melinda - i have found the same thing with the 'belly pod' like a wide elastic band to wear around your tummy.

i bought the belly belt too, but havent used it anywhere near as much as i thought i would. same problem, the bulge of it and needing to wear really long tops.

i got my belly band from a girl on ebay, her name is 4mumstums (i hope i am allowed to write that on here - feel free to delete it mods if it is not ok), and it was only $9 plus $2 postage and that to me has been of so much more use than the belly belts.

i guess in regards to your question of if they are a better alternative to maternity clothes, the truth is, even if you get one, you will definately need mat clothes as well. so you could think of it as an extra, but not really an alternative.

HTH

Linda