I’d be fibbing if I told you that my 18 months of infertility left me overweight. That is about as true as telling you that it also left me vertically challenged. I was already both. Now, I am short, fat AND pregnant. Despite the fact that the average American woman is 5’4” and size 14, this trifecta of special sizes brings a woman to a whole new pit of insecurity.
After the largest pair of maternity pants in stock at Target barely cleared my knees, I was first downtrodden, questioning whether I would have to wear a muumuu all summer. Then I got belligerent. I am a fashion-conscious plus-size woman and there HAS to be some maternity clothes out there for me.
Thou Shalt Not Wear a Muumuu
I’ve searched as wide as Champaign-Urbana’s borders allow and I’m feeling optimistic that I won’t have to go naked this summer.
Bergner’s: I’m not quite sure this is even worth mentioning. Tucked away in a corner (and not the one labeled maternity), the two racks of maternity clothes were very disappointing and did not appear to be comfortable or of a nice quality.
JCPenney: The local store hosts just a few racks of fairly basic, solid-colored tops, some jeans and a few trousers. The XLs I tried on were very snug/small. JCPenney does carry some plus sizes online and returns can be made in-store.
Kohl’s: I generally like Kohl’s for their well-priced, on-trend apparel. While the local maternity section is quite small, the options are cute and worth checking out for additional options. Tops go up to XL.
Motherhood Maternity: This is the only all-maternity store in our area (and in many others). Fortunately, it does not disappoint. With great sales and options from casual to dressy, I am thankful for Motherhood. They carry plus sizes both in-store and online, including petite lengths.
Old Navy: I was surprised that our local store actually had a small maternity section. Pieces (in-store and online) tend to be on the very casual side, but also very affordable. I expect to head to ON for fun summer dresses. Carries plus sizes online.
Target: While I have not returned since the the aforementioned episode, Target is one of my favorite options for super cheap tops. I know their bottoms won’t fit my awesomely sized lower half, but I’m hoping to find some cute summer shirts later on. Tops go up to XXL.
Additional Online Options
Forever 21: Seriously? This is not an episode of 16 and Pregnant. If you’re interested though, the Michigan Ave store does carry the line.
A Pea in the Pod: Either my wallet has shrunk or this store has changed in the past decade. A Pea in the Pod caters to higher-end customers, with $100+ tees.
Ann Taylor Loft: Hosts a small online collection of office-appropriate tailored tops, pants and dresses in the $40 and up range. Tops go up to XXL.
Gap: While our Gap does not carry the maternity line, the online shop boasts an array of simple, classic pieces on the more affordable side of expensive. Tops go up to XXL.
H&M: While they don’t host an online store, if you happen to find yourself in a big city, some stores do carry maternity fashions.
Sears: Maternity wear here is a touch more fashion-forward than other budget-conscious stores. While I was able to find a few maternity racks in an out-of-state store, I didn’t see any at ours. Tops go up to XL.
I would buy stock in Lane Bryant if they re-launched a maternity line, but for now (for better or worse) these are the options. Tops in particular won’t be too difficult to come by (a lot of blousier non-maternity tops will even work for a while) and Motherhood Maternity carries my size (and length) of pants in the store. While I’ve never shopped resale before, I even hear there are good options at local resale and consignment shops. I won’t have to go naked or wear a muumuu, and I might even look darn cute.
I would love to know, have I missed your favorite local or online maternity store?
Jennifer Wilson is not a fan of the Bella Band because her unbuttoned pants still fall down. Proud (95% of the time) to be a hot plus-sized mama, you can look for her over the next 6 months in belly-skimming tees and tanks. Jennifer writes “31 and Pregnant,” a column about navigating first-time pregnancy in Champaign-Urbana.