that I looove the fit, the Gap and ON ones work ok I did get a few fold down skirts from ON that work great, very comfy and look cute w tanks to dress up or down.... It's already been in the 90s here so I haven't been wearing jeans much.
H&M maternity runs pretty small, you should try them. I got a couple shirts in medium when I would normally buy small. I also just got a nice pair of jeans that I DON"T have to hike up, thank goodness. They have a high panel, and look/feel pretty good (actually, a little on the small side). Not all their stores have maternity, though, unfortunately.
We don't have an H&M nearby, and Motherhood tops do not fit my shape at ALL. I have broad shoulders and small hips. Their things are made for someone with small shoulders and more hips. And they are way too short on me too.<br><br>
So I'd kind of forgotten about Target for some reason. I'll have to check there. SOME of the Old Navy tops fit fine in an XS, and others are HUGE, so it's just frustrating (especially to buy online) since their sizes are so inconsistent. I've been able to find some babydoll tops in size large that fit, since I have broader shoulders. I may have to get more of those, though I'm not sure if they'll work for the last month of pregnancy when I'm all belly.<br><br>
As far as bottoms go, THANKFULLY I have bottoms that fit from my last pregnancy. Old Navy XS's or 1-2's will fit in some styles. For a perfect fit with great belly panels and ones that stay up the best, GAP all the way. Gap 1's and 2's fit me perfectly. They are spendy, but I was lucky to find some at the Goodwill.<br><br>
And yes, you have to pull them up all the time. I haven't found a way around that. I can still wear regular pants in a size up, but they are super uncomfortable when I sit down (waist digs in too much, even though they are very low rise. My baby is riding really low!) I just get used to pulling them up. Or wear Gap.
So I'd kind of forgotten about Target for some reason. I'll have to check there. SOME of the Old Navy tops fit fine in an XS, and others are HUGE, so it's just frustrating (especially to buy online) since their sizes are so inconsistent. I've been able to find some babydoll tops in size large that fit, since I have broader shoulders. I may have to get more of those, though I'm not sure if they'll work for the last month of pregnancy when I'm all belly.<br><br>
As far as bottoms go, THANKFULLY I have bottoms that fit from my last pregnancy. Old Navy XS's or 1-2's will fit in some styles. For a perfect fit with great belly panels and ones that stay up the best, GAP all the way. Gap 1's and 2's fit me perfectly. They are spendy, but I was lucky to find some at the Goodwill.<br><br>
And yes, you have to pull them up all the time. I haven't found a way around that. I can still wear regular pants in a size up, but they are super uncomfortable when I sit down (waist digs in too much, even though they are very low rise. My baby is riding really low!) I just get used to pulling them up. Or wear Gap.
Joined
·
3,801 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>DoulaLMT</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15431616"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">We don't have an H&M nearby, and Motherhood tops do not fit my shape at ALL. I have broad shoulders and small hips. Their things are made for someone with small shoulders and more hips. And they are way too short on me too.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
ROTFL-- that may have something to do with it, then.... I have like very narrow shoulders, and big wide curvy hips, and my torso is like two millimeters long, hahaha.<br><br>
Hope you find something that fits you...
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>DoulaLMT</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15431616"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">We don't have an H&M nearby, and Motherhood tops do not fit my shape at ALL. I have broad shoulders and small hips. Their things are made for someone with small shoulders and more hips. And they are way too short on me too.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
ROTFL-- that may have something to do with it, then.... I have like very narrow shoulders, and big wide curvy hips, and my torso is like two millimeters long, hahaha.<br><br>
Hope you find something that fits you...
Joined
·
73 Posts
I have trouble finding maternity clothes that fit too. Not pregnant I am 5'4" and 110 lbs, and maternity clothes usually seem really big. Pants are saggy in the butt, etc. So far (I'm 22.5 weeks, and this is my second baby) I have been wearing my regular pants with bella bands, but only for work, where I sit at my desk - with sitting on the floor playing, doing housework, etc. it doesn't stay in place. At home I wear yoga pants, or I have a couple pairs of jeans that are low-rise and stretchy and maybe a little big on me regularly that are still fitting. I don't think that's going to last though. I have one pair of maternity shorts that I bought used during my last pregnancy, and they small enough. Maybe sizes are getting bigger now?<br>
Tops I have been wearing mostly tshirts in larger sizes than usual (more for my chest which grows like crazy when pg!!!). I just bought a bunch from Target (not maternity, just Mossimo brand) that are very long and were only $6. And I use long tank tops from gap underneath my tshirts most of the time.<br>
I will have to try to find an H&M with maternity - I'm not sure if ours does (probably not!!). I have not had much luck with Motherhood & Old Navy. Gap was ok last time, but they recently took all maternity out of their stores here in town, and I'm hesitant to buy anything online.<br>
Glad to see this thread and some new tips!<br><br>
Bethany
Tops I have been wearing mostly tshirts in larger sizes than usual (more for my chest which grows like crazy when pg!!!). I just bought a bunch from Target (not maternity, just Mossimo brand) that are very long and were only $6. And I use long tank tops from gap underneath my tshirts most of the time.<br>
I will have to try to find an H&M with maternity - I'm not sure if ours does (probably not!!). I have not had much luck with Motherhood & Old Navy. Gap was ok last time, but they recently took all maternity out of their stores here in town, and I'm hesitant to buy anything online.<br>
Glad to see this thread and some new tips!<br><br>
Bethany
Joined
·
1,324 Posts
DDC. Just wanted you to know that I feel your pain. Non peggers, I wear a size 2. Peggers...size 2 maternity, which is very hard to find. Motherhood pants seem to start around size 6. With a big belly, they sort of fit, but are baggy. Shirts are hard too because I'm small up top, but need that belly space! What I've found that works well for me is to actually buy a bigger size so that it is a loose fit all over, rather than loose in the shoulders and tight over the belly. I've also done some minor alterations of items, like taking tucks under the arms of tanks, that helps them fit a bit better. I have some non-maternity items that I wear maternity. I've found some styles, like baby doll tops, that are long anyway, and then buy them in a slightly larger size than I normally would. I've found junior's stuff, in particular, can run pretty long and give you a good fit.<br><br>
Good luck, and hang in there! The only cure I've found for the droopy pants is wearing a belt. I have a couple pairs of maternity pants with belt loops, and they are the only ones I don't have to hike up. Remember...there's always dresses. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
Good luck, and hang in there! The only cure I've found for the droopy pants is wearing a belt. I have a couple pairs of maternity pants with belt loops, and they are the only ones I don't have to hike up. Remember...there's always dresses. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>lunarlady</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15438810"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">DDC. Remember...there's always dresses. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"></div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
And summer is coming!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>lunarlady</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15438810"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">DDC. Remember...there's always dresses. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"></div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
And summer is coming!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
Joined
·
7,206 Posts
For jeans, I do <a href="http://www.belly-jeans.com/" target="_blank">belly-jeans</a> exclusively. They're awesome! She makes your jeans/pants/shorts/etc. into maternity pants. They just should fit your legs/bum but cannot be buttoned/zipped.<br><br>
For tops, I just go to the store and try them on. ON is definitely huge - I have a few tank tops in S that are still a bit big and I was wearing an 8 twenty lbs ago!!! Gap has some shirts that are fine in S and XS.
For tops, I just go to the store and try them on. ON is definitely huge - I have a few tank tops in S that are still a bit big and I was wearing an 8 twenty lbs ago!!! Gap has some shirts that are fine in S and XS.
Joined
·
3,801 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>bethanymama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15435171"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Tops I have been wearing mostly tshirts in larger sizes than usual (more for my chest which grows like crazy when pg!!!). I just bought a bunch from Target (not maternity, just Mossimo brand) that are very long and were only $6.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
I hate Liz Lange from Target (they fit me like a potato sack for some reason, not at all flattering), but I LIVE in Mossimo layering tanks during pregnancy. They are actually long enough, but are fitting instead of baggy and show off my belly <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> And I love tank tops especially in this hot hot weather.
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>bethanymama</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15435171"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Tops I have been wearing mostly tshirts in larger sizes than usual (more for my chest which grows like crazy when pg!!!). I just bought a bunch from Target (not maternity, just Mossimo brand) that are very long and were only $6.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
I hate Liz Lange from Target (they fit me like a potato sack for some reason, not at all flattering), but I LIVE in Mossimo layering tanks during pregnancy. They are actually long enough, but are fitting instead of baggy and show off my belly <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> And I love tank tops especially in this hot hot weather.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!