Your Postpartum Leggings Fit Guide

Navigating sizing after having a baby is a whole new challenge, and we're here to help you feel comfortable and confident in your Shaper Move Leggings with Pockets. This guide is based on a real customer's questions about sizing just weeks after giving birth.

"I just had my baby 3 weeks ago and I want the Shaper Move Leggings with Pockets in Black. I was a 12 before pregnancy but I'm obviously bigger now. What size do I get?"

It's totally normal for your body to still be changing 3 weeks postpartum. We understand that pre-pregnancy sizes might not be the best indicator right now.

How the Shaper Move Leggings Fit

The Shaper Move Leggings are designed with your comfort and recovery in mind. They feature a supportive high-waisted panel and our signature Supaflex fabric, which offers excellent four-way stretch and compression.

Waist Compression: The built-in shaper panel is specifically engineered to gently compress and smooth the abdominal area, making it ideal for postpartum wear. It works with your body, not against it.
Fabric Stretch: The Supaflex material has significant give. It can comfortably accommodate fluctuations in bloating or water retention, and will also adapt as your body naturally returns to its pre-pregnancy shape.
Supportive Fit: These leggings offer a secure, hugged feeling without being restrictive, providing comfort and confidence during movement.

Sizing Recommendations for Postpartum Wear

When you're postpartum, we often recommend considering your current measurements alongside your pre-pregnancy size.

Based on your measurements (104cm hips, approx. 85cm waist):

Hips: 104cm places you between our size 12 (fits 100-105cm hips) and size 14 (fits 106-111cm hips).
Waist: Your current waist measurement of 85cm is well within the range the shaper panel is designed to support and smooth.

Our Recommendation: Based on these measurements and the fact you are only 3 weeks postpartum, we strongly recommend the Size 12. Here's why:

Transitional Comfort: The size 12 will accommodate your current hip measurements and the forgiving nature of the Supaflex fabric means it will still be comfortable even if you experience minor fluctuations.
Future Fit: As your body naturally begins to recover and shrink down, the size 12 will continue to fit well. The compression will adapt, providing support without becoming too loose.
Designed for Postpartum: The unique waist panel is made to assist with the postpartum 'mum tum', providing smoothing and gentle compression exactly where you need it most during this recovery period.

If you were a comfortable size 12 pre-pregnancy and your current measurements are close to that, the size 12 is usually a safe bet.
If you feel you are significantly larger than your pre-pregnancy size (more than 2 sizes difference) or are experiencing significant swelling, a size 14 might offer initial comfort, but the 12 is designed to adapt as you recover.

What About Length? 7/8 vs. Full Length

Customer Question: "What about length - I'm 170cm. Will 7/8 be too short?"

For a height of 170cm, the 7/8 length is typically the most practical and flattering option.

Designed Fit: Our 7/8 length is intended to hit right at the ankle bone or slightly above for individuals measuring between 165cm and 175cm. At 170cm, you fall perfectly in this range.
No Bunching: This length is excellent for avoiding fabric bunching around your ankles, especially when wearing sneakers or boots. It's a popular choice for active mums running errands or heading to the gym.
Flattering Silhouette: The 7/8 length creates a clean line and is generally considered very versatile for both workouts and casual wear.

While a Full Length version is available, the 7/8 is often preferred for comfort and practicality at your height, particularly during active recovery or daily activities.

Common Fit Issues to Be Aware Of

Initial Pulling: If you're between sizes, the fabric might feel like it's pulling slightly on the widest part of your hips initially. However, the Supaflex material is designed to stretch and conform.
Compression Level: While designed to be comfortable, the compression can feel snug at first, especially if you're not used to high-waisted, supportive leggings. This is normal and part of their function.

Between Sizes?

As a general rule, if you are between sizes and are experiencing postpartum changes:

Opt for the smaller size (Size 12 in this case) if you are confident your body will continue to return to its pre-pregnancy shape in the coming weeks. The inherent stretch and compression are designed to accommodate this transition.
Consider sizing up (Size 14) only if you are significantly larger than your pre-pregnancy size, experiencing substantial swelling, or prioritizing immediate, less-compressive comfort above all else. However, remember that the Shaper Move is designed to support and smooth, so the size 12 will likely still provide excellent comfort and function.

Final Recommendation: For your specific situation, the Size 12 in the 7/8 length Shaper Move Leggings with Pockets in Black is your best choice for comfort, support, and adaptability during your postpartum recovery.

A helpful tip from our customer: if the belly area feels sensitive when putting them on, try lying down to pull them up. It makes it much easier!

Last updated: December 2025 • Based on real customer conversations