Ok, kind of an odd request - but does anyone else have difficulty with maternity tops? I feel like I'm completely disproportionate to the average woman.
My big problem is the line where the tops form the contours for our breasts is a lot higher than mine are. I had this same problem the first time I was pregnant too. It's only an issue for the not-fitted tops (i.e. any that are tighter fitting).
Any ideas as to what to do or other clothing that would be a better "fit"!
Thanks again!
I had the same problem, and actually I do with non-maternity shirts a lot, too. Partly because I'm "well-endowed", and partly because I'm not willing to put them up there where they would need to be and spend all day on display for everyone!
If I find a cute shirt that is like that I go ahead and put on the push up bra, but wear a tank underneath in a matching or neutral color to avoid showing the world my cleavage.
Good luck!
My baby is a September baby also and the summer I was pregnant I lived mostly in the stretchy tank tops (the rib-knit cheap ones from Target or Old Navy). I just bought them one size larger than my normal size and they worked great! I had them in pretty much every color. They are also very long so they hid any unzipped pants I had...lol. I also found some short sleeve t-shirts in the same fabric that worked. I know this might not be appropriate for work wear, but it sure was great for after work/weekends to keep my few pieces of work maternity clothing nice.
For work I had a few tops I'd found in the Juniors section. The extra large fit me and the style that year was A-line tops that really looked just like maternity tops only much cheaper. I had the empire-waist boob problem too until I went to the Hanes outlet and got fitted for a new bra. Wow, what a HUGE difference it made! I had no idea I'd been so saggy for so long.
If I'm reading your post correctly the issue is the spacing of your breasts between your shoulders and your belly. Have you tried changing the type of bra you're wearing? When I wear non-wire bras my breasts sag much lower. I have found a store on Macadam Ave in Portland called "Just Like a Woman." They have really good special fitting (not just the trained last week sales clerk at a department store). Personally, I wear a wired sports bra that doesn't compress my breasts to my chest, but does hold them higher. I did this during my pregnancy too, though for nursing I had to wear a traditional nursing bra. An added note, if you can get "lifted" it really, truly, makes you look 10-15 pounds lighter!
Hope this helps,
S.
I know exactly what you mean! First pregnancy I stayed a B until my milk came in, at which point I became a C overnight. Second pregnancy I gradually grew from a B to a C by the time my son was born, and within a week or two of my milk coming in, I was (am) decidedly a D. This doesn't help things at all! The other poster is right: outfits are usually designed for someone with a B cup. :S
My solution was just to make some of my maternity tops and wear other tops that weren't so specific as to bustline.
Not sure if you sew, but I am learning to make and fit patterns, and would love someone to practice on! If you're interested, I would be willing to make you some patterns for free. That way you would have something that fits nicely and exactly how you want it. I could sew the clothes, too, if you want (but I would have to charge for that--I don't need practice sewing!). Oh, and this includes anyone reading this. I live between Gresham and Damascus. Anyone willing to come to my house is welcome. Just send me a message and I'll give you contact info.
I found that the Gap and Old Navy fit better- They even have an outlet in Woodburn at the outlet malls
I have the same problem too. My breasts are NOT big, and I'm between a 36-38" bra... but I found myself buying XL and even XXL maternity tops to accomodate the awkwardness.
This time around, I just bought a bunch of longer knit tanks (Old Navy had some in the fall--not sure about now) and wore them under various cardigans or jumper dresses, etc. I also (since I'm already pushing a size 14 in non-maternity clothes) went to Lane Bryant and bought some empire waisted shirts and baby-doll shaped shirts in their 14/16 size. They look like maternity shirts already, and are very trendy/not cutesy.
I wear "maternity" shirts maybe once a week, if that.
When I was younger and pregnant with my daughter, I had trouble finding inexpensive maternity clothes that were appropriate for work. Therefore, I made a few dresses and tops and skirts. For home, I wore mostly sweats or stretchy knits. Depending on how dressy your work is, it might be worth the investment to have a seamstress make you a few outfits.
No, no, it's not you - those tops are made for women with incredibly small busts. I can't wear them either and gave up a long time ago. I can't even wear those tops when I'm not pregnant! Normally I would take a large when not pregnant, but those kinds of tops do not fit at all, no matter what size. And now that I'm pregnant again with twins, I find myself seeking out t-shirts and round-necked baby-doll style tops as I am currently sporting a 40G up top (ugh - I started as a 38D). Some of the wrap type tops work, too, but I have yet to find ones that have the contoured breasts and line that fit! Try Motherhood Maternity, as they have a lot of scoop-neck ruched t-shirts that look really great (i.e. they don't look like muumuus). They also have some really cute wrap style tops and dresses that look good on larger busted women. Anyway, I've had the best luck there and the prices are good...
Check out http://www.motherhood.com
Do you have a good fitted bra that lifts your breasts up? As a senior I have to pay more attention to getting a well fitted bra or I have the same problem.
I'm 5 mo preg and have probs with both issues...with this preg and when I was preg with my son. What I did was look for shirts that were empired waist. This seemed to help tremendously. I realized I could wear these shirts during preg and after. It's cheaper than getting maternity tops and they are in, now that summer is just around the corner. I see you are due in September! Congrats! I too am due then! When's your due date? :D
You sound like me! I just avoided that style of top all together. I wore a lot of Old Navy maternity t-shirts, or cute button up tops. I even found some non-maternity shirts that worked well for me at Macy's. Just keep looking you will find stuff that fits!
I know what you mean S....I had the same problem. I would suggest the maternity t-shirts that Old Navy sells, they are great, and come in lots of colors.
