The Best Maternity Dresses Ensure Confidence and Comfort, No Matter the Occasion

When your growing belly begins to stretch your favorite dresses to their limits, it’s time to invest in a few maternity versions. Dresses are a great option during pregnancy, as they can be much more comfortable than dealing with the waistband of pants or shorts. Happily, you don’t have to abandon your pre-pregnancy style when shopping for maternity wear. 

Our Favorite Maternity Dresses

• Best Overall: Hatch Silvina Dress
• Most Comfortable: Kindred Bravely Olivia Ribbed Bamboo 2-in-1 Maternity & Nursing Dress
• Best for Work: Quince Washable Stretch Silk Cap Sleeve Maternity Dress
• Best Budget: Old Navy Maternity Dolman Sleeve Utility Midi Dress
• Most Stylish: Hatch Ricky Slip Dress
• Best for Everyday: Quince Tencel Jersey Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress
• Best Special Occasion: Bumpsuit Bianca Dress
• Best Sweater Dress: Ingrid & Isabel The Close Knit Maternity Dress

“We are firm believers that you shouldn't disregard your style,” said Susie Stubbs, mother of two and founder of Totter & Tumble, a baby mat company. “Clothes are part of how we express our identity, and whilst comfort and practicality are going to make your life a lot easier, having clothes that feel like you is so important." 

When shopping for the best maternity dresses for your needs, it’s important to consider fit, function, and flexibility. Look for options made from soft, stretchy materials. Wearing a maternity dress can make pregnancies much more bearable, whether you’re wearing it to work, a wedding, or just hanging around the house, so comfort is key when shopping for a dress. To find the best maternity dresses for all types of occasions, we consulted experts in clothing and product design and rounded up some of our favorite styles from leading retailers in the maternity space. 

Why We Like It

This cool, casual dress is a versatile and stylish pick for a variety of body types and can easily be dressed up or down. A chic belt helps add shape to the flowy fit, and pockets mean it’s a great combination of form and function. Plus, the length is ideal for active parents, and you can style it with flat white sneakers or a pair of wedges. This fun dress is available in vibrant pink or elegant black. 

Made from 100% cotton, this is a fantastically comfortable dress for all stages of pregnancy and beyond. We love the short sleeves and collared neckline, while the button-down front makes it easy to access your breasts for nursing. Best of all, it can be machine-washed and dried. 

But Take Note

This is a casual item that can be dressed up with a few accessories, but it’s not ideal for fancier events. It’s also only available up to size 16.

The Details:

• Sizes: 0 (0-2), 1 (2-4), 2 (6-8), 3 (10-12), 4 (14-16)
• Material: Cotton
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes

Why We Like It

This two-in-one dress is actually a two-piece set, which makes it extra versatile. A combination of a trendy crop top and a figure-hugging maternity midi dress, it’s great for days when you want a little extra coverage, with the flexibility to take it off if you’re feeling too hot. The super soft set is ribbed and made from bamboo and spandex to make it perfectly stretchy and cooling—hugging your curves without feeling too restrictive. 

The removable top allows you to comfortably and discreetly access your chest for breastfeeding after the baby is born. It’s all secured by an interior button that keeps the straps in place and prevents slipping. The midi length makes this a great option for active parents, even those who are busy chasing toddlers. Available in multiple colors, from black and gray to pretty pastels, it can easily be paired with casual sneakers, ballet flats, or other comfortable pregnancy shoes. 

But Take Note

This is a form-fitting dress, so it’s not a great option if you’re looking for something flowy.  

The Details:

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 1XL
• Material: Viscose and spandex
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes

Why We Like It

Look formal and put together effortlessly in this sumptuous silk dress—one of the most comfortable on our list. The loose fit is stylish regardless of your bump size and flows nicely as you move. The cap sleeves add a bit of extra coverage that’s great for the office, and you can easily dress it up with a blazer or cardigan. The midi length means you can wear it with flats, sneakers, or pumps. 

We love that this dress is made with a touch of spandex so it can expand with your growing body and ensure you’re comfortable whether sitting at a desk all day, moving from meeting to meeting, or commuting. Best of all, you can throw it in the washing machine after a long day. Available in two elegant and neutral colors—black or forest green—this simple staple can be worn straight from the office to dinner with friends.

But Take Note

This dress has a zippered back, which can be challenging by yourself. It’s also not suitable for nursing.

The Details:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Material: Mulberry silk and spandex
• Nursing-Friendly: No

Why We Like It

This Old Navy pick boasts an excellent base price and is almost always on sale. It features short sleeves, a mid-calf hemline, and a button front, which makes it nursing-friendly. Best of all, it has pockets. It’s a looser fitting style, with a drawstring tie to make your waist just above the bump more defined. 

Side slits add to the airiness and comfort of this dress, while cargo pockets on the chest add to the utility-style look. While the olive and khaki colors are naturally more casual, the black could easily be dressed up with some nice shoes and a jacket.

But Take Note

The fit may not be suitable for all body types; some customers say it’s too baggy, while others say there wasn’t enough room for their hips.

The Details:

• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Material: 74% rayon, 26% polyester 
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes

Why We Like It

This chic silhouette is so stylish, it can easily go from the office to a night out. The silky maxi features adjustable straps with an elegant V-neck that shows just the right amount of décolletage. It’s not an obvious maternity garment, meaning it’s versatile enough for any stage of pregnancy and into the postpartum period. 

Wear it with flats, pumps, sandals, or sneakers, this easy breezy dress is classic and on-trend at the same time. Though this slinky dress is great for summer, it can also be worn with a chunky cardigan or fitted blazer for a more all-season look. 

But Take Note

This dress can’t be machine washed and must be dry cleaned. It’s also a splurge, but we think the classic look makes it worth it. 

The Details:

• Sizes: 0 (0-2), 1 (2-4), 2 (6-8), 3 (10-12), 4 (14-16)
• Material: Cupro
• Nursing-Friendly: Somewhat

Why We Like It

This well-priced wrap dress is a great option if you’re looking for something you can wear every day. It’s cute, casual, and totally functional, thanks to the faux tie and pockets on the side. The surplice neckline means this dress can transition to the fourth trimester because it allows easy access for nursing. Made from super-soft, pill-resistant tencel, the dress is breathable, stretchy, and comfortable. Available in three colors, it sits just above the knee with elbow-length sleeves. 

But Take Note

This dress sits above the knee, so it’s on the shorter side. It’s thin and airy, so it might not be the best choice for winter pregnancies in colder temperatures.

The Details:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Material: Tencel and spandex
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes
  

Why We Like It

Chic, formal, and form-fitting, this elegant dress is something we would totally wear when not pregnant, too. The super soft four-way stretch fabric means this dress beautifully clings to every curve and keeps you cool.

It’s simple, with an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline, and is available in four colors—black and ivory work for an evening wedding, while pale pink or baby blue are great for daytime events. We love that the material is double-lined to give you a little extra coverage while shaking it on the dance floor. 

But Take Note

This isn’t a floor-length dress, so it might not be ideal for black-tie weddings. 

The Details:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Material: Polyester and spandex
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes

Why We Like It

Sweater dresses are great for winter, and this option will keep you warm and cozy in style. Made from a rayon/polyester/nylon blend, this stretchy and form-fitting yet breathable dress features a clinging rib style that accentuates your bump. Only the top two and bottom two buttons are functional, ensuring your bump never peeks through the middle button area and allowing you to nurse in the dress if needed. The midi-length dress sits just below the knee, so you can style it with a pair of boots for a fun winter style. 

But Take Note

While this dress can absolutely be washed in the washing machine, it must be hung to dry. Since the fabric is delicate and stretchy the brand does not recommend hanging the dress while in storage. 

The Details:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Material: 50% rayon, 31% polyester, 19% nylon
• Nursing-Friendly: Yes

Our Review Process 

When searching for the best maternity dresses we considered a variety of factors: 

• Comfort: Many pregnant people find themselves getting hot or sweating in places they aren't used to, so maternity clothes should be made of high-quality, breathable, and stretchy materials that aren’t too restrictive. 
• Functionality: We aimed to select dresses that are easy to get on and off and to move around in. We looked for things like convenient snaps or buttons, zippers in easy-to-reach places, and pockets for storing your phone or keys. We know that it can be challenging to chase after toddlers or bend down while wearing short dresses, so we looked for dresses that were midi or ankle length. 
• Versatility: Buying a ton of maternity clothes can seem wasteful since you’ll only be wearing them for a certain amount of time, so we searched for versatile items that can be worn while not pregnant, too. We wanted to find dresses that could be worn through the fourth trimester or while nursing to give you some extra bang for your buck. 

Our Experts

For this piece, we spoke to two mothers who are experts in parenting gear and clothing design: 

• Susie Stubbs, a mother of two and the founder of Totter & Tumble, a baby mat company that marries safety and function with style and design.
• Zara Terez Tisch, a mother of three with experience in clothing design and manufacturing, and founder of TEREZ, an activewear and ready-to-wear line of clothes for mothers and kids.

Factors to Consider When Buying Maternity Dresses

• Fit and Sizing: Finding options that fit well is essential to feeling comfortable. If you like to show off your growing belly, tighter dresses with ample stretch will put your bump on display. If you’re pregnant in the peak summer months and need something more airy, select a flowy dress that won’t cause any excess sweating or chafing. Most maternity clothes are sized to match your pre-pregnancy size, but it’s always best to consult a brand’s sizing guide before making your purchase. 
• Style: When it comes to style, select dresses that you wouldn’t mind wearing while not pregnant—that way you can get some extra use out of them during the postpartum months. You’ll likely need a little extra coverage around the belly and chest. A lot of maternity dresses come in flowy styles, but it can be fun to show off your belly, too. If you opt for a dress that hugs your curves, make sure it’s made from a material that has ample stretch so it can grow with you without feeling constrictive. 
• Practicality: Tisch says the most important thing is avoiding dresses that have complicated straps or zippers: “You want to make sure you can get to the bathroom quickly.” How much functionality you want from your dress depends on where and how long you plan to wear it. An everyday dress needs to be more functional than a special occasion dress. If you already have kids, you may want pockets, zippers, and longer lengths. If you want a dress you can wear for breastfeeding after your baby is born, make sure it features clasps, buttons, a low neckline, or other elements that make accessing your breasts easy. 
• Materials: Selecting clothes made from high-quality, breathable materials is particularly important during pregnancy. “Your body temperature and the way the dress moves and feels will change every day,” said Tisch, so you’ll want to find a dress made of comfortable, breathable materials. “Quality fabrics will not only last longer, but they are going to be better for your pre- and postpartum body,” added Stubbs.

What Dress Styles Are the Most Flattering for a Growing Baby Bump? 

Tisch says wearing fitted clothes that show off your bump (rather than hide it) is a more flattering style choice—just make sure they come with plenty of stretch to accommodate your growth. She suggests opting for fitted A-line dresses that accentuate your bump but flare out at the bottom, giving you plenty of space to move around while letting air flow freely.

How Many Maternity Dresses Do I Need? 

The amount of maternity dresses you’ll need depends on how often you typically wear dresses, what season you’re most heavily pregnant in, and what climate you live in. If you’re expecting an early fall baby, you’ll want to stock up on more airy summer dresses than someone expecting a late winter baby. If you wear dresses every day, you’ll want to buy five to six. If you wear dresses less frequently, you’ll be all set with two or three. A special occasion dress may be a separate purchase if you get invited to a fancy event.

Who We Are

Laura Denby is a product reviews writer with experience reviewing everything from coffee makers to postpartum underwear. She is the mother of one active toddler and currently pregnant with her second.