Maternity clothes- do they have to be ugly?

**AmyMCGS** · 02-24-2006, 04:42 PM

With my last pregnancy, I was wearing maternity clothes mostly in the winter, so I have several sweaters, long sleeved shirts, etc. With this pregnancy, I'll need summer clothes.

I've been looking on eBay and some other places for inexpensive clothes.... and I am totally amazed at just how ugly a lot of it is. I normally wear around a size 16/18, and let me tell you... large, bright, floral prints in my size aren't flattering normally, but, in maternity styles, they're especially crazy!

I'm going to keep looking, of course. So far I've found either the wild prints or the plain t-shirt options in my price range.

And by the way, who pays $80 for a pair of maternity pants?? Not me!

**madhen** · 02-24-2006, 04:50 PM

There used to be a store here called Peas in a Pod, or something like that, and they had such cute maternity clothes, it almost made me want to go out and get pregnant!

My sister just wore bigger clothes and/or her husband's shirts (or shirts she could give to her hubby afterward) while she was pregnant.

**canadian gardener** · 02-24-2006, 05:46 PM

I see things haven't changed since dd was born 22 years ago.

I was a size 18 to 20 maternity then, had to sew mine (not a problem but a bit of an inconveniance) as the plus size maternity clothing then was not really available past a size 16.

I guess they figured bigger ladies didn't get pregnant.

Whatever!

But what WAS available was loud big ugly clothes in dreadful colours and made of hot itchy polyester or synthetic blends.

I am SURE they are the same people who supply the polyester stuff for Penningtons / Addition-Elle (that overpriced chain which in Canada is just about your only choice for plus size clothing).

My view then and now was that it was all an evil plot! By some group somewhere, and when i find them it won't be a pretty sight.

it's an X file, till then!

All jokes aside, my sympathy. I REALLY wish that the plus size ladies would band together and force those skinny little toothpick people to make something pretty for once!

And NOT in a synthetic or a loud print, or an ugly colour.

And that goes double for maternity wear.

**canadian gardener** · 02-24-2006, 05:49 PM

And Amy, hope you are feeling better now. The little one sure asserted him or herself! I'm thinking he or she must be an especially strong healthy baby for all that morning sickness you went thru.

**Emerald_Mommy** · 02-24-2006, 05:59 PM

Motherhood Maternity has some nice options. I bought most of my maternity clothes either there or the Gap outlet. Gap maternity clothes are just like their regular clothes - simple and practical. The outlet prices are reasonable (the store is in Northern KY).

**madhen** · 02-24-2006, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by canadian gardener
All jokes aside, my sympathy. I REALLY wish that the plus size ladies would band together and force those skinny little toothpick people to make something pretty for once!

And NOT in a synthetic or a loud print, or an ugly colour.

And that goes double for maternity wear.

I guess the grass always *is* greener. I am a size 4-6 (and 5'9" to boot), and I am always jealous of the clothes I see in the window of the local Lane Bryant! And my sister and complain to each other about how every time we see really nice clothes at the department stores, it always turns out they are for petite sizes, and you have to be 5'4" or less to even *think* about wearing them!

**QuilterMom** · 02-24-2006, 06:08 PM

The majority of what I found with my most recent pg was very ugly! I did find a few cute things on the Old Navy site in the clearance section along with a few pieces at Ross. Other than that I just wore things in larger sizes.

**canadian gardener** · 02-24-2006, 06:41 PM

ROFL Madhen, here in Canada Lane Bryant is a seductive thought that drifts thru our Canadian plus size brains.

We wish.

We plot

we scheme for the day when we can go to the States and find Lane Bryant for ourselves.

We have heard rumours and whispers that the pickin's are much better down in the USA, that they even have nice fabric, and more natural fibres

and the styles are better.

It is rumored by the few that watch OPRAH on tv you can even get bras at Norstroms that Oprah assures us will fit.

My dd works at Sears in Canada now, and she is sometimes in the bra dept.

All those wonderful and interesting sizes on Oprah's recent bra fitting special, most are not available in Canada even in the Catalog.

Some are, but most aren't.

It's life.

**madhen** · 02-24-2006, 07:00 PM

I've had some people purchase from my eBay store, and have me ship to Canada - boy, your government really doesn't want you enjoying anything, does it?! That tax they tacked on was phenomenal!

Yes, here in the U.S. the streets are lined with Lane Bryants and natural, breathable fabrics.

Especially out here in California, where all the Los Angeles actresses think glittery spandex is appropriate maternity wear!

**madhen** · 02-24-2006, 07:03 PM

BTW, slightly off topic, the only trip I was able to make to Canada was to Ontario, in winter, and I have been told by Canadians in the "know" that Ontario is *not* a shining example of all Canada has to offer. :-)

I *really* liked your news casts, though. It was nice to just hear the news, and not be bombarded by all the scare tactics U.S. stations use to try to make you watch the evening news!

**SHOPGIRL** · 02-25-2006, 12:02 AM

ALSO, TRY CHADWICKS.COM

**AmyMCGS** · 02-25-2006, 09:43 AM

I'll try some of the places you guys mentioned, thanks. Also, I found out yesterday that Motherhood Maternity has an outlet about 45 minutes from here-- maybe I'll venture over there and see what I can find.

I do think it's a conspiracy though....

**Kimberlina** · 02-25-2006, 12:27 PM

I actually have some really great maternity clothes that I wish I could still wear!

H&M has some really great maternity clothes- they are a regular store, but have maternity (called the M.A.M.A line.)

Target also has a line of Liz Lange maternity clothes that are very stylish.

I think you just need to keep looking- there are some very nice maternity clothes out there.

Good luck!

**Telephus44** · 02-26-2006, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by Kimberlina

H&M has some really great maternity clothes- they are a regular store, but have maternity (called the M.A.M.A line.)
Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up! This is one of my favorite stores - I make a special trip once a year to go there (its about 45 minutes away from me). I probably won't need any maternity clothes for another few months, but I'm glad to know that they offer some!