Pregnancy Workwear: How to boss office wear in First, Second and Third Trimester
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Time to read 5 min
Navigating pregnancy workwear while battling nausea and trying to act like it’s business as usual? Not exactly a priority. But when your go-to outfits start betraying you—buttons pulling, waistbands needing a hairband hack—it’s time to rethink things.
Then comes the other end of pregnancy—still showing up, 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 dressing the 9-5 with a bump.
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How to style maternity workwear at every stage
First Trimester Pregnancy Workwear
"Gathered waists distract and conceal a small bump perfectly," says Crosskey on dressing for those early weeks of pregnancy. You know—the ones where you're practically living in the loo, bloating makes every outfit feel off, and you catch yourself thinking, Wait… is that a bump already? Surely not.
During this time, your go-to work clothes might start feeling a bit snug, but diving straight into maternity workwear can feel premature. Instead, ease into the transition with a few simple wardrobe updates that offer comfort and flexibility.
Refresh your first-trimester workwear wardrobe with:
Shirts and oversized tops: Choose flowy fabrics that provide extra breathing room around your midsection, helping you stay comfortable and chic.
Empire line dresses: These dresses feature waistlines that sit just below the bust, offering room for your changing figure without highlighting your growing bump too soon.
Layering: Open-front blazers and cardigans are your best friends, allowing you to adjust easily for fluctuating body temperatures while keeping things polished.
Long, loose tops with slim bottoms : Pair relaxed or oversized tops with slim-fitting pants or skirts for a balanced silhouette that’s both comfortable and flattering.
What to wear in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Buy only what you need, rent the rest
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Pregnancy Workwear for 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.
Comfort is key in the second trimester, but so is confidence. Here’s what to add to your pregnancy workwear wardrobe right now:
Maternity trousers & jeans – 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.
Soft, supportive underwear – 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.
Belly bands – A game-changer for back and pelvic support, these also help extend the life of your favourite work pieces for a little longer.
Adaptable layers – Hormonal rollercoaster? Meet your new strategy. "The vest top is the perfect layering piece," says Hannah Crosskey. "Pair it with a ruched-side skirt that grows with you throughout pregnancy. Add an oversized jacket—it brings a little edge to your work wardrobe and sees you through postpartum too."
Because maternity style shouldn’t mean sacrificing who you are.
What to wear from weeks 13 to 26
Third Trimester Pregnancy Workwear
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.
Tips you'll want to remember...
Choose breathable fabrics – Your body’s working overtime, so overheating is inevitable. Cotton, bamboo, and cashmere keep things soft, cool, and irritation-free.
Opt for comfortable footwear – Feet swelling? Back aching? Wide flats, supportive trainers, or low heels make the office commute easier.
Dresses that adapt – Wrap dresses and drawstring styles flex with your bump and work postpartum too.
Smart styling hacks – “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.
Pieces 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.
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What to wear from weeks 27 to 40+
TLDR? Here's your need-to-know
Trimester 1: gathered waists are your friend.
Trimester 2: Popped and proud - enjoy it.
Trimester 3: Befriend a statement coat to elevate comfy classics.
The Author: Amy Lane
Amy Lane is a mama of two and For The Creators Content Director. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Evening Standard, Daily Mail and Elle.
Frequently Asked Questions | Pregnancy Workwear
What should I wear to work when pregnant?
We hope our trimester by trimester guide has you covered. If not, contact the FTC team and we'll help you build your dream maternity workwear wardrobe.
When should you wear maternity trousers?
You make the rules. Wear what you want when you want to feel your best. Some of the FTC 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.
