The best maternity summer dresses to keep you cool and looking stylish

Being pregnant in summer can be really uncomfortable, especially if you’re further along your journey. Between swollen feet, feeling heavy and well, just plain over it the last thing you need is to feel uncomfortable and unfashionable. If you’re looking for comfortable and stylish maternity clothes to keep you cool, we’ve got you covered. Here we’ll answer some of the most popular questions about maternity clothes for hot weather and recommend some of our fave dresses to see you through the warmer weather. 

Check out what to wear in your third trimester to stay cool.

Tips for dressing while pregnant in hot weather

• Choose light-colored clothes where you can. Light colors reflect heat, which will help you stay cooler.
• Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat, which can make you feel even hotter. Save the synthetics for summer evening wear.
• If you’re sweating when you’re getting ready, go for looser clothes. 
• Stay hydrated and use sunblock. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and prevent heatstroke.
• Moisturize. Chafing can make you feel really uncomfortable. Use a sorbolene cream between thighs or under arms, or check out these thigh savers, perfect under a cool dress. 

Whether you’re looking for a new maxi dress, a pair of shorts, or a swimsuit, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about finding the perfect maternity clothes for hot weather.

24 of the best maternity dresses for summer

The key to dressing for summer is to think about what you’ll spend the most time in and choose the most breathable material. Opt for cotton and linen during the day as these materials will keep you cooler. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear synthetic fabrics, which many fabulous dresses are made of. Rather, save them for the evening or situations you won’t be wearing them for many hours at a time. We’ve given you plenty of options when it comes to maternity dresses using regular dresses too as well as mixes of fabrics so you’ll be sure to be inspired. 

Summer maternity dress for special occasions

Wedding guest

Weddings are always so much fun! Choose a summer maternity dress that makes you feel amazing and enjoy the time spent on hair and makeup. These occasions are perfect for capturing stunning bump photos before your little one comes, too. When it comes to wedding guest dresses, keep it light and cool when it comes to material and turn up the dial on style and color.

Check out some of the best maternity wedding guest dresses for summer.

Bridesmaid

There are some great bridesmaids dresses around for pregnant mamas from brands that specialize in maternity styles. We love Show Me Your Mumu for their huge range of plus and maternity styles. Gold is a great light color and perfect for summer. Check out more bridesmaids dresses here

Check out the best maternity bridesmaid dress options.

Photoshoot

This dress gives us love hearts for eyes. It’s the perfect elevated style for maternity photoshoots but it’s also ultra versatile. Wear it on holiday, over swimwear, out for dinner… it’s a stunning dress and made to last.

Made from 100% viscose and with plenty of room for your baby bump, this stunning wedding dress from Boob Design is perfect for a maternity shoot or any other special occasion.

We’re in love with these 10 maternity photoshoot ideas.

Formal events

The Claire Off-Shoulder Maternity Dress has gone viral amongst stylish pregnant mamas for a reason – it’s ultra cool and suit every curve. Available in both vibrant red and classic black options.

Work

The Ripe Maternity Knife Pleat Dress in Black is a stylish and professional option for work. What we love is the classic silhouette and above the knee cut. Wear with open toed heels and a light blazer for the office. 

Summer maternity dress for special occasions

The Hail Spot Dress in White is a stunning dress that easily takes the crown for best summer dress. Flowy and flattering, it’s 100% viscose with a 100% cotton lining, with flutter sleeves and perfect for just about any daytime occasion. You could even wear this as a maternity photoshoot dress.

Cutest maternity dress for hot weather

For those scorching days, choose this cotton dress over a bikini or swimsuit, whether you’re strolling through your European babymoon or enjoying a weekend picnic with friends. The charming front tie adds a touch of cuteness, while the flowy design ensures maximum breathability and comfort.

Most gorgeous maternity maxi dress for summer

A beautiful flowing maxi that’s breezy, great quality, affordable and comes in the neutral hues of the season? Check out the Korbela dress. Made of linen material that was seriously impressive quality,  it’ll fit your bump as well as postpartum. Reviewers say it fits true to size so you may want to size up if buying for a bump. 

Best plus size maternity summer dresses

This is a style that’s quite timeless and great for just about any body shape. The A-line shape is super flattering while the colors are a vibe. Spaghetti straps are great for summer but you might need to grab a bandeau top to wear underneath. 

Discover more plus size maternity options here.

Best rated pregnancy dresses in different colors

White

Made from 100% cotton and cut to flatter, this a beautiful off-white option you can buy in your current dress size as it has plenty of room to accommodate your growing belly. Short and minimalist, it’s so easy to dress up or down. 

If you prefer a longer dress, we highly recommend the Amalfi babydoll midi dress.

Black

An absolute staple for any womens’ wardrobe, pregnant or not, is the black tank dress. We love the Long Body one from Hatch as it’s super flattering and exceptional quality. One of the team’s favorites when it comes to basics but also a little bit elevated because of the length. 

If you prefer dresses with sleeves like I do, you’ll adore this gorgeous dress from Nom Maternity.

Neutral

Probably the easiest dress in this list both in terms of color and style. In your third trimester and can’t even think about wearing something tight? the Nina Midi Dress will save you. It’s so perfect we all agreed it deserved the MS badge.

Brown

Brown remains very stylish for another season. This dress combines a great color with a classic, luxurious cut. Made of breathable fabric it’s a great choice for summer days or nights. You’ll wear it every day.

Pink

The Daphne Dress Wild in Orchid is a captivating and playful choice for summer evenings. Its flowy design ensures you look stunning during sunny days, and it transitions effortlessly for nighttime wear with a pair of sandals and statement accessories.

Silver

The Show Me Your MuMu Lilian Maxi Dress is a stunning and eye-catching option for summer. It’s made from a soft, shimmery fabric that’s perfect for a night out. The dress has a relaxed fit and a flowing silhouette that’s perfect for a special occasion. Again, not something we’d wear under the sun for too long as it’s not super breathable but look at her, she’s beautiful!

Casual summer dress for pregnancy

The Madewell Theo Sleeveless Midi Dress is a comfortable and stylish option for summer days and nights. It’s made from a soft, breathable fabric that’s absolutely perfect for hot weather. The dress has a relaxed fit and a lovely silhouette that’s perfect for a casual day out or for a more casual look in the evenings. It’s very versatile and will come alive with some gold jewelry. 

Short pregnancy dresses for summer

A linen-viscose blend dress that features elbow-length sleeves and a double-tiered skirt, this dress is super cute and flirty. We adore the fresh floral pattern, which looks even better in person.

If you’re looking for a more bodycon fit, the Skims rib tank dress is the perfect choice. Figure hugging cotton and spandex blend, it’s super affordable and available in a range of colors. Rock lighter tones for summer and show off your curves in style.

Cotton summer dress for pregnancy

Both of these options are exceptional. You can’t go wrong with cotton dresses infused with a hint of elastane for added stretch.

Best nursing summer dresses

A simple, organic and eco-friendly do-it-all dress in calming colors. Boob Design’s quality is undeniable and this dress just seems to make life easier when you’re in it – it’s literally that comfortable. Perfect for pregnancy and postpartum. 

Best affordable summer dress

Seriously the simplest, easiest maternity dress and also the most affordable. Wear it with sandals, white sneakers, Birkenstocks and pair with a cross body bag. Voila!

Best maternity summer dress with sleeves

Sometimes I feel a little more confident in longer sleeves. The trick for sleeves in summer is to choose cotton and stay away from colors that will show sweat patches. This is a gorgeous dress that lets you breathe, while being elegant at the same time. Oh and it’s the perfect pink. 

Best sleeveless dress for pregnancy

This dress is incredibly light, breezy, and versatile. We adore its colors, and it’s crafted from a linen-viscose blend that honestly feels like being enveloped in air. Reviewers have praised its weightlessness and seamless transition to the postpartum period. Plus, it features pockets!

FAQs

What are the best fabrics for maternity clothes in hot weather?

Cotton is a breathable fabric that will help you stay cooler in hot weather, while linen is another breathable fabric that is perfect for hot weather. Viscose is a synthetic fabric that is made from wood pulp. It is soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. Look for viscose blends as well as modern fabrics like Tencel and Modal. 

What are some stylish maternity clothes for hot weather?

The best styles are ones that are timeless summer items in simple colors that you can dress up or down. Maxi dresses, shorts made from breathable fabrics, tank tops and button up shirts you can wear over crop tops or tank tops. 

Where can I find affordable maternity clothes for hot weather?

The Mama Style has a range of affordable maternity clothes from H&M Mama, ASOS, Nordstrom, Pinkblush and more.