What brands do you recommend for maternity clothes?

[PeppermintInfusion]

I'm starting a new job in sept, which requires changing from a very casual anything goes dress code to something smarter (don't need to suit up though). I'm going to be about 15 weeks pg when I start so need to buy clothes with a bump in mind but not obvious maternity wear as I'm not going to make the big announcement right away.

So far, I've ordered some waterfall style blazers from Next and some other semi casual blazers from ASOS, the only actual maternity wear being 3 pairs of trousers from asos in grey, navy and black. I have a collection of suitably loose tops to use with these but will need to add to that a bit and probably need to get some casual stuff too.

I'm also on the hunt for any bargains to be found on eBay and in the sales etc. is there any brands you'd recommend to keep an eye out for?
I'm a 14-16 normally, so going for non-mat in 16-18 and sticking to my usual size in mat brands.

I've had a look at Isabella Oliver, Seraphine and Next so far, and a casual glance at eBay every so often.

[rootypig]

Ugh, none. I had some maternity jeans from Seraphine that had a stud in them that rubbed my thigh raw. Some maternity trousers from ASOS for work in third trimester that fell down relentlessly. Maternity leggings from Boden that wouldn't stay up either. A dress from Isabella Oliver (not maternity actually) for a wedding that I wore that once.

The few hits: a white and blue striped cotton dress from ASOS with long sleeves - it was maternity but fits me loosely not pregnant and looks good either way. Ditto a body con aztec dress from Topshop.

But mostly non maternity - a woven striped dress from Gap I wore to death, M&S leggings in about five colours (not maternity - the design of those are ill conceived, because with a wide stretchy band to go over your belly, you don't get the tight elastic you need to hold the things in place. I just rolled the waistband down). Very long vest tops from H&M that I could wear with another top and trousers to be confident there would never be a slice of bare belly on show.

[stinkingbishop]

Isabella Oliver and Seraphine are great for informal, pretty workwear. Set up an eBay search as maternity is a great secondhand market as you only wear stuff a few times!

For a treat, try babeswithbabies.com/ who've got a sale on at the mo. had some lovely white shirts from there which worked as smart or with jeans. Their pyjamas and palazzo pants were great for vegging in the final stages (and for months after, frankly!)

[PeppermintInfusion]

Rooty, so I'm not just looking in the wrong places then! Going to look at some of the plus size stores to see of they have anything decent- normally a 14/16 from evans etc would swamp me even though I'd buy that size in other shops, maybe it's different proportions.

Stinking, thanks- I'm hoping to pick up some of the dearer stuff on eBay as I'm sure a lot of it won't be well worn so potential bargains. Good to know some brands to hunt out

[Oly4]

I lived in gap maternity for work and play. Brilliant!

[rootypig]

Er no, there was no maternity holy grail that I found. Seraphine, Gap, ASOS and Topshop were pretty much it, still seems to be (two years on). I've just had a squizz at Gap and they do seem to have some nice things. Their shirt dresses in particular would be good - because you will be in maternity things for at least a few weeks post birth, and they'll be handy for BF, if you're planning to. If I had made this connection when preggers, I would have chosen maternity things that were BF friendly for sure.

[justanotherbiscuit]

I tried everywhere for maternity clothes. I found New looks small range to be the best. hth.

[prettywhiteguitar]

Gap maternity skinny jeans with the under bum band I lived in, have them say to a friend so may buy another pair this time

[prettywhiteguitar]

Gave them to a friend ! Cheers autocorrect !