Maternity Clothes

[theTramp]

Where is hot and where is not. Online stores worth checking out. High street stores worth visiting. Good for petites. Good for giantesses. Second hand e-bay bargains - worthwhile? Views and reviews of the maternity gear you have bought.. all for the benefit of everyone who is desperately looking.

Lots of threads discussing clothes dotted about, so I thought one thread to cover it all would be helpful.

I'm presently 11 weeks and whilst I think I look fat my other half thinks I look pregnant (right answer OH).

I'm 6ft, so lengths are an issue for me. Have managed one rather half hearted shop on Oxford street where I discovered many maternity dresses were obsenely short (& this is at the small bump stage), trousers were too short and some of the selections were over priced tat - if I was being kind about them.

Have subsequently bought a dress from Isabella Oliver, who seems to win out as favourite maternity wear provier, albeit not the cheapest option around. Good news is, 3 day discount event at the moment - so 35% off prices today ladies. Other good news, resale value on eBay seems good and there are a lot of eBay IO bargains to be had. The IO wrap dress seems a firm favourite with every working pregnant friend I have.

I have also found the Tall Maternity Store online, which seems good for basics like jeans, white shirts and tights. And the amusingly titled pixies and giraffes - catering for the taller and shorter pregnant ladies of the world.

Any other recommendations?

I did most of my maternity shopping online. Seems like shops have a bigger range online than instore.

My faves:
Boob Design - expensive but I always buy on sale - great quality, looks fab, good for bfing too, LOVE LOVE LOVE
H&M (in store, not online)
ASOS (their jersey skirts and camisoles are fantastic)

Average/sometimes hit & miss
New Look (found the bottoms to be a bit small), ok for basic tops
Next
Top Shop - but like non-preg TS stuff, quality is a bit shit for the price
Mamas & Papas - jeans are good, tips are bad quality and bobble easily

Generally blah
eBay - I am an eBay warrior and I seriously couldn't find anything
Boden/JoJoBebeMaman - frumpy
Isabella Oliver - too expensive unless you work in a v. corporate environment

I am considering buying this - www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk/ladies/womens-jumpers/slouchy-belted-jumper-dress-web-offer/ - two sizes too big. I am due in March and I hate being cold. Jumper dresses sound like a marvellous idea as they can be dressed up or down, but I can't seem to find any that are maternity specific.

All clothing will co-ordinate with either flat over knee boots, or flat brogues as I have been advised that by month 4 - 5 if I am hardcore - there is no way I will want to wear heels.

Boob Design is good for tall ppl, Swedish company so tends to be cut better for tall Scandos

Bought pants from there and they were waaaaay to long for me, I'm 5"6

H&M for long tops, Topshop and Zara for long jeans. I think you'd have to buy Zara 2nd hand from eBay these days mind you.

Boob Design looks interesting. Anyone bought anything from Seraphim?

H & M in store - then you can try stuff on !I would recommend getting lots of fitted stretchy tops that grow which you and will last a lot longer !! new look good for jeans and trousers and pretty cheap . Next is ok but sizes can be a bit all over the place. depends how far you are ?? i wouldn't buy very much until at least 20 week or so
xx

Delighted at this thread - thanks Tramp

I'm properly in the dark about when to invest in some decent trousers for work, currently extending the waistband on my skinny fit tailored trews with a hair bobble and a floaty top. Jojo seems quite frumpy so going to try H&M next weekend.

Happy hunting

H+M are by far the best in store, they tend to have new things come in every few weeks too which is good I got 60% of my maternity wardrobe from there, and their trousers are way too long for me. Got some really nice jumpers from there last time around I like to be really warm too, I think it would be wprth waiting a couple of weeks untill all the ends of the summer lines have dissapeared. Was due feb last time and pretty sure I bought things betwen spet and november mostly.

Debenhams also good though I found my bump did grow out of their clothes towards the end however have been really good this time around for the early (is it fat is it a bump) days. Also lots of sale items.

New look have a large selection but much larger online so I always swayed towards H+M as I could see what it was like on.

I have a few thing from mothercare best buy was yoga trousers from there.

I dont plan to buy too much this time around as I have what I bought last time as just due a month later. I try to pick up as many things as possible in the sales.

Oh and H+M do some great tops that can be used as nursing tops as well as during pg. They are really streatchy and keep their shape well. Also slightly shaped on the stomach to allow for the mummy tummy afterwards. Erm i think thats it

Doodle - Mamas & Papas sell waist band extenders, which I have bought for a couple of pairs of trousers. They give you an extra inch and a bit - which is quite handy.

I have been through my wardrobe & removed everything that no longer fits, or feels comfortable. There's not much left. The boob expansion means most tops are now straining or gaping or plain old fashioned don't work - so too most of my staple a-line dresses. There I was thinking they'd last me a while and be fairly nump friendly, I didn't even consider boob expansion. Doh!

I have some winter dresses that will be good - a black polo neck sweater dress that's on its last legs so I don't mind if it stretches, which will be work meeting friendly. A black wool skater style dress, which with a vest top underneath will be ok for work - although its now a bit - LOOK AT MY BREASTS - my other half thought it looked good :)... one shirt, one studded top which isn't even close to work appropriate and a couple of jumpers. Nothing else. Nothing! And I am 11 weeks. Argh.

DeathM - sounds like I really must brave H&M - thanks.

I second h&m too. Everything maternity I owned was from there.

They also do, in the non maternity section, long strappy vests, perfect for under tops. They are so long that they went over my bump (bought normal size) right through the pg and I can still wear them now (dd is 8mo, they have sprung right back into shape).

OP for what it's worth I also hate the cold and had DD in March and I can honestly say I never felt it all winter. Normally I'm clung to DH who is my human hot water bottle in winter but when I was pregnant it was the other way round!! Definitely invest in a pair of Ugg style boots that will accommodate the 'cankles' you will get towards the end.

I think hell is more likely to freeze over than my ever purchasing ugg boots or their ilk - why is it that everyone who wears them scuffs their feet?!

I wouldn't think to touch DPs. I always fine their clothes are made of the most horrid synthetic materials. Is the maternity wear really ok?

I echo Isabella Oliver for work clothes. Expensive, but they wash and wash and make you feel really stylish even when very pregnant.

Jojo is a bit frumpy but often things are nicer in real life than in the photos - particularly the tops. I love the wrap tops that they do, they come in loads of colours and are super comfortable, easier to wear than the Isabella Oliver ones (if not quite so glam) and great for work or with jeans.

My favourite this pregnancy has been Seraphine. Their jeans are the only ones that I have found that stay up and I love the different styles. I also have lovely navy work trousers that I have lived in from them and the tie knot dress in short and long sleeve styles and I get loads of compliments on those.

H&M is great for vests and basic long sleeve tops, though i have found that their more floaty blouses and tops do not wash well.

Bumps maternity and Heavenly Bump had some ok things in when I was looking (a bit late in pregnancy for new clothes now unfortunately) and Everyday Maternity was great for swimsuits.

Bennetton maternity looked lovely but I thought it was a bit pricey for what it was.

I didnt find much on ebay except for looking specifically for things from a brand already.

My biggest disappointment was Topshop and New Look but that might because I am too old for them

Definetly no footwear that requires lacing or buckling after you get to about 6/7 months. I nearly gave myself a hernia. Short, fluffy inside boots (so I didnt even have to attempt to put socks on) saw me through the last few months of my PG with DD. Not Uggs, sort of like little elf looking boots.

I have to look smart for work and have been wearing a mix of Isabella Oliver, seraphine and mamas and papas. Like others have said IO washes really well and at least I have felt like I look nice when feeling rubbish. I've also had some khakis and tshirts from the gap maternity range that have been my weekend uniform dressed up with scarves if meeting people. Am now 31 weeks and am hoping my wardrobe will last me through the weather turning and me getting big.

Some online maternity clothing store links....

Pretty Pregnant: www.prettypregnant.com/Home.aspx
recommended on another thread and with a London store. Appear to be good for work clothes adn evening. Have a nice selection of jumpers & cardigans and the summer sale has some bargains.

Heavenly Bump: www.heavenlybump.co.uk/ recommended on another thread for being relatively cheap with fairly fashionable options.

Pixie & Giraffe: www.maternatall.com/ with longer and shorter length trousers. It stocks a few basics and seems to be good for jeans. It is cheap too.

Tall Maternity Store: www.tallmaternitystore.co.uk/ for those of us with longer legs - good for basics. I've just ordered some jeans & a cotton shirt so I will let you know my verdict later.

Seraphine: www.seraphine.com/ recommended by a number of ladies as having nice workwear. They also have a mail catalogue. They have some nice outfit inspirations too.

Isabella Oliver: www.isabellaoliver.com/maternity-clothes not the cheapest store but good resale value on eBay and largely quoted as being the better quality. Their wrap dress is a favourite with everyone I know who has had kids - good for work and play. Apparently their dresses grow with your bump too. They also have a mail catalogue.

H&M: www.hm.com/gb/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=4294928766 The instore selection is better than the online apparently. Seem to be the place to go for leggings and jeans. They change their selection often and have the benefit of nation wide stores.

JoJoMamanbebe: www.jojomamanbebe.com/ Again, has stores dotted about the coutry. Some ladies think their clothes are on the frumpier side. They seem to have a broad selection of wrap dresses.

Mamas and Papas: www.mamasandpapas.com/cat/maternity-clothes/ Not the greatest clothing selection in the world, and after visiting the regent street store I can't say I was inspired. I did however buy a pair of long length treggings from them. They could be more comfortable, but they will do for now. Pricing is ok, but the quality of the material etc isn't fantastic in my view.

Mama-la-mode: www.mama-la-mode.com/ A small but not bad collection, autumn yet to really arrive. Seem to be good for tights etc. Their baby clothes are v cute though.

Boob Design: shop.boobdesign.com/ recommended upthread and apparently good if you are taller. The selection is small but not bad and the leggings and simple tunic style dresses look good.

Dorothy & Theodore: www.dorothyandtheodore.com/maternity-wear/warm-wool-maternity-dress.html another small maternity selection, but some interesting adn different types of dresses. Could be good for ladies who aren't fans of wrap dresses and are feeling a bit despondent looking at all the tight dresses on offer. Also have lots of baby stuff.

Top Shop: www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&viewAllFlag=false&langId=-1&categoryId=208537&storeId=12556&parent_categoryId=203984&sort_field=Newness noted by several ladies as having a good maternity range. If you fancy something more 'on fashion' Top Shop could be for you.

I won't link to Next, John Lewis, House of Fraser or M&S because everyone knows them and frankly their online maternity offerings are rubbish. Suspect if your local branch has a decent maternity section it will be better than looking online.

anyone for anymore...?

Seraphine is great but I think you might be too tall for them, OP - I loved them and bought lots of their stuff on Ebay, but I'm 5'2" and apart from the trousers nothing needed altering at all.

How about mamalicious? mamalicious.com/

I know Dorothy Perkins sell some of it but the online store has lots more. Prices in euros though so don't know where it ships from and what sizes are like.

Tall Maternity store jeans & White shirt arrived. Jeans are too long - which is a rare thing for me. Shirt gaped at boobs when buttons were done up and there was a fault on the sleeve. Shame because it was nice & would be great for when bump is big. I think the shirt fell into usual tall fault - they make longer sleeves and add length to hem but leave darting as per normal shirts, so where empire line should've been under boobs it was at nipple - hence gaping. So I'll have to return them. However, if you have really long legs I can recommend the jeans. Length aside they were really comfy & fitted well. Good bump elastic which you could fold down if you wanted to.

This thread is v useful to me as I haven't bought any maternity clothes yet apart from some massive overbump knickers. Am
25 weeks and pretty massive, and thus far have been wearing dresses that I made for work a long time pre-pregnancy but which still fit fine, possibly because the pattern involves some extra folds of fabric in the front which I normally belt down but during pregnancy I just remove the belt or tie it under my bust. I'm wondering if I can get away with this for the whole way through, as the dresses are all stretch / knit fabric.

Am 27 weeks with DC3 and big bump ... things I've been wearing since 16 weeks constantly

Top shop Leigh ankle grazers / navy & black
ruched vest tops from Isabella Oliver in sale - after being told the expense is worth it - I've lived in them
Loungewear track pants - Isabella Oliver - can't find them now for the link - love them
Cardis from Gap and big scarfs

Things I've bought and returned or just not worn
Dress from JoJo Maman - I have never looked worse - managed to be too tight and too big at the same time
denim top from Gap - cut away at the arms - which made my upper arms look chunky enough to feed a hungry family of 6 and soaked up ever tiny bit of sweat.

Boden maternity has made me want to cry - what are those horrible prints? anyone had success?

Got fitted for bras at pretty pregnancy in Islington and bought two bras and one pair of maternity pants - but such a waste of money and so expensive. I'm thinking of going to rigby and peller to get checked again as bras unbearable after only 2 weeks. Straps falling off though at their tightest and boobs hanging out the top making me look 4 boobied. Knickers after 2 washes have lost elastic and bras lost shape and then I saw they were handwash only! They are bf bras - who handwashes bf bras!

My friend looked incredible in her H&M jeans - I thought they must have been maternity designer.

I'd like a plain (dark colour) long sleeved simply cut tunic (no flowers, no ties under the boobs, no bows) to wear over leggings or skinny jeans. If anyone sees one let me know!

not maternity cardigans from Gap - ordinary gap.. not so keen on their maternity stuff.

I love my H&M maternity jeans and have lived in them since buying them on Wednesday. They are skinny and a really good length (I am 5ft 8"). I also bought some black jeggings from there which are fab and a really nice black dress Giraffe this could be worn over leggings and is plain black, but only has 3/4 sleeves. I was really impressed because I didn't think it was that great in previous pregnancies.

There is a Pretty Pregnant close to my house and I have previously found it totally over priced & a little frumpy. It might have changed though. They have a no refund policy too which I hate because I prefer trying things on at home.

I have some Topshop maternity from my last pregnancy which was Ok, although the Baxter jeans lose their shape pretty quickly and I find that the trousers with elastic at the side fall down all the time. I prefer the over the bump ones.

I saw that Gap do their always skinny jeans in maternity and that they have a nude over the bump panel so you can wear them under paler clothes. I think I might get some to try.

I have a maxi dress I bought from Seraphine last time which was great, I haven't tried their trousers though.

Isabella Oliver - I have one of their black wrap dresses from ds1 which has been a fab staple. I also have their black lounge trousers which I lived in for all my previous 3 pregnancies. I bought one of their wrap tops but hated it. Such a pain to do up and so I sold it on ebay.

JoJo - I have always found really frumpy but admit that I gave up looking after my second pregnancy.