The best maternity dresses make you feel gorgeous, but more than that, they’re sometimes the easiest, most comfortable item in your wardrobe as those final weeks of pregnancy approach. “The most important thing is that you feel comfortable,” says Liz Teich, a New York-based stylist and mom. She suggests opting for natural fabrics like linen and cotton to keep you cooler during the summer. Teich also recommends playing around with fitted options to emphasize your bump. “I always say to embrace your figure during this time,” she says. Look “for details like ruching and belts to give definition and shape to your bump.”
Dress your bump in these comfortable and stylish maternity dresses for the ultimate confidence … [+] boost.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Finding the right maternity clothing to keep you comfortable and boost your confidence gives you one less thing to worry about during a hectic period in your life. It can be comforting to maintain your personal style while making accommodations for your rapidly growing bump as you move through pregnancy. With that in mind, we’ve put together some of the best maternity dresses and brands to suit every occasion, from your baby shower to that upcoming summer wedding. After perusing this story, you may want to consider the best maternity bras and the most comfortable maternity leggings, too.
Nothing Fits But’s range is comprised of comfortable, pull-on cotton frocks that are super breathable and well suited to the postpartum period and beyond as well. They come in a wide array of neutrals, prints like toile and florals, and are a must for spring and summer pregnancies.
What our writers say: “I wore this brand often in my first pregnancy and the breathable material and stretchy bust area made it easier to dress my changing body and, ultimately, nurse my baby,” says co-author Lex Goodman.
Hatch: A One-Stop-Shop For Everything You Need During Pregnancy
Hatch pops up on this list in several places, because it’s really a one-stop shop for all maternity and postpartum clothing needs. This little black maxi dress is a specific favorite of ours, because it can be dressed up or down, looks like a normal, non-maternity dress and is the ideal staple piece even after your baby has made their debut.
Beyond Yoga: Stretchy Fabrics You’ll Want To Live In
Beyond Yoga specializes in soft, stretchy clothes that feel like you could do yoga in them, which is why they’re a great choice during pregnancy. The brand has a slew of dresses in buttery-soft fabrics that are perfect for layering or wearing as-is. They’re all in neutral shades and are versatile enough to wear just about anywhere.
If you’re looking to save money without skimping on style and comfort, Isabel Maternity at Target is a great option. You’ll find comfortable and cute options that last through your pregnancy and beyond as you adjust to your new normal. We’ve tried this brand (as well as its parent brand, Ingrid & Isabel) and love it because it does a great job of introducing trend pieces and fun colors at a way that feels more accessible, both in terms of price and maternity sizing.
Quince: Elevated Basics At A Manageable Price
Quince
Quince Tencel Jersey Maternity Ruched Dress
Material: Tencel, spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Nursing friendly: No
Quince has quickly become a staple in our maternity wardrobes here at Forbes Vetted. The retailer offers beautiful quality with price and production transparency. Its maternity line is almost exclusively basics.
What our writers say: “I especially love the Tencel and spandex dresses for their comfort, softness and support (the light compression really feels like it holds my bump nicely),” says Goodman. “I’m not much of a tight dress person when I’m not pregnant, but this could definitely serve the same purpose postpartum.”
H&M: Affordable Options To Help You Feel Like Yourself, Bump Or Not
H&M
H&M Mama Linen-Blend Tunic Dress
Material: Rayon, linen | Size range: XS to XXL | Nursing friendly: No
If you’re looking to maintain your pre-pregnancy style and introduce a wide range of pieces into your maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank, H&M is the place to go. Its maternity vertical has quality pieces that are meant to suit pregnant and postpartum bodies. We’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the H&M Mama collection and Goodman says she wore it often in during her most recent pregnancy.
Best Maternity Dresses For Baby Showers
Petal & Pup: Event-Friendly Dresses With Great Style
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