Tips for hiding a blossoming belly?

[Anonymous]

Just curious- I'm at 11 weeks and it's starting to get difficult to hide my blossoming appearance. I was about avereage build before starting- worked out, but hardly rail thin. Not happening with my genes. Apparently I have a pretty large fibroid cyst on the outside of my uterus that has taken up a life of its own and now I definitely have a belly (not to mention a butt- where did that come from?). When did you show and does anyone have any good tips for hiding it in the beginning? It's just too early to announce at work right now, but I've been getting some knowing looks. My usual wardrobe staples are failing miserably but I'm not at maternity clothes-wear yet.

[Anonymous]

I am in the same boat, with my 2nd, and only 8 weeks!
With my first, I could hide it from (most people) until 4 mos. when I finally told my employer.

I am not sure what your 'style' is, but I wore a lot of Brooks Brothers type of button down shirts that are okay to wear tucked out. Any shirt design where the bottom edge is more finished for that is good. Depending on your chest size, there are also a lot of shirts out there that make anyone look pregnant! Perhaps one of those baby doll or fuller cut shirts, that if you have a larger chest, where the shirt hangs straight down from your chest to your waist would work out? Ann Talyor Loft seems to have these every season. Maybe even Tunic style tops.

When I was still too small for maternity clothes, I would buy larger sizes (10 and 12) from regular stores. I definitely was able to get back into those clothese post-baby and now they are too big which feels great. Also, if its not too hot, maybe layering tanks under tops works? I always wore a white or black tank from Mimi under almost every shirt. Partly to cover my stomach and partly b/c the shirts were cut too low.

One dead give away from a co-worker was sweaters wrapped around her waist! Like every day.. and she never wore sweaters.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I kept mine hidden until almost the end of my sixth month when I finally popped. I accented my bigger chest, used tons of distracting patterns or slimming black, and made sure there was some rouching around the belly. Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a pretty formal profession and got a lot of mileage out of suits one size bigger. You can hide a lot under a buttoned jacket (including a skirt that's not zipped all the way up) and you can be certain you'll wear them postpartum on your way back down. So they won't go to waste.

[Anonymous]

I did bigger suits, too, and also blazers. Blazers really helped hide things and they go great over pants, skirts, dresses, etc.

[Anonymous]

I second the patterned shirts recommendation, especially if they are a little loose around the waist. Even better if they're belted a little above the waist where you're skinnier and then flair a little at the bottom. This is how I best disguise my post-partem belly.

[Anonymous]

Loose sweaters and blouses, untucked. And things that draw the eye upwards -- necklaces, interesting collars...

[Anonymous]

I recently bought a Bella Band and liked it so much I purchased a second one. I wear my non-maternity pants or skirts unbuttoned and just partially zipped up. Then I slip the Bella Band over the top and wear a long shirt (down to hips) over the top. I think people can defintely tell that I'm getting a little plump, but I'm okay with them thinking that I'm just putting on weight. I'm hoping to make it at least another week and a half before I break it to my office.

[Anonymous]

I would also stay away from maternity tops that are empire waisted...especially at this stage. They really make you look bigger than you are. I have still not worn any like that and am almost 7 months, and popped around 4-5 mos.