When Should You Buy Your Maternity Dress? A Guide for Every Stage of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful seasons of your life — and finding the perfect maternity dress to celebrate your bump is one of those little joys that makes it even more special. But with your body changing week by week, knowing when to buy can feel tricky. Here's everything you need to know, mama.

🌱 First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Hold Off for Now

In your first trimester, your bump isn't very visible yet and your body is still in early transition. Most maternity dresses won't fit or look the way you're imagining just yet. Our advice? Use this time to browse, save your favorites, and plan — but wait a little longer before purchasing.

Exception: If you're buying for a photo shoot planned for later in your pregnancy, go ahead and order early so you have time for any exchanges.

✨ Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26): The Sweet Spot

This is the best time to buy your maternity dress. Your bump is beautifully visible, your energy is back, and you still have plenty of pregnancy ahead to enjoy wearing it. Most maternity dresses are designed to fit and flatter during this stage and beyond.

We recommend buying around weeks 16–20 for the best fit through the rest of your pregnancy.

🌸 Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40): Comfort is Queen

By your third trimester, you want stretch, softness, and room to breathe. Look for dresses with:

• Stretchy fabric that grows with your bump
• Empire waist or wrap styles that accommodate your full belly
• Lightweight material to keep you comfortable

Many of our maternity dresses are designed with stretch fabric specifically for this reason — so you can wear them from your second trimester all the way to your due date.

📸 Buying for a Maternity Photo Shoot

If you're planning a maternity photo shoot (and you absolutely should — you deserve to be celebrated!), aim to schedule it between weeks 28–34 when your bump is full and beautiful but you're still feeling comfortable enough to pose.

Order your dress at least 3–4 weeks before your shoot to allow for shipping and any size adjustments.

📏 A Note on Sizing

Our maternity dresses use Asian sizing, which runs 1–2 sizes smaller than standard US sizing. When in doubt, always size up — especially in your second and third trimester. A dress that fits a little loose early on will grow beautifully with your bump.

The Bottom Line

There's no perfect moment — but the second trimester is your golden window. Buy when your bump is showing, your energy is high, and you have the whole beautiful stretch of pregnancy ahead of you to feel gorgeous in your dress.

👉 Shop our Show Stopping Maternity Dresses collection and find the one that was made for your moment.