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Well, what the heck can I wear until my pot belly disappears?

14 replies

DaphneCanDoBetterThanFred · 24/08/2016 16:24

Post 2 giant belly pregnancies and 2 c sections plus a previous scar on my stomach, plus medication that made me put on a stone in a spare tyre around my waist, I can't find any clothes that fit comfortably. My one trusty pair of jeans (size 10) are falling apart, the replacement pair I bought (size12) slide down constantly. Anything that fits round my tummy leaves a gaping load of fabric at the crotch as my spare tyre is around my belly button and under that is slimmer. Dresses make me look 9 months pregnant. Size 10 trousers squash my tummy painfully and size 12s gape. Loose elastic waisted trousers make me look very portly. Anything that sits low on my c section scar, or belly button level on my other scar, hurts a lot.

So, I'm a size ten top half and legs, size 12 around my stomach, size 10 again on my hips. If I measure around my belly button, some days I'm 34 inches, some days 31 depending on how bloated i am/ the position of Pluto relative to Donald trump/fuck knows. What on earth can I wear? I have literally nothing to wear on my bottom half at the moment apart from a pair of jogging bottoms.
Any bright ideas gratefully received, as are photos Smile (I am exercising to remove the spare tyre but need to be dressed until that happens Smile )

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FrustratedFrugal · 24/08/2016 19:58

I have a potbelly too although I am otherwise Sz 10 and it is a really challenging shape to dress as trousers tend to fall down constantly. The items that have worked best for me are high-waisted fairly slim jeans and high-waisted leggings (yoga leggings) worn under slightly loose tops (peasant shirts, sweatshirts). A good belt can also help. I've found good jeans in H&M by trying on lots and lots (30", 31" waist, mid rise or high rise) and choosing the ones that fit best.

Excercise really helps, I've lost a couple of kilos and it has made a big difference.

Have you considered alterations or having a dressmaker copy your good pair of jeans?

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SlinkyB · 24/08/2016 20:06

I have this problem! Seem to be a size 12 everywhere but my belly. Put some weight on lately and it's all gone to my "rubber ring" around my middle. Also had two c-sections. I've been wearing old size 14 shorts in this heat, also a floor-length black floaty skirt with an elasticated waist band.

Will be watching this thread and hoping for tips! (I know I have to exercise, but I hate it!)

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StephenKatz · 24/08/2016 21:56

< lurks >

I'd say high waisted jeans to but I'd love some alternatives!

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Snowshimmer · 24/08/2016 22:38

Wouldn't highwaisted jeans just squash a big belly painfully? I have never had any success with HM jeans.

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LittleTalks · 24/08/2016 22:48

I came on to say high waisted jeans, but see I have been beaten to it. I was HIGHLY sceptical when Topshop Joni jeans were recommended as the solution to my post partum post c section woes, but I actually love them. Of course I'm not wearing them like the lithe 16 year olds with a crop top, but they really do contain this flabby belly without giving me a muffin top.

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seefeld · 24/08/2016 22:56

Topshop Jamie jeans also excellent for holding in a belly

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SlinkyB · 24/08/2016 23:02

I can never find TopShop jeans big enough Sad I'm usually around a 14. Will keep trying.

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LittleTalks · 24/08/2016 23:11

Honestly, try the Joni's in a 12 or 14. They're really stretchy but also suck you in-y. I bought them in a 10 (my previous size) when I wouldn't have been able to get most 10s past my knees.

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Snowshimmer · 24/08/2016 23:15

Can you breathe properly in them? looks at all jeans with doubtful eyes

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DaphneCanDoBetterThanFred · 25/08/2016 00:29

Those jeans look lovely, but my horrible ones are the same style and they really hurt my stomach when I sit down. I think it's the not- c section scar they irritate so they may well be great for others Smile
I will keep looking and post here again if I find anything good. I used to love jeans that came just below belly button with a loose shirt or top tucked in, or half tucked in and it hid the belly really well. I am going to have to do some serious voodoo on my good ex jeans. Boohoo seem to have stopped making them so I'll just keep patching them until they disintegrate Grin

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DaphneCanDoBetterThanFred · 25/08/2016 00:34

This kind of thing! Although I am definitely not this lady, sadly Sad

Well, what the heck can I wear until my pot belly disappears?
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FrustratedFrugal · 25/08/2016 05:09

Have you tried maternity jeans that have a tube of softer fabric (worn hidden under a nice top)? I sometimes wear then even though I am not pg if I feel particularly bloated. They are soft and unconstricting. I have IBD and sometimes my midsection really balloons.

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Destinysdaughter · 25/08/2016 06:04

Depending on what's causing your pot belly, cutting down on carbs can really help with a bloated tummy.

I try and wear clothes that are slightly fitted to give me a waist. I also wear straight leg trousers and long skirts. Not especially fashionable but means I don't look pregnant!

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Itscurtainsforyou · 25/08/2016 08:39

Op I'm a similar shape (though bigger size). I tend to wear jeans with a bit of stretch, high waisted and an oversize top.

I'm thinking that decent shoes/bag will help distract from my stomach Smile

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