Maternity size guide: how to measure yourself and find the right size

One of the most common questions when buying maternity clothing is: what size should I get? The doubt is understandable: the body changes, maternity garments are designed differently from standard ones, and it is not always clear how to navigate this. 

The starting answer is simple: the point of reference is often your pre-pregnancy size, not your current one. Maternity garments are designed to adapt to the body's growth, so there is no need to oversize. This Solvea maternity size guide explains how to measure yourself correctly, how to read the charts, and what changes between pants, tops, dresses, and underwear.

How to measure yourself correctly

Before consulting any size chart, you need to have your measurements. All you need is a tailor's tape measure and two minutes. Here are the three measurements you need for Solvea maternity clothing:

A — Bust: measure the widest part of your bust, holding the tape measure horizontally.

B — Hips: measure the widest part of your hips and buttocks, at the fullest point.

C — Inseam: measure the inside length of your leg, from the crotch to the ankle.

Maternity pants and leggings size chart

For maternity pants and leggings, the main reference measurement is the hips. The elastic waistband adapts to the growth of the baby bump, so it does not affect the size choice. If you are between two sizes, you will find the specific advice directly on the product page: based on the real experience of our buyers, for some models we recommend the larger size, for others the smaller one.

Maternity pants sizes

The measurements refer to the pre-pregnancy body. If you are between two sizes, consult the product page for the specific advice.

Maternity leggings sizes

The measurements refer to the pre-pregnancy body. If you are between two sizes, consult the product page for the specific advice.

Maternity tops, dresses and tops size chart

For maternity tops, cardigans, dresses and jumpsuits, the reference measurements are bust, waist, hips and height. During pregnancy, the bust tends to increase as early as the first trimester, so keep this in mind when choosing. For each model, you will find the specific advice on the product page about whether to take the larger or smaller size, based on the feedback from our buyers.

The measurements refer to the pre-pregnancy body. If you are between two sizes, consult the product page for the specific advice.

Maternity underwear size chart

For maternity underwear, the reference measurements vary depending on the garment. For the bra, the size is determined by combining the underbust circumference with the cup. For each product, you will find the size advice directly on the product page.

Maternity bra sizes

Measure your underbust circumference and determine the cup to find your size:

Measurements in centimeters. The measurements refer to the pre-pregnancy body.

The general rule for choosing the maternity size

Beyond the charts, there are some practical rules that apply to all Solvea maternity garments:

• Always start with your pre-pregnancy size, not your current one. Maternity garments are designed to grow with you.
• If you are between two sizes, consult the product page: based on the experience of our buyers, for each model you will find the specific advice on whether to take the larger or smaller size.
• Keep in mind that your bust can increase as early as the first few weeks. For tops and dresses that are fitted at the top, consider whether your current size already covers this change.
• Solvea garments are designed to last throughout the entire pregnancy: there is no need to change sizes trimester by trimester.

Maternity sizes and standard sizes: what changes

Many women wonder if maternity clothing sizes correspond to standard sizes. Generally, yes, with some important differences.

Maternity garments have a size based on the pre-pregnancy body, but the construction is different. The cut takes into account the space needed for the baby bump, the elastic band or elastic panel expands with growth, and the fabric is more stretchy than standard garments. 

This means that a maternity M corresponds to a standard M in the starting measurements, but it is designed to accommodate a growing baby bump.

One size up in a standard garment is not the same as a maternity garment in your size. 

In a standard garment, the extra room is distributed evenly, not where it is really needed: the result is often a garment that is loose around the shoulders and bust but still tight at the waist or around the baby bump.

Frequently asked questions about maternity sizes

Should I get one size up during pregnancy?

No. The starting point for maternity clothing is always the pre-pregnancy size. The garments are designed with stretchy fabrics and constructions designed to adapt to the body's growth, so there is no need to get one size up. Getting one size larger than usual could result in a garment that does not fit well, because the extra room will not be distributed in the right places.

How can I know my size if my body has already changed?

The reference is always the pre-pregnancy measurements, not the current ones. If you do not remember them precisely, measure your hips at the widest point: it is the measurement that changes the least in the early stages of pregnancy and is used for most garments. For tops and dresses, also measure your bust. Then compare with the size chart of the garment you want to buy.

Does the maternity size change during pregnancy?

Generally, no, it is not necessary to change sizes during pregnancy. Maternity wear is designed to accommodate your body's growth from the beginning to the end of the nine months. The only exception is bras: your bust can increase significantly during pregnancy, and you may need to update your bra size one or more times.

What should I do if I am between two sizes?

If you are between two sizes, the advice varies depending on the style. For every Solvea product, you will find specific guidance directly on the product page, based on the real-life experience of our customers: for some styles we recommend the larger size, for others the smaller, depending on how the garment is constructed and how it fits in practice.

Do I really need maternity clothes?

In the first few months of pregnancy, often no: many items from your regular wardrobe, such as oversized tops, flared dresses, and elastic-waisted trousers, continue to fit well. 

The situation changes from the second trimester onwards, when your bump begins to grow more noticeably. 

From that point on, standard garments, even in larger sizes, are not the best solution: they are not designed to support your bump, they sit differently on the body, and they often create pressure in the wrong places. 

Investing in a few well-chosen maternity items, such as a pair of leggings and comfortable trousers, is enough to cover the entire pregnancy in comfort. You do not need a completely new wardrobe: a few versatile pieces are enough.

Do maternity sizes correspond to standard Italian sizes?

Yes, Solvea maternity sizes correspond to standard Italian sizes as a starting point: a maternity S is based on the same measurements as a standard S. The difference lies in the construction of the garment, not in the size number. Maternity wear has cuts, bands, and fabrics designed to adapt to pregnancy, which standard garments do not have, even if they are the same size.

Can I wear maternity clothes after giving birth?

Yes. Most Solvea maternity items can be comfortably worn in the weeks after giving birth. The stretchy fabric and soft bands adapt to your body during a phase when it is still regaining its shape. 

Leggings in particular are among the most comfortable items in the postpartum period, when your body needs garments that do not create pressure.

Still unsure about the size?

If you still have doubts about the right size after consulting this guide, you can contact our customer service: we are here to help you find the perfect garment for this stage. Explore the full Solvea collection and remember: the maternity size guide is always available on every product page, along with instructions on how to measure yourself.