19 maternity workwear pieces that'll save you so much time in the morning
While loungewear is undeniably the most tempting outfit option during pregnancy, finding appropriate maternity workwear is a very real problem faced by many of us who continue to work throughout the nine months. As if growing a whole human being from scratch inside your own body wasn't enough of a minefield…
- Why you can trust me
- How I tested the best maternity workwear
- The best maternity workwear to shop
- Your maternity workwear FAQs, answered
- What month should you start wearing maternity clothes?
- What maternity clothes are appropriate for the workplace?
- Where should I shop for maternity workwear?
- More maternity content
The best maternity workwear, at a glance:
Whatever industry you work in, you'll likely have to adapt your usual go-to uniform once you reach the four or five month mark. Your belly will be growing exponentially, and not only will clothes start to feel a little more snug than you'd like but they may also start to feel uncomfortable in unexpected new ways.
Your skin can become more sensitive to harsher fabrics, high heels may soon become an incredibly uncomfortable concept and - due to the increase in body temperature courtesy of hormonal changes and a faster metabolism - outfits you once felt cute and cosy in could have you feeling flushed and clammy before you've even left the house.
And while most workplaces tend to allow some degree of sartorial flexibility for their pregnant employees, many of us feel more productive the more put-together we look - which isn't always easy when our bodies are changing so much so rapidly.
So how do we pull together a professional-looking, comfortable wardrobe when our bellies are growing by the second?
When I was pregnant last year I lived in shirt dresses in the office; just ask my colleagues who no doubt began to question how I'd ever landed a job in fashion when I simply wore and re-wore the same shirt dress - in a variety of colours - on repeat throughout my second and third trimesters.
I did also love to pair an oversized shirt with maternity trousers or jeans, but found when I was around eight months gone - and feeling quite frankly ginormous - that buttoning the shirt all the way down made me feel entirely shapeless. Luckily I discovered a super simple workaround, and began wearing them atop a more fitted t-shirt or vest and unbuttoned the shirt from the bust downwards - this way the shirt parted above the bump and skimmed down over the sides, with the vest fabric covering my modesty but also showcasing a very obvious bump.
Thankfully there are so many beautiful shirting options out there right now for pregnant women, but also some genuinely brilliant maternity workwear in the shape of knitted dresses, pleat front trousers, wrap cardigans and even contemporary blouses. I've wrapped up the very best buys right now, just for you. After something else? Shop the best maternity clothes across all categories.
Why you can trust me
Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, became a first time mum last year, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
Charlie didn't want to lose her personal style identity, but wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in her life. And if she was finding this balance hard to strike, after working her whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, she figured others must be too. So Charlie made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate guides. If for nothing more than for her to refer back to if/when she ever does this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people.
How I tested the best maternity workwear
Charlie used her own pregnancy and postpartum journey as the perfect excuse to trial run the best maternity styles out there and compile this edit. She shopped for staples from independent, designer and high street maternity brands during her second and third trimesters (with varying success), and has also asked her well-dressed pregnant pals and new mums for their top tips to find high-quality maternity wear. Not to mention, she's scoured Instagram for the ultimate inspiration too. For mums-to-be, Glamour's edit of the best maternity jeans of 2025 is essential reading…
Scroll for our full edit of the best maternity workwear on the market.
Why we love it: One of my favourite maternity workwear options right now, if I were heading to the office with a big bump still in tow there's no question that this would be on a weekly rotation in my wardrobe. The option to fasten the front asymmetrically gives it such an interesting extra dimension and really feels like something you'd choose to wear because you love it, rather than something you have to wear because it's all that fits.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: It can be easy to think that tracksuit bottoms or pyjamas are the only option once the belly has officially ‘popped’, but with so many brands now doing such brilliant jersey panels across the stomach for added comfort and support it's easier than ever to pull together a smarter outfit. These relaxed-fit tailored trousers are such a staple shape and shade that make putting maternity workwear outfits together a total breeze.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: When you're pregnant it can be very tempting to opt for outfits that help you to sort of fade into the background. After all, that huge bump concealing your growing baby is enough of an attention-grabber… But while some may want to fade, others are more keen to flaunt - and if you're anything like me you'll fluctuate between the two moods weekly, which makes shopping a little trickier(!) - and there's no colour better suited to a little flaunt than this bold red. The shape is perfect both unbuttoned and done-up, and we love it with straight leg indigo jeans or loose-fit black formal trousers.
Size range: UK4-14.
Body fit: Regular.
Why we love it: Cosy cardigans are such a great option in pregnancy, as they provide all the comfort of a jumper without the often-stifling warmth. We love this light beige hue, and (double points!) the wrapover silhouette also works well postpartum for those wishing to breastfeed.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: We love an oversized striped shirt - pregnant or otherwise - and this deep navy shade is something a little different from the usual lighter blue. Being such a strong hue, it works well worn over a white t-shirt and unbuttoned from the bust down to break things up a bit.
Size range: 8-18.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: Another great pair of go-to formal maternity workwear trousers, these are a timeless shape that can also be worn out for dinners with a cute top or a statement jacket. The wide jersey panel at the waist is super soft and very supportive, rendering them a genuinely comfortable workwear option.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: This dress may not be billed as a maternity dress, but it's such a gorgeous one that we couldn't resist. Of course you might want to size up if you're in the later stages of your pregnancy, but for those in the first trimester this is a really soft, comfortable option that will cradle your bump securely whilst still being entirely appropriate for the office.
Size range: XS-XL.
Body fit: Regular.
Why we love it: Chocolate brown is big news right now, but maternity wear often skips over the trends in favour of something more functional. Luckily, sometimes these worlds collide, and you end up with something just as chic as it is practical. These trousers are super flattering thanks to the cropped ankle, and look great with a pastel coloured shirt.
Size range: 6-16.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: It can be tempting to ditch oversized dresses altogether during pregnancy as you can feel a little swallowed up in fabric, but this one has some clever details that stop it from feeling frumpy. The wrap front instantly adds structure to the silhouette, while the softly puffed sleeves and gentle pleating give a soft femininity to the look.
Size range: 6-22.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: If you love the idea of wearing shirts but are feeling a little drowned by them, this blue striped cotton blouse is a great alternative. With a seam running just above your bump it offers up a sense of shape that can feel missing with regular shirting. The delicately embroidered sleeves add a special touch, too.
Size range: S-L.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: Not strictly maternity workwear, I know, but who said we have to follow rules? The oversized nature of this one lends itself perfectly to an endlessly growing baby bump, while the contrast buttons and asymmetric hem give it a real edge.
Size range: 6-16.
Body fit: Regular.
Why we love it: Yet more non-maternity maternity wear options, but this Jul Sander shirt was too good to pass up. Playing with traditionally masculine tuxedo-style shapes, the subtle pleat across the belly may have initially been nothing more than an aesthetic decision but it conveniently allows space for that growing belly.
Size range: 6-16.
Body fit: Regular.
Why we love it: A mini dress may not be on the top of your maternity workwear wishlist - nor was it on mine - but this knitted mini just changed my mind. The button-up front and cute collar make it feel more formal and intentional, while the long sleeves keep it cosy and comfortable. Paired with tights and either boots or low-heeled court shoes, we'd argue it's actually made for the office.
Size range: XS-XL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: There's something about this shade of taupe that really scratches an itch somewhere in my brain. Typically of Toteme this is an incredibly beautiful fabric which breezes over your bump, and I love it worn with either the matching pants or some dark-wash denim.
Size range: 6-16.
Body fit: Regular.
Why we love it: A really beautiful blouse for the days that an oversized shirt just doesn't feel soft enough, we particularly love the flattering curved hem with side splits and the pin-tuck detailing to the front. Thanks to the longer hemline, this one also looks great with leggings once you're coming to the end of your pregnancy and comfort is no.1 on your priority list.
Size range: 6-20.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: Such a beautiful chocolate brown shade, the knot to the front of this dress is such a lovely design detail that makes it feel far more premium than the price tag would suggest. With a mid-length hemline and side splits, this long-sleeved jumper dress would be a great staple in any maternity workwear wardrobe.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: Another great shirt dress, but this time in a slightly more underrated shade. Not necessarily a ‘festive’ green, this is a timeless shade that'll see you well into spring for those currently in the earlier stages of pregnancy. We love the tie-belt detail, and the way it can be cinched above the bump to accentuate your shape.
Size range: 4-18.
Body fit: Maternity.
Why we love it: A simple, timeless staple that'll see you through from early pregnancy right up to your due date, this oversized design and high-neck collar is such a blank canvas that can really be made into anything. Thrown on with black formal trousers and ballet pumps it's an easy everyday maternity workwear option, but worn with a sequin midi skirt - both now and postpartum - a pointed heeled mule and a long, minimalist pebble-drop necklace, it's the perfect date night look.
Size range: XS-XL.
Body fit: Maternity.
Your maternity workwear FAQs, answered:
What month should you start wearing maternity clothes?
This is entirely your call: you could start wearing the above stylish maternity clothes when you no longer feel comfortable in your normal outfits, even if that's in your first trimester. Generally, most pregnant women will begin wearing maternity clothes when their regular 'fits feel tight, which might be a few weeks into their second trimester - perhaps around 13-16 weeks onwards. But don’t forget, your maternity style is totally down to you.
What maternity clothes are appropriate for the workplace?
Depending on your individual office setting, most workplaces tend to allow some degree of flexibility for their pregnant employees. However, many of us feel more productive the more put-together we look, which isn't always easy when our bodies are changing so much and so rapidly. We recommend pairing oversized shirting from your favourite labels with formal maternity trousers that have elasticated jersey panels to stretch across your belly. Collared knitted dresses are a great way to look smart without sacrificing comfort, and shirt dresses work well both throughout pregnancy and aftewards for those who choose to breastfeed.
Where should I shop for maternity workwear?
While it can be tempting to head straight for maternity-specific brands, it's often a good idea to check whether your favourite labels have their own maternity sections as you know they cater to your preferred style. H&M has a great maternity section, as does Mango, while Next now owns Seraphine - one of the most popular go-to maternity fashion brands. Net-A-Porter hosts a lot of brands which lean towards a more generous, oversized fit which works well for a growing bump, and Beyond Nine is a lovely clothing brand with pieces designed to last you throughout pregnancy and ‘Beyond’.
More maternity content
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.
