Best Maternity Dresses for Summer

Plus-sized maternity wear often looks baggy and shapeless, but this boho dress really hits the mark. It’s available in a wide range of plus sizes, and the maxi-length skirt is balanced out by short sleeves and slits in the skirt to keep you cool. It’s affordable enough where you could buy a few in different colors to rotate throughout the summer. Moms love how flattering and comfortable it is, and how it can be dressed down or up depending on the weather or the occasion. Just note that polyester, while super stretchy, is not particularly breathable, so if you live in a very humid climate, this might not be the dress for you. 

Material: 100 percent polyester

Sizes: 14 Plus - 26 Plus

WTE moms love Kindred Bravely’s nursing bras and maternity underwear, and the same goes for the brand’s super comfy lounge dress. “Kindred Bravely has really nice stuff. It’s pricey, but they have sales,” shares one WTE mom. The casual T-shirt dress is made from bamboo, which is soft and breathable, and a nursing panel for easy access if you’re breastfeeding. The hemline hits just above the knees, which will help keep you cool even on the hottest days. 

While some of the brand’s products are more expensive than others you’ll find on this list, the quality — plus how seamlessly they transition to postpartum life — make the investment well worth it to many moms. “Kindred Bravely is more expensive but has great maternity to nursing options, and great nursing rompers,” says one mom. 

Material: 95 percent viscose, 5 percent spandex

Sizes: X-Small - XXL / 1X 

For a work setting, you might want a dress that sits between casual and formal. This shirt dress hits just below the knees — perfect for any office environment — while structured short sleeves and slim fit give it a bit of style. Moms-to-be particularly like the tie waist; not only does it add extra detail, but it makes it easier to adjust the size of the dress as your belly grows. The beautiful deep navy looks gorgeous on everyone, but it’s also available in black for more formal office environments. The only downside: It’s hand wash only, but that’s common for professional wear.

Material: 100 percent polyester

Sizes: 2-14

Whether you’re attending a wedding or just need a show-stopping dress for an evening event, this Amazon number is an affordable option. While many formal dresses are made of stiffer fabric, moms-to-be praise the dress’s soft, jersey fabric, saying they wore it comfortably for hours. Not to mention the material is stretchy which, when paired with the side ruching, allows the dress to fit to your body at any stage of pregnancy. The off-shoulder design adds a bit of elegance, and the wide color range makes it easy to find a dress that suits your personal style.  

Material: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex

Sizes: S-XL

This pullover-style, v-neck maternity maxi dress is as flattering as it is comfy. Some maxis can have a bit of a shapeless style, but this one has an elastic gathering right under the bust. Not only does this provide a bit of shape for the dress, but it also gives your bump room to comfortably grow. The long flared skirt provides some coverage on cooler days, but isn’t so constricting that you’ll be how when the temperature shoots up. Available in dozens of colors and prints, as well as sizes, this dress is perfect for pregnancy and even postpartum. This is due in part to the v-neck, which will make nursing easier for breastfeeding moms. 

Material 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex

Sizes: S-5XL

On days you just want to practically live in a t-shirt, this dress is a stylish way to do sos. Though this isn’t specifically a maternity dress, reviewers love the stretch the dress has, whether it’s to accommodate a bump or for those post- pregnancy days when comfort is key. The dress comes in a few print options, but the real magic lies in the neutrals (black, charcoal gray, olive and more) that can be paired with pretty much anything, from a colorful sandal to a shawl or scarf on a chilly summer night.

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent elastane

Sizes: XS-XXL

This stretchy bodycon dress has a flattering ruched style to accommodate your bump while short sleeves and a midi-length skirt will keep you cool throughout the day. The rayon fabric is super soft and breathable, although some moms report that it’s a little thin. But for a fairly low price point, it’s a great, flattering option for many different sized mamas. 

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex 

Sizes: Small - XX-Large (fitting up to size 24)

One problem some people may have with sleeveless dresses is that the arm hole is either so small that the fabric is right under your armpit, or so big that you worry about side boob exposure. But the arm hole on this loose maxi dress is the perfect size. Of course, that’s not the only nice feature. Thanks to the five percent spandex, this dress has enough stretch to accommodate the body changes you’ll experience during and after pregnancy. And another perk: the dress has two deep pockets, perfect for storing car keys and a phone if you’re running a quick errand.  

Material: 95 percent rayon, 5 percent spandex

Sizes: XS-3XL

Some off the shoulder tops and dresses are great in theory, but can be lacking when it comes to actual functionality. This budget-friendly Amazon dress has the right amount of elastic to stay securely in place. Also, the eye-catching double-ruffle detail would really pop in maternity photos, and it would be an ideal baby-shower dress as well. Although the dress is designed to be fitted, the four-way stretch makes it comfortable to move in. 

Material: Polyester blend

Sizes: S-XXL

Some spaghetti straps don’t allow for any adjustments, which can be less than ideal. However, the straps on this maternity dress can be shortened or lengthened depending on your preference. This truly gives you the option to make it a comfortable fit for your desired look and bust size. Also, the tie front can be done as tightly or loosely as you like. One thing to note: don’t be turned off by the buttons in the front. They’re strictly decorative and you don’t have to actually worry about them. Just slip the dress on (there’s a stretch panel in the back) and you’re good to go. 

Material: 98 percent polyester, 2 percent viscose

Sizes : S-XXL 

Sometimes you want the loose feeling of a dress but the coverage of pants. Enter Old Navy’s jumpsuit. Made of soft, stretchy rayon, the jumpsuit provides plenty of coverage thanks to the cropped wide legs. The halter neckline and sleeveless design will help keep you cool and comfortable, and the ties under the bustline help you adjust the fit for your bump. Although it only comes in two colors — classic black and a bright pink — you can easily add some colorful shoes, jackets and jewelry to liven it up. It doesn’t hurt that WTE moms tend to love all of Old Navy’s maternity clothing, so you know this is a safe bet. 

Material: 93 percent rayon, 7 percent spandex

Sizes: XS-XXL

Although v-neck style maternity dresses can be worn as nursing dresses, this Smallshow dress was designed specifically for breastfeeding. The bodice of the dress opens up for easy breastfeeding; no need to pull down on the actual neckline of the dress and risk stretching it out. Instead, the panels make it easy to breastfeed whether you’re on the go or in the comfort of your own home. The dress comes in more than a dozen color options from a solid or printed bodice to a colorful hem that truly adds a bit of flair. 

Material: 93 percent rayon, 7 percent spandex

Sizes: S-XXL

PinkBlush is a go-to brand for many in the What to Expect community, and this elegant number is a favorite for maternity photoshoots. Aside from the gorgeous lace detailing, moms-to-be love that the bust and skirt are double-lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. We particularly love the generous skirt, which leaves plenty of room for your growing bump. The light pink is a particularly flattering color, but the dress also comes in more than 20 other shades.

Material: 100 percent polyester

Sizes: S-XL

Seraphine is a much loved brand among the WTE community, especially when it comes to their stylish dresses. The cost can be a bit expensive depending on your budget, but commenters have frequently remarked the pieces are so classic, they can be worn through multiple pregnancies. This 100 percent cotton dress is sure to keep you cool on the days you need it the most. It can easily be worn to everything from a fancy dinner to a casual backyard gathering. The colorful embroidery at the hem perfectly compliments the all white look. 

Material: 100 percent cotton

Sizes: 2-14

While you might think of Shein as the destination for affordable trendy gear, and it is, the retailer also has an entire collection of maternity wear. You’ll find anything from office wear to date night outfits and everything in between. Shopping some budget-friendly sites can be tricky because you’re just not sure of the quality, but the website has tons of in-depth reviews and even customer photos so you can actually see what the pieces look like on a range of bodies and bumps. This twist-front bodycon dress is a fan favorite for the stretch, which makes it wearable throughout trimesters. Though there’s great stretch and the dress is easy on the wallet, the material isn’t sheer. 

Material:95 percent cotton, 5 percent elastane

Sizes: S-XXL

If you’re looking for something you can just throw on without a lot of effort, you can’t go wrong with a romper. This super casual option is soft and comfy, with lots of room for your bump, and can work well for hanging around the house or even as pajamas. It’s sleeveless and has a drawstring waist to help you adjust the fit to accommodate your bump. Moms just wish it had pockets, and some found the sizing strange. 

Material: 60 percent rayon, 35 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex

Sizes: Small - X-Large