The best maternity dresses don’t just see you through your pregnancy, but after you’ve given birth too. That’s what two GLAMOUR editors on maternity leave say, anyway.
Throughout each trimester you’ll likely prioritise comfort over style, favouring the best maternity leggings, stretchy maternity jeans, and even wearing your maternity nightwear whenever you can get away with it (which is always, if you ask us). That said, maternity dresses are just as comfy and, actually, miles easier to wear. A throw-on-and-go outfit when you’re too busy creating life to think about what looks good together is a godsend.
SKIP TO: Shop the best maternity dresses 2025 | How we tested the best maternity dresses | What to look for in the best maternity dresses.
Over the nine months 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 this is highly unlikely. The good 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 post-partum.
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 a dress for a night out (tee-totalling and tearing up the dance floor until 2AM aren’t mutually exclusive, after all). Most 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.
How we tested the best maternity dresses:
The number of bump-friendly dresses out there is rather overwhelming. So, GLAMOUR’s Elle Turner and Néamh Randall, who are both currently on maternity leave, 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 post-partum. From long sleeve stretchy dresses for casual days to satin midis for nights out (because, yes, you can hit the town with bump in tow) and a gingham mini dress to pack for your babymoon, they’ve brought you the best selection of maternity dresses out there. See a handful of their faves below, and the rest if you keep scrolling…
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.
Follow