The good news is that you can now build a very nice maternity wardrobe, even in plus sizes. Here are some tips for finding the appropriate clothes for your style and size:
- Shop online.
While you may not find many clothes your size in the brick and mortar stores, you'd be pleasantly surprised with online sources for maternity clothes, even in the traditional sources of maternity clothes. - Choose the empire style shirts and dresses.
This tops are more fitted at the top but get flowing around the bottom of your bust. This allows room for your expanding belly while still offering a flattering, fitted look on top. - Wear skirts and pants with elastic waists.
If you simply want to buy skirts with an elastic waist, you can either use the ones you have until they don't fit or buy a few a couple of sizes bigger. These can last you for a very long time, if not the entire pregnancy. The same is true for pants, but they may get tighter around the crotch. - Go secondhand.
Borrowing from friends and shopping at second hand stores is still a great and inexpensive way to build your maternity wardrobe. Don't forget to try online resources such as eBay, Craig's List and Free Cycle. You may also find people on message boards who are willing to trade, barter or sell their old clothes. - Try wardrobe extenders.
Items like the Bella Band are very helpful at extending your current wardrobe. These allow you to wear your pants and shirts much longer than previously thought. I know some women who never buy maternity clothes with these. - Get tailored clothes.
When all else fails you can try making your own clothes or having them made. There are patterns and even people willing to help on various sites. Etsy was offering both when I was last pregnant. This might be something best reserved for special items that you can't find elsewhere, unless you're really good at sewing yourself.
