Let me start off by saying I'm not sure there will ever be a "Maternity Clothes Part 2" but seeing as I'm not yet in the 3rd trimester I want to keep all options open. Who knew that at 24 weeks I would have a pile of maternity clothes that are basically useless to me? These are some things I've learned about maternity clothes - hope it's helpful to other mamas-to-be...
1. Under Belly v. Demi Panel v. Full Panel - what's the diff?
When I first started inheriting maternity clothes from my incredibly sweet & generous friends I received pants and skirts with various "belly panels" and was told that "everyone is different in what they prefer to wear." The Under Belly looked to be the most comfortable - but ohhh ho ho - not so fast! Here's a tip - if you have ANY degree of love handles/muffin top - do NOT stock up on Under Belly anything! They basically push all of the fat up and can press down on your bladder and uterus. They are now my least favorite option. The Demi Panel is much more comfy and the stretchier the pants, the more I enjoy the Demi Panel. However, my #1 favorite is (surprisingly) the Full Panel. When you're only a few weeks or months pregnant it is not really practical. But as soon as your belly starts to pop they are the best. They create a nice shape to your belly (bye bye love handles!) while giving some support. My suggestion is to start off with Under Belly if you are a lucky bitch and don't have love handles or Demi Panel if you're like me and have a few extra inches to manage. Then invest in the Full Panel once you hit about 5 months or so.
2. Underwear
One of the first things I had to do was run out and buy new bras. Luckily, Destination Maternity was having a two-for-one sale and I was able to get 4 awesome bras for a great price. I fell in love with two styles and got a nude & black bra in each. The first style was a slightly padded bra which I need because my headlights have been on since day one of this pregnancy. The second style is a convertible nursing bra. Although I have heard that your boobs can continue to grow as the pregnancy develops (yikes in my case) I thought at least there is the chance I will get to use these once I am nursing. They are completely fine to wear in the meantime and have a "pop down" feature for once the breastfeeding begins.
Underpants are another story... one of my dear friends actually gave me her old maternity underpants. Before you get all skeeved out let me just say this was the best hand-me-down EVER. I use pantyliners almost every day so that makes it feel less skeevy to start with. Additionally - underpants are not cheap and the brand she gifted me are top of the line. They are super super stretchy and comfortable. However, they hit me mid-belly and I'm thinking I will need to start looking into undies that either come all the way up over the belly or that hit way low. I'll get back to you on that one. But I did find that my typical thongs just weren't as fun to wear. Plus, you will probably want to invest in some pantyliners as (tmi alert) there are all sorts of things coming out of your nether regions during pregnancy. 'Nough said there.
3. Dresses
This is a totally subjective category and I think depends a lot on how big your boobs are and how you are carrying. With my 38F boobs and high, big belly - I am having a hard time wearing anything that has a low or deep cut V neck (which were always my favorite style pre-pregnancy). In the very beginning of your pregnancy (pre-12 weeks) you are most likely trying to HIDE your pregnancy (before you know everything is going well and you're ready to share the news) so I think that this has a two-part solution. If your boobs are bigger than your belly - you can go for just about anything that isn't skin tight or super fitted. Once you want to show off the belly and accentuate the fact that you're pregnant (and not just heavier than usual) I am a fan of the dresses that tie under the boobs or create some sort of empire waist. I think creating a division between boobs and belly looks really cute and basically shouts out: I'm preggo, not a Weeble Wobble!
4. Tops
Again, in the beginning I could pretty much get away with some of my looser fitting tops, but as time has gone on all I've wanted is for gigantic, roomy, maternity tops that hang lower. And the lower the better. As I've started wearing pregnancy workout pants just about everywhere (because they are so damn comfortable) I don't want to offend anyone with my suddenly large tushy. That's where the long shirts come in handy. If they can cover your butt, you'll probably feel a bit cuter and draw attention to your skinnier areas (like your calves or ankles if you're lucky enough to avoid swelling). I am excited to invest in some tunics paired with leggings. I have a feeling this will become my winter staple.
5. Where to buy!
I love many of the hand-me-downs I received, but reality is that I am a bit too big for a lot of the clothes I got. Instead of putting tons of money into a maternity wardrobe I opted to shop smart (or, at least, I hope so!). Old Navy Maternity is my favorite store to shop from. I have bought everything online. There are ALWAYS sales and the selection is quite cute. Plus, the prices are completely acceptable. I have also hit up sales at Gap Maternity and Destination Maternity. Although I haven't personally bought from one - there are also plenty of consignment shops (and some online) for great clothes at the right price. My rule of thumb is DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE for any maternity clothes unless you are desperate and need a dress for a wedding or something (which happened to me early on). There is no reason to pay full price as there are always sales and bargains to be had.
Hopefully this advice is somewhat helpful. I have a feeling that as I continue to grow larger and larger there will be a need for a Maternity Clothes Part 2 post, so keep your eyes open for it. In the meantime, remember that comfort is key, but there is no reason to look like a hot mess with the cute, cheap, options out there.
