The Best Maternity Dress
Any mom-to-be will agree that few things are better than feeling your belly grow through the months. But as wonderful as it may be, the hassle of finding new clothes during this time period can be quite the opposite. Fortunately, these days, the selection of maternity clothing is wider than ever before, from sexy lingerie to hiking gear, alike. But no matter what event you're preparing for, a good maternity dress is a staple in every future mama's closet. That's why we put our motherly instincts to good use to help you find the best maternity dresses out there today.
What to Look For
Taking versatility, sleeve length, and comfort into consideration, we vetted the top contenders on our list to make sure they’ll accommodate your body and your lifestyle. For example, if you’re looking for an all-occasion dress that you can wear in almost any climate without discomfort, consider the short-sleeved bodycon dress by Smallshow. On the other hand, if you want something a bit more formal for that long-awaited photo shoot, try Myzeroing’s mid-sleeve lace gown, which is as easy to wear as it is elegant. Check out the rest of our favorite maternity dresses below to deck out that bun in the oven.
Smallshow Short Sleeve Maternity Dress
Perfect pregnancy proportions
Women’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes. And that applies to their growing bellies too, which is why the right maternity clothes can be so difficult to find sometimes. A perfectly fit dress on one woman can look like a saggy bag on another. That’s why we love the versatile stretch of this short sleeve dress by Smallshow. No matter how big you get (or how fast), this dress stays down while hugging your curves just right thanks to its soft rayon fabric and stretchy side rushing.
Pros:
- Hand-washing while pregnant is a no-go. Thankfully, this dress is designed for the washing machine, meaning its color and fit won’t change no matter how many times you spill your comfort food on it.
- The thick material means you won’t have to wear shapewear to hide any lines and imperfections.
Cons:
- The dress is a bit see-through, so sizing up is recommended.
Musidora Ruched Maternity Dress
Show off your bump
One of the best parts about being pregnant is seeing all your family and friends at your baby shower. But while your baby bump obviously helps you stand out amongst the guests, the right maternity dress can really complete the look. And this ruched, bodycon dress by Musidora is a top competitor for that title. You’ll have over 40 different patterns to choose from including stripes and floral designs on this knee-length, super soft dress that’s as affordable as it is accomodating.
Pros:
- The thicker material of this dress means you can wear it any time of year without needing to put on any layers underneath it.
- If you’re worried about your dress riding up, then you’ll love the knee-length design of this baby, which helps keep your skirt just where you want it.
Cons:
- The dress tends to run large.
Hello Miz Maternity Dress
A fit for all occasions
Though shopping for new clothes is undoubtedly fun, you may not want to spring for an entirely new wardrobe throughout your pregnancy. Fortunately, here’s where versatile dresses like this one by Hello Miz can really come in handy. With a stretchy fit around your bump and a good amount of flow in other places, this dress gives you room to breathe while still supporting you. And because the dress has long sleeves, you can wear it in a variety of different styles to work with your mood and the seasons.
Pros:
- Not only is the fabric super soft, but it’s also designed to work with even the most irritation-prone skin, so you shouldn’t experience any redness or itchiness while wearing it.
- This dress can be worn around the house, to work, or out for brunch with friends. The ruched look flatters every body shape and size, even after you give birth.
Cons:
- Some of the colors are a bit more muted than pictured.
Myzeroing Maternity Dress
Grow like a goddess
Ask any mom and she’ll confirm that pregnancy isn’t the most picture-perfect process. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have days where you will feel your most beautiful. And on those days, it’s important to snap a few photos, which is where this fabulous maternity dress by Myzeroing comes in. Available in six pastel colors, this lace dress will make you feel like a princess while hiding any imperfections thanks to its off-shoulder, flowing design.
Pros:
- Plus-size, big-chested girls need gorgeous maternity photos, too. That’s why we love the super stretchy, super flattering design of this particular dress that works with all body sizes.
- The built-in slip on this dress means you can wear it right over your skin without the need for uncomfortable pantyhose and shapewear.
Cons:
- You’ll need an anti-cling spray for this dress as it can attract a lot of static.
iLoveSia Maternity and Delivery Dress
Wear it everywhere
When it comes to the leadup for the big day, all fashion sense goes out the window. And for good reason, our bodies change to prepare ourselves for labor, and we feel the effects. Thankfully, there’s a maternity dress out there designed precisely for these moments. Both a maternity and postpartum dress, this super-soft smock prevents chafing and irritation while still supporting all your delicate areas. You can even use it for nursing after giving birth thanks to the one-hand nursing clasp and built-in bra.
Pros:
- Unlike other dresses that promise to be stretchy for longer, this dress won’t pill or loosen up no matter how many times you wear it.
- Every delivery is different, but a good dress should work with all of them. This particular dress, for example, is looser around the area where a C-section scar may be to prevent any painful rubbing.
Cons:
- Because the fabric is a bit thicker, sleeping in the gown may be difficult during hotter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start wearing maternity dresses?
While it can be tempting to switch out your entire wardrobe for a new set of fun garments, you won’t really need to do so until you’re about 4 to 6 months along. Generally, you want to wait until your normal clothes don’t fit anymore before you start buying new threads. And when you do, we recommend opting for a few versatile pieces that can grow with you and function for both casual and formal events.
Can I wear shapewear under my dress?
There are a lot of reasons to add a bit of shapewear to your maternity style. Firstly, if you’re still getting used to your new, changing body, then you may find comfort in smoothing out some of those lumps and bumps before putting on a new bodycon dress. Secondly, shapewear can help you better fit into some of your pre-pregnancy clothes without wearing them out. And lastly, and most importantly, certain brands of shapewear, especially those made specifically for pregnant women, can actually help with back pain over time by supporting the extra changing weight.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.