maternity clothes--when to buy and what brands?

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with the posters who advised you to wait. You will definitely "size" differently at 12 weeks vs. 25 weeks vs 32 weeks. And these stores have sales all the time! When it comes to pants, do not buy sight unseen...the fits are all different, even at the same store.

I was able to wear normal clothes (but a size or so larger) until about 18 weeks. Then...poof, tummy started to hurt in tight-fitting stuff, and maternity clothes were a must. Now at 26 weeks I have found that my "smaller" maternity pants, in particular, are uncomfortably. I bought a pair at Target in my normal size sight unseen last weekend, and they don't fit AT ALL (I cried!).

Motherhood runs true-to-size. Pea in the Pod runs very SMALL...I would purchase at least one size about your normal clothes there. But I guess that's true of any "designer" store.

As for most comfortable...I agree with the "secret belly fit" or belly panel at Motherhood. They are wearable longer (esp if you buy a larger size), and are oh-so-comfortable, compared with the ones that are mid belly (ouch!) or below belly (hurt when you sit, it digs in). The Motherhood jeans are my favorite, along with their work pants. The denim isn't as "stiff" and uncomfortable as Targets.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Where is Motherhood? I've been to Appleseed in Old Town Alexandria and the staff is very helpful and they have the detachable bellies to help you see how the clothes will fit. I'm short and was able to find capris that fit me like regular pants. Their sales are pretty reasonable.

I'll be 5 months next week. I'm in the buy as you grow camp. I've bought dresses and a fall jacket from H&M for under $50 (not even on sale) that I can still see myself wearing post pregnancy. Have you tried getting the Bella Band? It's been really helpful in letting me be able to get more mileage out of my tight around the waist pants.

[Anonymous]

There is a Motherhood Maternity in Tysons Corner and one at the Montgomery Mall. There might be others, but those are the two locations that I shop.

[Anonymous]

In my first and seconds trimesters, I have to say that I thought the "secret fit" belly panel was a little much...until I really started showing! Now at 32 weeks, I LOVE two few pairs of pants I have with that panel...one really good pair of black pants and a good quality pair of jeans. The demi panel jeans now keep falling down..seriously! Once I wear the jeans for a few hours, they stretch out and my belly seems to push them down!

I too, have been buying as I go, and have borrowed a lot of stuff from generous friends. Check this dcum mailing list, a lot of moms are selling stuff. I have also had success with size L knit tops, sweaters, loose summer dresses etc from gap, old navy, filene's etc. which I like better than the either mostly low quality (motherhood, target) or WAY overpriced (Pea in the Pod, Mimi) stuff out there I am trying to buy fall stuff that I can continue to wear while nursing this fall/winter.

[Anonymous]

I believe there is a Motherhood Maternity at Pentagon City.

I am shopping as I go. I am 17 weeks now and can still wear most of my pre-pregnancy pants and skirts with a bella band.

I did pay a visit to Wiggle Room in Bethesda and found some great stuff. I got a pair of pants, a dress and three tops (including 2 Michael Stars tops) for a steal. I was out in the 'burbs for work today and stopped by Kohl's. They were having a big sale so I got a couple of tanks for yoga and a cute top.

I'll probably get most of my work clothes from the Gap, but I am holding off as long as possible because I just can't anticipate how my belly is going to grow.

[Anonymous]

Title Nine has added a maternity line.

http://www.titlenine.com/