If there's one thing the women in my life have in common during pregnancy and postpartum, it's this: finding modest, stylish maternity clothes feels nearly impossible. If they need something that stretches with them for their growing bump or need easy nursing access postpartum, I've found it's been hard for them to find options that don't sacrifice style.
That's why we're so passionate about creating quality modest maternity dresses, nursing-friendly styles, and bump-friendly skirts that can take women from pregnancy all the way through the postpartum season – without ever compromising on comfort, coverage, or beauty.
MODEST MATERNITY CLOTHES THAT ACTUALLY WORK (DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY)
Here's something I never realized until I started working in the clothing industry: you don't always need pieces labeled "maternity" to dress comfortably during pregnancy. I've found that the real secret is knowing what silhouettes and fabrics to look for. Stretch, breathability, and a flattering cut go a long way.
Ribbed Knit & Bamboo Blend Maternity Dresses
One of my favorite fabrics, especially for pregnancy, is ribbed bamboo knit. It's soft, breathable, and has the right amount of stretch to grow with you. Our 'Constance' Bamboo Blend Midi Dress is a go-to for exactly this reason – available in a variety of colors, it offers a flattering silhouette that works beautifully for both pregnancy and postpartum.
Models are wearing the 'Constance' Bamboo Blend Midi Dress
A-Line Silhouettes for Bump-Friendly Style
A-line dresses are a maternity wardrobe essential! I love the way they flow away from the body below the waist, because it gives your bump room to breathe while still keeping you looking put-together and feminine. A few of my favorites:
- 'Ariel' Smocked Bodice Floral Maxi Dress – this is a gorgeous floral option with a smocked bodice that expands naturally as your belly grows
- 'Louisa' Button Down Tiered Cotton Gauze Dress – lightweight, breathable, and so versatile
- 'Amanda' Striped Maternity Nursing-Friendly Dress – a two-in-one hero that works both during pregnancy and postpartum for nursing
Model is wearing the 'Louisa' Button Down Tiered Cotton Gauze Dress
Smocked Waist Maternity Dresses
I've found that smocked waistbands are a pregnant mama's best friend – they stretch beautifully, hug comfortably, and never feel restrictive. Some of my most-loved smocked options include:
- 'Cynthia' Morning Glory Cotton Gauze Dress – this dress features a breathable cotton gauze with an a-line silhouette and smocked waist for a flattering fit
- 'Alicia' Cotton Gauze Midi Dress – another one of our bestsellers, this smocked beauty transitions seamlessly from pregnancy into postpartum
Model is wearing the 'Cynthia' Morning Glory Cotton Gauze Dress
More Modest Maternity Dresses Worth Knowing
We have plenty of options that you'll find yourself reaching for throughout pregnancy and long after the baby arrives! Some of my personal favorites include the 'Bekah' Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress, the 'Adeline' Button Down A-Line Midi Dress, and the 'Martha' Collared Smocked Gingham Midi Dress.
Each of these pieces is designed with modest coverage and comfortable fabrics – so you're never choosing between looking good and feeling covered!
Model is wearing the 'Bekah' Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress
MODEST MATERNITY SKIRTS
While I found that dresses are effortless and practical during pregnancy, I love that there is an option to have a modest skirt that also works with a growing bump. Our maternity skirt options are designed with stretch and comfort at the forefront! Here are some of my favorites:
- 'Nicole' Maternity Ponte Knit Skirt – this skirt is structured, polished, and stretchy
- 'Alanna' Maternity Stretch Denim Skirt – a casual everyday essential
- 'Everlee' Stretch Denim Maternity Skirt – a classic denim look that has all the stretch you need
Model is wearing the 'Alanna' Maternity Stretch Denim Skirt
Shop our full modest maternity collection here.
NURSING-FRIENDLY MODEST DRESSES FOR POSTPARTUM
I'm sure that dressing postpartum brings a whole new set of needs – and if you're breastfeeding or pumping, nursing-friendly access becomes a priority. The good news? Nursing-friendly doesn't have to mean frumpy or unflattering. We've created postpartum styles that give you easy access while keeping you stylish and comfortable!
There are three key design features that make a dress nursing-friendly:
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Hidden access beneath the bodice
- Functional front buttons
- Stretchy or smocked necklines
Nursing Dresses with Hidden Access
I've discovered that the most seamless nursing-friendly styles have access tucked beneath the bodice – that way, you look put-together from the outside, with full convenience when you need it! Some of our dresses with this feature include:
- 'Rachel' Nursing-Friendly Midi Dress in Sea Green – made with a breathable bamboo blend and a beautiful pop of color
- 'August' Nursing-Friendly Floral Knee Length Dress – I love the beautiful floral print on this hidden access dress
- 'Amanda' Striped Maternity Nursing-Friendly Dress – this piece works perfectly for both maternity and postpartum nursing
Model is wearing the 'Amanda' Striped Maternity Nursing-Friendly Dress
Button-Down Nursing-Friendly Dresses
Functional buttons are one of the most popular nursing-friendly features on both dresses and tops – and they look beautiful too! These dresses are my favorite for both maternity and postpartum wear:
- 'Louisa' Button Down Tiered Cotton Gauze Midi Dress
- 'Bekah' Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress
- 'Katelyn' Ribbed Knit Maxi Dress in Olive
Model is wearing the 'Katelyn' Ribbed Knit Maxi Dress in Olive
Stretchy Neckline Nursing Dresses
For an effortless nursing-friendly option, I enjoy dresses and tops with smocked or stretchy necklines that provide easy access without any zipper or buttons. Some dresses with this feature include:
- 'Ariel' Smocked Bodice Floral Maxi Dress
- 'Montgomery' Cotton Gauze Dress
Model is wearing the 'Ariel' Smocked Bodice Floral Maxi Dress
Shop all nursing-friendly modest dresses and tops here.
DRESSING THROUGH EVERY SEASON OF MOTHERHOOD
Pregnancy and postpartum are such beautiful, full seasons to me – I have loved witnessing the women in my life carry their little blessings! In these seasons, you deserve to feel like yourself throughout them all. Whether you're looking for a modest baby shower dress, an everyday maternity outfit, or a postpartum nursing dress for church, The Main Street Exchange has options that check every box: modest, comfortable, stylish, and made to last beyond just one season of life.
I'd love to help you find your perfect fit! Browse our full collection of modest maternity styles and nursing-friendly styles at mainstreetexchangeapparel.com. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out! We're here for you, mama.
