Navigating pregnancy while maintaining a professional look at work can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not quite ready to pop on a 'Baby On Board' badge and discuss your pregnancy with everyone—including Lorraine from Finance. With For The Creators' maternity fashion rentals, you can stay stylish and comfortable, keeping your secret for as long as you want.
To help you navigate maternity officewear at every stage, we've compiled a complete guide to pregnancy workwear, offering stylish, comfortable, and practical solutions for:
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
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Here's how to style maternity workwear at every stage
Pregnancy Workwear for First Trimester
The early days of pregnancy can feel like a balancing act—between keeping your pregnancy under wraps, avoiding constant trips to the loo, and managing bloating. Is that a bump already? Surely not.
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
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Pregnancy Workwear for Second Trimester
The bump that was once easy to hide is now breaking free of your jeans, and there's only so many times you can show up to the office in your trusty oversized shirt. By the time you hit 20 weeks, non-pregnancy workwear starts to feel more like a squeeze than a fit. And it's not just about squeezing into your clothes—it's about feeling like yourself amidst the stretching, popping, and changing that comes with mid-pregnancy.
Comfort is key in the second trimester, but so is maintaining your sense of self. Here’s what to add to your maternity wardrobe during mid-pregnancy:
Maternity jeans and trousers : Look for options with adjustable waistbands that grow with you without overwhelming your figure. You’ll find maternity trousers that either sit comfortably under your bump or come with a stretchy over-bump panel.
Soft, supportive underwear : By now, you’ll notice your breasts getting bigger—and bigger. The sooner you swap wired bras for maternity bras, the less frustration you’ll feel. Trust us on this one.
Belly bands : These are a game-changer for back and pelvic support, helping you extend the life of your favourite work pieces for a little longer.
Adaptable layering : Hormonal fluctuations will wreak havoc on your internal thermostat. Opt for layers that can be peeled off or added throughout the day, keeping you cool and comfortable. Once again, shirts and cardigans will be your go-to.
What to wear from weeks 13 to 26
Pregnancy Workwear for Third Trimester
You're only a few months away from the ultimate comfort of living in loungewear for a while—you’ve got this! But in the meantime, as you enter the final months of pregnancy and start to feel more like a human tent, refreshing your workwear by renting a few comfy yet chic staples is key to feeling like yourself.
For third trimester dressing, prioritise:
Natural fabrics : Choose garments made from cotton, bamboo, or cashmere. These are gentle on sensitive skin and provide all-day comfort, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Comfortable footwear : Wide-fitting flats, supportive sneakers, or low heels are essential to ease back pain and accommodate any swelling.
Dresses with adjustable features : Opt for wrap dresses or styles with drawstrings that offer customisation, providing both comfort and style as they adapt to your growing bump.
Items that help you plan ahead : A smart baby changing bag can double as a work bag, especially when you need to carry extra flat shoes or essentials to the office. Plus, many third trimester maternity dresses are also breastfeeding-friendly, so you can keep wearing them after your baby arrives.
What to wear from weeks 27 to 40+
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The Author: Amy Lane
Amy Lane is a mama of two and FTC Content Director. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Evening Standard, Daily Mail and Elle.
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Want to feel more you? Unlock your unlimited wardrobe with a For the Creators membership from £30 per month.
No contracts. No commitments. Cancel anytime.
Our clothing subscription is designed to take you through every trimester and beyond.
50% off your first membership.