To wonder where all the clothes for 30 somethings with mum tums are?

[TammySwansonTwo]

I had twins 15 months ago by emergency section and my stomach is mess - still have some diastasis and it's stretched and awful. I can't find any clothes that fit me properly, let alone flatter me. I know I cannot be the only woman with this problem so where are all the bloody clothes? Can't seem to find clothes aimed at this demographic - any tips on shops to try?

Ideally what I need are tops / dresses / jumpers that are quite fitted up top but then flow out from under the boob area. Such things must exist. I'm sick of looking like a sack of potatoes in oversized clothes. Want to do a bit of sales shopping but can't find anything! Help!

I just buy the usual things in the largest sizes so they hang loosely. For example I’m usually a size 14 and if I buy a jumper in Primark I’ll go for an xl or a 20. I obviously don’t go for cropped jumpers etc but you can find a lot of things all over the place that look good at the moment as in an oversized trendy look in a larger size- I wear them with skinny jeans and trainers (conversey type things) or chunky boots.

Pepperberry clothes are usually very flattering

Fairylea - that's what I have been doing but it makes me look enormous, possibly because I'm short. I look like I'm wearing a tent.

Thanks for all your tips ladies, will look online tonight

I have this but basically people ALWAYS ask me if I’m pregnant. No I’m not I just have a big tummy and no stomach muscles. I hate it and I don’t really know how to dress it as empire line would just contribute to the idea that I’m pregnant.

Bit off topic but are you seeing a physio for your diastasis? If not, self refer to try and help! They may recommend certain belly bands etc?

I'd go shopping and pick up everything you like and then try it all on - you have a whole new shape (as lots of us do) and you don't know what will flatter it. Or find a good personal shopper?

I just chuck on a long vest top under everything!

No, not seeing a physio at present - to be honest it had improved a lot on its own and so I've just left it (one of my twins has an illness and time is not on my side!). It's stalled though so will mention it to the doctor and see if they can refer me

I got strict with myself about trying clothes on after DS1 left me with a mum tum. I'm also prone to bloating, and alas my small bust doesn't hide the variations in my waistline.

Tunics are a mixed blessing. Some are cut well and some exacerbate it. Longer lengths and not too full are the better cut.

High waisted pants and trousers are essential at keeping it neatly tucked away.
M&S are good for a range of cuts although their interpretation of what constitutes a short length has undergone a ridiculous growth spurt. I recently got a great pair of jeans from Sainsburys.

M&S make nothing with any kind of waist so you should be fine there.

This is my body type, even before an emergency c section and natural birth. Also have big boobs so empire line is awful on me too.
I'm short so best things for me are wrap tops and wrap dresses, or chiffon type shirts over vests. Apricot do some lovely oversized tops which skim the tummy but aren't too long. I hate my body shape!

I recently saw a Physio for back problems and the cause was weak stomach muscles caused by my last 2 pregnancies. I now pull in my stomach muscles and pelvic floor before doing any bending and lifting and this has helped tremendously. It's also meant I can see an improvement in posture and Mum tum.

I don't share your problem, but I recently bought this top which I think would perfectly fit your requirements.
I'm very happy with the quality and fit, especially in view of the price!
In fact, I bought it in both navy and black
www.zalando.fr/anna-field-t-shirt-a-manches-longues-bleu-an621d07g-k11.html

I just wear a long black vest top under everything

Seasalt, white stuff - you can buy cheaper last season stuff from amazon

Following this with interest. I'm dying to over haul myself and make sure I look more presentable!

I hear you op. 15 months post cuddly 11lb baby and I still look a mess. My permanent 'bump' starts under my boobs so my whole body feels wider than it should be and i have zero waist. im like a coke can! just donated my size 10 wardrobe stuff to charity. I'm ok with being a bigger size but I have no idea how to dress this new figure! Off to Google empire line....

Exactly! I've always been curvy, even when I was really slim I still had curves. I have no waist and my back / arse are so wide too. So depressing. You'd think someone would want to profit off us! If I had the money I'd start a clothing line for mums and put info on which body shape things suit / problems they hide.

I have this problem, diastasis after two close together, so following with interest. I've invested in the mutual DVDs, doubt stomach will ever be quite right though.

Mutu not mutual

I love high waist jeggings from Doretha Perkins or sainsbos.
They hold my c SecTum in place nicely and no zips or buttons to ruin a smooth line top.

I also like skater style tunics or dresses with high waist pants

I have good high waist jeans from next and george too in nice colours but they are jeans with zips etc so Better with a shorter top

Dorothy Perkins

Jojo Maman Bebe do the world's best postpartum support leggings, which hold everything in magnificently. I live in them.

Post c section (two large babies and I have a small frame) I bought lots of phse eight tops which were great. I hVe put on weight revpcently so look like a tree trunk and I find phase eight Cristine or becca tops really nice with jeans and a long sleeve m and s heatgen top underneath to stay warm.