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Maternity Clothes Size Guide - How to Find the Perfect Fit
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and miraculous phases in a woman's life, but finding the right kind of maternity clothes that fits you well can sometimes be a tedious task. This is specifically true for the first time pregnant moms. With that in mind, we have come up with quick maternity clothes sizing guide to help you find the perfect fit for your changing body shape during pregnancy.
In This Article
The Importance of the Right Fit
We all already know why a proper fit is essential!
Nobody wants to look awkward in their clothing, and particularly when it’s about pregnancy, every woman wants to stay comfortable and look their best.
During pregnancy, your body undergoes several physical changes, and your figure naturally changes day by day. Between weight gain, hormonal changes, and an increment in body temperature, chances are your regular clothes would not fit or be comfortable for you anymore.
That means it's time to buy Maternity Clothes. With proper sizing and fitting, maternity clothing not only keeps you comfortable but also helps you look confident and stylist. Thus, a proper fit is imperative to stay relaxed, classy, and chic.
How to Get the Right Size When Shopping for Maternity Wear?
So, how do you find the right maternity clothing size? Well, in most cases, the size of your maternity clothing remains nearly the same as your pre-pregnancy clothing size.
For example, if you used to wear a size medium before pregnancy, then medium-sized maternity wear should be fine for you. The same thing applies to your bottom wear. If your pre-pregnancy waist size was 28-inches, you should look for the same size- just the maternity version in maternity bottom wear. Though your waist is no longer 28 inches but to make it easier for buyer, companies stick with your pre-pregnancy number.
However, there may be instances when you'll need to buy maternity clothes a size or two bigger and smaller than your pre-pregnancy size. This is because it all depends on a brand's sizing, the design of the item, and your body's figure during pregnancy.
As an example, if the fabric of maternity wear is stretchy enough, you may go one size lower than your regular clothing size. Otherwise, better is to go with a size or two up in maternity clothing.
Maternity Clothing Size: What and How to Measure?
As a rule of thumb, we recommend you choose the maternity size corresponding to your pre-pregnancy size. However, if you feel you have gained extra weight, you can either go one size up or consider plus size maternity wear.
Before you purchase any maternity wear, it's imperative you know what to measure and how to measure it the right way. Follow the instructions below to figure out your current measurements and find your maternity size yourself:
Bras:
- Bust: Measure under your arms, around the fullest circumference of your bust.
- Under Bust: Measure the circumference under your bust (bra line).
Tops:
- Shoulder: Measure from the back of one shoulder to the other, at the widest point.
- Bust: Measure under your arms, around the fullest circumference of your bust.
- Under Bust: Measure the circumference under your bust.
Dresses:
- Shoulder: Measure from the back of one shoulder to the other, at the widest point.
- Bust: Measure under your arms, around the fullest circumference of your bust.
- Under Bust: Measure the circumference under your bust.
- Hips: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your hips.
- Thigh: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your thigh.
- Length: Measure from the top shoulder point down the body.
Pants:
- High Waist: Measure over the bump, body circumference.
- Low Waist: Measure below the bump, body circumference.
- Hips: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your hips.
- Thigh: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your thigh.
- Inseam: Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to the bottom of your ankle.
Although these sizing notes work for all body types and sizes, you should always refer to the brand size charts and descriptions given on a product page. When buying any maternity or nursing wear from WobblyWalk, use our size chart to find apparel that fits you best.
When to Look for Maternity Clothes?
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. While some women gain weight early on in pregnancy, others can wear their pre-pregnancy clothing for longer.
As a matter of fact, the right time to buy maternity clothing is when you start feeling uncomfortable in your regular wear. If you are still confused, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Your bra feels tight: If your regular bras don't fit you properly, consider buying a maternity bras.
- Your pants won’t button: If you're not able to button or zip your pants, it's time to buy stretchy pregnancy pants or leggings.
- Your growing bump is peeking from under your shirt: If your baby bump has started to poke out from under your shirt/top, it’s probably time to get pregnancy tops.
- You can't fit in regular Kurta anymore: It’s probably time to invest in maternity kurta.
Your Maternity Wardrobe: List of Essential Clothes during Pregnancy
Here is the list of some most common maternity wear you need to keep your wardrobe packed with:
- Maternity Tops such as maternity blouses & shirts, maternity t-shirts, and maternity kurta & kurtis.
- Maternity Pants such as maternity leggings & capris, pregnancy jeans & maternity jeggings, and maternity shorts.
- Maternity Dresses such as maternity day dresses, maternity party dresses.
- Maternity Lingerie such as bras, camisoles, and underpants.
- Maternity Nightwear such as nighties, nightgowns, chemise, and pyajamas.
Most of these are nursing friendly, or versatile enough so you can wear them after pregnancy.