Today I went shopping to Bluewater. I did not have a long list of requirements. I wanted maternity tights, maternity jeans, maternity leggings and a few tops. I thought somewhere as large as Bluewater with a wide range of good size stores would have a great selection of maternity wear. I cannot believe how wrong I was!
Dress My Bump!
We began in River Island where the young girl assistant that I asked practically laughed in my face. River Island do not sell maternity wear but I am certain that they always used to.
Already feeling a little deflated we headed to Next who had a tiny maternity section at the back of the store. There was nothing really there compared to the range they stock online.
We then tried Gap which actually did have some nice bits in and I managed to get a black t-shirt covered in stars that Esther will love.
We looked in Dorothy Perkins where we were directed to two rails at the back of the shop. It was so disheartening and really disappointing. I wish that shops would stock more maternity wear as I feel it is really important to try pregnancy clothes on as you are getting used to your new size and shape so have no idea what might suit you or even fit!
I bought some thick black winter leggings from Topshop but was appalled that in Topshop the Maternity range was very very small and again hidden away at the back of the store. I was beginning to feel quite ostracised in the Bluewater community. Are pregnant women not supposed to come out of the house to shop?
Marks and Spencer were very quick to tell us that they do not have maternity wear in their shops only online. New Look told us the same. If we wanted to go to Bexley they had pregnancy clothes in store there!
Mothercare had more items for pregnant women in their shop but there was nothing that I wanted. I really had hoped to buy pregnancy clothes from my usual shops. I was feeling quite fed up by now.
But there was a light at the end of the mall in the form of H&M. They again had a very small maternity section, again hidden away at the back of the store, the childrens wear store! But I am glad that we went there as I bought two pairs of jeans and two jumpers all for under £80. So at least I have a few items now to keep me going.
I felt really tired and quite emotional as we left Bluewater. I honestly though that the shops here would have a proper stock of maternity wear as I know so many mothers and mummies to be who shop there. People travel from all over Kent to shop at Bluewater so you would think they would cater more fairly for all.
I think from now on I will concede to the shops’ obvious wishes and shop for my maternity wear online.
Where do you buy your maternity wear? Could you dress my bump?
Online is the place for best variety. Vertbaudet is a budget French brand and la redoute also good. I like Seraphine bit more pricey but great stuff. Isabella Oliver is great but even more pricey though you can get on eBay and good for work wear and a few special things. Good luck!
Oooh thank you, will have a look at those x
Crave Maternity online is fab x
I struggled massively with maternity clothes. I’m massively overweight and so because I struggled to eat for the first five months, I actually stayed in my normal clothes until I was six months pregnant. But then, as a plus-sized bird, I had massive problems. Basically I managed to find two/three pairs of trousers and I had to wash them twice a week to keep me going. Tops? Had to wear my normal ones and stretch them out for the last few months, although I did find one or two empire line tops. Was a nightmare!
I’m probably the last person to wish you a big congratulations, but better late than never! Have you tried Asos.com for maternity clothes? I found they kitted me out completely when I was pregnant, plus it’s a lot less tiring than trudging round the shops! x
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