Maternity clothes advice

I'm an average sized woman (or so I think lol)  Pre Pregnancy I wore a size 6/8 bottom depending on style etc.  I'm small up top 36b...most tops were s or m if they are too short or I want to layer.  

I went shopping yesterday at JCPenney's and I figured I'd try on some tops before I bought them...I had to buy larges!!!!  I don't even have a baby belly yet!  I was pretty freaked out, I though maternity would be generous in their sizing but not at JCP!  I was popping out of the medium's top and I cannot wear cleavage/chest revealing tops as I am a teacher!  At least the belly areas all have plenty of room!

So, I want to buy a few sweaters for the winter and I saw some that I liked online at old Navy...according to their size chart, I am a medium...I know I can return them but I'd rather just buy the right size the first time...Do you think Medium is right or should I get the large?  By the time I'd be wearing sweaters, I will be farther along but I don't want to be drowning in them...Any advice?

[abbysmommy4]

I would get the large.  I am not very big up top either and I find the M never fit right.  Sweaters may be differetn though.  I never bought maternity sweaters, but most of the other things I have tried on I had to go with large for confort.  By the way pr pregnancy I am barely an A cup....lol even pg I think I am barely a B right now.  Good luck

[durhamjk1]

I was a size 8/10 pre pregnancy and I have been buying larges in maternity clothes consistently - and some of them are too tight!  So definitely go with large... you would rather it be too big than to tight anyways...

[LauraB78]

I am with Durham. I was an 8/10 pre pregnancy and I have been buying all larges. I am bigger on top than you though (I should be a line backer w/ my broad shoulders, uggh) so I buy XL in tops. In fact the sweater I am wearing now is an Old Navy maternity and I LOVE it.. I also really like Motherhood but they are a little more expensive. The secret fit belly stuff is amazing though! So cozy!

[YoungMom130]

Love Motherhood, Gap, and Old Navy maternity, but definately go a size bigger (large). I was about the same size you are with my first pregnancy.

[roke]

old navy always fits big from my past experiences.

[newbiemami08]

i was a 3/5 at 115lbs now at 32 weeks i'm 145lbs and i wear mediums and they are getting tight!  old navy fit is a bit bigger but they shrink!  i would buy a large too, tight clothes are not comfy!  also, the clothes at motherhood are more expensive but they have a sale rack for tops from 6.99 to 19.99 (final sales) and they are also great!  pants i would have to say ross/tjmaxx/burlington coat factory, they have great jeans for under 20.00!  happy shopping!

[Gina209]

I wore a 0 pre pregnancy and was a extra small all around. My mom and mother in law bought me all these cute Maternity tops and their too big! I think their smalls too. My boobs have gotten so much bigger than they already were (and my boobs were large to begin with) but for some reason all the tops are still too big! But its funny because as much as your belly hasn't grown, its weird how clothes start to fit you differently!

But in regards to your question I would buy the large just to be on the safe side. By the time it gets really cold like sweater cold your looking at at least another 4 weeks and believe me its amazing how much your belly can POP in a matter of days! So I would say go large and if their still too big you can always shrink them or Winter these days lasts all the way into April! And by then you'll be able to wear em :)

[tramaddi]

shopko has some nice maternity clothes for cheap around $20 and some really nice sweaters I just got a few...lovely

[sweetangel7]

Wish I had a shopko...I googled it...the closest one is in MI!

[leetlebeanweasle]

I'd buy some M and some L. (for now and later) what I've had to do is layer. If the shirt is too low in the front I always have something to go under it..it makes things a lot easier. Also I have a few pregnancy clothes and a few non pregnancy (just in the biggest size they have -lg. at old navy-) Just find things that you feel comfortable in no matter if its maternity or not.

and I know some people like the preg. jeans but I am not a fan. -I have one pair but don't wear them very often-
I bought a pair of jeans one size up in a semi low rise and have worn them for months now (I'm 35 weeks...8 months) and they still fit. I have to unbutton them when I sit sometimes but they are so much more comfortable than the ones with a belly band (those cut off my circulation) just my opinion..hope it helps.

[njrohe]

I would by large for anything on your top have...the girls are only going to get bigger!