There are quite a few things about pregnancy that can be uncomfortable. But one thing most moms appreciate when it comes to maternity logistics is the chance to wear comfy and loose clothing at every occasion. And no place do tights and a nice flowing dress feel more comfortable than when you’re strapped into an airplane seat for a long-haul flight.
We’ve researched the most stylish and comfortable maternity dresses for travel, with options for en-route and once you get there, too—whether you’re headed on a family vacation to the Caribbean or a city escape in Europe.
1. Best Maternity Dress for Work – Women’s Maternity Elbow Sleeve Wrap Ity Dress with Waist Tie
Elbow-length sleeves, an adjustable wrap that grows with your expanding belly, and a just-above-the-knee length are a few of features of this Motherhood Maternity frock that will keep you feeling pretty whether you’re in your second or third trimester. Available in five color combos, it’s perfect paired with wedges for a dress-up night on a cruise or even a romantic dinner out on the town. The fabric is 96-percent polyester and 4 percent spandex, so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles once you pull it out of your suitcase, either.
2. Best Maternity Dress for Everyday Wear – Liu & Qu Ruched Dress
Ruched sides are a girl’s best friend when pregnant. They make for a cute and feminine embellishment that expands with your expanding belly for maximum comfort, at the same time. And this easily packable Liu & Qu Ruched dress—available in short or three-quarter sleeves and made from a viscose and spandex blend—goes easily from the airplane to the beach to the hotel buffet. Choose from striped and floral patterns or jewel-toned solid hues that you can dress up with ballet flats or dress down with a pair of sandals.
3. Best Maternity Maxi Dress – DUNEA Maxi Dress
With its high waist and loose-flowing skirt below, the DUNEA Maxi Dress is perfect for the pregnant traveler. Choose from a tank top or three-quarter sleeve top, with skirt patterns that range from solids to florals. The rounded top and stretchable fabric makes it easy for on-the-go breastfeeding eventually, too. And the long skirt falls around your ankles, allowing you to stay comfortable in various positions in a cramped airplane seat (in a way you just can’t when wearing jeans).
4. Best Short Maternity Dress for Baby Shower – My Bump Side Bow Tie Dress
You’re at your most feminine when you’re pregnant, even if you don’t always feel that way—which is why we really love the girly details on this adorable My Bump dress that packs down to next to nothing. Fun patterns range from tropicals and florals to a subtle oriental motif that segues well to urban outings. The best part? The fact that this dress is a wrap and therefore adjustable in size means you can wear it post-pregnancy, too.
5. Best Maternity Party Dress – LaClef Pleated Midi Dress
Here’s a pretty dress from LaClef that really shows off your bump thanks to front pleating details on the empire waist that complement your growing belly through the various stages of pregnancy. The look is simple and classic, with plaid and solid colors among the options. Made of viscose, nylon and spandex, the dress’s fabric grows with you and stays mostly wrinkle-free in transit, too.
6. Best Maxi Maternity Dress for Baby Shower – Mother Bee Maxi Dress
Bohemian and elegant at the same time, this timeless maxi dress by Mother Bee may be the perfect summer maxi for a baby shower. We love the feminine wrap style, the sleeves that fall somewhere between cap-length and tank-style, and the delicate flower print. When you want to (try to) feel pretty, slightly dressed up and comfortable all the same, this one’s a winner.
7. Best Little Black Maternity Dress – Liu & Qu Short Sleeve Crewneck Lace Inset Pregnancy Dress
The LBD is an essential in any woman’s wardrobe. And if your travels are going to involve getting dressed up at some point, this gorgeous frock with a crochet laced insert across the décolleté and grow-with-you ruched sides is a showstopper. The length falls just below the knees and the material is thick and comfortable. And while black is always our go-to for a dressy night out, other pretty color options include dark red, navy blue, and a pretty forest green. This is a great one to consider for your maternity photo shoots, too, as it wears beautifully at every stage of pregnancy.
8. Best Maternity Dress for a Photoshoot – JustVH Maternity Off Shoulder Ruffle Sleeve
You may want to take advantage of the scenery around you when traveling have your maternity photoshoot while you’re on the road. This dress from JustVH is perfect for any location you may find. Made of lace and polyester, it travels well. It comes in 12 colors to suit every mom-to-be!
9. Best Plus Sized Maternity Dress – PinkBlush Teal Lace Mesh Overlay Plus Maternity Maxi Dress –
Old-fashioned and romance come to mind with this dress from PinkBlush. Made of 100-percent polyester, it’s perfect for a fancy night out on your babymoon, your baby shower, or a wedding. Double lined to prevent sheerness and super comfortable, it’s available in 10 colors.
10. Best Pink Maternity Dress – Women’s Ruffle Off Shoulder Sleeveless Maternity Dress
If you know you’re having a girl, chances are you might want to wear pink to your shower! This pink dress from Jezero is ultra-feminine, with ruched sides and flowy, off-the-shoulder sleeves.
11. Best Blue Maternity Dress – Maternity Bodycon Dress
We couldn’t leave out the mom boys! For those baby boy expecting mamas who want to keep up with the traditional colors for their shower, this blue dress from Peauty is comfortable and made from breathable cotton, making it perfect for all-day wear, with a stretchy fabric that’s ideal for travel. Beyond the baby blue, it comes in 27 other colors, as well as a long-sleeved option.
12. Best White Maternity Dress – Crochet Detail Maxi Maternity Dress
If romance and style are your thing, you’ve found your dress! This is a flowy, boho-style dress that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re traveling for pleasure, work or just to visit family. A tie waste makes it adjustable throughout your pregnancy.
Longtime travel writer and adventurer Terry Ward lives in Florida with her husband and young son and daughter. She’s constantly on the lookout for the next Scandinavia Airlines Kids Fly Free deal to save money on flights to Norway, her favorite place to visit both in the winter (Northern Lights!) and summer (Midnight Sun!). A travel writer since 2001 (read: long before the kids came along), she’s written for such publications as Endless Vacation Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Scuba Diving Magazine, among many others. Find Terry on her website, Terry-Ward.com.
What to Pack on Your Next Trip
Girl’s Camping Outfit
Mom’s/Women’s Camping Outfit
Dad’s/Men’s Camping Outfit
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