How Does Maternity Sizing Work?
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it comes with many changes to your body, especially in terms of size and shape. As your belly grows, so does the need for comfortable clothing that accommodates these changes. Maternity sizing can feel confusing at first, but once you understand how it works, finding the perfect fit becomes much easier.
How Maternity Sizing Works
Maternity clothing sizes are designed to correspond to your pre-pregnancy size. This means that if you were a size small before pregnancy, you will likely still be a size small in maternity clothes. Most maternity brands design their clothing to accommodate the typical weight gain and body changes during pregnancy without requiring you to go up multiple sizes.
Here’s how it generally works:
- Pre-pregnancy size: Your pre-pregnancy size serves as a baseline for choosing maternity clothes. If you were a medium before pregnancy, start by trying on medium maternity clothes.
- Room for growth: Maternity clothes are made with extra fabric and stretch in key areas like the belly and bust to ensure comfort as your body changes.
- Bust and hip adjustments: Since your bust and hips may expand during pregnancy, some maternity clothes include ruching or adjustable waistbands to adapt to these changes.
Check out our maternity sizing chart.
Key Measurements for Maternity Clothes
To ensure a comfortable fit, it’s important to measure yourself correctly. Here are the key measurements to take when shopping for maternity wear:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest. This is especially important for finding the right fit in tops and dresses.
- Underbust: Measure directly under your bust for bras and fitted tops.
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips to ensure pants and skirts fit comfortably.
- Waist (for pants): Most maternity pants have an elastic or adjustable waistband that sits either under or over your bump.
Using a soft tape measure is essential for accuracy. Once you have your measurements, consult the brand’s size chart to determine the best fit. Keep in mind that different brands may have slight variations in sizing, so always check their specific charts.
Maternity Bras
Maternity bras are another essential item as your bust grows during pregnancy. These bras are designed with soft, stretchy materials and often feature extra hooks for adjustability. You’ll want to measure both your bust and underbust when selecting a maternity bra. Many women go up one band size and one cup size during pregnancy.
FAQ: Common Questions About Maternity Sizing
How do I know what maternity size to buy?
Start with your pre-pregnancy size. Most maternity clothes are designed to fit based on what you wore before becoming pregnant, with added room for growth in areas like the belly and bust. If you're between sizes or carrying multiples, consider sizing up.
How many sizes up do you go in pregnancy?
In most cases, you don’t need to go up in sizes unless you’ve gained more weight than average or are expecting twins. Maternity clothes are designed with extra space in key areas like the belly and hips.
Do you order your normal size in maternity?
Yes! Maternity clothing is generally made to fit your regular pre-pregnancy size while allowing room for growth throughout pregnancy.
What size are XL maternity pants?
XL maternity pants typically correspond to a US size 16-18 or 45-48 inches around the hips, depending on the brand. Always check individual brand size charts for exact measurements.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
- Use Size Charts: Every brand may have slightly different sizing guidelines, so always refer to their specific chart when shopping.
- Consider Your Trimester: Early in pregnancy, you may still fit into some of your regular clothes or need only transitional pieces like leggings or loose tops. By the second trimester, most women switch fully into maternity wear.
- Adjustable Features: Look for clothes with adjustable waistbands or ruching that can grow with you throughout pregnancy.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try on different styles (like wrap dresses or drawstring pants) to see what feels most comfortable as your body changes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how maternity sizing works can make shopping much easier during this exciting time. Remember that most maternity clothes are designed based on your pre-pregnancy size, so start there and adjust as needed based on how much weight you've gained or how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Find Your Perfect Fit at Angel Maternity
Here at Angel Maternity, we believe every mom-to-be deserves stylish yet comfortable clothing throughout her pregnancy journey. Our wide range of maternity dresses includes everything from wrap dresses to maxi dresses—perfect for any occasion!
Whether you're looking for something casual or formal, our collection has something just right for every stage of pregnancy—and beyond! Shop now and find beautiful pieces that will make you feel fabulous from bump to baby!