Maternity clothing is designed to provide comfort and style during pregnancy, accommodating the changes a woman’s body goes through. Contrary to what some might assume, maternity sizes align with a woman’s non-pregnant size. The clothing items typically feature expandable waists and loose tops to comfortably house the growing belly. Therefore, women don’t necessarily need to size up when shopping for maternity clothes.
Maternity Clothing Size Chart
| Size | US Women’s Size | Bust in Inches | Waist in Inches | Hips in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0 | 32 | 24 | 34.5 |
| XS | 2 | 33 | 25 | 35.5 |
| S | 4 | 34 | 26 | 36.5 |
| S | 6 | 35 | 27 | 37.5 |
| M | 8 | 36 | 28 | 38.5 |
| M | 10 | 37 | 29 | 39.5 |
| L | 12 | 38.5 | 30. 5 | 41 |
| L | 14 | 40 | 32 | 42.5 |
| XL | 16 | 41.5 | 33.5 | 44 |
| XL | 18 | 43 | 35 | 45.5 |
Explanation
The sizes for maternity clothing are usually defined by specific measurements in inches for the bust, under-bust, hips, and thighs. These measurements are designed to provide adequate space for a pregnant woman’s changing body. The following measurements can guide you in choosing the right maternity size.
The sizes for maternity clothing in inches are as follows:
- Extra Small (XS): Bust: 33.5 – 35.4 inches, Under Bust: 27.6 – 29.5 inches, Hip: 35.4 – 37.4 inches, Thigh: 21.3 – 22.4 inches
- Small (S): Bust: 35.8 – 37.8 inches, Under Bust: 29.9 – 31.9 inches, Hip: 37.8 – 39.8 inches, Thigh: 22.8 – 24 inches
- Medium (M): Bust: 35.8 – 40.2 inches, Under Bust: 32.3 – 33.9 inches, Hip: 40.2 – 42.1 inches, Thigh: 24.4 – 25.6 inches
- Large (L): Bust: 38.2 – 40.2 inches, Under Bust: 32.3 – 34.3 inches, Hip: 40.2 – 42.1 inches, Thigh: 24.4 – 25.6 inches
- Extra Large (XL): Bust: 40.6 – 42.5 inches, Under Bust: 34.6 – 36.6 inches, Hip: 42.5 – 44.5 inches, Thigh: 26 – 27.2 inches
- Double Extra Large (2XL): Bust: 42.9 – 44.9 inches, Under Bust: 37 – 39 inches, Hip: 44.9 – 46.9 inches, Thigh: 27.6 – 28.7 inches
- Triple Extra Large (3XL): Bust: 45.3 – 47.2 inches, Under Bust: 39.4 – 41.3 inches, Hip: 47.2 – 49.2 inches, Thigh: 29.1 – 30.3 inches.
Examples
- If pre-pregnancy, you wore size S with measurements: Bust 36 inches, Under Bust 30 inches, Hip 38 inches, and Thigh 23 inches. In maternity clothing, you will still fit into size S.
- If your usual non-maternity size is M with measurements: Bust 39 inches, Under Bust 33 inches, Hip 41 inches, and Thigh 25 inches, you would choose M in maternity clothing.
- A woman with pre-pregnancy measurements of Bust: 40 inches, Under Bust: 34 inches, Hip: 42 inches, Thigh: 26 inches, which fall into the L category, would choose L in maternity sizes.
- If your pre-pregnancy measurements are Bust 42 inches, Under Bust 36 inches, Hip 44 inches, and Thigh 27 inches (falling into the XL category), you would select XL for your maternity clothing.
- A woman wearing size 2XL before pregnancy with measurements: Bust 44 inches, Under Bust 38 inches, Hip 46 inches, Thigh 28 inches, would stay in 2XL for maternity clothing.
A crazy period in your life
Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, filled with numerous changes both physically and emotionally. One of the biggest challenges faced during pregnancy is ensuring comfort and style, particularly as the body changes shape and size. The main tool at your disposal in this quest for comfort is maternity clothing. However, maternity sizes can often seem puzzling, especially for first-time mothers. Let’s unravel this mystery and get a comprehensive understanding of maternity clothing sizes.
Should I buy maternity clothes or just bigger sizes?
Buying maternity clothes is often a better choice than simply purchasing larger sizes in regular clothes. Maternity clothes are designed to accommodate a woman’s changing body during pregnancy. This means they are constructed with features such as expandable waists and loose tops to cater for the growing belly, providing comfort and style. Larger sizes of regular clothes may not offer the same level of comfort and fit because they are not specifically designed for pregnancy. See chart.
How many sizes should I size up when pregnant?
Interestingly, you don’t necessarily need to size up when shopping for maternity clothes. Maternity sizes are based on your non-pregnant size with added accommodations for your growing belly and body changes. Therefore, if you were a size Medium before pregnancy, you would typically select a Medium in maternity clothing as well. See chart.
What is the difference between maternity and normal clothes?
The main difference between maternity and normal clothes lies in the design and fit. Maternity clothes are specifically designed to accommodate a woman’s changing body during pregnancy. They often feature expandable waistbands, added room in the bust, and looser fitting tops to accommodate a growing belly. On the other hand, regular clothes are not designed with these specific adjustments and may not provide the same level of comfort and fit during pregnancy. See chart.
When should I switch to maternity clothes?
The timing for switching to maternity clothes varies for each woman and depends on how rapidly your body changes. Some women switch as early as the first trimester, while others may not need maternity clothes until well into the second trimester. A good rule of thumb is to make the switch when your regular clothes start to feel uncomfortable or tight, especially around the waist. Comfort should always be your guide when deciding to switch to maternity wear. See chart.