Maternity Sizing & Comfort
What size am I now that
I'm expecting?
Worried
about buying maternity clothes that fit? Well, the
worry stops here. During pregnancy your body
changes, but your size doesn't.
Typically your maternity
size will be the same as before pregnancy — with a
slightly larger cut, of course. Maternity clothes
are cut differently than regular sizes, but leave
lots of room for growth. They are also created for
an average weight gain of 25-35 pounds.
For example,
if you're a size 6 before pregnancy, which would be
a size small, there's no need to size up to a medium
to accommodate your pregnancy.
Of course,
there's always an exception. If you're carrying
twins or more, you'll most likely gain more weight
than otherwise. In this case, you may need to buy a
size larger than pre-pregnancy.
Below you'll
learn how to properly measure yourself for maternity
clothes and you'll find measurement size charts,
too. After reviewing, you'll be ready to shop for
the basics as well as maternity must-haves!
How to measure
1. Chest:
With your arms relaxed, measure around the fullest
part of your chest. Be sure to keep the tape measure
parallel to the floor. It's a good idea to have
someone help with this step.
2. Hips:
Stand with your legs together, then measure the
fullest part of your hips. (Usually near the top of
your legs.)
Size
chart
|
Pre-pregnancy
measurements |
S
|
M
|
L
|
XL
|
|
4-6
|
8-10
|
12-14
|
16-18
|
|
Chest (bra size)
|
34
½ - 35 ½
|
36
- 38
|
39
½ - 41
|
43
- 45
|
|
Hips |
37
- 39
|
40
- 42
|
43
- 44
|
45
- 46
|
|
Maternity size |
S
|
M
|
L
|
XL
|
What do I need for a
comfortable pregnancy?
During pregnancy, comfort and
convenience become important factors in your
day-to-day activities. Below are a few products that
can help make preparing for and taking care of baby
a bit easier.
Sleepwear
Maternity sleepwear and nursing sleepwear are often
one in the same. Plenty of tummy room and elastic
provide the necessary comfort. Plus, many have
discrete front slits to make nursing easy. Available
as nightgowns or pajama sets.
Nursing
Bras
Nursing bras are essential to a complete pregnancy
wardrobe. They often include wide, padded straps to
provide extra comfort and cups that snap into place
for easy nursing. These are also convenient during
pregnancy due to swelling and tenderness.
Briefs
Maternity undergarments provide comfort where it
counts the most. They come in a variety of leg and
tummy cuts — from full coverage to bikini. Look for
one that's most comfortable for each, or all, stages
of pregnancy.
Tanks
Maternity tanks are a new trend that's becoming very
popular. They offer a built-in bra for support. And
they have a drop-cup front with quick-release snaps
to nurse with ease.
Nursing
Pads
Nursing pads are essential during and after
pregnancy. They help keep you dry and comfortable.
Usually contoured for a great fit.
What are
all these different comfort panels?
Maternity
bottoms often have a comfort panel to provide you
with added easing in the styles for added comfort as
your bundle of joy grows. Every clothing
manufacturer offers slightly different styles, and
often provides slightly different names and
descriptions for each.
At Elegant
Mommy, we have defined the comfort panels we sell
with the following explanations, to give you the
best possible idea of the comfort and styling each
has to offer:
Low
panel: Full elastic waistband, can be worn under
the belly or low on the belly
Full
panel: Panel is able to be worn full to cover
the belly or can be folded depending on stage of
pregnancy and comfort level
No panel: Stretch
waist that has no obvious panels. Great for wearing
with shirts that do not cover the entire tummy.
Classic
panel: Expandable panel that grows with your
body during all stages of pregnancy
Side
panel: Expandable panels on both sides that grow
with your body during all stages of pregnancy