Pregnancy Workwear: What to Wear to Work in Trimester 1, 2 & 3
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Time to read 6 min
Struggling with knowing what to wear to work when pregnant? It's not just you. Navigating maternity workwear while battling nausea and trying to act like it’s business as usual – it's tough. But when your go-to office outfits start betraying you—buttons pulling, waistbands needing a hairband hack etc. etc.—it’s time to rethink things.
Then comes the other end of pregnancy—still showing up at work, but also thinking, holy crap, this is really happening. Comfort matters, but so does feeling like you.
To help you boss maternity workwear, Hannah Crosskey —stylist, ex-personal shopper, and mum of two—shares her expert tips on what to wear to work while pregnant, plus handy recommendations on what to buy or rent.
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Let's talk Maternity Workwear by Stage
What to wear to work during your first trimester
As you progress through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy your go-to work clothes might start feeling a bit snug. Especially on the days where you're practically living in the loo.
It's likely that bloating will start to make every outfit feel off, and you catch yourself thinking, wait… is that a bump already? Surely not.
But diving straight into the maternity clothes section of shops might feel a little premature. If this screams yes that's me then try buying or renting a few keys rights.
Right now, boxy cardigans, drop waist dresses and long, boyish shirts - worn with tailored trousers - are all your friends.
Maternity workwear for your first trimester
How to hide your pregnancy bump at work
If you’re not quite ready to share your news, clever styling can buy you a little more time try these styling tricks:
Layer up with a blazer or roomy maternity cardigan to soften your silhouette.
Favour maternity dresses in darker tones or subtle prints for a little extra disguise.
Choose oversized and long shirts with smart maternity trousers (oh hi stretchy waistband), and easy shift shapes that skim rather than cling.
Dresses with gathered waists distract and conceal a small bump perfectly at work
Shop the Winter Maternity Sale
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From dresses to workwear, PJs to baby shower outfits, discover sale picks for every stage of motherhood. But sizes are limited — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
What to Wear to Work During Your Second Trimester
The bump that was once easy to hide? It’s now making a bid for freedom, and your go-to oversized shirt can only do so much. By 20 weeks, non-maternity workwear starts to feel more like a squeeze than a fit. And it’s not just about getting dressed—it’s about feeling like yourself while everything stretches, pops, and shifts in mid-pregnancy.
This month, you'll want to buy or rent:
- A roomier pair of smart trousers
- Comfy, supportive underwear
- A smart work coat
1. Everyday smart trousers
Maternity trousers with adjustable waistbands are your best friend. Whether you prefer under-the-bump or full-panel styles, the key is a fit that grows with you while still feeling structured.
2. Comfy maternity bras
Make soft, supportive underwear the first layer of your pregnancy officewear. By now, your boobs have clocked some serious growth. The sooner you swap wired bras for maternity-friendly support, the better. Trust us on this one.
3. Clever maternity coats
Not all maternity coats are cut the same. Buy or rent styles that help you feel like you can boss the day, even when your energy is low. Comfort is key in the second trimester, but so is confidence.
More maternity workwear for your second trimester
What to Wear to Work in Your Third Trimester
Loungewear days are near—you’ve got this. But for now, as you hit the home stretch and start feeling tent-like, a few key pieces will keep you comfy and confident.
This month, it could pay to follow a few simple pregnancy dressing tips:
1. Choose breathable fabrics
Your body’s working overtime, so overheating is inevitable. Cotton, bamboo, and cashmere keep things soft, cool, and irritation-free.
2. Style maternity work outfits with comfortable footwear
Feet swelling? Back aching? Wide flats, supportive trainers, or low heels make the office commute easier.
3. Rotate a smart maternity dress into your weekly outfit plan
Wrap dresses and drawstring styles flex with your bump and work postpartum too.
4. Borrow a chic maternity coat
“A camel coat adds a bit of interest and elevates a monochrome outfit,” says Hannah Crosskey. It’s a classic that pulls everything together effortlessly—without squeezing your bump into something uncomfortable.
5. Invest in items that work beyond pregnancy
A chic baby changing bag that doubles as a work tote? Genius. Many third-trimester-friendly dresses are also perfect for breastfeeding, so you’ll get even more wear out of them.
Maternity workwear for weeks 27 to 40+
TLDR? Here's your need-to-know of pregnancy officewear
Trimester 1: gathered waists are your friend when trying to hide a bump at work.
Trimester 2: Popped and proud - enjoy it. Tailored trousers and knitwear = a smart, yet comfy look for the office.
Trimester 3: Befriend a statement coat to elevate maternity work outfits.
Frequently Asked Questions | Pregnancy Workwear
What should I wear to work when pregnant?
Firstly, what feels comfortable. For some, that's clothing that accentuates your bump. For others, it's option for A-line or boxy styles that play a bump down.
When should you wear maternity trousers?
You make the rules. You might want to embrace elasticated and adjustable maternity trousers from 12 weeks, or you might prefer to roll down your current styles under your bump until you're pushing 30 weeks. Wear what you want when you want to feel your best. Some of the For The Creators team are still wearing their maternity trousers two years down the line....
What point in pregnancy do you start wearing maternity clothes?
Again, there are no rules. You might find that you'd like some maternity specific items as early as 12 weeks, or you might still be wearing your pre-pregnancy wardrobe at 6 months. Every body and journey is unique.
What size maternity clothes should I get?
Maternity clothes are designed with your growing bump in mind, so you should choose your usual pre-pregnancy size. However, you'll also find plenty of clothes which aren't specifically designed for pregnancy work well during this time. In that case, it's a good idea to size up for a bit of extra room.
Can you just size up when pregnant?
You might find you want some items designed specifically for pregnancy, like jeans, but you don't have to wear maternity clothes. You can also size up, or look for empire line dresses and boxy, oversized tops.
Did you know you can rent your pregnancy officewear?
It's what smart mums do.
The Author: Amy Lane
Amy Lane is a mama of two and ex-editor of Women's Health UK digital. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Evening Standard, Daily Mail and Elle.
