Maternity clothes on a major budget?

[apirateslifeforme]

After 3 years and lots of medical assistance, DH and I just found out that we're pregnant - with twins! At only 7 weeks, I'm finding that I probably will need maternity clothing sooner rather than later (might also be the IVF meds that I'm still taking, so maybe once those are done, the growth will slow down )

I originally had planned to just shop in the plus-size department (I'm an XL top/14-16 bottom), but a friend pointed out that tops will be big all over/too wide at the top, and for pants I'll want the maternity panel to support the belly. So I've tried looking at Target, Old Navy, Gap, Kohls, etc. and I just can't find anything I like in my size. I know I'm too early for spring/summer stuff, but even transitional clothing - blah. One thing I really dislike is the trend of skintight maternity clothes (I'm 40; I didn't even have anything worth seeing when I was 20 )

Luckily I'm a housewife, so I don't need dressy work clothes. I'm not a fashionista, I'm not into clothing and shopping in general, but I'd still like to look nice. On the other hand, it has to be on a major budget, as we're going to need 2 of everything for the babies as it is. Maybe I'm being too picky and not looking hard enough? Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Eureka]

Have no advice for you on maternity clothes, my youngest is almost 12 so it's been awhile. But wanted to say congratulations!

 

[kuhltiffany]

Congrats, that's awesome! I'm about your size and found maternity clothes (and styles) didn't really work for me. I had more luck in consignment/used stores where I could get the older styles...

 

[wallawallakids]

Congratulations!! I also have twins that were conceived via IVF, so I totally know what you are going though. I found the best/ most affordable place for me was JC Penny. Granted this was 7 years ago, but they had great sales and nice looking stuff for the price. You could also try Motherhood Maternity. Good luck OP and congratulations!!!

 

[akcire]

So I'm about your age. I still want another child. So I kept some of my maternity clothes. That said my best source of clothes was friends and friends of friends who were done.

Also. The maternity panel is over rated to me. I preferred this band thing with elastic support from target it was 20 dollars. The belly band maybe?

I'd buy a couple pairs of "big" elastic pants. A couple nice tops. Maybe one dress up outfit. I'd also raid the closet of a larger male. I took my dads too small shirts and used them in goofy ways.

 

[galaxygirl76]

I also used a belly band, it gave plenty relief. My main source of maternity clothes was Old Navy. It was cute, not too pricey and comfortable.

 

[Paticake]

Try Zulily.com, I ordered some very reasonable priced things for my daughter.

 

[verleniahall]

tRY THRIFT STORES AND CONSIGNMENT STOREX

 

[aprilchem]

After 3 years and lots of medical assistance, DH and I just found out that we're pregnant - with twins! At only 7 weeks, I'm finding that I probably will need maternity clothing sooner rather than later (might also be the IVF meds that I'm still taking, so maybe once those are done, the growth will slow down )

I originally had planned to just shop in the plus-size department (I'm an XL top/14-16 bottom), but a friend pointed out that tops will be big all over/too wide at the top, and for pants I'll want the maternity panel to support the belly. So I've tried looking at Target, Old Navy, Gap, Kohls, etc. and I just can't find anything I like in my size. I know I'm too early for spring/summer stuff, but even transitional clothing - blah. One thing I really dislike is the trend of skintight maternity clothes (I'm 40; I didn't even have anything worth seeing when I was 20 )

Luckily I'm a housewife, so I don't need dressy work clothes. I'm not a fashionista, I'm not into clothing and shopping in general, but I'd still like to look nice. On the other hand, it has to be on a major budget, as we're going to need 2 of everything for the babies as it is. Maybe I'm being too picky and not looking hard enough? Any suggestions? Thanks!

I got my maternity clothing at Goodwill, mostly. The Goodwills in my area all have maternity racks and I was able to find some really cute clothing in good condition that lasted me through all three pregnancies. Maybe check there?

 

[mjkacmom]

Buy used or borrow. By the time I had my twins, I was down to one pair of pants, and DH's shirts. I was bigger at the end than with my other pregnancies, but refused to buy any more maternity clothes.

 

[ssdeverell]

How exciting! Congratulations!

I actually found most of mine at Sears. They had a great selection. I also used a belly band and loved it.

 

[kymom99]

I also conceived via IVF. Congratulations!

I was your size when I was pregnant. That was 16 years ago, but I would think you could go with some lounge type pants. I never felt like the maternity pants really supported my belly. I just thought they were comfortable. Penney's is a good place to check and also yard sales. Just get a couple pants and several tops. I got a flowy gown for sleeping.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Congrats!!! Twins are quite a fun adventure! Mine just turned 10. On average, you will be the size of a full term (single) pregnancy about 1/2 way thru yours.

I bought two skirts and two tops that I could mix & match, a maternity two piece swimsuit (big bottoms that went over the belly and a top with lots of support), and a pair of maternity jeans. I wore lots of big tshirts and button downs and shorts with elastic waist around the house. I also had two pairs of overalls (denim and khaki) that I loved.

 

[katie111]

I was 39 when I had my last child and was also a SAHM so I didn't need much that was dressy. My favorite places were Sears & JC Penney's as they styles for "older" moms and their prices were really good. I also used Motherhood when needed something more dressy for the holidays or a fancy event.

 

[missbrooke06]

In my area, there are lots of Facebook garage sale groups including a couple focused just on moms. Maybe look for Your Area Garage Sale groups and go from there.

 

[quandrea]

Congratulations. I too am the mum of twins. The bad news is you will need a lot of clothes. I wore maternity clothes from size small through x large. And then o outgrew the xl and my mother in law made me some clothes. I did manage to shop the outlet store of the major maternity shop here in Canada. I could usually grab tees for four dollars and pants for ten or fifteen. If you go full term you will be huge! Buying regular clothes just with elastic will not cut it. It will also be painful on your very sensitive belly.

I'd also recommend some really supportive shoes. I wore Birkenstocks. It will ward off swelling and painful legs. Some good compression hose too.

Again congratulations and check out those outlet stores.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

Congrats!!!!

Don't be in a rush for Maternity if you can help it, they are always more than regular clothes.

For me, wearing yoga pants and loose tops and tanks worked well for winter. Pull on sweater boots are great as well as fleece jackets. For summer I like maxi skirts and tanks with flip-flops. You can find these items anywhere for any price. Buying your size or a size up should work.

True maternity clothes may only be necessary in the 3rd trimester. I found great deals at Motherhood Maternity.

I kept all of what I wore during my pregnancy and used it as transitional clothing until I lost the baby weight. The material was soft and comfortable even though a little stretched and sometimes worn, but at that point who cares because you don't leave the house that much anyway.

Good luck!!

 

[HM]

I made a couple dresses when I was pregnant with my first. I got some hand-me-downs from a couple friends as well. I didn't need a whole wardrobe, though I was working, I just wore the same things a lot. The only new things I bought were underwear and bras.

I'd suggest looking at local thrift stores too.

 

[TravelMommy]

Congratulations!! I bought Plus sized clothes during my pregnancies and it worked out great. I think the thrift store suggestions are good ones, as that way you can really stick to a strict budget.

 

[JenzyHP]

You have lots of time to find clothing before you truly need it so look at consignment stores/craigslist. I did mostly Old Navy and Target. I found maxi dresses to be very comfy and hated the full panel pants. They just got in the way. Target has very comfy, long tank tops that would help as shirts get too short with twins. They look like normal tank tops so you can reuse them afterwards.