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12 of the Best Maternity Dresses That Can Be Worn From Bump Until Baby

According to someone who's been pregnant three times

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best maternity dresses universal
Hatch/Storq

First and foremost, congrats on your pregnancy! Now, before you get overwhelmed shopping for adorable baby clothes, nursery furniture and the one thousand other things you’ll need to get in preparation for the new arrival, take some time to focus on the things you need right at this very moment. Like, say, a new bump-friendly wardrobe. When it comes to pregnancy fashion, maternity dresses are a true game changer. They’re comfortable, can expand with your growing belly and work for any and every season, event and sense of style. In short, stocking up on this beloved wardrobe staple is an absolute most.

Because you have more than enough on your plate as you prep for becoming a mom, I did the work for you and rounded up some of the best dresses on the internet. Whether you’re searching for casual and flowy sundresses to keep things light and breezy, hoping for a chic mini that’s perf for date night, or in need of a floor length gown for your upcoming pregnancy photos, this list has it all. Here, 12 of the best maternity dresses for every need.

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The Best Maternity Dresses at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Hatch The Carolina Dress

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2

Best Summer Maternity Dress

Seraphine Sage Dot Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress

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3

Best Budget Maternity Dress

Old Navy Maternity Short-Sleeve Bodycon Dress

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4

Best Black Maternity Dress

Storq Everlasting Midi Tank Dress

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5

Best Caftan Maternity Dress

Storq Breeze Caftan

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How I Chose the Best Maternity Dresses

First and foremost, I peeped inside my own wardrobe. I am currently pregnant with my third child so I have a fair bit of experience with maternity wear. Additionally, all my due dates have been in completely different seasons (bad planning on my part), so the dresses I've recommended are either versatile enough to work for all types of weather or they're just so comfy and chic that they’re worth the one-season splurge. Next, I asked PureWow editors who are either currently pregnant or were recently pregnant to give me their top picks. And finally, I scoured the internet for top-rated maternity dresses. The result is a list of frocks and gowns that are stylish, comfortable and durable (so much so you just might forget that you’re growing a human being inside your body!).

The 12 Best Maternity Dresses

best maternity dresses hatch carolina dress 1
Hatch

Best Overall

1. Hatch The Carolina Dress

What I Like

  • belted waist
  • breathable material

What I Don't Like

  • only available in gingham
  • pricey when not on sale

Hatch

This chic dress came highly recommended by not one, but two PureWow Editors—and it's easy to see why. "I wore this one several times throughout various bump sizes of my pregnancy and it was always so flattering and comfortable," raves Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. "The quality is unmatched, too. It's very thick and amply lined while still feeling breathable."

With a classic silhouette that pairs nicely with pretty much everything in your closet, this little number comes in two pretty hues (sunrise gingham and white/blue gingham) and is made with 98 percent cotton. It’s also highly breathable and ridiculously comfy to wear without sacrificing the style factor. Equipped with a belted waist, it’s easily adjustable and works wonderfully with all body types. And, most conveniently of all, this design is nursing friendly, too.

Fast Facts

best-maternity-dresses-seraphine-white-dot-print
Seraphine

Best Summer Maternity Dress

2. Seraphine Sage Dot Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress

What I Like

  • super comfortable
  • flattering fit

What I Don't Like

  • not for all seasons
  • only available in one color

Seraphine

I bought this dress when I was pregnant with my first child and it looks just as good now, almost six years later. (Mine is in a light blue shade that's no longer available, but truth be told I prefer this sage hue.) That's what you get with royal-favorite brand (Kate Middleton is a fan!) Seraphine—timeless pieces made to last.

The material is super soft and stretchy while being durable, and I appreciate the flattering details like the faux-wrap front with ties and V neckline. The dress falls just above the knee which makes it a great choice for warmer months; one of my favorite photos of me pregnant is from my third trimester during my first pregnancy when I'm sporting this dress at the beach! Even better? Once baby arrives you can wear it for nursing thanks to the wrap that opens up for easy access.

Fast Facts

  • Material: viscose, elastaine
  • Size range: XS to XXL
old navy maternity bodycon dress 1
Old Navy

Best Budget Maternity Dress

3. Old Navy Maternity Short-Sleeve Bodycon Dress

What I Like

  • affordable
  • available in five shades

What I Don't Like

  • some reviewers say it fits too snug

Old Navy

“For everyday wear, I loved the fit and affordability of this Old Navy T-shirt dress,” says VP of Editorial, Candace Davison. “It has great stretch and didn't ride up as I went about my day. I'd pair it with an open chambray shirt or denim jacket and sneakers—it was an easy outfit to throw together and rush out the door.”

This crew neck, short sleeved number is simple yet stylish, and can easily be dressed up or down. It is form-fitting, which some moms-to-be find highly flattering while others prefer something looser (many buyers recommend sizing up). But considering that you’ll only be wearing this dress for a couple of months, you really can’t beat the price.

Fast Facts

  • Material: cotton, spandex
  • Size range: XS to XXL
storq-everlasting-midi-tank-dress
Storq

Best Black Maternity Dress

4. Storq Everlasting Midi Tank Dress

What I Like

  • comfortable
  • versatile design

What I Don't Like

  • built-in bra not great for larger cup sizes

Storq

While Senior Director of Special Projects Rachel Bowie also loves the Hatch Carolina dress, she says that she's currently living in this one from Storq. “Bump support that protects my back and a built-in bra—it’s the best!” she raves.

The stretchy fabric "feels like butter" per the brand and the form fitting design plus built-in shelf bra is the opposite of frumpy maternity dresses of yesteryear. Also available in a cocoa color, the black hue is undeniably versatile—team with a leather jacket and sneakers for date night or wear it as a lounge dress while you binge Netflix at home. Either way, you'll be perfectly comfortable.

Fast Facts

  • Material: modal, spandex 
  • Size range: XS to 4XL
best-maternity-dresses-storq-caftan
Storq

Best Caftan Maternity Dress

5. Storq Breeze Caftan

What I Like

  • flattering fit
  • pockets included

What I Don't Like

  • only available in one color
  • some sizes not currently available

Storq

I'm all for form fitting maternity wear (seriously—show off that bump!) but sometimes, you really just want to throw something on that looks good and doesn’t announce to the world that you have a tiny human growing inside of you. Enter: this easy breezy caftan.

Pregnant or not, caftans are great for accommodating all shapes and sizes. This one happens to also be excellent for changing bodies, with plenty of give in the stomach area plus a fun print that feels more Mediterranean than "mommy". I ordered this dress specifically for my third pregnancy since my third trimester is in summertime and I'm pleased to report that you can even sport this tunic in a heatwave and feel fresh (ish). But my favorite feature? The pockets!

Fast Facts

  • Material: rayon, cotton
  • Size range: XS to 4XL
maternity dress amazon
Amazon

Best Casual Dress

6. Smallshow Women's Short Sleeve Maternity Dress

What I Like

  • affordable
  • excellent reviews
  • multiple color options

What I Don't Like

  • some reviews are mixed regarding quality and transparency

Amazon

With more than 5,500 five-star ratings and a wallet-friendly price point, this simple yet stylish dress is kind of a no brainer. Reviewers especially like how comfortable and slimming the dress is, plus the affordability of course.

"LOVE THIS DRESS! I wear it all the time because it’s so comfortable and stretchy! Great thick quality. I have washed it so many times already and it is not see through which is a bonus! Worth the money!" writes one happy customer.

Its lightweight material won’t make you feel constricted and the classic tank design works wonderfully for an array of occasions—from baby showers to running errands or to dinner dates with the girls.

Fast Facts

  • Material: rayon, spandex
  • Size range: small—XXL
beyond yoga best maternity dresses

Best for Petites

7. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Icon Maternity Dress

What I Like

  • flattering neckline
  • three colors available

What I Don't Like

  • self shelf bra not great for larger busts

Beyond Yoga

Calling all petite moms-to-be: According to Jillian Obarski, one of several stylists on the Stitch Fix team who are dedicated to helping with maternity wear, bodycon styles allow you to play up your bump in a way that’s flattering while still looking relaxed. And this midi number with its square neckline, self shelf bra and side slit is one of the chicest options out there. Shirred sides mean you can wear it throughout pregnancy.

"I have loved this dress throughout my pregnancy! I get so many compliments on this dress and feel so confident in it. I have it in two colors and wish the weather had been nicer while I was pregnant so I could have worn them more," raves one reviewer.

Speaking of weather, here's another pro tip from Obarski: Pop on a cardigan for an easy—and cozy—layer.

Fast Facts

  • Material: polyester, elastane
  • Size range: XS to XL
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ASOS

Best Floral Dress

8. Asos Hope & Ivy Maternity Wrap Maxi Dress

What We Like

  • lightweight
  • pretty design

What We Don't Like

  • not for all seasons

Asos

Avoid overheating with this lightweight frock that will keep you cool no matter how high temps rise. With a V-neck and tie-back fastening design, this one draws the eye to all the right places. And per Obarski, the best maternity clothing offers a bit of give and flexibility which is why a wrap dress like this one is ideal. And yes, there's only one print available but isn't it so pretty? The airy fabric and floral design scream summer pool party to me, but I can also see this being the ultimate baby shower or babymoon 'fit.

Fast Facts

  • Material: polyester
  • Size range: 2 to 12
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ingrid+isabel

Best for Cool Weather

9. ingrid+isabel Nella Rib Nursing Sweater Dress

What I Like

  • chic sweater dress
  • can be worn for nursing
  • durable material

What I Don't Like

  • only one color available

ingrid+isabel

Make sure you stay warm against cold weather’s chill with this dreamy knit dress. A wear-anywhere style that'll get you out of the house in five seconds flat, I love the small slit at the leg and the Ivy color that feels perfect for winter or autumn (although I do wish more shades were available). The viscose-nylon blend material is as soft as your favorite sweatshirt, but looks far more luxe, so you can wear this sweater dress out and about in comfort and style.

The material is stretchy yet durable, and the dress is designed for postpartum too, thanks to the discrete lift-up top for nursing moms. "I'm all about comfort, and this dress delivers with its soft and stretchy material," writes one reviewer, adding that she plans to wear it post-pregnancy too.

Fast Facts

  • Material: viscose, nylon
  • Size range: XS to XL
best maternity dresses mother bee maternity v neck
Amazon

Best Maxi

10. Mother Bee Maternity Ruched Maxi Dress

What I Like

  • ruched waist
  • super soft

What I Don't Like

  • some reviewers report the dress is quite thin

Amazon

Featuring a ruched empire waist and crafted from soft and stretchy material, this maxi number is the perfect seasonal dress for autumn and fall. I especially love the crossover neckline, which makes it super easy to nurse on the go. No wonder it boasts over 6,800 five-star reviews. Plus, it’s available in tons of different color options—from a cobalt blue to a vibrant floral print—so you’re for sure going to find one that matches your style.

"The Mother Bee Maternity Dress is a must-have for any expecting mother looking for a blend of elegance, comfort, and versatility. It's a dress that grows with you, adapts to various occasions, and makes you feel beautiful and comfortable during a special time in your life," writes one reviewer.

Fast Facts

  • Material: polyester, spandex
  • Size range: small to large
ecavus off shoulder best maternity dresses

Best Formal Maternity Dress

11. Ecavus Off-the-shoulder Long-sleeve Gown

What I Like

  • comfortable
  • multiple color options

What I Don't Like

  • not for everyday wear

Maybe you have a wedding on the calendar or you're planning a maternity shoot—this off the shoulder number is an excellent choice for any upcoming formal events. Equal parts elegant and comfortable, it's made with super stretchy fabric that will be kind to your growing tummy and comes in seven different color options. Plus, it looks just as chic with some pretty pumps as it does a strappy pair of sandals.

Writes one happy customer: "I wore this dress for my maternity pictures, and it looked perfect. It snugged my belly just enough to show my bump. This dress has a good amount of stretch and is very comfortable."

Fast Facts

  • Material: polyester, spandex
  • Size range: S to XL
nursing gown amazon best maternity dresses
Amazon

Most Versatile

12. Ekouaer Nursing Dress Nightgown

What I Like

  • can be worn during daytime, nighttime and postpartum
  • multiple color options

What I Don't Like

  • some reviewers say sizes run big

Ekouaer

When it comes to versatility, this flowy pick delivers. Dubbed as a three-in-one style, this little number works as a casual daytime frock during your pregnancy or as a snuggly nightgown, and can also be worn postpartum. Oh, and the easy V-neck access means you could also wear it while laboring if you so choose. (Peep the specially designed neckline that makes nursing a breeze.) The spandex-like material is both stretchy and breathable and it comes in an array of colors (20!), so you’re bound to find one—or two—you absolutely love.

"I LOVE this gown," writes one mom-to-be. "The material is not super thick [or] hot, it’s thinner but in a cooling kind of way [not] a cheap way. I have been very hot this pregnancy so that is so important. I love the v line neck, it opens easily so pumping or breastfeeding will be easy in this. the gown also [cinches] above the belly so it’s cute. I’ve been living in this gown because I don’t sweat as much, it’s SO comfortable [and] it’s one of the only things I feel like I look good in without feeling like a whale."

Fast Facts

  • Material: polyester, spandex
  • Size range: S to 3XL

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Executive Editor

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  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK

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