One gorgeous aspect of being pregnant is being able to dress your bump to perfection. From floaty dresses that make you feel like a goddess as a wedding guest to more paired-back looks that are perfect for a picnic, maternity summer dresses are an essential for your summer wardrobe.
However, when putting together your maternity wardrobe for the summer, there are a few things to keep in mind. As well as style, you'll also want something practical to keep you cool in the summer heat. Here are a few things to consider when dressing for summer.
Best maternity summer dresses at a glance:
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Best overall maternity summer dress: MAMA Ribbed Dress, buy from h&m, £17
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Best maternity summer dress for design: MAMA Balloon-Sleeved Patterned Dress, buy from h&m, £16
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Best maternity summer dress for its split hem design: Stripe Ribbed Scoop Neck Midi Dress, buy from Nobody's Child, £59
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Best maternity summer dress for breastfeeding: Vintage Garden Florals Cream Maxi Maternity & Breastfeeding Dress, buy from Seraphine, £99
Here are some of our favourite dresses for you to wear that are stylish, breathable, and perfect for the warmer months.
The Best Maternity Summer Dresses 2024:
Best maternity summer dress for comfort
www2.hm.com
For stylish mamas, this sleeveless and breathable ribbed dress is made from viscose, and is great for throwing on when the weather is warm. In a pop of summery pink, chic navy, or paired-back beige, this dress is definitely an outfit builder that you can layer or wear on its own; one reviewer said: "Flattering and comfortable to wear, can dress up or down. I’m usually a size 10/12 so went for a large as it’s mid-summer; it's nice and comfy, you could size down if you want it more fitted but I like the bigger size at 34 weeks."
Sizes available: S - XL
Material: LivaEco™ Viscose, Elastane
Pros
- Ribbed jersey with a round neckline
- Solid colour
Cons
- Sizes XXL is currently out of stock
Best maternity summer dress for design
www2.hm.com
A gorgeous floral print with plenty of room for bump, this smock-style dress with empire bust and balloon sleeves is ideal for a summer's day. Be as bold as you like and accessorise with bright colours, or throw on with your favourite comfy shoes for an everyday look.
Sizes available: XS - XL
Material: Lenzing Ecovero™ Viscose
Pros
- Relaxed fit
- Covered elastication
Cons
- There are only a few pieces left in sizes XS and M
Best maternity summer dress for its split hem
www.newlook.com
Everyone needs stripes in their wardrobe. This popular maternity summer dress from New Look is a fabulous addition that suits nearly every occasion. Dress up or dress down, this breathable cotton-blend dress is designed with summer in mind.
Sizes available: UK 8 - UK 20
Material: LivaEco™ Viscose
Pros
- Scoop neckline
- Designed in a cotton-blend fabric
Cons
- Sizes 12/14 are running out of stock
Best maternity summer dress for fluted sleeves
www.nobodyschild.com
Like something out of an English garden, this pretty dalia dress from Nobody's Child features a sweetheart neckline and a slimline fit to flatter your frame. It comes in a number of different prints, but with a lot of interest, these dresses are selling fast and we can see why.
Sizes available: UK 4 - UK 18
Material: Viscose
Pros
- String tie detail
- A-line skirt that skims the body
Cons
- Only sizes 4 - 18 are available
Best wrap maternity summer dress
www.seraphine.com
A classic-style dress with an empire tie detail and subtle flounce hem. Suitable for so many different occasions, dress up or dress down accordingly and if you're feeling bold, wear with a red lip colour. The button front also makes nursing super easy and allows baby access for feeding if you wear the dress once baby has arrived.
Sizes available: UK 6 - UK 18
Material: Viscose
Pros
- Soft woven viscose
- Midi length
Cons
- Sizes 16, 20, UK 10 Petite are out of stock
Best maternity summer dress for breathability
www.dorothyperkins.com
The most adorable summer maternity dress. A cute floral print with puff sleeves and ruffle hem will make you look as pretty as a picture. Perfect for summer days out and about, this lilac stunning dress in a loose-fitting fabric is both sweet and stylish.
Sizes available: UK 8 - UK 16
Material: Polyester, Elastane
Pros
- Lightweight fabric
- Features a relaxed fit with a material that can accommodate a growing bump
Cons
- Sizes 16 is out of stock
Best maternity summer dress for partial button placket
www.asos.com
A flattering white dress is a must for every maternity wardrobe. Made from soft, stretch and breathable fabric, it's perfect for the summer months. With a V neckline and empire bust, it's designed to flatter your figure and show off your bump.
Sizes available: UK 6 - UK 16
Material: Viscose, Elastane
Pros
- Shirred, stretch panel to back
- Designed to fit you from bump to baby
- Frill straps
Cons
- Sizes 12, 14 and 16 are out of stock
Best maternity summer dress for softness
www.seraphine.com
This trendy pinstripe dress features button-down detail and stretch panel fabric at the back for ultimate comfort and convenience after pregnancy, too. Made from cool linen with the softness of cotton, this maternity and nursing dress is also perfect for breastfeeding your little one.
Sizes available: UK 6 - UK 18
Material: Linen, Cotton
Pros
- Wide, bra-friendly straps
- Stretch panel at the back
- Button-down style
Cons
- Petite sizes are out of stock (6, 8, 10, 12)
Best maternity summer dress for breastfeeding
www.seraphine.com
This ethereal dress is vintage inspired, with a floral pattern and floaty maxi skirt perfect for summer days. Dress down with sandals or a pair of trainers, or dress up with heels and accessories. The top of the dress lifts up for breastfeeding access, meaning you can feed baby discreetly if this is what you're looking for.
Sizes available: UK 6 - UK 20
Material: Viscose, Elastane
Pros
- Premium cotton blend voile – fully lined
- Discreet nursing zips
- Shirred panels at the bust and back for a flexible fit
Cons
- Only sizes 6 - 20 available
Best maternity summer dress for ribbed design
www.next.co.uk
Designed in cool blue, and perfectly ribbed, this dress from Next is a showstopper. Perfect for a holiday, a lovely meal or even for wearing every day, the breathable cotton material will mean you're kept cool while you're out and about. Wear with a belt or a denim jacket, for a more relaxed fit.
Sizes available: UK 6 - UK 22
Material: Cotton
Pros
- Crafted from a ribbed jersey construction for comfort
- Stretchy with a round neckline
Cons
- Only sizes 18 and 20 are available
www.tiffanyrose.com
It might be on the expensive side, but this floral beauty from Tiffany Rose is so pretty. Versatile two-way straps can be worn on or off the shoulders for two different looks, while the gathering drapes beautifully; one reviewer said: "Beautiful dresses, very flattering fit and good quality. Lovely sateen finish, wash well, minimum iron. Can be a bit heavy when wet and take a bit longer to dry but worth it for the quality and expensive look and feel. Very happy with my purchases."
You'll be able to wear it beyond pregnancy too, as the cross-over neckline is perfect for nursing
Sizes available: UK 8 - UK 18
Material: Viscose, Elastane
Pros
- Knee length skirt
- Can be worn on or off the shoulders for two different looks
- Great for nursing
Cons
- Sizes 6-8, 12-14 are low in stock
Best shops to buy summer maternity dresses online
If you're struggling to find a summer dress to add to your maternity wardrobe, these retailers have maternity fashion down. Thankfully, with all of them in one place, it means you won't have to go trudging around shops, browsing for hours with swollen pregnancy feet.
What materials should I look for in a maternity summer dress?
Above all, when searching for maternity summer dresses, you should be looking for something breathable, comfortable, and lightweight. There's nothing worse than being hot, bothered, and unable to take a layer off when you need to most.
Keep in mind that you're carrying around a tiny human and your body is producing a lot of hormones. Your body is going to be producing a lot more heat, and a lot more sweat to cool you down than usual. That's why it's so important to have a dress you're going to be comfortable in.
It goes without saying, but stick to cooling fabrics like cotton, rayon, linen, viscose, silk, and even bamboo. The properties of these materials allow air to circulate through the fabric, meaning that your skin is able to breathe rather than this airflow being restricted.