How do you know what to wear when your shape changes after having children?

[TheCrumpettyTree]

I'm a size 12, 5ft 2 with a saggy tummy from having my children. I no longer have a waist, my boobs are now an F cup.

I used to be a size 8, C cup and was tiny (I thought I wasn't, what was I thinking?).

I used Dressipi but it doesn't take into account that I have a tummy and suggests endless clothes that you need a flat tummy for.

I live in skinny jeans and baggy jumpers to hide my shape and feel frumpy. What do I wear? The shops are full of shirts, crop tops and pinny dresses.

How do you adjust to your shape changing? I'm all tummy and boobs. I have no idea what to wear anymore. I'm in a rut.

OP, if you breastfeed your baby, your boobs take about 18 months from when you stop to revert to "normal" breast tissue. If you didn't breastfeed, it will be 18 months from when the baby was born. (Your body hedges its bets to see if you're going to have another one before converting them back). If you're thinking about it, you might well notice when they change - they'll be a bit sore for a bit. After that, you should get your boobs back. The rest will happen, it just takes a while. Your body's been busy doing amazing things

purplemeggie that's so interesting about boobs converting!

OP I had a similar issue (used to wear fitted dresses with heels all day everyday). No longer practical so I usually wear skinny jeans (tucking the tum in, sainsbury's do good high waisted ones) with a semi fitted top, so fitted over shoulders and boobs but then flow out and sits around the hips. If I want to look dressier I have got very into shift dresses. I would never have gone here if it wasn't for my mum suggesting it, but if they are cut well they are very flattering. Good luck!

I'm the same...6 months post baby, breastfeeding...5ft5", size 14 with 34HH baps. I was size 10 and 32F before. I have a big, gelatinous flub for a belly and my tits swamp my waist

Very high waisted jeans are a godsend. Try paige margot

I"m convinced my rib cage/upper back is broader since having children. Is that possible?

My boobs are huge, but still BF. MY tummy is okay, or at least not something that bothers me. My vast broad back catches my eye too often though.

It's not what you asked but strength/circuit training (specifically 30 day shred and no more trouble zone videos by Jillian Michaels) gave me my waist back recently in very similar circumstances. It was quite an immediate dramatic improvement after a few weeks despite not actually losing any weight. I'd assumed that 2xpregnancies had permanently changed my shape but actually I think they just weakened my core muscles and I was able to get it back. I've still got a massive belly but I'm not straight up and down thick waisted anymore so I think clothes look a bit better.

SweetAdeline did you do 30 day shred every day? I've been doing it twice a week, plus swimming once a week and running once a week since January. I was convinced I must have lost weight after all that but weighed myself last week and haven't! (although perhaps I put on LOADS over Christmas and have lost that???). But I definitely feel more toned, and happier in slightly more fitted clothes.

I have never shifted my flap apron fucker and am decidedly apple shaped with a broad ribcage and average bust.

I find these things work- I get a lot of my casual stuff from Next and other bits from Phase Eight, Hobbs and Jigsaw. Look for straight lines in clothes with no waist or empire line detail. The asymmetric hem shape around at the moment is good. Make sure they skim over not swamp.
My casual basic wardrobe -

Denim leggings from Next with a longline thin strap vest over the top. Get them long so you can fold up the ankles a bit and get rid of a carrot line. They look like jeans but are high waisted with no bulky zip etc. Size down wit leggings and also vest top.

Layer over with a looser top or jumper that comes DBML (down below minge level) as it elongates the figure.

Add scarf/necklace if wanted and spend on good quality ankle boots/ trainers etc.

I don't bother with shape wear as I don't think it resolves much. What you need though are some big knickers (Peacocks are excellent) so you don't have to think about underwear digging in/falling down etc.

I am a size 12 btw. I got a trapeze dress from Next today but sized down to an 8 so it is not overly voluminous and that is incredibly flattering. Also their charcoal shirt dress (it's casual) is a fantastic find. Wish they would do it in more colours as the khaki option doesn't suit my colouring.

Your rib cage will be bigger as it widens to accommodate baby. I'm not sure I can do 30 day shred etc as my stomach muscles still aren't back together so sit ups and stomach crunches aren't allowed.

I had a look for high waisted jeans in the shops but couldn't find any.

Thanks for all the replies so far. It's great to know it's not just me and I'm looking at all your suggestions!

shirtdress

trapeze

leggings

vest

I have loads of these as they skim past everything and are seriously flattering.

these are a great design too although not in the white as it is sheer in that colour. Size down one or two sizes for a more flattering line in my opinion. These are going to be a godsend in the summer.

Last one....🙂😄
Phase eight one would look great layered up

Ah…does the broad ribcage ever go back to how it was?

Crumpetty I got high waisted skinnies in gap, and another pair in top shop (Joni).

After my first 3, I kept my shape, size 8/10 34 cc boobies, sat where they should be. The 4th destroyed me! He's 2 now and im a size 14 if im lucky, 38EE boobs sagging down to my belly button (nearly). Ive done nothing different, same excercise, same diet, it's like my last pregnancy just altered my body clock in some way. The sad thing is im that knackered with my kids, I haven't got the time or the will to do anything about it. Plus a drawer full of clothes I can't fit into.

I like that shirt dress crevice but while I too have an apron and a broader ribcage than previously, I still go in a lot at the waist (from the front view anyway) and out at the hips, with rather big thighs. Do you think it would suit my type of figure, or is it something only for the more apply amongst us?

I like the shirt dress too but I think it would emphasise my sticking out tummy. Might order it and see.