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Quick Summary
The best maternity work clothes are polished and stylish enough to wear to your office, yet comfortable and bump-friendly to wear throughout your pregnancy.
When I was pregnant with my twins, I had to decide what maternity clothes were worth adding to my wardrobe and which I could get by without buying. For many moms, this is relatively easy, especially when you consider what time of year you’ll be your most pregnant (for instance, summer pregnancies won’t need a winter coat, while winter pregnancies may require one if you live somewhere particularly cold). However, it gets a little trickier when considering maternity work clothes: Do you need that maternity blazer? Can you get by with rewearing your favorite maternity jeans over and over again or is it worth getting a pair of bump-friendly slacks, too?
Finding maternity workwear is arguably the hardest wardrobe task of all when pregnant. I was lucky enough to work in a very casual office when pregnant, so I invested in a few comfortable maternity dresses to pair with supportive pregnancy shoes (slide-on sneakers, specifically) for my go-to look. But for people who need to maintain a more corporate style, it can be more of a challenge.
The good news is that there are plenty of options for pregnancy work clothes, regardless of your office environment. We’ve rounded up the best maternity work clothes for casual and formal workplaces, focusing on pieces that are stylish, comfortable and versatile enough to wear outside of the office, too.
How I Chose the Best Maternity Work Clothes
In order to find the best bump-friendly work clothes that are appropriate for your job but don’t sacrifice comfort, I relied upon my own experience as a mom who worked in an office while pregnant. As a working pregnant person, I looked for clothes that accommodated my bump with stretchy fabrics and smart designs like empire waists and belly bands, while maintaining a polished style. I also prioritized clothes that could be worn to the office and in my regular day-to-day life to get the most value out of them.
In addition to narrowing down my selection based on my own criteria and favorite clothes and maternity brands, I also considered feedback from moms in the What to Expect community. I looked at pricier maternity brands that they suggested for higher-quality work clothes, like Seraphine, Ingrid & Isabel and Hatch, as well as budget-friendly options that might work best in a more casual environment, like Old Navy, H&M and Motherhood Maternity.
Ultimately, I decided that the clothes that made the list needed to be comfortable enough to wear for at least eight hours a day and versatile enough to wear to both work and out and about, as well as during the postpartum period.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
With their discreet belly panel, stretchy fit and simple silhouette, the Motherhood Maternity Maia pants are great for expectant moms who can’t wear jeans or leggings to work but who still want to feel comfortable all day long. Moms-to-be found these pants soft and stretchy — many were able to wear them to work in their third trimester. Many also noted that the belly panel is comfortable and easily stretches over their bumps. The cropped length looks great with ballet flats or loafers, and the skinny fit offers great versatility. Note, however, that some taller women complain that the length is a bit too cropped on their frames.
“My favorite work pants are these from motherhood maternity. They don’t ride down and come up my whole thigh if that makes sense. I have a few pairs from my first pregnancy 5 years ago and bought A few pairs this time around.”
Here’s the thing about maternity jeans: You really only need one pair, as long as that one pair is versatile — like these over-the-belly skinny jeans, which look polished enough for work, especially if you opt for a darker wash. In addition to their simple style, these jeans check some of the most important boxes when it comes to maternity clothes: The stretchy material provides great comfort, and the over-the-belly panel stays up all day, according to moms-to-be. The best part? These jeans are affordable (each wash varies a bit in price, but every pair is under $40), which is key when you know you’ll only wear them for a few months. Their versatility will lend themselves well to your workwear wardrobe, whether paired with a flowy blouse, tunic or button-down. The skinny leg also means that they can be tucked into tall boots or paired with a flat or loafer.
“I bought 3 pairs from PACBREEZE on Amazon, and they fit like a gem. Got them in a size L (up from my standard M) in anticipation of weight gain and such. They are a smidge loose, but so comfortable. I love the belly band, it goes all the way up to my bra and just matches my belly with room to expand, doesn't hug or press. I've made the joke to my friends that I'll be buying them in a size M once I'm back to my normal weight just because of how comfy those jeans are.”
Provides the look of a pencil skirt without the constricting fit
This item is a really versatile basic
Cons
The material may look too casual for very formal work settings
Material: 97% Viscose from Bamboo, 3% Spandex
Size range: S-1X
Color options: Two
Why We Love It
A sleek pencil skirt is common in corporate offices — and about as far from pregnancy-friendly as you can get. Between the form-fitting silhouette and the material (which is typically thick, stiff and not exactly breathable), pencil skirts are definitely not the most comfortable item in the world.
Enter this extremely comfortable skirt from What to Expect mom-loved brand Kindred Bravely. If you work in a more casual office setting, you could easily wear this with a chunky sweater and loafers. Or, pair it with a black blazer and blouse if you work in a more formal environment. You can even wear this skirt with a knotted tee shirt and sneakers for a more casual out-of-office look. Either way, this basic black skirt is simple enough to offer up a whole world of options, and it’s a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to shell out on a maternity skirt that they’ll only wear to the office.
Can be worn after baby’s arrival as a nursing shirt
Long enough to pair with leggings at the office
Cons
Some reviewers find the fit too “matronly”
Material: 51% Cotton, 49% Viscose
Size range: XS-XL
Color options: White
Why We Love It
This tunic-style Ingrid & Ingrid button-down is perfect for the office, but it can easily be dressed up for a date night. The best part? It’s long enough that it can make just about anything — skinny jeans and leggings, for instance — look office-appropriate. Made of cotton and viscose, the material feels soft and gentle against your skin, and the peplum design is great for those who want a little bit of belly coverage without being swallowed by fabric.
After baby’s arrival, this shirt makes an excellent choice for moms who will be pumping at work thanks to the button-up style.
The boxy cut may appear too casual for certain workplaces
Material: 100% Cotton
Size range: XS-XXL
Color options: Two
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
A good button-up shirt can be an ideal piece for expectant moms: It allows them to look put-together for work, and it doubles as a nursing- or pumping-friendly shirt to be worn postpartum. However, finding a button-up that actually buttons as you reach the end of your pregnancy can be a challenge. This Old Navy maternity shirt is created for a pregnant person’s proportions, which means it won't be overwhelmingly large through the shoulders and arms, yet will glide over a growing bump easily. And, you don’t have to worry about reaching those bottom buttons once your belly is big — these stop just below your bust.
This particular shirt looks great with jeans, slacks or even leggings, and can be worn both in and out of the office because of its simple style.
“I wasn't a fan of Target's maternity clothes at all. But I have actually had great luck with Old Navy. You just buy your pre-pregnancy size and so far I've liked everything I've ordered from them.”
When I was pregnant, my go-to piece was a little black dress from Seraphine. It fit beautifully, visually lifted and defined my bump, and offered such incredible versatility. Although it’s no longer available, I can personally attest to the amazing quality of Seraphine’s dresses, especially those that you can wear to the office. The empire waist of this short sleeve dress shows off your bump and provides comfort by not pressing on your belly, allowing room as it grows. The viscose and elastane blend means this fabric is soft with a little bit of stretch, providing all-day comfort. Even if you’re having a winter pregnancy, you can easily pair this dress with tights and a cardigan.
“Not a UK mama, but I LOVE Seraphine. I'm on my 3rd pregnancy and would say that absolutely it is worth the price. Everything I've bought from them I've reworn through all pregnancies and postpartum.”
Offers a tailored fit while still accommodating a bump
From a brand known for its quality
Cons
Expensive
Material: 55% Nylon, 36% Viscose, 9% Elastane
Size range: 0-4 (corresponds to XS-XL)
Color options: One
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
Many pregnant women can get away with sizing up in a non-maternity blazer, if needed. But for expectant moms who work in very formal corporate settings, the slouchy look just won’t do. Luckily, Hatch’s maternity blazer is a classic, versatile piece that you’ll reach for regularly during pregnancy.
This Hatch suit blazer is cut to fit pregnant proportions, so it’ll fit over your bump as you grow, but remain fitted everywhere else. Moms-to-be in the What to Expect community rave about Hatch and find that the impressive quality makes up for the high price.
“I have a number of items from hatch (maternity bathing suit, jeans and T shirts- as well as nursing bra, nursing snap down dress, nursing jumpsuit, and underwear). I have really liked everything i have from them - although they are pricey.”
“I LOVE hatch. They are pretty pricey, but the quality and fit is great. I recommend any of their dresses or tops that can be worn as maternity and post-baby.”
I loved pairing a fitted dress with a long cardigan during my pregnancy, especially when I went to work. And fun fact: My workplace at the time was Monica + Andy’s corporate office. During my time at that job, I spent a lot of time oohing and aahing over the adorable selection of kids’ clothing, but I also got a chance to feel some of the pieces the brand was rolling out for moms.
Made of 100% organic cotton, this cardigan feels so soft and gentle against sensitive pregnancy skin. And, because it has an empire waist, you can easily tie the belt above your bump for added comfort or a more defined look. This cardigan is so easy to throw on and leave open over a cute maternity dress, but it can also be worn over jeans and a tee shirt for greater versatility. Once baby arrives, it’ll double as an amazing nursing cardigan, too.
Roomy without being oversized or slouchy, this bump-friendly Quince sweater is such a great basic for your maternity wardrobe — and it helps that it’s incredibly soft and cozy. It’s one of those pieces that’s great for the office when paired with black slacks, but equally wearable with maternity jeans for a casual day out.
Made of cashmere, moms-to-be love how comfortable this sweater is, and were surprised that it was so lightweight. Several tall moms also noted that it’s long enough to fit their torso. And, you don’t have to worry about discarding it by your third trimester — moms say they were able to wear it throughout their entire pregnancy. The ruched sides make it so this sweater will grow with your bump without stretching out or getting baggy.
“I totally LOVE QUINCE and have [purchased] baby crib sheets, grippy socks comparable to Bombas, and baby pajamas. For myself I've purchased sweaters and two dresses....I could go on. I think it is well made. I got one defective item and their customer service was on point. Recommend!”
“I got some of the washable silk shirts and skirts, a few jumpsuits, some cashmere sweaters, and a cashmere wrap. I exchanged a few things for size and returned some because they didn't suit me. The return/exchange process was quick and easy, and I still have a year to return anything I kept. So far, I'm happy with the whole experience. I can't comment on how the items I've kept will last, but they all seem well made!”
Using the bathroom is a bit of a hassle even with the stretch
Material: 95% Tencel, 5% Spandex
Size range: XS-XL
Color options: Slate blue, Black, Heather gray
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
A jumpsuit combines the ease of wearing a one-piece outfit (like a dress) with the warmth and coverage of wearing pants — and if you get a jumpsuit like this one, which is stretchy and easy to pull down, it won’t even make frequent bathroom trips a total pain. The Quince maternity jumpsuit can be worn for a variety of occasions and is made of a light, tencel material, so no need to worry about overheating while wearing this super comfortable piece. The buttons running down the chest snap, making nursing or pumping access a breeze once baby arrives. Moms rave about how incredibly comfortable this jumpsuit is, and many note that they loved having it on hand once hardly anything fit during the third trimester.
Versatile enough that these don’t look overly “athletic” and can easily be dressed up
Cons
Expensive
May be too casual for certain workplaces
Material: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane
Size range: 0-20; Lengths: 23”, 25”, 28”, 31”
Color options: 12
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
When you ask someone to name their favorite pair of maternity leggings, chances are they won’t mention a maternity-specific pair at all. Rather, they’ll likely name drop the cult-favorite Lululemon Align leggings. Numerous moms on the What to Expect staff and in the What to Expect community swear by them throughout both pregnancy and postpartum for their softness, amazing stretch (they can be pulled over the bump without stretching out permanently) and extremely lightweight material. And although wearing a pair of activewear leggings for work may not be an option for everyone, many moms can likely get away with pairing these leggings with a long sweater or button-down for an office-appropriate look.
Some expecting moms choose to size up in the Aligns for pregnancy, but many are able to stick to their pre-pregnancy size, often wearing a pair they already own.
“I second the aligns ... seriously AMAZING I wore them my entire first pregnancy right into the hospital haha Postpartum too! I need to order another pair for this pregnancy!!”
“Yes!! My first pregnancy I wore them throughout my entire pregnancy and postpartum and I’m wearing them again now! They are so stretchy but don’t “stretch” out during pregnancy so they will still fit after!”
These cult-favorite Rothy’s loafers are not only comfortable, but they also offer a polished, timeless look that would be perfect for most workplaces. Despite their lightweight design, they offer plenty of support because of the included cushioned insoles, which is great for flat, tired pregnancy feet. This particular pair of loafers come in so many fun colors and materials, and they look great with everything from dresses to jeans. They’ll be perfect for wear both in and out of the office. Bonus: They’re machine-washable.
Uncomfortable shoes are the last thing you need in your second or third trimester, sneakers with laces can look overly casual for many workplaces. (Not to mention they’re a pain to put on!) That’s where these slip-on Vince leather sneakers come in handy. They have the polished look of loafers but all the comfort of sneakers. They also stretch a little, which is perfect for flat, swollen pregnancy feet. And, the perforated leather allows for some breathability, which is so key when you’re pregnant and running hot in general.
I wore these sneakers almost every day of my pregnancy, including to the office. I even replaced them once the soles eventually wore out, which just goes to show that I found them completely worth the high price point.
“I have the Vince white slip ons and they are perfect for every jeans-and-blazer outfit, plus they are wipeable which is a requirement for my white slip ons in the desert.”
Maternity tights are the prenatal essential you never knew you needed, keeping you warm enough to brave the elements without feeling uncomfortably hot (which is a real thing when wearing pants all day during pregnancy). For expectant moms in corporate settings, these H&M maternity tights are a great find: They’re semi-sheer, so they’ll provide coverage without feeling overly tight or making you overheat. You can get that professional look without having to try and squeeze into your pre-pregnancy tights, as this pair is made with extra space through the tummy with an over-the-bump fit.
How to dress for work while pregnant depends on your work environment, as well as your personal style and comfort. Expectant moms who work in formal, corporate settings will want to invest in pieces like blazers, pants and flats, especially basic items they can wear over and over again. People who work in casual office settings can typically opt for maternity jeans paired with blouses or button-downs. And if you work from home, you can likely pair leggings with blouses or sweaters. Ultimately, how you dress for work is dependent on your office’s culture, your personal style and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Where do I find maternity work clothes?
There are many retailers that sell stylish maternity clothes, like Seraphine, Hatch, Ingrid & Isabel and Kindred Bravely, to name a few. There are also mainstream brands, like Old Navy and H&M, that have great maternity sections as well.
How do you dress a bump for work?
Dressing your bump for work depends on how much you want to show it off: Some expectant moms prefer more coverage, while others are happy wearing fitted clothes that highlight the bump. There are maternity clothes perfect for both options, whether you want to look for blouses or tunics with waists under your bust that really highlight your bump, or if you’d rather a tunic or peplum top that tend to be less fitted and have more material to cover your bump. Pants with belly bands and skirts that cover your bump are also great for supporting your belly.
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