When people find out I’m due the first week of September, their response is almost always some version of “Hopefully it’s not a hot summer!” After all, pregnancy and heat are not known for playing well together. When you’re expecting, there are a number of factors—particularly in the third trimester—that lead to feeling warmer than usual, and dehydration comes at an increased risk. Plus, there’s the whole watermelon-sized-baby-taking-up-your-midsection component at play. It’s far from comfortable—particularly when the sun is blazing and you feel like you’re sweating from literally every pore.
This will be my third third-trimester summer. During my first, I initially convinced myself that the heat didn’t affect me. But I quickly realized that if I didn’t take proper precautions, I’d spend a good chunk of the afternoon nauseous and exhausted. I vividly remember thinking it would be a good idea to help my in-laws manually weed their lavender field on a hot summer afternoon. That’s right, an entire field. Let’s just say I paid the consequences shortly after.
I learned that I had to take the heat seriously. And that how I dressed played a major role in staying comfortable. Here, I’m sharing summer pregnancy fashion tips to get you through the next few months—plus, my favorite pieces to survive the heat.
Summer pregnancy fashion tips: how to dress on extra hot days
Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester, dressing for pregnancy is no simple feat. And this feeling is exacerbated during the warmer months. Instead of the basic “Does this fit?” you also have to ask yourself, “Will this keep me cool?”
The good news is, with a few considerations you can truly simplify the process and keep yourself feeling comfortable. The idea is to spend your summer glowing, not roasting. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Reach for breathable materials
Don’t underestimate the power of breathability. Pregnant or not, it’s a game changer. I recently purged a large quantity of synthetic-blend clothing pieces from my closet because I realized just how uncomfortable they made me any time the temperature rose above 65 degrees. Cotton and linen are popular summer fabric choices for a reason. Look for maternity and maternity-friendly pieces in these materials to keep from cooking yourself.
This rule still applies when the sun goes down—do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a set of 100-percent cotton maternity pajamas. I promise it will be one of the best summer pregnancy fashion purchases you make.
When in doubt, wear a dress
Even if a longer silhouette is required to cover the bump, dresses are almost always cooler than a pair of pants or shorts. Consider the airflow—it’s basically science. I personally love wearing dresses during pregnancy—especially during the third trimester—as I find they typically complement my figure better than other styles and also help me connect with my femininity during a time I’m not always feeling my best (let’s just say the heartburn doesn’t exactly leave me feeling sexy). Throw in the fact that they keep you cool and comfortable, and you can’t deny dresses as the superior outfitting choice.
Consider layers
I get it—sometimes you throw on a comfortable summer maternity outfit and feel lackluster. One way to elevate your style while remaining cool is by adding layers. Drape a lightweight cardigan over your shoulders or style a breezy button-down over a maternity tank. As someone who works from home, these hacks have become a favorite of mine for feeling put together during Zoom calls. If you get too hot (or as soon as you hit “End Meeting”), simply de-layer.
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Let your feet breathe
I love wearing cowboy boots in the summer, but on those particularly hot days, nothing does the trick like a classic pair of sandals. Granting your feet airflow truly makes a world of difference—particularly if you’re experiencing any level of swelling. Flat shoe styles are also generally more comfortable (and arguably, safer) as your form changes and good balance becomes a thing of the past.
Wear a sun hat in intense sun
My family recently vacationed in the Outer Banks. While the weather was pleasant and far from the heat experienced during the height of summer, it was still a bit warmer than my upstate NY self is used to. I was glad I’d had the foresight to pack a hat. I felt significantly cooler on the beach while wearing it.
Opt for under-the-bump styles
Maternity bottoms typically fall into one of two categories: over or under the bump. While I do generally prefer full-panel pants and shorts, that extra fabric can also feel like entirely too much on hot days. If you’re reaching for a pair of pants or shorts on days of extreme heat, opt for side-panel styles. Loose, full-elastic waistbands that fit under your bump are also a practical choice.
Remember that color matters
I still remember being in elementary school and learning about how light reacted with different colors and shades. Whereas dark colors absorb light, light colors reflect it. And even though the difference may seem small, I’ve personally found that when it comes to pregnancy fashion, color choice can certainly influence how cool I’m able to stay on summer days. As much as I love classic black or a nautical navy, warm days call for whites, creams, and pastels.
More summer-friendly maternity styles
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Emilee Janitz, Contributing Writer
Emilee is an accomplished communications strategist and lifestyle journalist. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is a Contributing Fashion Writer for The Everygirl and has additionally been published on POPSUGAR, Motherly, MSN, and Yahoo.
