16 Summer Maternity Dresses I’m Eyeing Because the Weather Is Finally Warming Up

This pullover-style, V-neck maternity maxi dress is as flattering as it is comfy. It’s gathered right underneath your bust and is roomy enough to take you through week 40 and beyond. With loose sleeves and a long flared skirt, there’s nothing constricting about it — features you’ll really appreciate when the thermometer shoots past 85 degrees. It’s also available in dozens of colors and prints, as well as plus sizes.

One of the most loved maternity brands, Old Navy is full of bump-friendly basics you’ll live in from pregnancy to postpartum. Take this simple, sleeveless T-shirt dress. At under $25, the oversized dress drapes perfectly over your bump, while still providing plenty of room to grow. I appreciate that there aren’t any features or design details that scream "maternity," such as side ruching or a bra shelf (in other words, you’ll be able to wear this one with or without a bump).

Sizing is different for everyone, but one mom-to-be shared that she needed to size down because it’s a bit loose throughout (though that eliminates extra chances for it to cling to sweaty skin). This one is also sleeveless and hits just above the knee, providing your arms and legs with plenty of breathing room.

This ultra-flattering maternity maxi dress has a flowy yet flattering bodice that’s sure to spotlight your baby bump. The pretty mauve fabric is a perfect neutral color for almost any occasion, while the floor-length skirt adds a relaxed touch. Best of all? You can put the dress on by pulling it over your head — no fumbling with zippers necessary. (And did we mention it has pockets?)

Flowy and flattering, this maxi dress has not one, not two, but 30 different floral prints to choose from. It earns top praise for its versatility, pairing well with both sneakers and denim jacket for a casual day out or heels and statement jewelry to elevate it for a special occasion. In fact, many moms in the What to Expect community recently shared their plans to wear it for upcoming baby showers, maternity shoots and weddings. While technically polyester, it looks and feels like chiffon, making it seem more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Plus, unlike some maternity dresses you’ll likely retire after baby’s arrival, this one is nursing-friendly, thanks to the adjustable V-neck top. The tie-able waist allows wearers to cinch it down as tightly as they need. Some moms did warn, however, that the dress isn’t great for those with bigger busts or plus-size shoppers.

You really can’t go wrong with a breezy maxi dress like this chic Amazon find. With more than 26 colorways (including both solids and patterns, like seersucker stripes) and a generous sizing selection (14 to 26) this is one you’ll likely be tempted to buy in multiples. And the side slits aren’t just for looks, as moms point out it made the thicker fabric feel airier than it looks. Needless to say, it may also become your go-to for everything from casual daytime wear and special occasions like baby showers. Did I mention it’s just under $40?

Despite all of the rave reviews, some shared that the fabric pilled easily after several washes, though the brand does recommend hand-washing.

I know what you’re thinking — a fitted dress? In the summer? As someone who avoided bodycon dresses like the plague pre-pregnancy, everything changed when my bump made its appearance. This casual dress from Motherhood was a staple I wore at least once per week, and it grew with me until my son’s arrival. For $28, hitting “add to cart” is easy, and my only complaint is that I wore it so much that it faded by the time I reached 40 weeks.

Simple, yes. Basic? No way. You’ll live in this short-sleeve maxi dress, made with smooth jersey fabric. The dress is fitted on top, but flares out at the bottom for a flattering silhouette. Plus, it’s available in seven solid and striped colors. Wear it alone to show off your bump or pair it with a light summer shawl for a fancier look.

A classic black bodycon dress should be part of your maternity wardrobe year-round, but let’s be honest — you’ll really get to show it off in the summer. This maternity summer dress has side ruching that shows off your curves and hits above the knee, and looks as chic with a pair of sneakers and minimal jewelry as it does with a blazer and a pair of heels.

Summer days are sweaty for anyone, but it’s a serious issue for most moms-to-be. Beat the heat by sporting this crochet cover-up at the beach or pool. It features built-in ventilation thanks to the woven fabric, and you can adjust the tie at the waist to accommodate (or accentuate!) your growing bump. It’s available in six colors, and the only caveat is that it’s one-size-fits-all.

With its glam silhouette and quality material, this dress looks way more expensive than it is. The eye-catching double-ruffle detail would help it pop in maternity photos, and it would be an ideal baby-shower dress as well. Although the dress is designed to be fitted, the four-way stretch makes it comfortable to move in. The velvet-like material drapes well and doesn't cling, though you can also opt to size up for a looser fit.

Kindred Bravely is a brand that just gets it when it comes to what moms-to-be want out of their closet. As I’ve learned, most maternity clothes will only work until baby’s arrival, but the beauty of this nursing-friendly design is that it’s meant to be worn through the fourth trimester and beyond. I purchased a few nursing tops, and quickly stopped using them because I spent so much effort pulling up random layers of fabric. Thankfully, this straightforward dress makes it easy to lift up the top, move the built-in bra to the side, and get to feeding.

While I’d personally give this one five stars, one mom shared that she needed to wear a nursing bra underneath for greater support.

When I wasn’t wearing my trusty Motherhood ribbed tank dress, you could find me sporting the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Pockets Forever Maternity Biker Short. Now, I’m regretting the fact that I didn’t invest in one of the brand’s maternity dresses. This one is made from the same buttery soft, ultra-stretchy fabric (a signature proprietary blend dubbed Spacedye), but with an on-trend side slit.

It’s pricey, for sure, but the four-way stretch material is designed for postpartum wear, too.

Expecting moms love this lacy maxi dress — the bust and skirt are double-lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. We also love the romantic style and the generous skirt, which leaves plenty of room for your growing bump. The light pink is a particularly flattering color, but the dress also comes in up to 16 (!) other shades. No wonder it’s also a favorite for maternity photo shoots.

Click here for sizes S through XL; click here for sizes 1X through 3X.

Pregnancy and pickleball go hand-in-hand with this maternity tennis dress from mom-favorite Amazon brand Maacie. For under $40, you can get active in style (or simply not worry about inevitably getting your sweat on) thanks to the elastic fabric that rivals our favorite yoga brands. The A-line waist provides a soft, fit-and-flare silhouette that moms love, but their favorite feature — mine included! — has to be the detachable, over-the-belly bike shorts complete with pockets. In other words, this one’s extra supportive, down to the built-in bra and cross X-back strap design.

While most said it was comfy and quite stretchy, others felt that it was too short and too tight (it’s recommended to size up).

This floral find by Ripe Maternity is as light and airy as it looks, thanks to the linen construction. And while the fabric is synonymous with summer — the woven flax fabric has long been commended for its naturally moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties — it often gets a bad rap for wrinkling. But the addition of viscose balances that out.

Aside from the bold, pastel print (if you want something a bit warmer, there’s also a natural Hope colorway worth checking out) I’m a big fan of the square neck cut and thick straps for welcomed support, and a subtle ruched back for a bit of extra stretch as you transition to each trimester. And the belted back isn’t just for show — you can use it to emphasize your waist or secure a flowier fit, though one mom did note it felt too tight across her bust.

Hill House nap dresses are the definition of quiet luxury. An all-in-one outfit, all you need to do is throw it on and add a pair of sneakers or sandals. It’s the most expensive option on our list, but I can attest that these are great for pregnancy and postpartum. The smocked top is stretchy (and easy to pull down for nursing!), and the skirt is billowy enough to cover your bump. I’m partial to the Anjuli Nap Dress, but moms in the WTE community swear by the Ellie.

Freelance contributor Maria Masters originally contributed to this article.