Choosing the right size for your postpartum recovery shorts is key to comfort and support during a time when your body is changing rapidly. We're here to help you navigate sizing so you can feel your best.

I’m 2 weeks postpartum and looking at the Pregnancy Recovery Emama shorts with Pockets in Black. I was a size 12 pre‑pregnancy. What size should I get now?

How These Shorts Fit

The Emama Recovery Shorts are designed with a supportive panel that gently compresses and accommodates postpartum swelling. They offer a snug yet comfortable fit, aiming for gentle hold without feeling overly squeezed. The fabric has some stretch, allowing it to adapt to your body's natural fluctuations during recovery. The addition of pockets on this version does not alter the fit or the level of compression.

Sizing Recommendations

General Guideline: We recommend starting with your pre-pregnancy size. The recovery panel is designed to adapt to swelling and provide gentle support.

For Immediate Postpartum (0-2 weeks): If you are more than approximately two sizes above your pre-pregnancy size due to swelling, consider sizing up. A size 14 might offer more initial comfort during the first two weeks, and you can then transition to your pre-pregnancy size (12) as swelling subsides.

Based on Your Measurements:

Hips: 104cm
Waist: ~86cm (Note: Waist can be difficult to measure accurately postpartum due to swelling and softness. Hips are often a more reliable indicator for these shorts.)

With hips measuring 104cm, you are at the upper end of our size 12 range and just below the size 14 range. Considering you are only 2 weeks postpartum and have specifically requested gentle hold without feeling squeezed, we recommend a size 12.

This size will provide the supportive comfort you're looking for without feeling harsh on your healing body.

Common Fit Issues & Considerations

Initial Tightness: If day-to-day bloating makes the shorts feel tight in the first week, don't worry. This is normal. Try wearing them for shorter periods and gradually increase wear time. The support panel is designed to soften and mold to your body with gentle wear and body heat.

Compression Level: While designed for gentle compression, individual experiences of tightness can vary based on immediate postpartum swelling. If you find them too snug initially, follow the advice above regarding wear windows.

Pockets: The pockets are designed to lie flat against the thigh and are purely functional, offering a place to keep essentials without affecting the shorts' fit, compression, or silhouette.

Between Sizes

If your measurements fall between sizes, or if you are experiencing significant swelling, leaning towards the larger size (size 14 in your case, if 12 feels borderline) can offer more comfort in the initial postpartum weeks. However, as your body begins to return closer to its pre-pregnancy state, you may find the larger size becomes too loose.

Given your preference for gentle hold and your current measurements, the size 12 is the best starting point. If you find the initial 2 weeks are very uncomfortable due to swelling, a brief period in a size 14 might be beneficial, but the 12 is likely to be your most consistently comfortable size as recovery progresses.

Last updated: December 2025 • Based on real customer conversations