How to shop for maternity dresses that aren't ugly, frumpy sacks

“The maternity dresses I liked to wear were basically non-maternity dresses that could accommodate my belly, like regular dresses that are empire or babydoll cuts. I like to make sure that I can wear them after I’ve given birth, so anything a little bit more A-line or even tight fitting dresses that are stretchy, work for me – like knit materials that can expand or have a lot of give. I liked those as well,” says Marie Soh, makeup artist, home baker and a mum of three.

“I avoid buying dresses that are specifically designed as maternity dresses. Yes, there are brands out there that are trying to make them more attractive, more normal or even like breastfeeding-friendly. But those are usually a big no-no for me because I will never wear them when I’m not pregnant anymore. And I absolutely hate those that have zips for breastfeeding, because you can’t unzip and pop out a boob while holding a baby. So yeah, for me zips never work.”

“My biggest advice to finding the right maternity dress is number one: it should fit your budget. You shouldn’t have to overhaul your entire wardrobe to accommodate a growing baby and your growing belly just for nine months. And I think comfort is really really key. Even if I was in a tight or form-fitting dress, I made sure that I didn’t feel suffocated. I also don’t compromise on movement. I have to be able to sit or stand properly, and I can’t be constantly adjusting a dress that is prone to riding up, especially later in pregnancy. Sustainability is important to me, so I like dresses that I can wear even after pregnancy.”

“[When I was pregnant] I loved a mix of styles! I loved loose dresses because it allowed for a cooler feel, but I also loved tight ones because I really enjoyed my baby bump! For tips, I’d say, definitely go for comfort above all else, because the last thing you want is to be bothered with how itchy, hot or sticky something feels when you’re trying to grow a human! And number two: look for things that will serve you well postpartum too – so any necklines (doesn’t have to be nursing dresses) that allow pulling down for breastfeeding will have a much longer shelf life,” shares Kelly Tay, parenting coach at Juicy Parenting and mother of two.

“I basically lived in Jump Eat Cry, and had one dress from Stillen – they were maternity dresses that doubled up as nursing dresses postpartum. BUT – can I please also make the point, that there is NO need for people to spend money specifically on maternity/nursing dresses – you can nurse in any top with a low V or wide/loose neckline. OR you can also just lift up your top! I did that with my second child. With my first child, I was fumbling about with nursing/maternity dresses.”

“I like to wear a mix of dresses! Loose dresses in the first trimester, and then a mix of loose and fitting dresses in the second and third trimester. Loose clothing is cooler and more comfortable in our climate. I mix it with tight-fit clothing as I think pregnancy is beautiful, and I enjoyed showing off my bump when it became more obvious,” says Doranne Loke, owner of Happy Haus & Co., and a mother of two.

“For advice, I’d say stock up on loose, flowy dresses as these should be able to last you through pregnancy. And invest in a few fitting maternity dresses for days you want to show off your bump! From my experience, real maternity dresses are only necessary in the late second trimester and onwards. Also have fun dressing up and worry less about how you look! My favourite brands for maternity dresses were Isabella Oliver, Legoe Heritage and Pinkblush Maternity.”

“When I was pregnant, I was focused on wearing anything that was both comfortable and presentable, as I was working full-time then and attending lots of meetings. At home, it was usually loose and breathable maternity dresses. Honestly, I didn’t invest much in maternity dresses at that time. I had a handful of outfits for the pregnancy which worked well for heading out, meeting friends or going to office on repeat. Nowadays, there are a lot more choices for maternity dresses so maybe invest in a few good ones which are roomy enough to last for the entire pregnancy and a few months later on. Then when you’re back at home, make sure you have something super comfortable to chill in,” shares blogger Pooja Kawatra who has two children.

“In my first pregnancy, I headed straight to the maternity stores and bought all things “maternity” but I did not feel classy in them – I felt like I looked drabby. It was only in my second and third pregnancies that I realised I did not have to wear specifically-labelled “maternity dresses” for pregnancy, I just needed to find clothing that could stretch below or over my bump and there were other options out there,” says Hadassah Lau, founder and designer of fashion brand Hadasity. She is expecting her fourth child.

“It’s important to wear a dress that accommodates your bump comfortably and that still makes you feel put together. As pregnant mamas, we already feel like we have become so much rounder. Wearing a dress that makes you feel you look good can uplift you.”

“With a growing belly, I love to wear fitting but stretchy clothing like leggings or skirts that can go over or under my bump. I’d usually pair them with the padded tops that I designed – they accommodate my growing chest as they have no underwire, and are not too tight or compressive like typical sports bras. My pregnancy journey and desire to feel comfortable yet put together inspired me to design the Phoswear collection.”

“I really enjoyed wearing bodycon dresses more to show off my baby bump as I never had the courage to wear them when I wasn’t pregnant. Having said that, I also have some flowy dresses to accommodate my growing bump. For advice, I’d just say buy one size bigger so that you can wear it longer!” shares blogger and mum of two, Maybeline Sim.

“Brands I like for maternity dresses are Jump Eat Cry and Dear Collective, but I also wear non-maternity brands such as Neonmello. Sometimes I go for flared skirts so that I can wear them postpartum.”

“I’m in the gym 90 per cent of the time, so tight, supportive and functional activewear is a must for me!  My biggest investments throughout my three pregnancies have been a workhorse pair of bike shorts with maternity support (the kind that covers the bump so I can wear a cropped top) and a pair of full-length, lightly compressive maternity leggings. I prefer full-length to help control lower-extremity edema (swelling) in the later stages of pregnancy,” says fitness coach Amanda Lim who is expecting her third child.

“If I’m going somewhere outside the gym, I go for lightweight, stretchy dresses that look cute enough with flat shoes, and can accommodate a more supportive bra underneath. No high heels or backless styles for me!”

This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.