Maternity clothing sizes work the same way as regular ones do, meaning, you're the same size in maternity clothes that you are in regular clothes. If you normally wear a size small, you’ll be a maternity small, too. It's the same for numbered sizes: a regular 6 or 28 is equivalent to a maternity 6 or 28. This doesn't mean your waist is still 28 inches during pregnancy, but clothing companies keep the sizing the same to make shopping for maternity clothes less confusing.
Sizing remains true for plus-size maternity clothes too. But like all fashion, plus-size clothing sizing can vary by retailer, so be sure to take your measurements and check maternity size charts to ensure the best fit before you buy.
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The same rule of thumb applies to maternity bra sizing as well, but take note: Because your breasts grow throughout pregnancy, your regular bra size is likely going to change. Before buying any maternity bras, get fitted by an expert at a lingerie store, or take your own measurements at home and match them to a brand’s maternity size chart. You can also buy a bra extender to give your pre-pregnancy bras new life throughout these nine months.
Because maternity clothes sizing works the same as regular clothes sizing, you’ll hopefully find that shopping for maternity clothes is easier than you may think.
Do I really need maternity clothes?
Just like early pregnancy symptoms, whether or not you need maternity clothes can vary from person to person. For at least the first few months of pregnancy, you may be able to get away with wearing comfier, roomier items from your existing wardrobe, such as leggings, maxi dresses, and oversized sweaters. This may be especially true if you’re a first-time mom, as you're not likely to start showing your pregnancyas early as women who have been pregnant before.
There are many tried-and-true pregnancy clothing hacks you might swear by in the first trimester, such as threading a hair tie around your pants button to leave more room for your growing belly, or making your own belly band to wear on top of unzipped pants.
You'll probably start showing between 12 and 18 weeks, and by then, you might feel and look more comfortable in clothes that are tailored specifically to your changing body. Buying even just a few maternity clothing staples is a better option than purchasing items that are oversized and unflattering – or attempting to squeeze yourself into what’s already in your closet.
Tips for finding the right maternity clothes sizes
These tips for finding the right maternity sizes will make it easier (and hopefully less daunting!) as you embark on your search for maternity clothes:
- Check maternity size charts. Maternity clothing sizes can vary by retailer. If you're shopping online, measure your bust, waist/bump, and hips, and compare them to a brand’s size chart to ensure what you’re buying will fit.
- Confirm maternity store return policies. This is especially important when shopping online since you can’t try anything on. It might even be easier (and less time-consuming in the long run) to buy what you want in a few sizes, try everything on at home, and then return the sizes that don't fit.
- Try different stores and styles. What worked for a friend may not work for you. Luckily, there are dozens of retailers and brands that sell cute maternity clothes for every occasion, from everyday wear to office attire to black-tie dresses.
- Rent maternity clothes if you can’t commit. In recent years, many brands have started subscription services where customers can rent maternity clothes for every trimester. This is a great option if you’re still unsure about what maternity items you want to invest in, and if you don’t mind wearing clothes that have already been worn by someone else. (But don't worry, everything is cleaned between wears!)
- Wear what makes you feel best. This one is worth reiterating – what looks the best on you as your body changes throughout pregnancy is ultimately what will make youfeel your best and most confident during this exciting time. Have fun with it!
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Be sure to connect with other moms-to-be in our BabyCenter Community for even more maternity fashion tips, tricks, and inspiration.
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FAQs
- For maternity clothing we recommend staying with your pre-pregnancy size. As all pregnancies are unique and individual, maternity clothes are designed on a normal pregnancy weight gain range. Although it can be tempting to order a size up, only do so if you prefer a relaxed fit or if you have a very large bust.
How do you know your size in maternity clothes? ›
Maternity clothing sizes work the same way as regular ones do, meaning, you're the same size in maternity clothes that you are in regular clothes. If you normally wear a size small, you'll be a maternity small, too. It's the same for numbered sizes: a regular 6 or 28 is equivalent to a maternity 6 or 28.
How many sizes up do you go in pregnancy? ›
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.
How many dress sizes should you go up when pregnant? ›
If you'll be 5-6 months pregnant at the wedding: Order 2 sizes up from your normal size. If you're going to be 7 or more months pregnant at the wedding: Order at least 2 sizes up from your normal size (or consider ordering extra fabric).
Should I size up for maternity leggings? ›
For early-to-mid stages of pregnancy, we would recommend that you choose your pre-pregnancy size, based on our size guide. For mid-to-late stages of pregnancy, we do suggest ordering a size up to ensure comfort is maximised.
How do you size up in regular clothes when pregnant? ›
Sizing up works especially for tops and dresses to fit a little bit longer. Go for A-line dresses or tops. Flowy tops with a drop waist and dresses with an A-line will flow over the belly beautifully, and allow you even to wear your non-maternity jeans longer.
Do I buy my normal size in maternity clothes? ›
- For maternity clothing we recommend staying with your pre-pregnancy size. As all pregnancies are unique and individual, maternity clothes are designed on a normal pregnancy weight gain range. Although it can be tempting to order a size up, only do so if you prefer a relaxed fit or if you have a very large bust.
How many sizes will I go up when pregnancy? ›
The easiest answer to this is: with average weight gain you will wear the same size while pregnant that you wore before the pregnancy.
What week of pregnancy do clothes get tight? ›
When your clothes feel tight or uncomfortable during pregnancy, it's time to switch to maternity clothes. For most pregnant women, it's the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second trimester, which is around 12 to 16 weeks.
What month should you buy maternity clothes? ›
Many mothers-to-be contemplate transitioning to maternity wear around the second trimester, typically between 12 and 16 weeks. Regular clothes may feel too snug for comfort as your precious baby bump grows. It's important to emphasize that every body and pregnancy is unique.
The minimum egg size to get pregnant is 18-20mm (1.8 – 2.0cm), otherwise, the normal egg size is 22 to 24mm (2.2 – 2.4cm). In case, your ovary produces shrunk eggs, it will cause your problem in conceiving.
What is considered large pregnancy size? ›
Overview. The term "fetal macrosomia" is used to describe a newborn who's much larger than average. A baby who is diagnosed as having fetal macrosomia weighs more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams), regardless of his or her gestational age.
How many sizes up maternity? ›
Maternity sizes work the same as regular clothing sizes. That is, if you're normally a size "small," you'll still be a small in maternity sizes. Same thing with numbered sizes: If you were an 8 pre-pregnancy, look for items in that size.
How many bra sizes do you go up when pregnant? ›
Your ribcage will also start to expand to make room for your baby. This will mean you'll need to go up a cup size or two during pregnancy. Getting a comfortable bra that fits and changes with you will help support your breasts and back.
What size do I order in maternity clothes? ›
The general rule of thumb is to order the same size maternity that you wore pre-pregnancy.
What size leggings to get when pregnant? ›
How do I know what size of leggings to pick for pregnancy? Use your pre-pregnancy jean size as a starting point to help you to select your legging size.
Do Lululemon leggings work for maternity? ›
They provide the perfect amount of support! I definitely recommend.” “They're the only thing I bought for maternity clothes and I absolutely love them.. Very comfortable and I plan on wearing them postpartum, too.”
How can I look thinner in maternity clothes? ›
Choose soft maternity dresses in a gently form fitting fabric to show off your beautiful bump – our Woven Printed Maternity Dress would be perfect. Your key accessory is a long waterfall cardigan that matches the length of your dress, which will optically slim and lengthen your silhouette.
Does your waist get bigger during pregnancy? ›
Your waistline will begin to expand as your baby and uterus grow larger. Depending on your size before pregnancy, you may not notice this change until the second trimester. It is normal to gain no or little weight in your first trimester.
Do you carry bigger with each pregnancy? ›
But according to Kirtly Parker Jones, OB/GYN, there's no truth in that. A first pregnancy may look higher since your abdominal wall isn't yet stretched out. With each pregnancy after your first, the abdominal wall gets stretched out and your baby may appear to be carried lower. Carrying small vs.
Your healthcare provider will order an ultrasound if your fundal height is concerning. Ultrasounds are more accurate at predicting your baby's size, but are only recommended two times during pregnancy (unless medically necessary). Nothing is 100% accurate when it comes to estimating your baby's size in utero.
What size is a maternity body? ›
If your BMI is average at the start of your pregnancy (between 18.5 and 24.9), then you should gain between 1 and 4.5 pounds during the first trimester, and 1 to 2 pounds per week throughout the second and third trimesters. That's a total of 25 to 35 pounds over the course of your pregnancy.
What size baby clothes should you buy when expecting? ›
Size up As a rule of thumb, it's best to buy big. Your baby will grow quicker than you think and you can always roll up sleeves or pants on too-big items and let your baby grow into them over time.
