I really struggle to find clothes, particularly trousers/ jeans to fit. I can't stand anything tight on my belly, and it can be out of proportion to the rest of me, although I'm not slim, size 18. I've got a completely frozen pelvis and the pain can be mad.
I'm finding maternity jeans the best bet at the moment, but can't quite face "Over the bump", it has to be under! There are some good maternity jeggings which are perfect, but the ones I used to get at Tu or Peacocks have stopped now. The Mint Velvet leggings with a high waistband are perfect if you haven't discovered them, but I am desperate for something other than leggings!
Please send me your recommendations, I feel so frumpy and uncomfortable, should we have to suffer from zero clothes too?!
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How about a dress in styles like a shift dress, or empire waist? Also, wide dresses can have a thin belt added underbust empire waist style, or wear with a cardigan to give it a waist.
Also, a long flowing cardigan, open at the front can draw the eye away from the tummy area. That might be nice with trousers that show a tummy bump. And maybe a flowing blouse that hangs gently in the front.
I haven't figured out how to wear trousers again after my lap. Still healing.
Thank you, yes that's a really lovely idea for going out (if we ever get to go out again!) Tricky for work though as I have to run around after kids... sometimes a long skirt and trainers can look quite cool though, I wonder if I can pull that off! 😂Hope you heal quickly x
Ah, yes, active wear!In my imagination.... It would be good to avoid a tight belt, but have trousers loose at the top. Now, how would they not fall down? How about suspenders? Those over-the shoulder stretchy ones that clip to the trouser waist. That way, the waist could be any size you wanted - maybe lightly hold the waist shape with a wide cloth belt through wide belt loops. This is starting to sound like a sewing project.
What already exists like that? How about dungarees? Those things with the trousers on the bottom, the "bib" at the front, and the over-shoulder straps? I'm going to have an internet search and see if they exist! 😃
in reply to
Hi - Maybe have a look for jumpsuits, dungarees, playsuits, overalls.
I wonder if there's such a thing as "outsourcing" the sewing aspect of clothing? Making a set of really excellent patterns would be interesting, but the idea of sewing them all together a bit less so.
There would need to be one or two "prototypes" first to make sure they really are comfy.
I think one of the design challenges would be in the layered look so that the outfit could be acceptable officeware.
There are already jumpsuits with a shirt and trousers sewn together, but they are rarely made with different torso lengths - which is why they never seem to fit short or tall people. It would be nice if the size charts included a measurement from the back of the neck to the top of the waist at the back.
I have the same issue- my pelvis/ abdomen is very uncomfortable with a bulge on the LH side which I’m still trying to get someone medical to establish what’s causing it and address. I wear stretchy waist leggings with a long t shirt/ top to cover bum and top of thighs......can’t even tolerate the pressure of the elastic from knickers across tummy. In the summer I wear dresses; wfh in the winter I wear a onesie for comfort. Will follow your post! Best wishes xx
You poor thing, it's so frustrating when docs don't have the knowledge 😣 Oh yes, knickers! I'm fussy about those too, the only ones I seem to get are the ones with a wide lace waistband from m&s. I wonder how much of our lives we spend trying to find clothes to wear! 😂
I’ll try those M&S ones you recommend thanks! But yes I tend to buy oversize tops to cover everything up too. Must be a further consideration if you’re running around after children too! Maybe dungarees/ play suit is the way to go for you xxx
Hi I can only wear M&S stoutest as they do lots of different styles which are pull on so no zips or buttons. Great as I’m so bloated and swollen. Being short makes finding clothes that fit a challenge. They do stuff like wide , slim and boot leg in 3 different lengths. Mostly in navy or black but now summer is on the horizon they do patterned. I have 2 sizes depending on how bloated I am 🤔
I have the exactly same problem, I’ve been unable to wear anything with a button up waist for years now and it’s a real struggle to find anything nice to wear. I had to stop wearing jeggings too as the tightness put to much pressure on my stomach and I’d be in agony.
Stomach is constantly swollen so it’s really hard to know what size I really am, as believe if it wasn’t for my stomach being massively swollen I’d be in smaller sizes.
I’ve recently been buying Next Denim Joggers which are so comfortable and look more like jeans than joggers. They fit quite large and I was able to go down a size.
They also do a nice range of jersey joggers too which don’t look too casual.
I’ve seen some on boohoo too but haven’t ordered any as I’m unsure what the sizing and quality would be like.
Hi Lily, The online size guides have improved dramatically lately. Before trying to choose a size, you might like to try what I tried... Use a tailor's measuring tape and a friend to take your measurements. Key measurements are: bust, under-bust, sleeve length, and leg inseam (you can do a search for an image showing where to measure if you like). With these in a reference table beside you when you shop online, it will truly help to find the right size for you. Also, many online shops will allow an exchange or return if it's not the right size.
I wear dresses all of the time, if the reviews say they come up big I order my usual size, small I go up a size. I wear stretchy dresses, often a shirt dress or a style with no fastening. I go for a longish length and a long length cardigan and I don't think my tummy is too notixeav in those styles. I am extremely thin but can easily look about 8 months pregnant some days so it is quite difficult. I get maternity tights from John Lewis, very expensive but the best.
I also get bras from there that have no fastening, like a crop top, I go up a size in those as well.
I try to look the best I can as much as I'm able, it's so hard though.
Even at that, I often get in pjs very early in the evening as can't stand clothes any longer.
Hi, i totally agree clothing can be such a nightmare, I hate tight fit stomach too. I really bloat sometimes and hate that tight fit feel! I found out I had a gf intolerance that wasn't helping things so that change helped but post lap in Jan it's been a challenge. Next do a range of stretch fit jeans (not the cheapest around £36 ish) but they have lots of stretch in, even the slimmer fit styles. Maybe worth a try? X
I feel you! I’m a size 18 too and wearing trousers is such a struggle from being bloated 😞
The best trousers I’ve had which are great for work are from Tesco, they have lots in really stretchy material so they’re sooo comfy and they look great as well!
I’ve got some fab leather look jeggings from Next as well which are really stretchy and look great.
Not sure if you have trouble wearing tights either but I discovered Snag tights a few months ago and they’ve changed my life! So stretchy and comfy and don’t dig in at all!
I have same issue. Can’t stand tight on waist. I cut the elastic off on front of my underwear or I buy high waisted two sizes bigger. I too switch to lounge/pj type clothes immediately after work. I hate dresses and skirts so not an option. Outdoorsy athletic type clothes that also look like work clothes have been my saving grace. I’ve discovered there are athletic type pants that are made of stretchy polyester or nylon and are pull on like joggers but in black or navy and a long top can pass as nice slacks. And I buy up a size. I’m in USA so have different stores but just about every store has some type of jogger like this now a days and their reasonable price too. (In US the store is called Target and the clothing line is called All In Motion)I had a few embarrassing situations at work where I had unbutton my pants or bra due to pain but forgot to rebutton and walked to restroom in front of coworkers. Oh well! The embarrassing stuff we have to go through. I am considering investing in a good local tailor to help me have my wardrobe adjusted to accommodate my issues. Might be worth it to have a select portion of my clothes made “disability friendly”. I’m not handy with sewing so I would have to outsource. Best wishes to you and thank you just for bringing up this issue alot of us go through 😀ps: if someone starts a clothing store for this I will support it$$$
Yes I know the trousers you mean, and that's reminded me that there's a few out there with "yoga" waistbands which are so good!! Tailor idea is genius... And I too would pay good money for specially made clothes, it would make life so much easier! Thanks for your ideas! ❤️
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