First Trimester Outfits: What to Wear When You’re Newly Pregnant

Finding out you’re pregnant is such a whirlwind of emotions—joy, nerves, excitement, and about a hundred “what now?” thoughts. And one of those big “what now” moments?

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Figuring out what to wear when your body is starting to change but isn’t quite “showing” yet. Welcome to the wonderful and confusing world of first trimester outfits!

Let’s walk through what works best in the early weeks of pregnancy—when you might feel bloated, exhausted, and in need of some stretchy pants—but you’re not quite ready for full-blown maternity wear.

Here’s your go-to guide to dressing for comfort, style, and confidence in your first trimester.

More to read:

• 17 Comfortable Maternity Outfits for Summer (Cute and Airy)
• 15 Beautiful Maternity Outfits for Winter (Ideas & Stores)
• Maternity Outfits for Photoshoot: Denim Edition
• Maternity Evening Dress Guide
• Comfortable & Cute Maternity Fashion

The Comfort-First Mindset

In those early weeks, you may not have a baby bump yet, but chances are, you feel different. Hormones are shifting, your body is adjusting, and your go-to jeans might suddenly feel like they’re plotting against you. Prioritize comfort. You don’t need to dive headfirst into maternity clothes yet, but you do want things that stretch, breathe, and make you feel good.

Look for:

• Soft, stretchy waistbands
• Lightweight fabrics like cotton and bamboo
• Loose-fitting tops or dresses
• Clothing with room in the midsection (even if it’s not technically maternity)

Pro Tip: This is a great time to “shop your closet” for looser pieces you already own, especially oversized tees, swing dresses, tunics, and joggers.

Early Pregnancy Bloat is Real

A lot of women are surprised to feel like their belly is growing way before the baby bump appears. That’s because bloating is one of the first pregnancy symptoms, and it can make your pants feel snug long before you’re technically “showing.”

Outfit ideas to beat the bloat:

• Leggings (you’ll live in them) with oversized sweaters
• Empire waist dresses that float away from your belly
• Joggers or drawstring pants that adjust to your waist
• Button-up shirts worn open over a tank top for a layered look

Bonus Tip: If your jeans are tight, try a belly band or a hair tie looped through the buttonhole to give yourself a bit more room without buying new clothes yet.

Bras That Don’t Hurt

Your chest might be the first thing to grow—and it might be sore. Really sore. Ditch anything with underwire for now and invest in a couple of soft, stretchy bras or bralettes.

Great options include:

• Seamless wireless bras
• Maternity sports bras (super comfy and supportive)
• Stretchy bralettes for lounging
• Nursing bras (yes, you can wear them now!)

Pro Tip: Go up a size if needed—your rib cage may start expanding, and comfort is key.

Loungewear That Works for Life

You’ll probably find yourself gravitating toward comfy clothes more than ever in the first trimester. That’s totally okay—there are so many cute loungewear options that don’t look frumpy.

Think:

• Matching knit sets
• Lightweight joggers and cardigans
• Simple midi dresses with slippers or sandals
• Stretchy biker shorts and oversized tees

You can wear these around the house or out on errands with just a little accessorizing. Add a cute bag, a topknot, and earrings, and you’ll feel pulled together even when you’re running on ginger ale and crackers.

Flowy Dresses for the Win

Dresses are magic in the first trimester. They give your belly space to expand, they’re light and airy, and they make you look polished with basically zero effort.

Types of dresses to try:

• Swing dresses that are loose and breezy
• Wrap dresses that adjust with your shape
• T-shirt dresses that can be dressed up or down
• Maxi dresses with empire waists or stretchy bodices

Pro Tip: A flowy dress with a jean jacket and sandals is an easy first-trimester outfit formula that works for just about anything.

Jeans: Yes, You Can Still Wear Them (Sort Of)

If you’re not ready for maternity jeans, try mid-rise or low-rise styles that don’t press against your growing midsection. Or get creative with a belly band to keep your jeans unbuttoned but still up.

You could also try:

• Jeggings with an elastic waistband
• Side-panel maternity jeans (great for the in-between stage)
• Overalls—cute and bump-friendly

Eventually, maternity jeans will be your BFF—but in the meantime, stretchy bottoms rule.

Layer Like a Pro

Your body temperature might be fluctuating (thank you, hormones), and layering becomes your best strategy. Keep your outfit flexible so you can cool off or cozy up as needed.

Layering ideas:

• Light cardigans over tank tops
• Button-down flannels or chambray shirts left open
• Oversized denim jackets
• Linen or cotton kimonos for a breezy layer

Pro Tip: Choose breathable layers so you can stay cool when needed—especially helpful if you’re dealing with morning sickness and hot flashes.

Workwear That Still Fits

If you’re working during your first trimester, dressing the part while staying comfy can feel like a challenge. Look for soft, stretch-friendly professional pieces that don’t constrict your belly.

Work-friendly outfit ideas:

• Stretchy pencil skirts with tunic-length blouses
• Maternity trousers with elastic panels (trust me, you won’t want to go back)
• Wrap tops or blouses with draped fabric
• Longline blazers layered over simple dresses

Pro Tip: A stretchy black dress with a blazer or cardigan is an easy go-to office outfit—and it transitions beautifully into second trimester too.

Footwear That Loves You Back

Swollen feet can sneak up early, especially if you’re retaining water or feeling off-balance. Now is the time for comfy, supportive shoes that don’t pinch or squish.

Best first trimester shoe picks:

• Soft sneakers
• Slides or sandals with arch support
• Cushioned flats
• Low wedges or clogs (if you still want some height)

Skip anything too tight or with zero padding—you deserve comfort with every step right now.

Don’t Be Afraid to Size Up

It’s totally normal to size up during the first trimester even if you’re not technically in maternity wear yet. Clothes that used to fit might feel stiff, restrictive, or just “off.” That doesn’t mean your body is wrong—it means your body is doing its incredible job of creating life, and you deserve clothes that honor that.

Try this:

• Buy a few tops and dresses one size up
• Opt for stretchy waistbands in pants and skirts
• Choose clothes that grow with you, not fight against you

Invest in Staples—Not a Whole New Wardrobe

You don’t need to overhaul your entire closet in the first trimester. Just gather a few core pieces that will make you feel good and get you through these early months.

Helpful staples include:

• 2–3 pairs of leggings or soft joggers
• 2 flowy dresses (one casual, one nice)
• A belly band
• Oversized tees and tanks
• One good pair of stretchy jeans or jeggings
• Comfy bra(s)

You can mix and match these pieces endlessly—and many will carry into the second trimester.

What to Avoid

Some clothes just won’t feel good right now—and that’s okay.

Skip:

• Tight waistbands that dig into your stomach
• Stiff denim or structured pants
• Underwire bras (unless they’re really soft and supportive)
• Anything that makes you feel restricted or uncomfortable

Listen to your body. If something feels off, it probably is.

Feeling Cute Counts

Yes, comfort matters, but so does confidence. If putting on a flowy dress and your favorite earrings makes you feel beautiful, do it. If a soft matching lounge set is your version of getting dressed, go for it.

Pregnancy isn’t just about what your body is doing—it’s also about how you feel in your skin. So wear the clothes that make you feel most like you—even as everything is changing.

Where to Shop for First Trimester Clothes

You don’t need to head straight for the maternity section, but some stores are great for first-trimester-friendly styles:

• Target – Great basics, lots of stretch
• Old Navy – Flowy dresses, soft leggings
• H&M – Trendy oversized tops and bump-friendly dresses
• Amazon – Affordable leggings, joggers, and dresses
• PinkBlush – Stylish maternity wear that works for early pregnancy
• ASOS – Chic maternity pieces and size-inclusive options

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace

Your body is changing in real time—and it’s doing something amazing. If you don’t feel great in your clothes, or you’re frustrated that nothing fits quite right, give yourself grace. This is a weird stage where you’re “in between,” and it won’t last forever.

Let your wardrobe flex with you. Be kind to yourself. And remember: you’re already doing a great job.

A Few Quick Outfit Ideas to Save:

• Bump-Friendly Day Look: Leggings, oversized tee, flannel shirt tied around the waist, sneakers
• Workwear Vibe: Stretchy black dress, cardigan, flats
• Weekend Casual: Joggers, tank, denim jacket, slides
• Date Night: Flowy midi dress, light makeup, earrings
• Stay-At-Home Cute: Matching loungewear set, soft bra, bun on top of your head

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