The Motherhood Maternity XL dress in navy is a real, widely sold maternity clothing item, and the short answer is that it generally fits pre-pregnancy sizes 14–16, though the exact fit depends on the specific dress style and fabric. Motherhood Maternity, a major US maternity retailer, uses standard letter sizing (S–XL) for many of its casual and occasion dresses, with XL typically corresponding to a women’s size 14–16 in their size chart. However, because maternity cuts vary—some are bodycon, some are A-line, and some have stretchy jersey versus woven fabric—the same XL can feel different across styles, so checking the individual product’s measurements is more reliable than relying on the label alone.
Background: Motherhood Maternity’s Sizing System
Motherhood Maternity (now owned by Destination Maternity, which also operates A Pea in the Pod) has long used a simplified letter-size system for many of its dresses, rather than numbered sizes. Their standard size chart lists:
- Small (S): pre-pregnancy size 4–6
- Medium (M): pre-pregnancy size 8–10
- Large (L): pre-pregnancy size 12–14
- X-Large (XL): pre-pregnancy size 14–16
This chart appears on their website and on hang tags, but it is a general guide. The actual fit depends on the dress’s cut, fabric stretch, and whether it is designed to be fitted or loose. Navy is a standard color in their lineup, appearing in everything from basic jersey knit day dresses to more formal chiffon wrap styles.
How Maternity Dresses Fit During Pregnancy
Maternity dresses are cut to accommodate a growing belly, but they do so in different ways. The most common constructions are:
- Empire waist: The seam sits just under the bust, and the skirt flows loosely over the belly. This style is forgiving and works for most trimesters.
- Bodycon or fitted: The dress hugs the entire torso, often using a stretchy knit like rayon-spandex. These show the bump clearly and require the right size to avoid pulling or discomfort.
- A-line or swing: The dress flares from the shoulders or bust, giving a loose fit that does not rely on belly room.
- Wrap dresses: These tie at the waist and can be adjusted as the belly grows, making them flexible across sizes.
An XL in a bodycon style will fit a size 14–16 woman snugly but not tightly, while the same XL in an A-line dress might feel roomy. The fabric also matters: 95% cotton/5% spandex jersey stretches more than a stiff polyester chiffon.
How to Choose the Right XL Navy Dress
If you are considering a Motherhood Maternity XL dress in navy, follow these steps to avoid a poor fit:
- Measure your bust, waist (at its largest point), and hips with a tape measure while wearing a regular bra. Compare these numbers to the size chart on the product page, not just the letter.
- Check the fabric content. Dresses with at least 5–10% spandex or elastane will stretch more and forgive size fluctuations. Pure cotton or rayon without stretch will fit more rigidly.
- Read customer reviews for “runs small” or “runs large” comments. Many shoppers note whether they sized up or down for a specific style.
- Consider your trimester. If you are in the first trimester, an XL might feel loose, but it will accommodate later growth. If you are near your due date, the same dress might be tight in the bust if you have grown there.
- Look at the dress length. Navy dresses in XL are often longer than smaller sizes, but if you are tall (5’8″ or above), a knee-length dress may hit above the knee.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that “XL” in maternity is the same as “XL” in regular women’s clothing. It is not—maternity XL is cut for a pregnant body, meaning the belly panel or extra fabric is built in. The bust and shoulders are usually the same as a regular size 14–16, but the waist is larger and the hips may be wider. Another issue is that navy dresses can show lint and pet hair more than lighter colors, and some cheaper jersey fabrics pill after a few washes. Also, many shoppers assume that all Motherhood Maternity dresses are machine washable; while most are, some with sequins or beading require hand washing. Always check the care tag.
Comparing Motherhood Maternity XL to Other Brands
Motherhood Maternity’s XL is roughly equivalent to a size 14–16, but other brands differ. For example, PinkBlush’s XL tends to fit closer to a size 12–14, while Old Navy’s maternity XL runs larger, closer to a 16–18. ASOS maternity uses UK sizes, where a US 14 is a UK 14, but their fit is often slimmer. If you are between sizes, Motherhood Maternity’s stretchy fabrics usually allow you to wear either L or XL, but for non-stretch styles, size up. The navy color is consistent across brands, but the shade can vary from a deep midnight to a brighter cobalt, so check product photos if the exact tone matters.
Cost and Where to Buy
Motherhood Maternity dresses range from about $30 for basic jersey styles to $80–$100 for formal or multi-layer dresses. The navy XL is often available on their own website, on Amazon, at Macy’s, and at secondhand sites like ThredUp or Poshmark. Sales are frequent, especially during seasonal clearances, and you can often find last season’s navy dresses at 40–60% off. Because maternity wear is worn for a limited time, many women buy secondhand; an XL navy dress in good condition typically sells for $10–$20 on resale sites.
Safety and Care Considerations
There are no specific safety concerns with maternity dresses, but comfort and fabric choice matter during pregnancy. Avoid dresses with tight elastic bands around the belly unless they are designed as supportive panels; non-maternity dresses with a waistband can restrict circulation or cause discomfort. For care, most Motherhood Maternity dresses should be machine washed cold and hung to dry to preserve the fabric’s stretch. Do not use bleach on navy, as it will cause fading or discoloration. If the dress has a built-in belly panel, avoid high-heat drying, which can break down the elastic.
Alternatives to Motherhood Maternity XL
If the Motherhood Maternity XL navy dress does not work for you, consider these alternatives:
- Regular dresses with stretch: A non-maternity bodycon dress in a size up can work if it has enough spandex and does not have a structured waist.
- Nursing-friendly dresses: Many Motherhood Maternity dresses double as nursing dresses, but if you plan to breastfeed, look for wrap or button-front styles.
- Other maternity brands: PinkBlush, Seraphine, and H&M Maternity offer navy dresses in similar price ranges, but their XL fits differ.
- Rental services: For a special occasion, rent a maternity dress from a service like Rent the Runway (they carry some maternity lines) instead of buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Motherhood Maternity XL run true to size?
Most customers find that their XL runs true to their pre-pregnancy size 14–16, but it depends on the fabric. Stretchy jersey dresses are forgiving, while woven or non-stretch styles may feel snug. Reading reviews for the specific dress is the best way to judge.
Can I wear a Motherhood Maternity XL after pregnancy?
Yes, many women wear their maternity dresses postpartum, especially if they are nursing-friendly. The empire waist and A-line styles do not emphasize the belly, so they can be worn as regular loose-fitting dresses. Bodycon styles may look different after the baby, but they can still be worn with shapewear.
What does the navy color look like in person?
Motherhood Maternity’s navy is typically a true dark navy blue, similar to a classic navy chino. However, the exact shade can vary by fabric—cotton jersey may look slightly more washed out, while polyester satin appears deeper and richer. Check product photos on multiple sites to get a sense of the tone.
How should I wash a navy maternity dress to prevent fading?
Wash it in cold water with like colors, and use a gentle detergent. Turn the dress inside out to protect the outer surface. Hang it to dry or use low heat in the dryer. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down stretch fibers and cause fading.
Is an XL in Motherhood Maternity the same as a plus size?
No, Motherhood Maternity’s XL is not plus size. Plus sizes in their line typically start at 1X or 2X, which correspond to sizes 16W–18W and 20W–22W. If you are a size 18 or above, you may need to look at their plus-size collection or other brands.
Related
- Polynesian Tiki Gods: Origins & Meanings
- Hobgoblin Desert Encounter: Perpetual?
- Jersey Devil House Leeds Point NJ: What to Know
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.