When you go out in a motherly clothing store, it can be even more confusing. Small doesn’t seem that small, mediums seem iffy, and every label has its own language.
And when you search on Google, “ A Guide to Maternity Clothing Sizes: Why They Differ & How to Choose”? Thus, here are your answers. Yes, this article has all of it.
I wrote this guide as an antidote to all your confusion. This guide will ease all your worries regarding this transition in your motherhood and your attire choices that this pregnancy brings in your life.
You will learn the facts about the difference in sizes of maternity clothes, and will confidently wear these outfits that will allow you to stay comfortable and confident in this heartwarming journey of motherhood.
What Are Maternity Clothing Sizes?
The sizes in maternity clothes are basically the clothes size that a woman used to wear before pregnancy, and most women apparently find this quite incredible in the blossoming and pregnant age of their lives.
For example, if you used to wear medium sizes during your pre-pregnancy, then there's a high likelihood that you will also melt into medium sizes in maternity clothes.
However, the only variation that will occur is in the fashion style, and sizes are that you’ll just need to look for stretchable lower abdomen, as you’ll notice your growing bump.
While in other tops and dresses that aren't maternity, your pregnant body shape needs to be fitted into place or even covered up, in maternity dresses and pants, your pregnant tummy is displayed.
Such dresses and pants will change and adjust throughout your life. Now that you know that size is somewhat important, but not on a stretchable note, but on design, going shopping for pants and dresses won't bother you again.
Why Maternity Clothing Sizes Differ?
Unpredictable maternity sizes may cause confusion. Well, the thing is that all pregnancies are not alike.
Everybody is unique in the way that they change during pregnancy, and maternity brands try to fit in these variations.
I’ve listed below some of the reasons that may cause different sizes for each brand of maternity clothes.
1. Changing Body Shape During Pregnancy
For a mom to be, this phase is difficult as your body goes through a lot of changes day by day. Your bump sticks out more, your rib cage expands, and yes, absolutely, your posture changes.
Thus, the maternity dresses and tops are designed to adapt to these changes in your body and bring ease to mums' lives.
They won't fit like your usual clothes. The purpose is simple: to make you move, walk or stretch easily. Although some of the styles give an extra space in the front, giving to extra feature so that the top doesn’t roll up.
Since every vendor claims to market this style in their own manner, you might still find some size differences even if they look similar.
2. Weight Distribution Varies
Every pregnancy is different for every woman. Some ‘blooming mothers’ may notice weight gain or the changes in the hips and thighs first, or in the bust. Maternity clothes aim to give you the best fit, but there is no perfect fit size.
That’s why you might love a certain style of maternity leggings like you’ve known them your whole life. Meanwhile, you might have a certain brand that makes you feel just a teensy bit too tight.
3. Stretch and Fabric Flexibility
Fabric is another category which is quite relevant when it comes to maternity fit. Those fabrics which contain a stretch like jersey, along with Lycra, may have the ability to stretch on their own according to your body shape.
So, you must opt for clothes with that stretchy panel or something to fit accurate measurements.
There is maternity attire designed to serve a woman from the time of her pregnancy, especially as she gets into her third trimester, by using solely stretch materials.
Well, some outfits can be adjusted for different stages of pregnancy, so they’ll fit perfectly whether she's starting to show or well into her bump.
4. Pre-Pregnancy Size Referencing
A majority of the maternity clothing brands will ask you to shop according to your size before pregnancy.
This works perfectly well for most pregnant women, though it could be a slight challenge for those women whose body changes happened in a short while during early pregnancy.
The important thing to keep in mind is that maternity clothes have already been made with a size consideration for the weight gain.
You don’t need to change your size unless the brand tells you to. Once you know how to trust the size chart, shopping at the mall becomes much easier.
5. Brand-to-Brand Sizing Differences
Just like other clothes, there is no standard size in maternity clothes either. Every manufacturer has unique fitting models and ways of measurement, not to mention how they describe “style.” While some are for comfort, others are for fashion.
This is why it isn’t the size label, what is more important is looking at the descriptions and getting the know-how of the brand’s style.
A medium in one brand might fit looser than a large in another brand, and this is perfectly normal.
6. International Sizing Variations
If you are an international or online consumer, you will see even more variations. The standards of the US, UK, EU, and Asian size systems have their own charts and differ in every region, and then there’s maternal fashion to consider too.
It is always a good practice to search for the conversion tables or the sizes of the clothes while making international purchases, to avoid the hassle of returns.
How to Choose the Right Maternity Size?
My blooming pal, now comes the part you really care about: how to actually choose the right size and feel confident doing it.
1. Start With Your Pre-Pregnancy Size
The best starting size is your own size before you step into the world of motherhood. This is also why maternity clothes have extra fabric in areas of the body where you'll need it most.
Although you might already feel like your body has changed, still try to trust the design. Maternity clothes are designed with extra fabric to be a bit bigger in size, so picking a size too loose might just leave you with something that doesn’t fit quite right.
2. Check the Brand’s Size Chart
This is a stay alert for you; you must not skip the size chart. Maternity fashion lines will give you very detailed charts to explain their sizing and fit properties. They will even go so far as to give pieces by the month of maternity for which they are suited.
Your comparisons between your measurements and the graph or the size chart will allow you to make informed decisions, but the point here is to steer clear of your guesses.
3. Measure Key Areas
A tape measure will prove to be your best friend during your pregnancy. When calculating your pregnant measurements, don’t estimate the measurements of your stomach by using your usual measurements for the bust and hips; instead, focus on measuring your belly, since it’s going to grow.
Your stomach will expand, but maternity dresses will take care of this. The right measurements for your other areas will keep your proportions looking great, and that’s why true maternity dresses are designed to fit that belly perfectly!
4. Consider Your Pregnancy Stage
Your needs in the first trimester are going to be pretty different from your needs in the third.
By the time you hit the third trimester, you’ll want those full-panel pants, while in the first, comfy clothes with some stretch are totally fine.
Some clothing items will stretch with you, while other items might be better suited for one stage of life. If you know what stage you’re in, then you can shop accordingly.
5. Pay Attention to Fabric Stretch
The stretch fabrics will give you the best opportunity for flexibility and longevity. So you should give special attention to these stretchy properties of the fabric.
If you want pieces that will last through multiple trimesters, you’ll want to focus on fabrics that have a good recovery, meaning they stretch without losing their shape.
Those that are not too stretchy will work beautifully too, although they will require sizing with a great deal of accuracy.
6. Think About Clothing Type
Different types of clothes deal with a growing baby bump in their own ways, adjusting to a pregnant body. Dresses are super flexible, and thus, nobody should underestimate how important elasticity is.
On the opposite side, you've got items like jeans that hold their shape and adjust, even when they get stretched out.
This is important because it gives you an opportunity to pinpoint the pieces that need to fit just right while knowing your perfect sizing and areas where you can relax and save a little bit in your budget.
7. Read Reviews
Reviews from pregnant and blooming mothers are really important. They help in understanding the fitting and functionality of a product during the different stages of pregnancy.
You can search for reviews written by people with similar body types and/or pregnancy statuses as yours.
Common Sizing Mistakes To Avoid
Steer clear of the trap of jumping into maternity sizing too soon. Although these clothes may feel comfy when they’re a bit loose, but wearing them will eventually lead to a sloppy look, and you know that won’t work.
Instead, love and embrace your body as it changes instead of hiding it under oversized stuff.
Another common blunder is failing to counter for fabric details. Clothes that seem similar can fit differently due to the fabric. It is super important to look into the fabric type before purchasing.
At Last, don’t assume discomfort is normal. Your maternity clothing should let you move easily. So, trust your instincts, and if it looks or feels off, it probably is.
Final Words
Maternity Fashion Sizing is far from confusing, my dear. Once you understand how closely the size chart is connected to your non-pregnant, pregnant, and highly stretchy body, everything should fall into line for you.
You are doing a truly amazing thing, and your clothes should reflect this. Just take your time, read size charts, trust the power of stretchy materials, and listen to your body in each garment.
A properly thought-out maternity dress or combination of pieces could completely alter your image and your confidence level. You may also check Bumply Store; perhaps you might find a perfect article here.