What to wear this summer if you’re pregnant

What to wear this summer if you're pregnant - maternity fashion

by Eve Miller |
Updated on

When you're pregnant, dressing for the weather is important, whether you're looking for summer maternity clothes or maternity clothes for winter. Pregnancy comes with changes and getting the right maternity clothes will help you with those changes while still expressing your personal style.

Summer is the time of the year we've all been waiting for. Strolls in the park, day trips to the beach, and, preparing for your new arrival - it all means that your wardrobe needs to work for the weather. Whether you're jetting off on a babymoon next month or planning some days in the sun before the sleepless nights kick in, you'll want to do it in style and comfort.

Summer maternity fashion typically grows with you and bump, remaining breathable as the temperature rises. The heat can be even more overwhelming when you're pregnant, so the right clothing can really make the difference. If you pick out the right summer staples for your maternity wardrobe, getting the right size (whether you're looking for plus-size maternity clothes or petite maternity clothes), fit, and design, you'll be feeling fabulous and enjoying the sun in no time.

Editor's Choice

• Best summer maternity staple: ASOS DESIGN Maternity broderie v neck midi dress
• Best summer maternity cycling shorts: ASOS DESIGN Maternity over the bump basic legging short in black
• Best summer maternity party dress: JoJo Maman Bébé Lemon Bloom Print Shirred Maternity Midi Dress
• Best maternity summer shorts: Dorothy Perkins Maternity Under Bump Denim Boy Shorts

If you're wondering what to wear this summer if you're pregnant, we’ve found some of the best offers right now so you can look gorgeous and feel as comfortable as possible too.

The perfect picks for your summer maternity wardrobe

Best summer maternity staple

If you're looking for a beautiful and lightweight summer dress that's bang on trend, this ASOS DESIGN Maternity broderie v neck midi dress is definitely a winner. We love the embroidered details and cut-out pattern, plus the floaty sleeves. Pair with your favourite necklace and some comfy sandals for a gorgeous look.

Pros

  • Fits from bump to baby
  • Lightweight and breathable

Cons

  • No reviews yet
Material:100% Cotton
Sizes:UK 6-20

Best summer maternity T-Shirt

Designed for exercise, this Tu Clothing Grey Active Maternity T-Shirt is also perfect for when a heatwave hits. It's loose and breathable, but the tie detail at the front makes a stylish option for your maternity fashion collection. It grows with your bump so you'll be able to really get your money's worth with this pick.

One reviewer said: "So soft and very comfy - I bought this for my fed up pregnant daughter. It's a nice fit and offers comfort and a little bit of a casual style."

Pros

  • Comfortable loose fit
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Limited size range
Material:86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
Sizes:UK 8-14

Best summer maternity cycling shorts

Cycling shorts are super on trend right now, and these ASOS DESIGN Maternity over the bump basic legging shorts will give you that look plus the room for your bump to remain comfortable. The elasticated waistband has just the right amount of give to it without the shorts losing their shape. You can pair with a T-shirt for a more casual look or add a blazer and jewellery to dress it up. These are also great for popping under dresses and skirts for our thicker-thigh girlies.

Pros

  • Elasticated waistband
  • Next-level comfort

Cons

  • No reviews yet
Material:86% Viscose, 14% Elastane
Sizes:UK 6-20

Best summer maternity party dress

Coming in a vibrant lemon print that screams summer, this JoJo Maman Bébé Lemon Bloom Print Shirred Maternity Midi Dress with ruffle details is feminine and fun. The square neck and shirred chest is comfortable and fits beautifully, plus the empire waist is perfect for a growing bump. This is a flattering choice that will look great for any summer event.

Pros

  • Flattering design
  • Designed to fit throughout pregnancy

Cons

  • Not tumble-dryer safe
Material:100% Cotton
Sizes:S-L

Best maternity blouse for summer

With 3/4 length frill sleeves and v-neckline, this pretty Yours BUMP IT UP MATERNITY Curve White Broderie Anglaise Blouse is light and airy. The soft cotton fabric is incredibly breathable, so when the temperatures rise, you can remain cool and comfortable while feeling your best. We love this top paired with some jeans and sandals.

Pros

  • Easy to wash
  • Also comes in a lovely blue colour

Cons

  • No reviews yet
Material:100% Cotton
Sizes:UK 14-32

Best maternity summer address for formal events

This Seraphine Tula Shirred Tiered Midi Maternity Dress is truly stunning and bound to get you a bunch of compliments when you wear it. With a shirred bodice, pockets, and adjustable straps, this dress is all about effortless style and comfort. It's designed to keep you cool so, it's a win-win.

Pros

  • Adjustable straps
  • Breathable design

Cons

  • Only machine Washable at 30°C
Material:100% Viscose
Sizes:UK 6-20

Best maternity summer shorts

Dorothy Perkins Maternity Under Bump Denim Boy Shorts
Price: $14.50 (Was £29)

www.dorothyperkins.com

No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim shorts and these Dorothy Perkins Maternity Under Bump Denim Boy Shorts are the perfect choice for expectant mums. They sit under the bump and feel secure, without making you feel squished. They're made sustainably too which is a nice bonus.

Pros

  • Large back pockets
  • Designed for comfort

Cons

  • Limited sizes available
Material:76% Organic Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Elastane
SizesUK 8-22

Best maternity summer playsuit

Cool and casual, this ASOS DESIGN Maternity crinkle collared smock playsuit in rust looks fab and oozes beach vibes. We love the buttons on the front plus the trendy spread collar. You can easily pair this with some trainers or sandals, plus some sunglasses for a super chic maternity look.

Pros

  • Bump to baby design
  • Breathable and lightweight

Cons

  • Only one colour available
Material:100% Cotton.
Sizes:UK 4-20

Best summer maternity top

Seraphine Yellow Floral Maternity Blouse
Price: $32 (Was £45)

www.seraphine.com

This Seraphine Yellow Floral Maternity Blouse is literally designed as 'made for fun in the sun', and with such a lovely design, we can see why. It's classic but modern, plus it's designed to grow with your bump. The loose fit is easy-breezy, plus it's ideal for nursing when your little one arrives.

Pros

  • Soft against the skin
  • Flattering princess seams

Cons

  • Selling out fast
Material:Woven Viscose
Sizes:UK 6-18

Best casual summer maternity dress

Made from comfortable and breathable jersey fabric, we're loving this New Look Maternity Khaki Sleeveless Smock Mini Dress. It accommodates to your bump with the oversized fit, but the mini length keeps it fun and stylish. If you're not a fan of the khaki, it also comes in a gorgeous pink colour too.

Pros

  • Sleeveless for summer
  • Oversized fit

Cons

  • May be too short for taller mamas
Material:96% Polyester, 4% Elastane
Sizes:UK 8-20

What should you wear in the summer during pregnancy?

What all the clothing items above have in common is they're all designed to make summer maternity fashion super easy. In the end of the day, you should be wearing whatever makes you feel good while you're pregnant. A combination of comfort, breathability, and style is the winning formula.

What fabrics should you wear in the summer while pregnant?

The right fabrics can make the world of difference when it gets hotter outside and you're pregnant. Keeping cool and comfortable while you're pregnant is important for your wellbeing, making it key to your baby's wellbeing too. You'll also want a fabric that has some give to it for your growing bump and then nursing in the future.

Cotton and viscose are breathable and soft while polyester is durable and comfortable. These are all great options for summer, especially if they're mixed with some elastane for some added give and flattering feel.

What are other maternity summer fashion essentials?

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to get everything for summer that's specific to that. Your regular sun hats, sunglasses, and sandals may work for you just fine, and you should be wearing sunscreen no matter what. But when it comes to maternity fashion, you may need to buy special maternity swimwear or beach cover-ups for the warmer months. Swimming is a great exercise choice for pregnant people after all.

Sleeping in the summer can become increasingly difficult when you're pregnant, so making sure you have the right maternity sleep bras can make staying as comfortable as possible in the heat a lot easier too.

Eve Miller is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby, working for Bauer Media for over two years. She is passionate about beauty, creative writing, and women’s healthcare.

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