The Ultimate Guide to Maternity Dress Shopping in Canada

Pregnancy is a journey unlike any other—filled with joy, challenges and constant change. While it’s tempting to size up in regular clothing or rely on stretchy fabrics at first, the truth is that proper maternity wear is truly a game-changer. Thoughtfully designed to adapt to your growing bump, maternity dresses do more than fit—they offer comfort, flexibility and a boost of confidence for every stage of motherhood.

“When you’re pregnant, it’s so important to feel like yourself,” says professional stylist Suzanne Colmer. “A lot of times people settle for clothes that are not their style at all, which leaves them feeling like they’re walking around in somebody else’s clothing for nine months. During that time you are doing the coolest thing in the world, it only makes sense to be draped in the best fashion that is going to allow you to show up and take up as much space as you want.”

With features like bump-friendly tailoring and nursing-ready designs, maternity clothes are practical and great not only for pregnancy but also for postpartum and beyond. Keep reading to explore how to find the best pieces that keep you looking and feeling amazing through it all.

Why you should shop locally

Shopping locally isn’t just about showing national pride—it’s about discovering high-quality, stylish and comfortable, thoughtfully made clothes while enjoying the perfect fit. By visiting Canadian maternity brands in-store, you can try on pieces to find what works best for your unique shape and needs. Many local brands prioritize inclusivity and sustainability, offering a wide range of sizes and designs to suit every mom-to-be. Plus, supporting local businesses means contributing to ethical practices and helping the economy. A few of Colmer’s favourite Canadian brands include Alday, Carry Maternity, Sonday The Label and Edmonton-based The Fourth.

“When designing our pieces, our goal is for them to not look like maternity clothing, but fit differently than regular wear,” says Kat Gillespie, a co-owner and creative director of Carry Maternity. “It’s not as simple as sizing up because then it’ll be disproportionate and leave you loose in certain areas and tight in others. Proper fit is key and that’s why the proportion and proper design of maternity wear is really important.”

Pat Gillespie, Kat’s mother, founded Carry Maternity more than 20 years ago, establishing it as a beloved cornerstone for mothers and moms-to-be in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.

Tips for plus-size moms and moms-to-be

Maternity fashion should celebrate your journey, prioritizing comfort and confidence in every size. Many brands now offer extended sizing, ensuring that stylish, functional options are accessible to everyone. For inspiration, turn to social media and follow plus-size influencers who share real-life maternity style tips, from outfit ideas to shopping recommendations.

The key is finding maternity clothing that fits well and makes you feel good—whether it’s a chic maxi dress for a baby shower or a casual wrap dress for everyday wear. Celebrate your journey and wear what makes you feel fabulous.

How to pick the right fabrics

Whether you're heading to a casual coffee date or celebrating at a baby shower, look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that keep you comfortable all day long.

Colmer’s key tips include picking pieces with stretch, weight or draping to flow with your body, and avoiding overly geometric designs that can create unflattering shapes—this is key for both comfort and style. She also advises looking for pieces with more than 50 percent natural fibre (unless it's athletic wear), to make it not only better for the environment but also feel better on the skin.

Finally, Colmer emphasizes the value of investing in quality over quantity. Consider this: a $100 dress worn 50 times breaks down to just $2 per wear—a smart investment for something that endures. On the flip side, a $20 fast-fashion piece that barely survives two outings costs $10 per wear and quickly ends up in the discard pile. Choosing quality isn’t just more sustainable, it’s also a better deal in the long run.

What to look for when shopping for and trying on maternity dresses

When shopping for a maternity dress, comfort, practicality and style should go hand-in-hand. Choose adjustable details such as wraps, ties, or elastic panels that grow with you throughout your pregnancy (this is both for comfort and financial practicality to avoid having to size up). Opt for low-maintenance, machine-washable fabrics to save time and energy, and look for everyday extras like pockets or nursing-friendly necklines to make life easier both during pregnancy and postpartum. Versatility is also key—opt for wrap dresses, simple slip dresses or classic black maternity styles that can effortlessly transition from errands to dinner with just a quick change of accessories. Canadian brand Embrace is popular for its breathable essentials that transition seamlessly from maternity to post-partum.

For a universally flattering fit, Colmer often leans towards open necklines and A-line styles. She also emphasizes the importance of versatility by selecting dresses that can be layered with pieces like cardigans, blazers, or denim jackets to create different looks from day to night or even season to season.

“Those layering pieces can be shopped from your closet as well, or they can be shopped from actual stores where you're able to try things on with because they don't, they don't need to be maternity pieces,” she says, adding that when you invest in high-quality staples that can be mixed and matched as a capsule wardrobe throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period, it makes getting dressed in the morning much less stressful.

How to keep it eco-friendly and budget-friendly

Sustainability is a smarter way to shop for both you and the planet. Choose maternity dresses made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, Tencel (sustainable fabric made from wood pulp), or bamboo, and support brands that prioritize transparency and ethical practices. Minimize waste by shopping gently used maternity wear or upcycling pre-pregnancy clothes. Canadian eco-chic brands like Franc, Alday, Bravado Designs and Sonday The Label offer great sustainable options.

To save on maternity style, sign up for newsletters and follow brands on social media for discounts. Thrift stores and rental services such as Rent the Runway also provide budget-friendly finds, and investing in versatile dresses ensures you get more wear for your money. How to make maternity fashion feel fashionable

Pregnancy doesn’t mean giving up your sense of style. These days, maternity wear makes it easier than ever to feel fashionable and comfortable. This season, earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and playful prints like bold florals and abstract patterns are having a moment. Social media is also full of ideas, with influencers and brands sharing tips on how to dress your bump. From layering pieces to adding statement accessories, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great places to find inspiration and keep your look fresh.

“The easiest way to look put together is to focus on your focal point,” says Colmer. “When you're dressing in maternity wear, this is just as important. A great pair of shoes or a statement necklace can transform your clothing into a complete outfit—so you don’t feel like you’re just wearing the same dress as everyone else.”