10 Maternity Style Trends Worth Watching in 2026

Many of us no longer think of maternity clothes as all that different from their regular clothes. Today’s maternity fashion is less about stretchy pants and empire waists and more about outfits that mirror mainstream fashion—expressive, creative and undeniably current.

“The biggest mistake in maternity style is thinking you have to change who you are because you’re pregnant,” says Nicole Trunfio, a supermodel-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Bumpsuit. Too often, she explains, expectant parents either invest in a temporary wardrobe they’ll only wear for a few months, try to squeeze into old clothes or default to oversized pieces that hide rather than support their changing bodies. The reality? Pregnancy doesn’t require a style reset—it calls for smarter, more intentional choices that evolve with you.

That mindset shift is fueling a quiet revolution in maternity fashion. Ready to embrace your growing body and reclaim your personal aesthetic? The rules are, there are no rules. From expanding silhouettes to statement outerwear, read on for a closer look at the ongoing shift in maternity style, and hear from expert stylists on the hottest trends in maternity fashion for 2026.

How Maternity Styles Are Changing

The evolution of maternity fashion has been decades in the making, shaped by women who chose visibility over concealment. From Demi Moore’s groundbreaking Vanity Fair cover in 1991 to Kim Kardashian’s curve-hugging Givenchy gown at the 2013 Met Gala, each era pushed the idea that pregnancy could coexist with high fashion. By 2019, Ashley Graham was stealing the spotlight with an endless parade of maternity body-con outfits.

And then came Rihanna. She and partner A$AP Rocky announced their first pregnancy in February 2022, in a series of photos that went viral, showing the multi-hyphenate decked out in ripped jeans, bare-bump belly jewelry and a bright pink vintage Chanel puffer. From her first pregnancy, look through the exciting reveal of baby No. 2 at the 2023 Super Bowl, Rihanna’s bump and linea nigra were proudly on display.

“Rihanna has continued her unprecedented run in 2025, redefining maternity fashion with bold textures, unexpected proportions and silhouettes that celebrate rather than conceal the bump,” explains Molly Bellar, head of brand at maternity brand Ingrid + Isabel. “While her avant-garde looks aren’t always practical for the average expecting mom, the visibility of a proudly styled bump on major red carpets and runways is hugely empowering. It reinforces what we see every day: When she feels confident in her changing body, everything else falls into place.”

Rihanna’s revival of maternity fashion has rippled out to other stars like Sienna Miller, Sofia Richie Grainge and Hailey Bieber, who all pushed the envelope further in 2025. “Sienna Miller’s relaxed, boho-inspired silhouettes and soft tailoring brought back an elevated ease that feels effortless while still flattering a growing belly,” says Stitch Fix M.O.M (Milestones of Motherhood) stylist Amy Depler. “She styles herself like her bump is an accessory as she continues to step out in unique pieces.”

As we look forward to 2026, Depler says that model and influencer Hailee Steinfeld will be one to watch too. “After her wedding to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen earlier this year, Steinfield’s bridal style became one of the most talked-about of 2025,” she says. “We expect her pregnancy wardrobe to carry the same blend of modern elegance and playful sophistication. Moms-to-be are likely to look to her for inspiration on how to mix statement pieces with comfort, whether for everyday outings or special occasions.”

Taken together, these moments signal a larger shift. “We’re seeing pregnancy become a time to celebrate personal style, experiment with trends and dress with intention,” says Noel Hamula, a merchandiser at maternity brand Kindred Bravely. With Gen Z poised to bring fresh perspectives, and celebrities and influencers continuing to set the tone, maternity fashion is entering its most expressive era yet.

Why Maternity Styles Are Changing

Celebrities didn’t single-handedly upend maternity style. But their influence came at the right time and was further fueled by shifts in our cultural landscape. Broader cultural shifts around reproductive rights, body positivity, health and wellness and less mindless consumption have all reshaped how moms-to-be think about getting dressed.

Pregnancy’s physical changes—the burgeoning belly, the ballooning bustline, the widening hips—are no longer seen as something to hide. In fact, pregnant people are reclaiming them as signs of beauty and strength. “The pregnant body is a source of pride for a woman. I see this as a kind of modern femininity,” explains Yoo-Kyoung Seock, MS, PhD, a professor of textiles, merchandising and interiors at the University of Georgia.

Today’s trends also reflect pregnant people’s desire to be real about their journeys. “The complications and hard work the body does during pregnancy is now also more openly talked about,” says Melissa Tombro, MA, PhD, a professor of English and communication studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “Pregnant people are looking for ways to talk about miscarriage, bodily changes and mental health to receive the support they need. Fashion is a way to express that the dialogue is opening up and becoming more inclusive of all stages of this life-changing event.”

That shift has fundamentally changed how maternity clothing is designed. Trunfio says maternity dressing has moved away from short-term, niche solutions and toward intentional wardrobe building. Expectant parents no longer want clothes they’ll wear for a few months and discard—they want pieces that support them through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. “Motherhood is no longer something to hide or pause your life for,” Trunfio explains. “It’s something to integrate, celebrate and move through with strength and self-expression.”

Maternity Trends to Watch for in 2026

One of the most interesting developments in maternity fashion in the past decade? Styles that mirror mainstream fashion aren’t just for celebrities, Depler says. “Expecting moms can now access the same trends seen in ready-to-wear,” she adds. Whether you’re taking a page out of the broader fashion world or leaning into specific maternity trends, feel free experiment with these exciting on-trend styles.

Expanding silhouettes

As Gen Z and style-setters lean into barrel jeans and oversized button-downs, the rest of the world is following. Personal styling subscription site Stitch Fix reports that requests for “relaxed” styles have increased more than 16-fold. “Silhouettes are expanding as clients opt for wide-leg and flared pants that blend style with ease,” says Depler. “Ultra comfort and style can be found in easy-to-wear, wide-leg silhouettes. From a good pair of tailored trousers for work to buttery soft lounge pants for home, the wide-leg silhouette can provide the perfect, forgiving silhouette for a changing body,” Hamula adds.

Pro tip: Look for wide-leg or flared styles with a soft knit waistband, side stretch panels, or an over‑the‑bump panel so nothing digs in, Depler suggests. Balance the volume on the bottom with either a more fitted top or a structured layer—think a crisp button-down worn open, a cropped cardigan or a blazer you don’t need to button.

Center-stage bumps

Style experts agree that playing up the bump is a trend that isn’t going anywhere. While Rihanna helped bring the bare bump into the mainstream, today’s maternity style offers plenty of ways to put the belly front-and-center without fully baring it. Wrap silhouettes, empire waists and strategic side ruching draw the eye upward and create clean, flattering lines that celebrate the bump rather than conceal it, Depler says. “Whether you’re wearing a cropped top or a partially buttoned shirt, bumps are viewed more like an accessory versus something to hide,” notes Hamula.

Pro tip: Ready to lean all the way in? Cultural trend analyst and Von Baer co-founder Albert Varkki suggests belly jewelry as the finishing touch. Follow the same styling rules as any accessory edit: Invest in one standout piece, then balance it with a few everyday basics.

Dimensional romance

Love will be big in 2026. Interest in “romantic” styles has increased nearly seven times among women, and mentions of puff sleeves are up more than 90 percent, Stitch Fix reports. “Expect lace, velvet and saturated jewel tones to come to the forefront for events and date nights like Valentine’s Day coming up,” says Depler. Don’t save the romance just for special occasions, though. “Softer, moodier details add texture while still offering comfort and flexibility throughout pregnancy,” she adds.

Pro tip: If you love the romantic look but don’t want to feel overwhelmed by fabric, Depler encourages moms to choose one bold detail—a puff sleeve, a dark floral or a velvet texture—and let that be the star.

Jewel tones and primary colors

Across fashion, jewel tones and primary colors are expected to make a comeback in 2026, says Bellar. “It’s easy to layer your favorite brightly colored pieces from pre-pregnancy into your overall look in the form of accessories, like cardigans or scarves, on top of those essential maternity basics,” she adds.

Pro tip: The Stitch Fix team predicts Chili Red to be the it color for 2026, with a 50 percent increase in sales on red pieces. “For maternity, bold red draws focus upward, balances the bump visually and adds personality without needing intricate styling,” Depler notes.

Retro aesthetics

If you’ve been feeling nostalgic for a time gone by, you’re not alone. “Clients are loving midcentury silhouettes and timeless tailoring, with requests for ‘polka dot’ items having surged 175 percent while sales of structured jackets are up by more than 30 percent,” Depler says. “Tap into the vintage-inspired aesthetic while keeping things current with the help of timeless prints such as polka dots, stripes and animal patterns,” says Hamula.

Pro tip: Look for jackets with a bit of stretch or buy your pre-pregnancy size and plan to wear them open over bump-hugging knits. For skirts and dresses, elastic waists, smocking or back-of-waist stretch panels will carry you from the second trimester through postpartum.

Statement outerwear

Trench coats and longline puffers are set to remain maternity staples in 2026, thanks to their ability to elevate everything from sweats to workwear, Bellar says. The challenge is finding a maternity coat that feels cozy and flattering now, yet still earns a spot in your closet postpartum. “Coats with adjustable side panels or dual zippers that zip from top and bottom are great options for extending the lifespan of the jacket,” Bellar adds.

Pro tip: Already love your outerwear lineup? Add a zip-in panel to your favorite winter coat to comfortably accommodate a growing bump without buying an entirely new piece.

Jump-ing off pieces

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens and Sofia Richie Grainge have mastered the ultra-comfy, off-duty look with one standout staple: the jumpsuit. “An oversized jumpsuit, paired with a cute top underneath, can do no wrong,” Trunfio. “I think having that go-to, foolproof wardrobe staple for maternity dressing, that can take you all the way through each trimester and be your ticket to an effortless, hassle-free, comfortable experience while still looking chic, is a must.”

Pro tip: A well-made maternity jumpsuit should offer real support for a growing bump, Bellar notes. Look for styles that are double-lined for structure and made with four-way stretch, so they move with you from late pregnancy through postpartum without losing shape.

Coastal casual

Once temperatures rise and coastal babymoons abound, expectant moms will be gravitating toward soft, airy fabrics and flowy silhouettes. “We’re seeing huge interest in nautical-inspired looks, with requests for ‘breezy’ styles up nearly 700 percent and sales of women’s linen pieces up nearly 40 percent,” Depler reports.

Pro tip: Keep yourself and baby cool with breathable fabrics like linen or gauze, Depler suggests. Prioritize pieces with stretch or adjustable ties—perfect for changing temps and bump comfort.

Knit maxi dresses and loungewear

Bellar expects knits to continue surging in popularity as the go-to for everything from casual dresses to sets. “The stitching on a knit dress or lounge set, in particular, both accentuates and flatters a baby bump, while allowing [a pregnant woman] to feel comfortable and love the way her body looks,” she explains.

Pro tip: When shopping knits, pay attention to weight and recovery. Medium- to heavyweight knits with ribbing or pointelle detailing offer better support and hold their shape over time, making them just as wearable postpartum as they are during pregnancy.

Sizing up

Amid economic and environmental concerns, not everyone’s springing for new pregnancy looks. “I’ve been observing that most people—celebrity or not—refuse to buy maternity clothes during their pregnancy, and that’s what’s going to happen in 2026 as well,” says Varkki. “Clients spend 60 percent less on pregnancy wardrobes than they did three years ago. They’re buying men’s shirting, sizing up in Zara, and wearing the same bodysuits through month 9 and postpartum.”

Pro tip: Make the most of repurposing closet favorites by splurging on a few key pieces. “Invest in a good mix of maternity staples that can last you through all trimesters. Try mixing in pieces you already own so you don’t have to overhaul your entire wardrobe. Sprinkle in a few fashion pieces, and you’ll be set,” says Hamula.