Updated at: 29-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Expectant mothers can continue to wear their regular clothes sizes throughout their pregnancies. If you typically wear a size small, you can expect to wear a size small during your pregnancy. A pregnancy size 6 or 28, depending on the brand, is equivalent to a standard size 6. Manufacturers don’t alter sizing for pregnancy wear, so shopping is a breeze. Having a waist measurement of 28 inches does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy.

It’s important to note that the same measurements apply to plus-size maternity wear. Pregnancy size recommendations can be found online, but it is still a good idea to measure yourself and compare your results to the store’s size chart before making a purchase of plus-size clothing.

You may need to increase your usual bra size by one or two cups to fit the increased size of your breasts during pregnancy. Before going shopping for anything, including a maternity bra, take your measurements at home and compare them to the chart provided by the manufacturer. You can also buy bra extenders to make your pre-pregnancy bras fit longer.

Due to the fact that maternity clothes come in the same sizes as regular ones, finding the right outfit for your growing belly could be less of a hassle than you’d expect.

Things to Consider When Buying Maternity Clothes

Finding the right size in maternity clothes can be challenging for a number of reasons.

Let’s start with some talk about your physical characteristics. If your stomach or hips are wider than average, you may need to go up a size or two in maternity clothes to accommodate your expanding baby bump.

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Maternity pants should fit snugly over the breasts and leave adequate room for the growing stomach, therefore expectant mothers with larger-than-average breasts and narrow waists should search for what size maternity pants will do that.

Last but not least, be on the lookout for brands that supply their own size charts! Trying to figure out your pregnant apparel size may be a stressful and frustrating experience.

If you want to know what size to get, take your regular clothing size and add one to two sizes, depending on your body type.

Do I really need maternity clothes?

Similar to the varying severity of prenatal symptoms, the need for specialized maternity wear also differs from woman to woman. During the early stages of pregnancy, you may feel comfortable in some of the looser, more comfortable garments in your closet, such as leggings and maxi dresses. This may be especially true for first-time mothers, who are statistically more likely to delay the onset of pregnancy symptoms until far later in the process than women who have already given birth.

There are a lot of tried-and-true maternity clothes hacks that women may swear by, especially in the first trimester. For example, you might wear a hair tie over your button to make room for your developing tummy, or you can construct a belly band to wear over your unzipped jeans.

You can start wearing garments that better fit your growing body anywhere from 12 to 18 weeks into your pregnancy. Rather than stocking up on huge, unflattering clothes or wearing things you already possess, it’s better to invest in a small number of staple pieces to wear throughout your pregnancy.

Tips for finding the right maternity clothes sizes

These shopping ideas can help you feel more comfortable (and less overwhelmed) as you start looking for maternity clothes:

  • There are sizing charts for expectant mothers. Pregnancy clothes come in a wide range of sizes. Check the brand’s size chart and your own measurements (chest, waist, and hips) before making an online purchase.
  • Determine the maternity store’s return policy. Because you can’t try things on before buying them online, this is very important. There is no shame in ordering many sizes to try on at home and returning the ones that don’t work.
  • There is no harm in checking out the competition and seeing what you like. What may have helped a friend may not help you at all. There is a wide variety of beautiful, fashionable maternity clothes available, from casual wear to business dress to formal wear.
  • Those who are hesitant to start a family can rent maternity clothes instead. In recent years, maternity clothes subscription services have become increasingly common. If a pregnant woman isn’t sure what kind of maternity clothes she wants, she might save money by purchasing gently used maternity clothes. Not to worry, because everything gets washed in between uses.
  • Dress in whatever brings you joy. And since it bears repeating, whatever flatters your growing belly the most is the finest option for boosting your self-esteem and enjoying this wonderful period in your life. Let loose and have some fun!

If you want additional information and ideas about what to wear during your pregnancy, check out the BabyCenter Community.

When to Look for Maternity Clothes

Each woman has a different experience of pregnancy. Certain women are more sensitive to weight gain and stretch marks, while others are able to continue wearing their pre-pregnancy clothes for longer.

Wearing maternity clothes is not mandatory until a certain stage in your pregnancy. When you start to feel uncomfortable in your regular wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping. Here are some guidelines to follow if you’re still confused:

  • Your jeans don’t fit and you haven’t even had Thanksgiving yet: You can use the hair tie method if you’re not ready to give up your regular pants just yet. All set to go, just slip the hair tie through the button hole. Wrap the loose ends around the button and secure with the loop.
  • Pregnancy causes your tummy to protrude from your clothing. If your belly is already showing through your top, you should probably start looking for maternity clothes.
  • The size of your bra is inappropriate: Your breasts’ comfort and health depend on you wearing a well-fitted bra. Buy some nursing or maternity bras if your current bras don’t fit.
  • There is no longer any need to button down a shirt; instead, you may get more wear out of it by layering it and leaving the top button undone.
  • When I first felt full, I did the hair-tie trick with my jeans.

Tried and True Maternity Garments

Is your inability to resist a sale one of your major flaws? If the thought of going shopping for clothes that you will only wear for a few months fills you with fear, take heart. Here are some thoughts I’d like to present to you.

These clothes are timeless and will be in style whether you’re expecting or not. In the early stages of parenting, you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in maternity clothes.

  • Since maxi dresses and skirts are typically roomier and stretchier than other varieties, they often offer adequate coverage. Lightweight and versatile, they work best in warm weather. After giving birth, you may be able to use the upper part of the product as a nursing cover for your newborn.
  • Looser-fitting tees: pregnancy shirts tend to be cut with more room in the belly area. You can get a lot of wear out of your investment in neutral colors like black, white, and grey. The empire waist is designed to flatter your growing belly.
  • Leggings are so popular because they are so comfortable to wear. If you pair them with a dress or a long, flowy top, you’ll be nice and toasty all winter long. Pregnant women might get leggings with a higher waistband.
  • There are two primary options in this group: pregnancy overalls and maternity jeans. Some have a belly band while others have elastic strips sewn into the side seams. The elastic sides are my preference because they are less obvious and more convenient to use after giving birth.

How to Find the Right Size Maternity Clothing

Most manufacturers of maternity wear keep the pregnant size of their garments the same as the pre-pregnancy size, with the exception that maternity wear is created with unique qualities that make it adaptive to the expanding uterus.

When trying to determine your perfect size, it’s important to take measurements around your bust, waist, and hips. It can be done properly if you follow these instructions:

  1. To determine your chest size, lay your arms loosely by your sides and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest.
  2. During pregnancy, it is customary to measure the circumference of the belly.
  3. If you stand up straight, you can find the thickest region of your hips about 20 centimeters below your natural waistline.

How to Buy a Bigger Size Instead of Wearing Maternity Clothes

Some ladies don’t want to spend money on maternity gear, so they simply buy larger sizes of their regular clothes and wear them while they’re pregnant. Because you can easily wind up with ill-fitting clothing that makes you seem ugly, this demands a precise balance. By following these tips, you can make the most of the clothes you already have and avoid buying new maternity clothes if you choose.

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To maximize your current wardrobe for maternity use, you can do the following:

  • Some ladies don’t want to spend money on maternity gear, so they simply buy larger sizes of their regular clothes and wear them while they’re pregnant. Because you can easily wind up with ill-fitting clothing that makes you seem ugly, this demands a precise balance. By following these tips, you can make the most of the clothes you already have and avoid buying new maternity clothes if you choose.
  • Some pregnant women choose not to spend the extra money on special maternity apparel, so they opt instead to simply buy their usual clothing in a larger size and continue to wear it during their pregnancy. Given how easily you may end up with ill-fitting apparel that makes you seem ugly, striking this balance is essential. Follow these tips to get the most use out of your non-maternity clothes during pregnancy.
  • Wear your most comfortable loose-fitting pants and tops.
  • Put a rubber band or a ponytail ring through the buttonhole and the button of each pair of jeans to extend their lifespan.

Non-maternity clothes (and a few tips) that can be lifesavers for those who choose regular clothes over maternity clothes are:

  1. Pants with a drawstring or an elastic waist.
  1. Soft knits, due to their elastic composition, are exceptionally forgiving.
  2. Lack of buttons on blazers and cardigans (for working moms that need a bit of formality).
  3. Clothing that is a size or two bigger than you usually wear. Changing back into a smaller size after giving birth is another great use for these garments.
  4. Those pants that slide down to the belly button.
  5. apparel made from Lycra or Spandex.
  6. Have at your lover’s closet, please!
  7. By punching holes around the zipper and lacing them up with ribbon, your pants may be adjusted to fit you as you grow.
  8. Get a Bella Band to wear over your underwear if you want to prevent them from falling down. This will hide the fact that the buttons or zippers are undone.

How Many Dress Sizes Should You go up When Pregnant?

Dressing for bridesmaid responsibilities when pregnant is one of life’s more tough challenges. Even if you don’t know how your body will alter before the wedding, there are many precautions you can take to ensure that your dress will fit flawlessly on the big day.

Some precautions you should take include:

  1. Use your imagination when figuring out how much something should weigh. To begin, waist sizes are meaningless. If you want to give yourself room to expand later on, you should measure your bust and hips and add a few inches to each number.
  2. It’s important to remember the current time and date. Typically, bridesmaid dresses are ordered five to six months before the wedding. If you want your dress to fit perfectly, you should wait as long as possible before taking your final measurements and making any final adjustments.
  3. It’s important to keep timing in mind when you weigh your options. Bridesmaid dresses take about five to six months to make from the time of order to the wedding. Take your final measurements and make any necessary adjustments as much in advance of the big day as you can.
  4. Think about the fact that you’ll be pregnant when you wear the dress.
    • If you are less than four months pregnant, it is probably fine to wear the same clothes as everyone else. A wedding dress can be ordered one or two sizes larger than the wearer’s actual size, and then changed before the big day. Dresses can usually be taken in by one or two sizes without requiring major alterations.
    • If you’re allowed to choose your own outfit, we suggest a chiffon or empire waist dress. These garments are suitable for pregnant women to wear.
    • If your pregnancy is expected to last longer than five months, you might consider purchasing a special bridesmaid dress designed for pregnant women. Wearing a color drastically different from what everyone else is wearing is the best way to stand out at a party.

Maternity Essentials

Given the high cost of maternity wear, it’s wise to make a list of must-have items before hitting the stores. How do you know what maternity size to buy? However, you should also be aware of the maternity wear that should form the backbone of your pregnant wardrobe. With this strategy, you may meet all of your fashion needs without breaking the bank. Whatever the season, the essentials for a successful pregnancy are listed below.

Season

Essentials

In a nutshell, in general

Maximum-length evening gowns.

T-shirts with more give than the average

+ Maternity wear

-leggings

-underwear

A black evening gown

an overstuffed sport coat

Spring

+ Maternity wear

One that has an elastic waistband

a light coat

Elasticized or ruched tops are recommended.

Pregnancy skirts and breezy summer dresses

Summer

Dresses that are stretchy, side-ruched, and/or maternal

Women who are expecting should wear special shorts designed for their condition.

The shorts version of the belly band.

tank tops and t-shirts with a looser fit

-Baby-Safe Swimwear

Fall

+ Maternity wear

-leggings

Sweaters with long sleeves that don’t weigh you down

Mom-friendly, stretchy tights

skirts to wear while pregnant

Empire-waist dresses

Winter

-layering tees with outerwear

sweater-based dresses

Pants or joggers with a high rise waistband (for pregnant women)

the lining of tights or leggings

-a warm, bulky winter coat

Sometimes pregnant women overlook the need of having supportive footwear, but this is a mistake. Women who are pregnant should only wear shoes that are specifically made for their growing feet.

If you’re looking for a closed-toe, lightweight, and comfortable flat shoe, the TOMS Women’s Espadrilles are a great option. The Skechers Performance Go Walk shoe for women is a laceless, low-weight and supportive option. If you’re seeking for a professional shoe that is comfortable for pregnant feet, consider the Franco Sarto Sela Mule.

FAQs

How do I know what size maternity clothes to buy?

Non-maternity and maternity clothes are the same size, so you can wear either one. If you typically wear a size small, you can expect to wear a size small during your pregnancy. A pregnancy size 6 or 28, depending on the brand, is equivalent to a standard size 6.

When you buy maternity clothes do you buy your normal size?

Instead of buying maternity clothes in a size or two larger than you were before you were pregnant (often during the second trimester, but this varies from woman to woman), stick to your size from before you got pregnant. Maternity garments that can be adjusted to fit the growing belly are a godsend.

What size should I buy when pregnant?

Your postpartum size will be close to, if not the same as, your pre-pregnancy size in the vast majority of cases (2). Maintain your regular size during pregnancy if that was a medium before. The same holds true with pants. Pregnant women who were a size 10 before getting pregnant would stay that size.

Should you size up pregnant?

Because every pregnancy is unique, maternity clothes are sized according to a standard range of weight gain throughout pregnancy. You may wish to order a size up if you have a large breast or if you want a looser fit.

At what month do you start wearing maternity clothes?

Your belly may start to grow about week 14, though most women don’t start showing until around week 16. By the 20th week of pregnancy, most women will be wearing maternity clothes, or at least clothes that fit more loosely.

Can I buy bigger clothes instead of maternity?

As a parting piece of advise, what would you say? Dress one or two sizes larger than you currently are for the duration of your pregnancy. These garments could serve as great transitional pieces if your body hasn’t quite returned to its pre-baby size just yet. Growing bellies look best in low-rise denim.

When should I start buying things for my unborn baby?

Many expectant parents put off buying baby necessities until they find out the gender of their child. Women often learn of their pregnancies between weeks 18 and 21, while some learn as early as week 12. In order to start buying for your child, you do not necessarily need to know the gender.

What should I wear at 12 weeks pregnant?

Now is the moment to wear stretchy cotton. During puberty, a T-shirt dress can be easily adjusted to accommodate the wearer’s expanding figure. You can look casual and put-together by pairing your stretch dress with flat sandals and a denim jacket for the weekend.

What should I wear at 4 months pregnant?

Most pregnant women are able to wear their usual clothes again by the end of the first trimester (3 months). Wearing a larger bra size or looser-fitting clothing may help you feel more at ease during this time. Starting about the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, you may need to start dressing in larger sizes.

What happens if you accidentally sleep on your back while pregnant?

To ensure adequate oxygen supply to the developing fetus, pregnant women should avoid sleeping or resting on their backs.

Is it OK to wear leggings while pregnant?

Do not feel uncomfortable about donning a pair of tights while carrying a child. If your belly is growing, you might feel more comfortable in maternity tights. Different shaped panels are available to provide support and comfort for pregnant women’s bellies. Most tights are made of synthetic materials, which might increase perspiration.

Which brand makes the best pregnancy clothes?

Levee Maternity and Bella Band are two of my favorites when it comes to high-quality pregnant clothes. Both companies have been around for quite some time, and they continue to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. Whichever one appeals to you best.

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Levee Maternity and Bella Band are two of my favorites when it comes to high-quality pregnant clothes. Both companies have been around for quite some time, and they continue to offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. Whichever one appeals to you best.

What will I look like during my second trimester?

When it comes to fashionable maternity wear, two of my go-to brands are Levee Maternity and Bella Band. Both firms have been around for a while and continue to offer competitively priced, high-quality goods. The one that appeals to you best.

When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnancy cushions are beneficial to both you and your baby, so the sooner you start using one, the better.

What do I need to bring to my first prenatal appointment?

Please bring the following items to your first prenatal visit with us: Photo identity and proof of health insurance coverage; a list of all medications taken throughout pregnancy and prior to conception, together with the dosages administered; Current pregnant medical history, including any interventions.

Allergies and asthma should be highlighted, as well as any prior pregnancies and any issues that may have arisen during those pregnancies, and any family medical history that may indicate a hereditary disorder like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. You should bring a list of everything you’ve taken or been exposed to since finding out you were pregnant, including any prescriptions, illnesses, toxins, or chemicals.

How do I know what size bump pants will fit?

Always take your hip and waist measurements before buying maternity clothes to make sure they will fit your expanding tummy.

What are some maternity clothes I can buy?

As you can think, pregnancy can restrict a woman’s wardrobe choices, but the reality is far more diverse. Choose items that will work with your growing tummy and don’t waste money on things you’ll only use for a short time.

How do I feel about being pregnant?

Because miscarriage is so commonplace in modern Western culture, expecting a child can evoke a wide range of emotions. If hearing your arrival date has left you feeling low, it’s important to find someone you can talk to about how you’re feeling. No one should have to go through something like this alone.

When can I resign after maternity leave?

Once you’ve taken all of your available maternity leave, both paid and unpaid, you have the legal right to resign from your job. Verify that you have resolved any issues with your present workplace before proceeding.

What should I do to prepare for pregnancy?

Pregnancy can happen to anyone at any time, so it’s important to try to live as healthily as possible for as long as possible. Regular exercise has been shown to benefit both the mother and the unborn child, and can help alleviate pregnancy-related complications like high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Prenatal vitamins may be recommended by your doctor as well. Taking certain drugs while pregnant is not recommended because of the potential dangers to the developing baby.

Can I reduce my hours after maternity leave?

It’s important to note that you can take a year off after giving baby, as long as you return to work full time within 12 weeks.

Please check with human resources or upper management to make sure this answer still applies to your circumstances before making any plans for maternity leave.

In Conclusion…

Wearing pregnant clothes is much like wearing any other clothes. Even if it may be challenging to find the right size or to schedule a dress for months in advance, it is not impossible. Finding maternity clothes that are comfortable is priority number one. You are, in reality, starting a new life!

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