MATERNITY SIZE & FIT GUIDEJust Plus Maternity Outlet carries maternity clothing from a variety of manufacturers, popular name brands as well as many private labels. To help you get the best fit possible, there are several things to consider and hopefully, this little guide will help. Many manufacturers have their own unique size scale & the variances between different brands can be amazing! To help our customers with fit, we measure all garments carefully and often make a recommendation for the size range that an item will fit based on standard Plus Size Maternity charts used by some of the well known manufacturers of plus size maternity apparel. This can be used as a guideline, but we recommend you KNOW your body measurements or measure items of clothing that fit you well. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER and BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY TYPE!
Are you well proportioned? (Hips approximately 2" larger than bust). If so, you can more than likely wear the same size tops & bottoms - choose garments based on your measurements & consider whether you like a snug or loose fit.Are you top heavy? (bust is 1" or more larger than your hips). If so, concentrate on bust measurements when choosing tops - once you get a top to fit your bust, you probably know from past experience the hip area will fit loose which is not a problem when pregnant! Use your hip measurement to choose bottoms, which may be a size or two smaller than your tops. Are you bottom heavy? (hips are 3" or more larger than your bust). If so, concentrate on the hip measurement when choosing tops. Keep in mind once you find a top to fit your hips, it may fit loose on top-a classic problem for bottom heavy girls. Stretch, smock chest, trapeze or babydoll empire tops that are gathered under the chest allow for the most flattering fit. Tops that tie in the back will also help you adjust the fit on top. Again, use your hip measurements to choose your bottoms which may be a size or two larger than your tops (but not necessarily as you may be choosing tops larger to fit your hips & give you room to grow).
HOW and WHERE TO MEASURE1.) Measure around your back and over the fullest part of your bust wearing a bra. Add 2-3" to this measurement for movement especially for non-stretch fabrics and this is what you want your garment to measure. Stretch fabrics are more forgiving and you may be able to go with less. (Example: your bust measures 49" around, look for tops with a bust measurement of 50"-53" depending on fabric and whether you prefer a loose or snug fit. 2.) Measure your hips around the fullest part of your bottom, under the tummy approximately 7-8" below your natural waist. If you are purchasing a top or dress, add at least 6" to this so they will expand enough for your growing tummy. If you are considering pants or jeans, notice if the item has stretch and think about how you want them to fit. For snug fit, order a size close to your measurements. If you prefer a looser fit, add an inch or two. 3.) For pant inseam it may be easiest just to take a pair of your favorite pants and measure them from the center line of crotch down to the pants leg hem. Then shop for items with similar measurements. When choosing bottoms, there are many different belly styles to choose from such as under belly band (also called demi or half panel), wrap around, fold down and full, classic panel. You need to consider your individual preference for belly fit. Measure skirt length from top of waist to hem and dresses from midway of shoulder seam down to hem. A minute with a tape measure is all you need and it can save you from unnecessary disappointment! Remember, we are always here to assist you in any way we can. We welcome questions and would much prefer to help you get a great fit than have you disappointed! We are online most every day except holidays and noted vacations. We will always do our best to respond in a timely manner.
Hope this little guide helps you and please contact us with any questions! |