What to Wear for Maternity Photos in Seattle (And What to Avoid)
If you are planning maternity photos, you are probably asking yourself one big question:
What should I wear?
This guide will walk you through exactly what to wear, what to avoid, and how to prepare so you feel confident and look beautiful in your portraits.
Quick answer: Wear something fitted, and simple
Most maternity clothing is loose and flowy. And while that is comfortable to wear from day to day, loose clothing doesn’t photograph well.
The most flattering maternity outfits are ones that show of the body. For your photos, choose:
Fitted dresses
Tight tanks or bandeaus
Draped fabric
Nude or partially nude styling
Pregnancy is about curves. Your clothing should highlight them, not conceal them. Loose, baggy maternity clothing will hide your shape, which is the opposite of what we want in maternity portraits.
Why fitted clothing photographs better
Cameras see differently than our eyes.
In real life, we see depth and dimension. A camera flattens everything into a two dimensional image. That means we rely heavily on light and shadow to define shape.
When you wear something tight:
Fabric clings to your belly
Light creates highlights and shadows
Your curves are clearly defined
When you wear something loose:
Fabric drapes away from your body
Light hits the fabric instead of your skin
Your bump can look less defined
If you want your pregnancy to be clearly visible in your photos, fitted is almost always better.
Nude, draped, or clothed: What is best?
I personally love photographing maternity sessions draped or nude because skin reflects light beautifully. That reflection creates depth and dimension that fabric often absorbs.
When skin is exposed:
Light wraps around the belly
Highlights and shadows emphasize curves
The image feels timeless and sculptural
That said, I know that not everyone is comfortable with nudity or partial nudity. If you prefer to be clothed for your entire session, that is completely fine. Client comfort always comes first. In that case, I recommend:
Fitted dresses
Stretch fabric
Solid colors
Minimal layering
The simpler the better.
What colors work best for maternity photos?
The most flattering colors for maternity portraits are:
White
Cream
Black
Soft neutrals
Earth tones
Solid colors photograph best because patterns can distract from the shape of your body.
If you are unsure, neutrals are always safe and timeless.
What to avoid wearing for maternity photos
There are a few things I recommend avoiding.
1. Loose maternity dresses
Flowy dresses may feel comfortable, but they will hide your belly in photos. Save your loose dress for a night out with friends and family, and come to your session in something tight!
2. Busy patterns
Patterns draw attention away from your shape and can make images feel less timeless.
3. Logos or graphics
Just like busy patterns, logos pull focus away from what matters. In portraits, simple is better.
4. Tight elastic before your session
This one surprises people. On the day of your session, avoid:
Tight waistbands
Tight socks
Hair ties on your wrist
Pregnant women retain more water, and elastic can leave marks on your skin that take time to fade. Those marks can show up in your portraits.
How to prepare your skin the day of your maternity session
For the smoothest look in your images, I recommend:
Wearing a loose fitting dress to your session
Wearing sandals
Avoiding tight undergarments or anything with elastic
If you plan to be draped or partially nude, removing bra and underwear ahead of time makes a noticeable difference in your skin.
This small step gives you the most polished result.
Should I bring multiple outfits?
You can, but you do not need to.
Many of my maternity clients choose one primary look and build subtle variations from there. For example:
Draped and undraped
Hair up and hair down
Close up and full length
Simple changes create variety without needing a full wardrobe change. That said, you are welcome to bring more than one outfit!
What should partners and children wear?
If your partner is joining you, the same rules apply. Keep it simple:
Solid neutral colors
No logos
No bold patterns
Black, white, gray, or soft earth tones work beautifully.
If older children are included:
Keep them in simple, solid clothing
Avoid character graphics
Coordinate colors rather than matching exactly
The goal is cohesion.
Seattle specific note: Studio lighting changes everything
One of the benefits of coming to my North Seattle studio for portraits is that I use controlled lighting to create soft, natural looking images. In the studio, we are not dependent on weather or outdoor light, so we can focus entirely on shape, texture, and connection without having to worry about the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most flattering outfit for maternity photos?
Fitted dresses or draped fabric are typically the most flattering because they highlight your curves and allow light to define your shape.
Can I wear a loose dress for maternity photos?
You can, but loose clothing often hides the belly and reduces definition in photos. If you choose a dress, select one that is fitted through the bump.
Are nude maternity photos tasteful?
Yes, when done intentionally and cropped thoughtfully. Nude maternity portraits can feel timeless, elegant, and sculptural when focused on shape and light.
Can I wear black for maternity photos?
Yes. Black can be beautiful, especially in a fitted style. In loose fabric, black can absorb light and reduce definition, so fit matters.
Do I need professional styling?
Not necessarily. Simple, fitted clothing in neutral tones works beautifully. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
Final thoughts
Maternity photography is about honoring transformation. The right clothing does not distract from that transformation. It supports it.
Keep it simple. Keep it fitted. Choose what makes you feel strong and beautiful.
If you are ready to book your maternity session, you can schedule your session by following this link.
And if you are also planning newborn portraits after your baby arrives, you may find this helpful as well.