Feedback on maternity clothes

shhling

So I'm at the inbetween stage where normal clothes don't quite fit and I've ordered maternity clothes. This has been hit and miss so I'm going to post a bit of feedback as to what and where I've bought and how I found the fit. I've found when ordering from some companies there were no reviews so I had no idea would it fit or not. Some other companies allow for feedback on website and so that was great as could see where people recommended to size down or whether to take usual size.

Please add to this so we can build a resource as to where and what we found good.

Edited to add- thought it might be easier for everyone to add to if it was a separate thread rather than hidden in the due in x month as we may miss them

shhling

Bought Ridley jeans off ASOS. I found them to be much too big on legs from knees up. Would def recommend to size down in these. I'm returning mine and will order a size down to see.

I picked up maternity jeggings in dunnes and found these to be true to size. They are available is bigger dunnes I was told when asked at checkout and I presume online. €25 which I thought was reasonable.

Got a maternity top off boohoo on asos and it's lovely. Sorry just looked for link but it's not there so must have sold out. So no help. I wouldn't have thought of boohoo though but they have nice range of bits. Not sure of general quality but the top I have is good quality fabric and has washed well.

__teenie__

Asda George have some good jeans, and they are a reasonable price, just ordered my second pair. Look at the reviews, some run small some run large.
I ended up returning the Next maternity jeans I got.
Didnt realise Dunnes still did maternity clothes, thanks for that.

Princess Calla

I got alot of mine in h&m, I found they had a good selection of casual and dressy for work. Penneys is also good. I wouldn't buy too many clothes or spend a fortune on them as by the end you will never want to see them again!

Neady83

Great idea Shhling.

I got some maternity jeans from Serapine as my friend swears by them. I got the skinny over bump maternity jeans and the super-skinny over the bum maternity jeans. They're lovely jeans but I don't have much of a butt (and my hips aren't very wide) to keep jeans up so these are slipping down on me (saggy bottom) - I think I'll be sending them back.

I picked up a pair of Freddy maternity jeans in Anthony Ryans in Galway and am living in them since I got them. They have a piece of rubber at the waist band that stops them from slipping down and they're more like jeggings - so soft.

I've picked up a few shirts/blouses in New Look and Pennys in my regular size and they should keep me going for a while as they're quite baggy without being like a sack.


Starting to struggle with my usual running/gym gear so if anyone can recommend not too expensive running shorts/3/4 pants, I'd be greatful.

jlm29

I found the jeans in new look very hit and miss. One pair could be generously sized, and the next not. Generally wash well, etc, but definitely need to try on. Tops from new look are good.

Bought some tops from Dorothy Perkins online last time, and found quality and sizing great, and very reasonably priced too. At the time, they were only available online, but I’ve since seen a sign in my local store that maternity clothes are now available.

Red herring maternity in Debenhams used be my favourite, but they seemed to be stopped doing the range this year when I went looking

Rockiemalt

Neady83 wrote: »

Great idea Shhling.

I got some maternity jeans from Serapine as my friend swears by them. I got the skinny over bump maternity jeans and the super-skinny over the bum maternity jeans. They're lovely jeans but I don't have much of a butt (and my hips aren't very wide) to keep jeans up so these are slipping down on me (saggy bottom) - I think I'll be sending them back.

I picked up a pair of Freddy maternity jeans in Anthony Ryans in Galway and am living in them since I got them. They have a piece of rubber at the waist band that stops them from slipping down and they're more like jeggings - so soft.

I've picked up a few shirts/blouses in New Look and Pennys in my regular size and they should keep me going for a while as they're quite baggy without being like a sack.


Starting to struggle with my usual running/gym gear so if anyone can recommend not too expensive running shorts/3/4 pants, I'd be greatful.

I’m also looking for a decent pair of running 3/4! Had ones from gap which are fine for yoga, not for running, spent my time pulling them up!

MastiffMrs

I found red herring at Debenhams to be the best fit for jeans and tops. I still wear one of the tops 5 years later with no bump!!

Seraphine jeans super comfy and I felt looked more dressy than most. I also bought their dress which Kate Middleton had worn and it was very comfy and flattering, and easy to use afterwards when breastfeeding.

Hopefully more options for people now compared to a few years ago.

odonopenmic

Great idea OP

I know I've probably said this elsewhere but Cos is brilliant. It's not maternity but their styles and cuts work really well - at 7 months I'm still wearing dresses and shirts from there that I bought before I got pregnant. Really good quality too. I find it quite expensive but shop in their sales.

Bought a few h and m leggings (true size but pretty sheer so need a longer top over them). Their jeans... Not sure how to answer as I don't even think their non-mat jeans are true size. I'm size 12 and wear size 16 h and m jeans (weirdly, other trousers are grand). Found the exact same with maternity jeans - wearing my usual size 16. So not sure if that's true size!!

For formal wear/weddings I ordered a few things from Flounce London on ASOS and really like their styles. Probably a little generously sized but not so much that I'd size down. Just be aware if you tend to be between sizes, go for the lower of your range.

New Look sizing annoyed me so much that I didn't buy a single thing from there. Found it was way larger than marked.

dragonfly!

Thank you for starting this thread !
I’m not ready for mat clothes yet but when I was out and about yesterday had a look in a few shops to see what options I’ll have in a few months.
None of my local shops have maternity clothes so I think I’m going to have to chance getting some online.
I’ve heard good feedback from next ?

jlm29

dragonfly! wrote: »

Thank you for starting this thread !
I’m not ready for mat clothes yet but when I was out and about yesterday had a look in a few shops to see what options I’ll have in a few months.
None of my local shops have maternity clothes so I think I’m going to have to chance getting some online.
I’ve heard good feedback from next ?

Next stuff is grand, I bought a few bits earlier this year. I found the jeans very comfy, and true to size, though they’re wrecked now, they certainly wouldn’t make it through another pregnancy

shhling

shhling wrote: »

Bought Ridley jeans off ASOS. I found them to be much too big on legs from knees up. Would def recommend to size down in these. I'm returning mine and will order a size down to see.

I picked up maternity jeggings in dunnes and found these to be true to size. They are available is bigger dunnes I was told when asked at checkout and I presume online. €25 which I thought was reasonable.

Got a maternity top off boohoo on asos and it's lovely. Sorry just looked for link but it's not there so must have sold out. So no help. I wouldn't have thought of boohoo though but they have nice range of bits. Not sure of general quality but the top I have is good quality fabric and has washed well.

Feeling pretty embarrassed now as it wasn't actually the Ridley that were miles too big it was a plain black pull up jegging from ASOS.

I had ordered the Ridley in black and denim but only tried the black and was organising order to go back and said I better check the denim sure they fit fine. So I rechecked black and I had obviously tryed the pull up jeggings twice . I'm definitely blaming it on baby brain.

I was in hm today and bought a couple of tshirts . All were true to size bar one black and white stripe one with cherries on right hand chest. Found that to be small so size up if buying on online. Hm will also accept returns in-store of online purchases. Dorothy Perkins won't so if you order online you need to post it back.

jlm29

I wonder will Dorothy Perkins start accepting returns now if they’re carrying the maternity stuff in store

Neady83

Rockiemalt wrote: »

I’m also looking for a decent pair of running 3/4! Had ones from gap which are fine for yoga, not for running, spent my time pulling them up!

I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of 3/4 ultimate maternity leggings from fittamamma in the UK. They arrived yesterday and I ran/jogged in them for the first time this morning. My initial thoughts are very positive.

It's still early days but they gave me much more support than my regular running shorts and I only needed to pee once during a 60 minute run compared to my usual 2 or 3 times (I think it's because it's holding the bump up but it could be psychological).

I'm 20 weeks now and there's lots of support and space for bump to grow. Usually a size xs or s in running gear so I ordered a size s in these. I think the xs might have been too tight once bump gets bigger.

~They're pricey but I run/gym 5/6 days a week so I feel they're justified plus I'm not planning on buying much else. Use the code TESTED10 or LOVE10 to get 10% off.

Cole30

I got an order from new look and I'm impressed. The only negative is the over bump products the bump part is quite big (currently 16w + 4 so I'm sure I'll grow into it) but over all the fit isn't bad and all of the tops are actually quite nice. Very affordable too! Bought them online not sure what the range in store is like.

Gatica

Great idea for a thread.
I got maternity jeans in Gap, Next and H&M. I'm relatively slim but more pear shaped and often go for "curvy" fit jeans.
I found H&M over the bump jeans the most comfortable and best fit. The Next band jeans were ok early on, but I had a very low lying bump and found the band uncomfortable and the legs a little narrow. The Gap band jeans were wider in the leg but the band elastic was was even narrower than the Next jeans. The Gap over the bump jeans lasted a little longer but last few weeks left imprint of the thick seams and outer button below my bump and I'd to stop wearing them. Only H&M lasted.

Debenhams tracksuit bottoms were comfortable and supportive. Got 2 pairs in Lidl, black ones fit ok but softer grey pants fit much looser.

NicsM

Love this thread!

I told myself I wouldn't go mad buying loads of maternity bits but I've ended up with a whole new wardrobe, oops.

My best finds have been from ASOS, H&M and New Look – New Look really surprised me with some of their stuff. ASOS have been great for dressy tops and stuff for weddings.

Jeans have been really hit and miss, my most worn pair are the Emilee over the bump jeggings but they seem to sell out quite fast.

I bought ASOS under the bump jeggings when I was still quite small and thought I'd grow into them but they're just massive on the hips so they fall down a lot – I'd have pretty wide hips normally so found it a bit odd.

New Look's shirts have been a lifesaver for work, they're not too bump focused so I feel comfy and less self conscious in them. Sizing is quite small so I sized up on all of them.

If anyone is a Fabletics customer (it's a monthly subscription but I usually skip every month unless I need something), their maternity 7/8 leggings are incredible quality, the bump part is really supportive and high. I've worn them for workouts and just casual wear and they've washed so well.

shhling

For anyone thinking of ordering from new look use code THANKYOU20 for 20% off

shhling

Has anyone any recommendations for maternity tights? I bought what is my size from Mothercare but they don't fit properly. I'm not tall and they aren't long enough.

odonopenmic

shhling wrote: »

Has anyone any recommendations for maternity tights? I bought what is my size from Mothercare but they don't fit properly. I'm not tall and they aren't long enough.

The best pair I got were denier 200 from Boohoo.com. I had a few from Penney's too but they were lighter than I'd prefer (15 denier). They were ok but found the nylon too harsh on my skin these days. The fit on the Boohoo and Penney's ones were quite good I though. Got a good few in H and M but found they don't stay up and ended up not wearing them beyond 2 wears unfortunately.

Milly33

Has anyone tried the Freya Maternity Bras from Debs?

Gatica

shhling wrote: »

Has anyone any recommendations for maternity tights? I bought what is my size from Mothercare but they don't fit properly. I'm not tall and they aren't long enough.

I got some from
https://dressmylegs.ie/collections/maternity-tights-online-ireland
I found them quite good and they stay up.

buffin

shhling wrote: »

Has anyone any recommendations for maternity tights? I bought what is my size from Mothercare but they don't fit properly. I'm not tall and they aren't long enough.

I am tall and the only ones I found that were (just about!) long enough were Asos the 100 Denier ones. Nice big stretchy bump area.

I'm 33 weeks now so they're starting to get a little less comfy between the tallness and bump adding up but still grand for a day in work and let me wear lot's of my non maternity dresses still!

Chelle_C

NicsM wrote: »

Love this thread!

I told myself I wouldn't go mad buying loads of maternity bits but I've ended up with a whole new wardrobe, oops.

My best finds have been from ASOS, H&M and New Look – New Look really surprised me with some of their stuff. ASOS have been great for dressy tops and stuff for weddings.

Jeans have been really hit and miss, my most worn pair are the Emilee over the bump jeggings but they seem to sell out quite fast.

I bought ASOS under the bump jeggings when I was still quite small and thought I'd grow into them but they're just massive on the hips so they fall down a lot – I'd have pretty wide hips normally so found it a bit odd.

New Look's shirts have been a lifesaver for work, they're not too bump focused so I feel comfy and less self conscious in them. Sizing is quite small so I sized up on all of them.

If anyone is a Fabletics customer (it's a monthly subscription but I usually skip every month unless I need something), their maternity 7/8 leggings are incredible quality, the bump part is really supportive and high. I've worn them for workouts and just casual wear and they've washed so well.

NicsM, do you find these jeggings go baggy around the knees etc? I was going to order them but my friend said she found them to go really shapeless after the first wear and were a waste of money.
As you like them, I'm assuming you didn't have this issue?

NicsM

Chelle_C wrote: »

NicsM, do you find these jeggings go baggy around the knees etc? I was going to order them but my friend said she found them to go really shapeless after the first wear and were a waste of money.
As you like them, I'm assuming you didn't have this issue?

Funnily enough they didn't go baggy in the knees at all which is rare for jeggings!

I actually have 2 pairs – one from the regular range and one from the petite range (I just wanted the shorter length). I didn't find they went baggy at all which was surprising but I did find the regular fit were a lot more generous in the hips. Actually thinking more on that, I have two different rinses in them and the dark rinse (petite range) is a much stretchier material which doesn't lose any shape. They seem to be out of stock but this pair are a very similar rinse with the same type of stretch.

Chelle_C

That’s great, thank you.
I’ll order myself a pair as soon as they’re available. They’re very affordable so I hope I love them as I can get a few pairs then.

My friend said the best jeans she got were the Topshop ones however, at nearly €60 they’re not cheap and I want a couple of different colours so fingers crossed for New Look!

Chelle_C

I've just seen these ladies, they come in black or blue:

https://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/v-by-very-maternity-over-the-bump-skinny-black/1600322155.prd

I wouldn't have thought to look at Littlewoods but the reviews are very good and I've a pair of V by Very (non maternity) jeans at home which I loved.

Chelle_C

OK so it would appear I have baby brain already.
I was at my desk yesterday and a package from New Look arrived - that I don't remember ordering.

I opened it and inside was a few bits including a pair of jeggings.
I totally forgot I had ordered them all, late the other night! It was a lovely surprise

Anyway girls, the jeggings - OMG they are fab!
They're called Lift and Shape, I got them in Indigo and they're just perfect.
I'm a shortie at 5'2 and got the 28" and they are bang on.

Well, if anyone had told me maternity jeans would be this comfortable I would have worn them my whole life. They come right up to below your boobs and it's like a big hug
My bump isn't even big yet but they still fit perfectly as the part that goes over your bump is a clingy material.

I can't recommend them enough, I'm waiting for the black to be restocked in my size now and I'll get them too.
FYI I'm a 10-12 (more of a 12) and the 10 fit perfectly so maybe size down if you're getting a pair.

Gatica

Btw, if anyone is in Galway, I have four pairs of maternity tights I can give away. There'd be a small size, 2 of them were riding down a bit and I'm 5'4", so prob fit better someone shorter.
They're washed and clean and in perfect nick

Milly33

Thats a thread that should be started a maternity swop thread or something like that... I got a dress in Lidl too tis perfect never worn just not my hate putting it into the charity bin but sure no takers

Milly33

Milly33 wrote: »

Thats a thread that should be started a maternity swop thread or something like that... I got a dress in Lidl too tis perfect never worn just not my hate putting it into the charity bin but sure no takers

I have to say ladies I do not know how ye do the leggings and jeggins ( i did have to look up the differance).. 3 weeks to go now and i am in the biggest widest pair of pants i can find, that are slightly acceptable to wear outside .. I just heard of meggings too,im just shocked

Chelle_C

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/lingerie/maternity-black-seamless-shapewear-slip-/p/546506801

Ladies would anyone make use of this? Brand new with tags.
I ordered 2 sizes as I wasn’t sure which would fit.
I’m keeping the Small and have the Medium here if anyone would like it. I would say it would be perfect for a size 14-16.

Great for under a tight fitting dress to smooth out the non-bump bumpy bits

It was only €3 in the sale so I’m not bothering to return it!
If you want it, PM me your address and I’ll pop it on the post.

Touchee

I am only 10 weeks pregnant so I don't really have a bump yet, but I get so bloated by the end of the day that it becomes really uncomfortable wearing my normal jeans.

I just got a pair yesterday in H&M, I think they're super comfy and adequate length wise (I am quite tall and I struggle to get normal jeans anyway).

There isn't much choice in terms of maternity wear in Dublin and I always find shopping online a bit of hit and miss (and I am too lazy to deal with returns), but I still have loads of time ahead.

Great thread idea!

buffin

I'm pretty tall too and have lived in a pair of H&M jeans this entire pregnancy. They're great! Only now (39 weeks) are they starting to get a little tight in the evenings, but still grand enough like.

Another recommendation is that Asos do maternity leggings in a tall leg length! You may not need them, but I've found them by far the best for my height, was amazed I could get anything in tall and maternity!

Touchee wrote: »

I am only 10 weeks pregnant so I don't really have a bump yet, but I get so bloated by the end of the day that it becomes really uncomfortable wearing my normal jeans.

I just got a pair yesterday in H&M, I think they're super comfy and adequate length wise (I am quite tall and I struggle to get normal jeans anyway).

There isn't much choice in terms of maternity wear in Dublin and I always find shopping online a bit of hit and miss (and I am too lazy to deal with returns), but I still have loads of time ahead.

Great thread idea!

Redser87

I got a pair of black skinny jeans in Dunnes. I'm 5'5 and the size 10 is just the right size. I've also heard good things about Seraphine for party dresses.

Chelle_C

I got some maternity tights from New Look and I wouldn't recommend them.

They are very low at the back and I feel this makes front part pull down, I'm pulling them up over my belly all day. Very annoying.

dragonfly!

Chelle_C wrote: »

I got some maternity tights from New Look and I wouldn't recommend them.

They are very low at the back and I feel this makes front part pull down, I'm pulling them up over my belly all day. Very annoying.

Ugh fally down tights are the worst...

shhling

Chelle_C wrote: »

I got some maternity tights from New Look and I wouldn't recommend them.

They are very low at the back and I feel this makes front part pull down, I'm pulling them up over my belly all day. Very annoying.

I bought the Mothercare ones and found the same thing. I was pulling at them all day. I went up a size in the Tesco ones and they are perfect and don't squash bump or restrict it in any way. I'm almost 32 weeks for reference

Ca_va

I'm only 25 weeks so this might change but I've found https://snagtights.com/ to be great. They are not maternity but are well sized and very comfy. I'm still wearing my normal size but have bought a size up for when bump gets bigger.

odonopenmic

I spotted opaque black maternity tights in the Mary Street Penney's store. Didn't pick them up as I'm due this week but I had gotten a good few of the 15 denier ones during the summer and I found the sizing excellent. They stayed up really well and I didn't have to give them a second thought.

Chelle_C

Any recommendations for maternity leggings, that aren’t see through?

shhling

Chelle_C wrote: »

Any recommendations for maternity leggings, that aren’t see through?

I like the h and m Mama ones. Am 37 weeks and they fit lovely. Over the bump as well. I only had one pair but I've actually ordered more as will wear afterwards as well for comfort.

Princess Calla

One tip I heard for maternity tights was to wear a pair of pants over the tights, so effectively wearing two pairs of knickers.

I got marks maternity tights and they fell down taking everything with them

I think in the end I just bought next size up in normal tights.

jaja321

I bought a dress in Cos at the weekend which I will live in over the Christmas and beyond. Its not maternity but their stuff is so roomy it acts as such and yet you can still wear it afterwards. They are good for bits and pieces like that and you'll have them for again.

I actually had a lovely dress and jumper from there which I wore a lot the last time I was pregnant but I accidentally put them into the washing machine on a regular wash and they shrunk

Chelle_C

I got this dress in Zara a couple of weeks ago.
It’s not maternity but is perfect over a bump! The ribbon belt ties just under the bust.

I wore it with high knee length boots to my birthday afternoon tea and got so many compliments.
It’s so nice that I ordered it in black and beige after as it will be fab for after the birth too. Also looks good with converse for a more casual look!

https://m.zara.com/ie/en/belted-dress-p01198632.html?v1=31480976&v2=1281603

Size wise, I’m a 10-12 and the Small fits me lovely. And that’s with a 29 week bump.

Uptheduff

The only specifically maternity clothes Ive bought are a pair of Dorothy Perkins jeans. They are comfier than normal jeans but the waistband is quite baggy still so I have to wear a belt around the waistband to keep them up which has put me off bothering with other specialist maternity clothes.

I'm getting away with stretchy penny's jeans in a few sizes bigger than normal. Lots of jumper dresses and XL tights which so far (at 27 weeks) are still doing the trick.

I bought a two pack of nursing bras in Debenhams and they are comfortable but ugly as hell. They went discoloured and bobbly almost straight away. Without an underwire the girls get squashed together over the course of the day so I've got the cleavage sweat going on 😒 They'll be going in the bin the first chance I get.

Chelle_C

I have lived in New Look maternity jeans since I started to show.
They’re called Lift and Shape (I think) and I adore them.

Got some lovely maternity tops in New Look too. Great quality and very reasonably priced, they have a lot of sales.
Plus Boohoo are great.

Rebel83

Hi all. Does anyone have any experience ordering from Seraphina online? They seem to have some lovely stuff but is a little bit pricier than the other sites.

Redser87

Haven't bought from Seraphine myself but a friend of mine bought a dress and coat that saw her through weddings/ Christmas for two pregnancies. She highly recommends it.

Dahdum

Rebel83 wrote: »

Hi all. Does anyone have any experience ordering from Seraphina online? They seem to have some lovely stuff but is a little bit pricier than the other sites.

I ordered a dress from Seraphine but returned it as the material was awful and the fit wasn’t great. A colleague bought a number of items and loved them all so really depends on the person. Clothes are beautiful looking but bit pricy.

I think delivery to Ireland was a week and I even got a discount code online when ordering so got a small bit knocked off! Returns are within 14 days as far as I recall.

Also, got a 2nd hand coat from a friend which is from Seraphine, it’s an expandable one. Not big enough to wear it yet but I’ll be happy with it regardless! Had been looking for one of those with the extra panel for the zips as I’m sure would have been handy when jr arrives.

eimaj18

Lidl are doing maternity gear this week. I went to get the jeans. I’m usually a 14-16 but I got size 16 H&M ones recently which were too tight. So I said I’d go up to 18 as I’m only 15 weeks now to give a bit of room. (Combating nausea made me eat more so I think I’ve put on a bit, as well as a bump - I feel HUGE.) However, I went to Coolock and Baldoyle at 8am on Monday and neither had any 18s (18 was the biggest size advertised). I asked my mother and father to check their locals if they were in. So Thomas St, Cork St and Drogheda didn’t have any 18s. I also checked Santry myself and what do you know...no 18s! I bought the 16 in Coolock to see. It fits but not comfortably and I’m only going to get bigger, so will need the 18. I messaged the Lidl team but they said - “I'm afraid we do not receive the stock levels for clothes or textiles as they come in so many sizes and styles they don't appear on our stock system. Sorry about that 😞” Very frustrating as I’m having issues with maternity jeans!