first off, i like jersey material. jersey knit, that is, not cotton. i have a ton of tops and a number of shift dresses in that fabric.

strangely though, i couldn’t stand wearing jersey when i was pregnant, especially jersey dresses. i had some issues with dresses that clung snugly onto or skimmed along my hips and thighs. which was a minor challenge since fashionable maternity dress choices in fabrics other than jersey were not easy to come by.

aside from that, i thought jersey was too casual for work or strictly formal affairs, and i didn’t want to be an “exclusion” to the rule just because i was pregnant.

one of the more apparent problems i encountered with maternity dresses not made of jersey is many designs seemed so dowdy and, well, exaggeratedly wide. of course, i understand the rationale behind making these dresses bigger, being fabrics that don’t stretch, but i hope retailers keep in mind that maternity clothes are not tents. an expectant mother would love to feel sexy now more than ever.

so if you are like me as a pregnant shopper, you might want to check out www.apeainthepod.com, one of my favorite maternity sites that offers styles such as these fabulous maternity dresses:

flutter-sleeve dress in silk and chiffon

sleeveless white dress with collar and pleats in sateen

ruched empire waist dress in denim

kimono style dress with baroque print

formal dress in velvet

sleeveless formal dress in charmeuse

work wear in knit and tweed

all photos lifted from www.apeainthepod.com.