Finding a maternity dress that’s comfortable, flattering, and still feels like you? Easier said than done.

One minute, you’re squeezing your bump into old favourites, and the next, you've got no chance of reaching that zip, let alone doing it up – luckily we've got an edit of dresses on standby that you'll love.

From polished, yet comfy, styles to help you nail pregnancy workwear to special occasion pieces you can rent for your BFF's wedding or a baby shower (at a fraction of their RRP), these are the maternity dresses to rent and return all summer long.

Your search for the perfect maternity dress? Officially over.

What makes the perfect maternity dress?

And when should you start wearing them? The answer to both really comes down to what's comfortable for you and your growing bump. You can start wearing maternity dresses as early as you like and for as long as you like– some c-section- and breastfeeding-friendly styles are hard to part with. 

The best maternity dresses come in lots of different styles, but you might like to look for: 

• Empire-line cuts
• Floaty, oversized shapes
• Natural fabrics
• Stretchy bump-hugging designs

Effortlessly smart yet oh-so-comfy. Perfect for the back-to-office directive as it's the kind of dress that says I’ve got this — even when you’re waddling to meetings or running entirely on ginger gins.

You'll love: the clever wrap design, which flatters your growing bump without feeling clingy. 

With its flattering cut and shimmering jacquard fabric, this mini maternity dress is effortlessly elegant. It’s serving pregnancy glow—even if, in reality, you’re deep in third-trimester aches and just counting down to eviction day.

You'll love: it's roomy style = zero dig from straps and zips. 

We're biased but the best maternity dresses for weddings are ones you've rented. This one is a wedding guest wardrobe win — elegant, vibrant, and bump-friendly. Its blooming lovely. 

You'll love: The soft, whimsical shape is fun yet easy to wear in every trimester.  

Dreamy, delicate and romantic, this maternity dress drapes over your bump, giving an effortless, ethereal vibe that is begging to be photographed. Just add some golden hour glow. 

You'll love: The relaxed, just-woke-up-from-a-nap vibe, which adds intimacy to your maternity photoshoot snaps. 

Bright and breezy, with plenty of room for your bump to grow, this summer dress is ideal for both your babymoon wardrobe and chaotic toddler picnics, or just feeling great while chasing the shade. Bonus: the vibrant print comes in a lightweight fabric, which will keep you cool on sunny days.

You'll love: The sweet smock detailing will stretch with your changing shape. 

Ready for the first picnics and alcohol free G&Ts of the season? This dress' off-the-shoulder bodice is playful, with stretchy fabric that'll grow with you, while the skirt flows over your bump. Layer a denim jacket on top for fresher days.

You'll love: The floral print is right out of a spring wildflower meadow.

Is it a bump, or just a big lunch? This light dress is ideal for those awkward weeks when you don't quite look pregnant but, boy, do you feel it. Whether you're dealing with bloat, nausea or sickness, you probably don't want anything too tight touching your torso during your first trimester. This maternity dress' relaxed fit flatters without clinging. 

You'll love: How this dress can grow with you into later pregnancy too. The straps even make it breastfeeding-friendly.

This maternity dress is your third-trimester saviour when everything else feels a little too snug. Its gentle empire waist and flowy skirt give your bump plenty of breathing room, while the lightweight fabric keeps you cool and comfortable. Whether you're running errands or resting up, this is the kind of dress that says, I’m comfy, I’m cute, and yes, I’ll take another snack.

You'll love: Wearing this one into postpartum too. The tie-up front makes it amazingly breastfeeding-friendly.

Been told a black dress or nightdress is a hospital bag essential? The ultra-soft ribbed fabric of this Hatch maternity dress feels gentle against sensitive skin, while, if you're breastfeeding, the easy-access nursing design keeps feeds fuss-free. Plus it's stretchy enough to keep you comfy no matter how you're feeling after birth. 

You'll love: Putting on something fresh for your hospital leavers photo.

While plenty of maternity dresses softly flatter your bump, if you're feeling bold you might want to wear something a little more figure-hugging. This bright bump-framing maternity dress has a flowing skirt, defining your new and ever-changing shape beautifully without feeling restrictive.

You'll love: This versatile dress can easily be dressed up or down.  

Heading off somewhere cold? Cosy, stylish, and zero faff, the relaxed fit gives your bump all the breathing room. Just pair with maternity tights and boots, and you're good to go. 

You'll love: The soft cord fabric, which'll keep you warm without overheating (because pregnancy temps are wild).

Not your mother's maternity style. This floor-skimming magenta maxi needs minimal styling or accessorising–perfect for sleep-deprived pregnancy brains. The flowing, pleated fabric skims over bumps, keeping you comfortable while looking ridiculously chic. It's a showstopper. 

You'll love: The floaty sleeves for dancing, or just wafting around dramatically. 

Internal thermostat can't make up its mind? Natural, breathable fabrics are a must during pregnancy. You'll love this cotton maternity dress, made from 100% poplin cotton which will keep you cool and comfy while giving your bump plenty of room to grow. 

You'll love: Those vibrant, summery stripes. Instant mood booster.

This is an everyday, easy maternity hero. The soft fabric moves with you (because let’s be honest, bending down is a workout now), while the relaxed fit keeps things cool and bump-friendly in every trimester. It works equally as well for sofa days, school runs or as casual maternity workwear.

You'll love: The low-effort, throw-on-and-go vibe–you'll live in this maternity dress during pregnancy.  

Proof that you don’t need a maternity label to nail bump-friendly style. This lightweight Rixo dress boasts a relaxed fit, meaning there’s plenty of room for a growing bump (and postpartum wear, too). 

You'll love: Sweet details like the fun bold print and pretty fluted collar. 

Maxis = timeless maternity dress style. This floaty number gives just the right amount of stretch and support, while the empire waist means the skirt drapes beautifully over your bump. 

You'll love: This pretty maternity maxi dress would work for a wedding guest, a baby shower or just a day when you want to feel a little bit fancy. 

Feeling comfortable in what you're wearing is the most important thing when it comes to choosing maternity dresses. Check out our favourite brands for plus-size maternity dresses:

• Rixo
• Beyond Nine

It might not be maternity specific, but this black wrap dress will adjust as you grow. Ideal, as sizing feels like a guessing game right now. 

You'll love: That bump-ready, put-together LBD feeling. 

Mama going out-out? This is the dress you need. It's wow without wardrobe stress. The stretchy fabric will hug your bump and grow with you (though size up, as it's not a maternity brand), while the bold red will make you instantly feel and look party ready. 

You'll love: The off-shoulder neckline which suddenly makes pregnancy feel glam.