What to Wear for Your Maternity Session | Pensacola Photographers
Maternity portraits are about so much more than documenting your pregnancy—they’re about honoring the transformation you’re undergoing, the strength and softness that live side by side, and the anticipation of the life you’re growing.
Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, your maternity session is a celebration of this fleeting season—and what you wear plays a big role in how you’ll feel during it.
Our number one goal? That you feel beautiful, at ease, and deeply seen. And that your bump is clearly celebrated in every single frame.
Let’s break down how to make that happen.
Your Bump Should Shine—In Every Position
No matter what style you gravitate toward, there’s one essential rule for maternity wardrobe:
Your bump should be clearly visible—whether you’re standing, sitting, or lying down—without needing to hold or adjust your clothing to make it show.
The best way to find out? Try it on and test it.
Move around. Sit on the floor, lie back on a couch, stand in front of a mirror. If your bump disappears in certain positions, or if you find yourself constantly tugging or rearranging fabric just to see it, it’s probably not the best fit for your session.
Now, let’s talk outfit ideas.
What Works Beautifully for Maternity Sessions
• Fitted Dresses or Gowns
Fitted jersey, ribbed cotton, or stretch-knit dresses hug your curves in all the right ways and put that gorgeous bump front and center.
These can be full-length, midi, or even cropped, depending on the vibe you’re going for.
Try:
A long, fitted tank dress with a slit
A soft ribbed bodycon with long sleeves
A wrap dress tied just above the bump
• Soft Neutrals and Flowing Fabrics
Flowy doesn’t mean shapeless. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, gauze, or linen can drape beautifully over your bump, especially when they cinch just above the belly or fall naturally to highlight your shape.
A few favorites:
A flowy maxi dress with empire waist
A sheer robe over a bodysuit or bra and underwear
A wrap-around linen dress or kimono
• Texture + Layers Add Depth
Chunky knits, delicate lace, crinkled cotton, or silk all photograph with warmth and visual interest. They bring softness and dimension without distracting from your form.
Idea:
A cozy, oversized sweater pulled just under the bump
A lace-trimmed bralette with a soft cardigan
A crinkled cotton skirt paired with a cropped knit top
• Casual + Cool
You don’t have to dress up to show up. Casual looks can be incredibly powerful and personal.
Think:
A cropped t-shirt or tank and a pair of unbuttoned jeans
An oversized button-up shirt worn open over your bump
A bikini or swim top paired with linen shorts or a sarong—perfect for a beach session or breezy summer vibe
This look is especially perfect if you're going for effortless, natural, and a little playful.
• Barely There
For the bold and intimate mamas, less can be more—and it can be stunning.
Try:
A delicate lace or mesh lingerie set
A sheer fabric or robe that catches the light and creates dramatic silhouettes
Nothing at all—just soft, strategic hand placement and your radiant, powerful self
These sessions are tasteful, emotional, and raw in the most beautiful way. If you’re open to it, this approach captures the essence of pregnancy like nothing else.
What Not to Wear
Anything that hides your bump or needs to be posed “just right”
Stiff or overly structured clothing (tight waistbands, underwire, or anything restrictive)
Items that wrinkle easily or shift around a lot
Tops that fall straight down from your chest and completely mask your shape
A Note on Color + Coordination (If Others Are Joining)
If your partner or older children are joining you for part of the session, aim for coordinated but not matching. Think in color palettes—earthy tones, soft pastels, or rich jewel hues all work well.
Textures mix beautifully: cotton, linen, knits, and denim can all live in the same frame. Encourage everyone to wear something they feel good in. Comfort shows.
Final Tip: Choose What Makes You Feel Beautiful
If you have to constantly tug, adjust, or suck in to feel okay in it—ditch it.
If your bra strap keeps sliding out and it’s not meant to be part of the look—ditch it.
If you feel like yourself, if you can move and breathe and love the way your belly looks from every angle—wear it.
These images will be a reminder not just of what you looked like, but how you felt. Let’s make sure you feel like the incredible woman you are.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Natalie's Amazon List Items from Amazon that I think will work well.
Rainey’s Closet Rental service for beautiful gowns
Pink Blush Maternity A great selection of stylish maternity to fit a wide variety of aesthetics
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Still not sure what to wear?
I’m always happy to offer feedback or styling help—just reach out before your session. Let’s make sure you feel radiant, comfortable, and completely you.
Ready to celebrate that beautiful bump? I can’t wait to capture it.