20 Maternity Summer Dresses You’ll Live in This Season
With high temps in the forecast, a summer pregnancy calls for summer maternity clothes. There are plenty of seasonal separates on the market, like ruched tees and side-panel shorts, but when the weather heats up, you just can’t beat an easy, breezy maternity sundress.
During pregnancy “it can get extremely hot, because not only are you carrying all that additional weight, but your hormones are also doing a number on you,” says Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist and mom of two. Fortunately, maternity dresses allow for ample airflow and loose-fitting styles won’t stick to you in sweaty weather. Teich—who regularly works with moms who want to edit their closets and wardrobes for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond—loves “breezy, flowy and caftan-style dresses for early on in the pregnancy,” she says. “They’re easy to wear, especially if you want to conceal the bump.” Later in pregnancy, “you may want to opt for something more form-fitting,” she adds. Especially once you’ve really popped, “I find that if you have too much fabric, you just feel massive. It’s a great time to show off curves and that bump!” Speaking of fabric, Twitch recommends maternity summer dresses made from breathable materials like linen, cotton, Lyocell and viscose.
Ready to start shopping? Scroll to see our pick of the best maternity summer dresses for this season.
In this article:
We get it—dressing for the summer is not a walk in the park, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your growing bump and raging hormones. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. Here are the steps we took to create this article:
- We interviewed a New York City-based stylist and mom of two who’s a pro at styling pregnant and postpartum mamas and has a ton of real-life experience making these kinds of recommendations on the regular.
- We considered a list of criteria when sourcing these dresses, including quality and durability, comfort, value and style. That way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having some cute and comfy looks to get you through the season.
- We leveraged our familiarity with leading maternity brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers.
- To see how these dresses fit expectant moms, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in a maternity sundress.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Striped maternity sundress
This cotton striped frock from Seraphine is one of our favorite casual maternity summer dresses, since it’s versatile enough for any outing. The cap sleeves, pockets and optional belt waist give this simple dress an upscale style. Once baby is on the scene, the dress will seamlessly transition into your postpartum wardrobe thanks to the invisible zippers at the side, which allow for easy nursing access.
Material: Cotton | Size range: US 2 to 14 | Washing instructions: Not specified
Smocked maternity sundress
Searching for a summer dress to see you through multiple seasons? Look no further than this comfortable pick by Kindred Bravely. Available in lilac and black, this midi dress can be worn before, during and after pregnancy. The empire-waist and flowing skirt leaves plenty of room for your bump, while the stretchy smocked bodice lifts up for easy nursing access. The straps have sweet bow details for a feminine touch and can be adjusted to three different lengths. Oh, and did we mention that this dress has pockets?
Material: 57% cotton/38% modal/5% spandex | Size range: S to 1X | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold
Stretchy slim-fit dress
When it’s hot outside, getting as close to naked as possible is a pregnant mama’s MO. This moveable slip from Bumpsuit is made of a flexible four-way stretch fabric (in seven pretty shades) that skims the body, accentuates your assets and highlights your baby bump—taking you from day to night with a quick accessory or shoe swap.
Material: 97% polyester/3% spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Not specified
Puff sleeve maternity sundress
Anyone else feel like they need some retro aviators to finish off this look? This solid-hued maternity dress features a square neckline, long puff sleeves, a smocked elastic back, a ruffle hem and a double-lined skirt that has movement for days. And when you have kaleidoscopic coral, light blue, mauve or olive green shades to choose from, you can’t go wrong!
Material: Polyester/cotton lining | Size range: S to L | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry
Ruched maxi dress
Teich says maxi dresses are one of the best trends to explore “when you don’t want your legs to show—especially when you get to the point where you can’t reach to shave.” And we’re inclined to agree! This long black dress features bump-flattering side ruching and a tasteful side slit. It also has short sleeves, which is nice for a casual look with flats or gladiator sandals. But throw on some pointy-toe shoes and do a side-swept ponytail with some soft curls, and you’ve taken this already-elevated T-shirt dress to a whole other level.
Material: 95% rayon/5% spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Machine wash and dry flat
Shirt maternity summer dress
In need of maternity summer clothes for work? A shirt dress is always a safe bet. This pick by Old Navy hits the mid-thigh and cap sleeves, so you’re covered up but won’t overheat on your morning commute. While it’s totally office-appropriate, you could definitely dress it down at the weekend. Available in khaki, black and beige.
Material: 74% rayon/26% polyester | Size range: XS to XXL | Washing instructions: Not specified
Tiered maternity maxi dress
With floaty summer maternity clothes like this tropical look from GAP, you’ll never want the season to end. The tiered, smock style can easily accommodate your growing bump, the square neck flawlessly frames the decolletage and the spaghetti straps let your arms and neck breathe. Whether you’re headed to the park, the beach or an outdoor brunch with friends, this pregnancy summer dress is all you’ll need.
Material: Cotton | Size range: XXS to XXL | Washing instructions: Machine wash
Short wrap dress
We love a good puff sleeve anyday, but it’s even more beautiful on someone who’s pregnant. This short maternity summer dress nails the trend and has a swingy A-line skirt that offers ample airflow. Switch out your summer sandals for some cute ballerina flats, and you’ve got a date-night vibe to rival them all.
Material: Cotton | Size range: S/M to L/XL | Washing instructions: Not specified
White maternity sundress
You really can’t beat a white dress when the sun is shining. This pretty cotton sundress has an eyelet pattern, flutter sleeves and a smock bodice for ultimate comfort. Wear it on or off the shoulder for a cute summer outfit.
Material: Viscose/cotton | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold
Floral maternity maxi dress
This maternity summer dress gives us serious Santorini vibes. The blue and white floral print, crossover bodice and flowy skirt are just so pretty. Meanwhile adjustable straps and a smock panel at the back keep things practical. Better yet, it’s post-bump friendly so you can wear it for years to come.
Material: Rayon | Size range: S to L | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold
Slip-on maternity sundress
The best summer maternity outfits feel effortless. Case in point: This slip-on dress by Ingrid + Isabel. Perfect for pottering around the house or a babymoon vacation, this dress has a deep V-neckline and hem slits that give you complete freedom of movement. Pair it with sandals and a sunhat or a denim jacket and sneakers, either way it’ll look super-cute.
Material: 87% polyester/11% rayon/2% spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold
Two-tone maternity dress
This two-toned sleeveless maternity summer dress, courtesy of Sexy Mama Maternity, is an absolute beauty. The bold pattern is oh-so-flattering and the ultra-soft stretch material will hug your curves in all the right places. Pair it with open-toed wedges and a crossbody bag for a casual yet put-together daytime look. (Because those days of leaving the house without a bulky diaper bag are numbered!).
Material: Not specified | Size range: 00-20 | Washing instructions: Not specified
Linen maternity summer dress
If you’ve been dreaming of nothing but cottagecore maternity photos, consider this dreamy dress from Nothing But Fits. We love the gingham print and that off-the-shoulder, smocked elastic bodice has just the right kind of stretch to support your budding bump.
Material: Linen | Size range: S/M to M/L | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold
Red stripe maternity dress
Love French girl style? Check out this Breton stripe dress by HATCH Collection. It has a delicate ballet-inspired neckline, a fit and flair silhouette and elbow length short sleeves. Trés chic.
Material: 64% polyester/29% rayon/7% spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold
Cotton maternity summer dress
Easy dresses are prime for summer, whether you’re pregnant or not! We especially love this one since it’s maternity-friendly instead of straight-up maternity. Crafted from breathable cotton, the oversized silhouette is sublime for any mama who wants to be comfy, but not at the expense of style. The tiered skirt and gathered sleeves give the updated smock some feminine energy that we’re all about.
Material: Cotton | Size range: 1X to 3X | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
Flutter sleeve maternity dress
A summer pregnancy is no joke. Instead of letting the high summer temps bring you down, just imagine wearing this dress on a sailboat with the wind in your hair, the taste of saltwater on your lips and a sparkling, non-spirit something in your glass—no sea-sickness in sight. The smock detailing, whimsy flutter sleeves and preppy pink stripes will instantly transport you to Newport, Sag Harbor or Catalina.
Material: Rayon | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Dry clean only
Woven maternity sundress
Not everything has to be from a maternity-specific line in order to qualify as an easy, breezy option for expectant moms. Case in point: this woven midi dress with a halter back and an all-over print design. The frothy sundress and dual bathing suit cover-up give us all the best summer vibes. How refreshing!
Material: Viscose | Size range: XS to XXL | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry
T-shirt dress
Of all the maternity summer dresses you buy, you’ll likely get the most use out of a basic T-shirt dress like this soft and simple option from H&M. The straight-cut dress has easy nursing access and sits just above the knee for an uber-flattering, yet relaxed look. The only challenge? Which cool colorway to choose: black or khaki green?
Material: Cotton | Size range: XS to XXL | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold
Lilac maternity summer dress
Love the look of a bodycon dress but crave the comfort of a stretch fabric? We hear you Mama. This dress offers the best of both worlds as the buttery-soft jersey material hugs your curves, while the smocking stretches to fit your changing shape. And that lilac floral print? So pretty.
Material: 95% rayon/5% spandex | Size range: XS to XL | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold
Broderie Anglaise maternity sundress
Last up on our list of the best maternity summer dresses is this pretty, plus-size style. Designed with curvy moms in mind, this dress has a free-flowing tiered skirt and a deep V-neckline. Plus, the mint green shade is perfect for a spring-summer wardrobe refresh.
There are tons of fashion-forward maternity brands online, so you can shop maternity summer dresses from the comfort of your home, avoiding the stuffy dressing rooms and seemingly endless lines. Here are our five favorite places to buy cute maternity summer dresses.
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HATCH. For quality maternity clothes that’ll last you through pregnancy and beyond, HATCH is known for chic looks that will make even your non-pregnant friends jealous. We’re obsessed with the brand’s summer collection that’s chock-full of floaty feminine styles made from natural fabrics.
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H&M MAMA. Moms-to-be who want to stock up on easy-wear basics and airy, woven-cotton pieces for summertime while on a budget will have no problem finding them at H&M, Teich says. T-shirt dresses, sleeveless tank styles and versatile wear now/nurse later options round out the collection, with most available at price points under $50.
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PinkBlush Maternity. This brand has a fantastic range of trendy maternity sundresses and plus-size styles at an affordable price point.
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Bumpsuit. You may have seen this brand pop up on your Instagram feed, especially if you’re into the “hot pregnant mom” trend! The brand’s slinky, sexy dresses are something Teich wishes she could have slipped into during her own pregnancies. If you’re after a stylish, celebratory look, you’ll find it here.
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Rachel Pally. This LA designer got her start with jersey dresses, so it tracks that more than 20 years after her career-launching capsule came to be, she’d still be creating fashion with comfort and ease in mind. These days, though, her dresses are crafted with even more ethically sourced, maternity-friendly fabrications, from organic cotton gauze to lightweight linen and buttery-soft modal.
About the writer:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting topics. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Liz Teich is a New York-based fashion stylist, style creator, on-air style expert and mom of two. She has been a professional commercial stylist for over a decade, styling fashion and home goods for print and digital advertising campaigns for major brands and retailers.
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