Pregnancy Sizing: When You’re Buying Maternity Clothes Online

You’re preparing your lifestyle and your home for the new addition. Even though you’re well aware many have gone before you, your pregnancy (and each subsequent) is your own. Your needs and wants diminish, and this includes your keen fashion sense. For the next few months, you’re not only growing out of the clothes from your closet, but your body’s transformation may confuse you regarding your “new” size.

Luckily, designers, cognizant of that possible confusion, responded simply: whatever size you normally wear (as a non-pregnant person) is the size you’ll buy in maternity wear. The pregnancy fit, the accommodation of your burgeoning belly, is already built in/created with the consideration of pregnancy. This means, if you wear a Size 6 pant, look for the Size 6 maternity pant. Even if you wear a Size 29-waist pre-pregnancy pair of pants, you’ll shop for that Size 29-waist maternity gear. Yes, designers of pregnancy wear are fully aware you’re not likely to actually be 29-inches at the waist, but again, they’ve made the accommodation.

There is a caveat, however, and this is based on your body type. A tall, slender woman may just gain weight in her belly, so there will be no difference in her pregnancy size clothing. The same may be said for slender women of any height. But a voluptuous woman may find her already generously sized breasts swelling and her hips enlarging. One woman, a pre-pregnancy Size 8, became a Size 12 maternity; her body subsequently evolved post-pregnancy into a regular Size 12, for more than a year after she gave birth (and she worked out to work-off the extra inches).

Sizing varies from brand-to-brand in regular clothing, and will do so in maternity clothing, too. When buying maternity tops, for example, be sure you check the site’s return policy so you have the ability to exchange.

And, for all that is good and holy, resist the urge to just purchase non-maternity clothing a couple (or more) sizes bigger. You will not be happy with the results – the clothes will be ill fitting. Moreover, in a time when many women feel less confident in their appearance, it will not flatter you. It may fit around your waist, but it won’t look “right” – or good. Today’s maternity wear (again, in your current size, but the maternity version) is geared to flatter a pregnant woman’s body. Designers build-in stretch panels and vents, and work their magic in a way the clothing gives the appearance of tailoring.

Colours and prints you love will remain the same, and the confident expectant mother will choose clothes that mirror styles she already loves. You’re well aware your shape is changing, and, with each passing month, you become less likely to fit into your current wardrobe.

The maternity clothing you wear will clearly be based on your lifestyle, and where you work. If you work in a formal setting, where you’re required to wear business attire, you’ll find yourself shopping fairly close to the first discovery of your pregnancy. You’ll be buying maternity clothes online sooner that later – and the reason is this: most business clothes are fitted. Even though you may barely be showing – and still largely going “undetected,” the first signs for needing new clothing will be the fitted waistbands of zippered skirts and slacks. Your waistline expands, and while only you and your partner may be able to “tell,” you won’t want to wear clothing that’s snug and uncomfortable anyway.

In terms of casual wear, it’ll be easier and you’re likely to continue to wear leggings, sweatpants, shift dresses and loose-fitting items – for much longer than you will any tailored clothing. If you don’t have a seamstress or tailor on call, you may have to consider making slight adjustments to your work wardrobe. Look for skirts with elastic waists, or shift dresses, which can be cinched with elastic belts. Wide-leg loose pants, once called palazzo pants are making a fashion comeback, so the timing would work well for you to purchase a comfortable jersey knit pair in a versatile colour with which you can wear tunics, peasant blouses and swing tops. Aside from your maternity clothes, you might want to consider preparing a gift registry too. It’s certain that family and friends will send you gifts in a few months time. When they browse online baby gifts, they will use it as a guide. It would be great to prepare the registry in advance.