There were a few “maternity” items that I came across during my pregnancy that turned out not to be maternity at all. As a result, I paid extra for something that I could have purchased for much less at a regular store. The trend seemed to be limited to intimates, but I’m sure it exists elsewhere. Label something as maternity, mark up the price a little bit, and you’ll be sure to get plenty of sales from women who believe everything they wear during pregnancy needs to be “maternity.” (Nothing could be further from the truth.) I learned my lesson the hard way. Save yourself the trouble and learn from my experience.
I got a pair of black maternity tights at a popular maternity clothing store, and when I took them out of the box, I discovered that the rise and width of the waist was identical to the tights I already owned. I still had to wear them very low, below my belly, and by the end of the night it felt like they were cutting off my circulation. Unfortunately, I could not return them because they are considered intimates and they had been worn.
Another thing I noticed was the “maternity bra.” I did not purchase one of these, opting to keep my old ones until I had my son, when I purchased a few nursing bras. Maternity bras are no different than regular bras. Sometimes they will be marketed as a “maternity/nursing” bra, but these are really just a nursing bra. You don’t need a special bra when you are pregnant, you just need a bigger one with plenty of support.
Often you will see maternity panties for sale. Unless you wear your underwear up to your belly button, you don’t need special knickers when you are pregnant. Move up a size or switch to the ultra low rise. If you are cheap, simply roll your existing undies down a bit. I promise you, no one will ever know unless you plan on running around in your underwear.