Eight Maternity Clothing Pieces Every Summer Bump Needs

Confession: I’ve been notoriously cheap about buying maternity clothing throughout my pregnancy. All winter and spring I avoided shopping at all costs while insisting that I could get away with wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes. The thought of shelling out for threads that I’ll only wear a few months goes against everything my thrifty upbringing has taught me.

But now that summer is in full swing and my stomach can no longer be hidden by bulky sweatshirts and loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, I’ve started to invest in some key pieces—and my closet couldn’t be happier. Here are the top eight pieces that I’ve found practically invaluable for being preggers during warmer months.

Whitney C. Harris is a freelance writer living in Westchester, NY. She is due at the end of August. Find her at whitneycharris.com.

A Tight Tank Dress
Probably one of the most versatile items for your pregnancy wardrobe, a tight tank dress can be gussied up for the office (add a tailored blazer and your favorite jewelry) or thrown over a bathing suit for poolside lounging. Old Navy's maternity tank dress does the trick with its simple, understated design and ruched side seams to flatter all kinds of curves.
Solid Shorts
I never thought I'd don shorts at eight months pregnant, but the maternity over the belly denim short by Liz Lange for Target have become my go-to bottoms ever since temperatures hit the 70s. These feel just like my pre-pregnancy shorts, except for the ever-helpful full-elastic waistband of course. And they're the only thing I can wear to keep cool during long walks outside.
An Embellished Tee
How easy it would it be to wear plain-Jane t-shirts and tank tops all summer long? When I started to notice it had been weeks since I wore anything "fun" with a print or pattern, I decided to find something a little more special to wear. This maternity lace t-shirt with embellishment by ASOS was an easy choice because it looks nothing like traditional maternity clothing and quickly got me out of my monotone fashion rut.
A Super-Casual & Loose Maxi Dress
There's nothing quite as comfy for a changing body as a big, forgiving maxi dress with plenty of room to grow. The "That Was Then" maternity maxi from Fillyboo fits the bill with its super-relaxed silhouette. Its chunky braided neckline and loose arm holes allow the dress to hang without pulling or pinching at skin.
A Trendy Tankini
Swimwear is one of the categories of clothing for which I really thought I could get away with wearing my pre-maternity stuff. But I've quickly learned that even my stretchiest triangle bikinis and Speedo one-pieces aren't quite cutting it. A trendy tankini like this side ruched ikat print from A Pea in the Pod is about the only thing I've been able to squeeze into.
Slip-On Sandals
While the Birkenstock Madrid slip-on sandals aren't specifically made for pregnant feet, they should probably just be automatically given to women after their first ultrasound. They're some of the only shoes that don't require bending over to put them on and the adjustable buckle means your expanding feet will always have a home.
A Humongous Hat
It's no secret that pregnant women easily heat up. And I find myself avoiding the sun more than ever now that I'm carrying some extra weight. The best investment for keeping hot rays off my face has been the Columbia Sun Ridge II Hat. It holds its own against wind too.
A Nursing Nightgown
After months of wearing my oldest, rattiest shirts to bed, I decided to take the plunge and buy proper sleepwear that I could throw on right after dinner during these hot summer nights. The Jessica Simpson lace nursing nightgown from Motherhood Maternity has been a total dream and I fully plan to wear it throughout the first year of breastfeeding.

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