16 best maternity dresses according to three new mums
The best maternity dresses don't just see you through your pregnancy, but after you've given birth too. That's what three Glamour editors on maternity leave found, anyway.
If you're anything like us you'll likely prioritise comfort over style throughout each trimester, reaching (and re-reaching!) for the best maternity leggings, favouring stretchy maternity jeans and wearing your maternity nightwear whenever you can get away with it.
That being said, maternity dresses are actually just as comfy and are, in fact, so much simpler to wear. A throw-on-and-go outfit when you're too busy creating life to think about what looks good together? Sign us up.
The best maternity dresses, at a glance:
Over the nine months that you're carrying your baby, your body can change in ways you may never have thought possible. And while you might've written off maternity clothes altogether, assuming you can eke out the wear of your usual wardrobe staples, let us gently inform you that while possible for some of your looser pieces there may be a lot that you've outgrown. And that's entirely normal, there's no shame in it whatsoever. The great news, though? A lot of the maternity dresses that we've road-tested aren't actually labelled ‘maternity’ at all; they're very much versatile enough to be worn pre- and postpartum.
Yep. Some of our favourite e-tailers have caught on to the need for multi-purpose maternity frocks, and their selections are growing daily – you can now find anything from casual day dresses to office appropriate pieces, and even dresses for a night out (tee-totalling and tearing up the dance floor until 2AM aren’t mutually exclusive, after all).
Plus, many of our favourite high-street brand's websites have specific 'maternity' sections, which makes shopping for new maternity dresses a lot easier when your mind is distracted by pelvic floor exercises and hospital bag packing…
Why you can trust us
Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, Commerce Photo Editor, Neamh Randal and, freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, have all become first-time mums over the last few years, 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.
We didn't want to lose our personal style identities, but we also wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in our lives. And if we were finding this balance hard to strike, after working our whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, we figured others must be too. So, we made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate maternity fashion guides. If for nothing more than for us to refer back to if/when we ever do this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people…
How we tested the best maternity dresses
The number of bump-friendly dresses out there is rather overwhelming. So, Elle, Charlie and Néamh, who are all currently navigating life with their tiny humans, trawled through high street and specialist brands to find the most stylish maternity dresses at every price point. They considered fit, style, value for money and longevity postpartum.
From long sleeve stretchy dresses for casual days to drop-waist midis for nights out (because, yes, you can still hit the town with bump in tow) and a feathered mini dress to pack for your babymoon, they've brought you the best selection of maternity dresses out there. See a handful of their favs below, and the rest if you keep scrolling…
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- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Black.
Why we love it: Perfect for this time of year, this feathered mini party dress is going to see so many pregnant people through the festive season. So often we see comfortable maternity loungewear being advertised, but just because we have a bump doesn't mean we no longer want to dress up and feel special! Gorgeous with or without trousers beneath, we can't get enough of this little dress.
- Sizes: XXS-XXL.
- Colours: Black, Floral Beige.
Why we love it: Not strictly maternity wear, but therefore a long-term purchase that'll work both during and post-pregnancy. The elasticated ruching is a really comfortable, subtle way to showcase your bump without feeling too exposed, and the drop waist is bang on trend.
- Sizes: 4-16.
- Colours: Chartreuse.
Why we love it: Another non-maternity option, this is such a special gown that will truly last you a lifetime. Perfect for a black-tie wedding which, let's be honest, is tricky to dress for when you're in the third trimester, this loose silhouette skims perfectly over the bump without feeling as though you're screaming ‘look at me!’. Shop more maternity wedding guest dresses here.
- Sizes: 4-20.
- Colours: Chocolate.
Why we love it: A great wedding guest option, this is another ASOS dress whose gentle ruching across the bump softens the look and avoids you feeling too over-exposed. The chocolate shade is great for this time of year, while the short sleeves will work well for those who are finding the pregnancy hormones increasing your core temperature a little more than you'd like.
- Sizes: UK 8-16.
- Colours: Lemon, powder blue.
Why we love it: For those who are set to be a bridesmaid while heavily pregnant, may we suggest you gently nudge your bride towards picking a yellow theme? Because this dress is missing nothing but a little bouquet of flowers and an aisle.
- Sizes: UK 8-18.
- Colours: Sage.
Why we love it: A really pretty option for a spring/summer wedding (so ideal to snap up now if that slightly dreaded invite just came through the post for a wedding you'll be 8 months pregnant for!), the high neck elongates your torso and evens out proportions, while the delicate floral print adds whimsy.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Over 10 options.
Why we love it: There's no denying that this fitted smocked bust with a flowy skirt and billowing, puffy sleeves is a staple for many of us - pregnant or otherwise - which is why it's a great idea to stock up on a few that work both now and post-partum. This embroidered one is top of our list.
Save when you shop for the best maternity dresses with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Black, heather grey.
Why we love it: This dress feels like wearing a glove across your body. While that may not always be what you're in the mood for, when you are looking for something super fitted, super supportive and super flattering, then look no further. The long, slim sleeves render it a really chic, streamlined look.
- Sizes: XS-XXL.
- Colours: Stripe, black, blue.
Why we love it: If you're heading off to warmer climes on a babymoon any time soon, you'll want some fuss-free, sleeveless options that are super comfortable. This one should be top of your packing list.
Save when you shop for the best maternity dresses with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: XXS-XXL.
- Colours: White, black.
Why we love it: One of our favourite brands for this silhouette, Dôen's dresses may not be specifically maternity but they are perfect for your new shape due to the roominess of their skirts.
Save when you shop for the best maternity dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: XS-XL.
- Colours: Pink, blue.
Why we love it: Another great option for anyone heading off on a babymoon, dare we say particularly ideal for anyone expecting a girl? Cliché? Perhaps, but if you can't lean into it now they when can you.
Save when you shop for the best maternity dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: S-L.
- Colours: Blue.
Why we love it: Comfortable and timeless, this is one of the few ‘maternity’ silhouettes that truly works well postpartum without leaving too much excess fabric around the middle. The button-down neckline is ideal, too, for those hoping to breastfeed. Shop more floaty dresses here.
- Sizes: S-L.
- Colours: Black and white stripe.
Why we love it: A great summer dress to stock up on for those of you who'll be heavily pregnant in the warmer months, as it works just as well in the office with a blazer and a closed-toe shoe as it does on holiday with a sandal and sunglasses.
Your maternity dresses FAQs, answered:
What to look for in the best maternity dresses?
This period is all about embracing your new body whilst also staying true to your pre-pregnancy style. As Chelsey Oliver, Chief Creative Officer at Seraphine, explains: “The best maternity dress designs are all about empowering women, instilling confidence in new and expecting mothers as they embrace their changing bodies.”
She suggests opting for timeless styles that flatter and adapt to your curves, with a special focus on accentuating the empire line between bust and bump. “Dresses featuring removable belts and that have adjustable tie waists – ensuring an adaptable and comfortable fit throughout your journey – are ideal,” she notes. You might not be thinking about breastfeeding just yet, but consider pieces with nursing options, such as concealed zips and lift-up access, allowing you to wear these dresses not just during pregnancy but also after, making them a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe.
What week should I start wearing maternity clothes?
This is entirely your call: you could start wearing these maternity dresses whenever you no longer feel comfortable in your normal dresses, 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.
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.
