“Fashion” and “maternity” aren’t often heard in the same sentence. But expecting mothers should be able to wear anything they want. Wearing dresses you love may help you feel your best and show off your baby bump at the same time. Of course, you can feel comfortable too.
Throughout our pregnancies, we’ve spent countless hours shopping for maternity clothes. We’ve also spent years observing maternity trends and brand sustainability, so we have a lot of experience in the market. We’ve compiled this list of the best maternity dresses to simplify your shopping experience.
Get excited about dressing your pregnancy with these comfortable, trendy, affordable maternity dresses.
- Simple and trendy
- Detachable belt
- Easy-access breastfeeding option
- Soft and breathable material
- Significantly versatile
- Flatters your body shape
- Lightweight, soft and stretchy
- Various colors to choose from
- High quality
- V-neck cap-sleeve wrap
- Nursing friendly
- High-quality soft knit
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Ruched knee-length design
- Premium stretch material
- Wrap -style top
- Super stretchy fabric
- Comfortable fit
- Super-soft, natural fabric
- Ruched side, fitted style
- Flattering and comfy
- Comes in multiple colors
- Modest enough for any occasion
- Timeless design
- High elasticity
- Light and breathable
- Slim and elegant
- Long maxi-length cut
- Stretchable and durable material
- Made in the U.S.A
Best Maternity Dresses of 2024
Here are 13 stylish maternity dresses to consider.
Hello Miz Floral Maxi Dress
Best Maxi Dress
If you’re spending the day outdoors, consider this gorgeous maxi dress. The soft material has a breathable, airy feel to keep you comfortable regardless of the weather. Plus, it’s an excellent way to cover your legs and avoid sunburn.
This one has a floral pattern, with a V-neck and three-quarter sleeves. The detachable belt fastens under the bust. It’s made from polyester, so it’s durable and comfortable.
It comes in more than 25 patterns and colors available, including short-sleeved styles. You can also wear it after pregnancy since it’s nursing-friendly. The empire waist makes feeding easy and discreet when you’re out and about.
User Experience
Bhome Bodycon Short Sleeve Dress
Bodycon Beauty
Most of us want to show off our baby bump when we’re pregnant. This affordable bodycon dress allows you to do it in style. It’s breathable and casual, making it an excellent summer choice.
There are striped patterns available in different colors, but it also comes in some cute floral and solid designs too. The added spandex and ruching allow for some stretch across your belly. It’s short-sleeved and knee-length, but you can also adapt it for cool weather by pairing it with a cardigan and tights.
Personal Perspective
Amazon Essentials Maxi Dress
Best Everyday Dress
Do you love to wear free and floaty dresses? This style may be great for you, with its pleated design and floral pattern. Since it’s made from 95% viscose and 5 % elastane, it’s comfy and stretchy for expecting mothers. This dress isn’t designed as a pregnancy dress, but the material and waistline work well for pregnancy.
You can style it with any accessories you like. This means it can work for casual days out or dress-up occasions. It also comes in a variety of solid colors.
Community Feedback
Hello Miz Floral Mini Dress
Best Nursing-Friendly Design
Do you hate the idea of buying maternity clothes never to wear them again? That’s why we love this ultra-affordable, floral, skater-style dress. Not only can you wear it on any occasion, but it’s nursing friendly, with its deep V-neck and stretchy top section. The solid-color top gives a slimming effect.
Of course, it’s also comfy during pregnancy since it’s made from 95% rayon. We appreciate the understated style that fits in any scenario. The mini-length is bold, but you can easily pair it with maternity leggings for a more comfortable feel.
First-Hand Impression
MissQee Coolmee Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
Best Off-Shoulder
Strut your stuff, glowing mama, with this off-shoulder neckline, knee-length dress. It has a unique lotus leaf collar that’s sure to make you stand out. Choose from many styles, plain or floral. Some have long sleeves, and others don’t. This is a nice dress to wear to a wedding or a more formal event.
The Coolmee dress will provide plenty of stretch and comfort for you and your bump, although they run a little small, so order a size up. This will ensure a comfortable fit.
User Experience
Mother Lee Knee-Length Maternity Dress
Best for Parties
Are you heading out with the girls to have some fun or have a party invite? When you’re pregnant, you can still follow the latest trends while looking classy.
The dress comes in two styles: a low crew neck fit or a wrap-top, high-waisted, belted design. The dress length sits just above the knees, and the material allows for freedom of movement.
You have many color and print options, and we love that it’s machine washable, keeping your work to a minimum.
Personal Perspective
Black Cherry Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Best Sleeveless Design
This is one of our favorite dresses for its carefree yet sophisticated style. While you show off your bump, the ruched sides provide space and comfort around the middle.
Fitted at the top and flowing at the bottom, it’s sleeveless, which makes it ideal for hot summer evenings. It has a scoop neckline and boasts a long maxi style.
Community Feedback
Ever-Pretty 3/4 Sleeve Lace Maternity Dress
Pretty in Lace
Don’t let pregnancy stop you from looking elegant. This timeless dress may fit the bill and make you feel at ease in a more formal setting. It comes in multiple colors and looks great in spring, fall, or winter.
The single-color, patterned lace design is modest enough for any occasion. The empire waist and chiffon skirt give a graceful feel while allowing for comfort regardless of which stage of pregnancy you’re in.
There are five colors to choose from, including a unique grey and pale orchid.
First-Hand Impression
Liu & Qu Bodycon Dress
Smart Casual
You can enjoy a smart style with this short-sleeved dress. It has a classic, pull-on design, making it easy to wear.
This knee-length dress has a round neck. The ruched sides allow for a growing baby bump, and it’ll feel soft and lightweight against the skin.
You’ll find nearly 30 solid and floral patterns, including some with three-quarter-length sleeves, so there’ll be at least one to match your wardrobe.
User Experience
Mother Bee Maternity Ruched Sleeveless Maternity Dress
Casual Occasions
Everyone needs a dress for casual occasions. But if you still want to stand out and look fashionable, check out this gorgeous design. It has a long maxi style, which is floaty and loose for comfort. We think it’s a show-stopper, so be ready for the compliments!
The low scoop neck and sleeveless style make it cool and comfortable on hot days. Do you prefer patterns or plain? There are several options to choose from.
Personal Perspective
Hello Miz Floral Wrap Side Tie Dress
Summer Fun
This beautiful, bright, colorful dress has a V-neck wrap style with a cute tie. This means you can enjoy a comfortable fit at any stage of pregnancy.
The sleeves reach just above the elbow, and the skirt rests just above the knee. The design also makes it easy to nurse your baby when they arrive. There are floral and paisley prints, so the design is up to you. This dress is a maternity and post-pregnancy staple.
Community Feedback
Mother Bee Maternity Short Sleeve Dress
Formal Occasions
If you’re going to a wedding, this dress comes to the rescue, with its fashionable floral pattern that’s perfect for a formal occasion.
It’s a maxi-style dress, so it’s ankle-to-floor length, depending on your height. It’s sure to be comfortable and not clingy around the stomach area, which is what you want. Moreover, the empire waist with a wrap-style top is brilliant for nursing when your baby is born.
First-Hand Impression
Hello Miz Sweater Knit Maternity Dress
Out for Lunch
If you’re searching for a casual, cool-weather dress, look no further. This sweater-knit design is perfect for fall or winter and works with bare legs, nylons, or leggings. But our favorite feature of this dress is the pockets, which add to the casual feel and make it easy for you to keep your favorite pregnancy snack on hand for emergencies.
This pull-on garment is perfect for easy pregnancy clothing changes. The empire waist and roomy, stretchy skirt allow for plenty of belly growth, making it suitable for twin pregnancies.
User Experience
How to Choose Maternity Dresses
The most important thing to remember is that you want to be comfortable when you’re pregnant. In particular, there shouldn’t be any pressure around your baby bump. These are the criteria we look for in the best maternity dresses: pull-on styles, ruched sides, affordable prices, durable materials that can withstand wear, and fabrics that are soft and comfortable.
Pull-On Closure
One thing they didn’t tell you about being pregnant is that it’s harder to get dressed. That’s it’s best to look for maternity dresses that are easy to get on and off over your baby bump.
Our favorites are designed with a pull-on style. This means you can simply pop it over your head. There are no zips or buttons to play around with, which is exactly what you need later in pregnancy.
Ruched Sides for Stretching
Your bump is constantly growing, and the last thing you want is to buy a lovely dress that doesn’t fit a week later. The best way to combat this problem is by choosing a design with ruched sides.
This is a loose gathering in the material around the belly, which allows for stretching. It will grow with your bump and allow you to feel cozy at the same time.
Soft and Comfortable Material
Whether the dress you choose is a flowy or “bodycon” (form-fitting) style, you want the fabric to be soft. Be sure to check the label for the material used.
Good choices include cotton, which is soft and provides warmth. Rayon is also a comfortable option that feels soft against the skin while being stretchy if combined with spandex.
We also like viscose fabrics in our maternity dresses. It feels just like silk, which can be soothing on over-stretched, irritated skin.
Affordable Prices
Since you’re only going to wear a maternity dress for a few months (and possibly only a few times if it’s a more formal style), you don’t want to throw a lot of money down. It’s possible to find beautiful maternity dress styles to fit any budget.
Durable Fabrics
As your belly stretches to fill in any extra space in that dress, you want to know that any materials used can withstand the stretching. We always look for quality fabrics designed to stretch without looking stretched out. The last thing you want is a zipper busting apart or a pattern that looks stretched out of shape right across your belly.
Maternity Dress FAQs
What Dress Hides a Pregnancy Belly Best?
Empire waist dresses or those with ruching or pleats can help minimize the appearance of a pregnancy belly. Choose dresses with patterns or details that draw the eye upward for the best effect.
What Dresses are Best For After Pregnancy?
After pregnancy, look for dresses with easy nursing access if you’re breastfeeding, and opt for comfortable, loose-fitting styles that accommodate your changing body.
What Colors are Best For Maternity Dresses?
The best colors for maternity dresses are ones that you feel good in, though darker colors like navy, black, or deep jewel tones can have a slimming effect, and bright or pastel colors can be cheerful and uplifting.
Which Dress is Best For a Maternity Photoshoot?
For a maternity photoshoot, choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Flowing maxi dresses, form-fitting gowns that highlight the belly, or dresses with interesting textures or details are popular choices.
What Should I Wear For Weekly Baby Bump Pictures?
For weekly baby bump pictures, consider wearing the same or similar clothing each time to focus on your growing belly. A form-fitting top or dress can help showcase your progress.
