A Guide to Choosing the Best Clothes for a Maternity Photoshoot

Which dress shows off your bump best? Which colours photograph well, and how do you coordinate your partner’s or children’s clothes? This practical guide will help you choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself.

At a glance

The best choice is usually a comfortable, stretchy outfit that gently hugs your bump. Avoid clothes that hide your bump completely, restrict your movement or draw attention away with large logos and busy prints. Choose colours and fabrics that suit you, and subtly coordinate your family’s outfits.

Start by choosing your look

Before choosing a dress, blouse or skirt, think about the mood you want your photographs to capture. Do you love light, soft and minimalist images? Would you prefer a classic, elegant look? Or are bold, dark studio portraits more your style? The location matters too. An outfit for a relaxed studio session may differ from what you would wear for an outdoor photoshoot in Ghent or East Flanders. Feel free to share examples you like beforehand. This helps us plan your clothes, backdrop, lighting and poses as a cohesive whole. Explore our maternity photoshoot in Ghent for more information about the experience, guidance and options available.

Show the shape of your bump

A stretchy dress or top that follows the curve of your bump without squeezing it highlights your pregnancy and often creates the most striking results. Fitted does not mean tight: your outfit should stay comfortable and move with your body.

Choose flowing fabrics thoughtfully

A long, flowing dress can add movement and softness. Just make sure the fabric still follows the shape of your bump. A very loose, voluminous dress may hide it instead.

Which colours work well in maternity photos?

Plain, well-coordinated colours keep the focus on your face, bump and emotions. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone, the backdrop and the mood you want for your photoshoot.

Light and soft

Cream, beige, pale pink, sand, light blue and soft greens create a calm, timeless look.

Rich and elegant

Burgundy, emerald green, navy and warm earthy tones work beautifully for bold or more dramatic portraits.

Best avoided

Neon colours can cast unwanted colour reflections onto your skin and quickly dominate the image.

All you need to do is be yourself.

We help with clothing, lighting and poses, so you can relax in front of the camera and take home timeless images.

Jaweed Studio · Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent · By appointment only

• Clothing and styling advice before your session

• Gentle guidance with every pose

• Partners and children are welcome

Fabric determines how your outfit falls

Fabric texture is more noticeable in photographs than you might expect. Stretchy materials follow the shape of your bump beautifully. Chiffon, soft crêpe, satin and delicate tulle can add texture, movement and elegance. Both matte and shiny fabrics can look wonderful when they suit the chosen lighting and mood. Above all, avoid fabrics that feel uncomfortable, crease easily or do not drape well over your body. Bold lettering and large logos can distract from you and your bump.

• Stretchy, comfortable fabrics for fitted looks

• Chiffon for soft movement and an elegant feel

• Satin or other lustrous fabrics for a luxurious effect

• Subtle textures for added depth without visual clutter

Underwear, accessories and a well-planned backup

A beautiful outfit works best when you have also planned what to wear underneath and thought through the small details.

Choose underwear to suit your outfit

For light-coloured clothes, bring skin-toned underwear, preferably seamless. Check at home whether straps, edges or colours show through the fabric, and make sure everything stays comfortable when you sit down.

Let one detail stand out

A delicate necklace, a meaningful piece of jewellery, a soft scarf or a small personal item can make the image feel uniquely yours. Choose one thoughtful accent rather than several statement accessories at once.

Put complete outfits together at home

Lay out your dress, underwear, shoes and accessories for each look and take a photo. Still unsure? Send your options over beforehand or bring one carefully planned backup outfit.

Coordinating clothes with your partner and children

Coordinating does not mean everyone has to wear exactly the same thing. Instead, choose a palette of two or three colours and subtly repeat those shades across your outfits. Cream, beige and warm brown, for example, create a soft, natural feel. White, light blue and navy look fresh and classic. For an outdoor session, olive green, sand and cream often work beautifully together. Keep your partner’s and children’s clothes a little more understated so that you remain the main focus of the photograph. Would you like warm family images alongside your maternity portraits? Explore our options for family photography and special moments.

Match your outfit to the location and season

More control and more variety

In the studio, we have full control over the lighting and backdrop. This makes fitted dresses, minimalist outfits and delicate fabrics all good options. You can also change outfits at your own pace.

Consider the weather and freedom of movement

For an outdoor session, temperature, wind, the ground underfoot and freedom of movement all matter. Bring an extra layer and comfortable shoes for walking between photo locations.

What do we recommend, and what is best avoided?

Use this table as a quick reference when choosing between outfits.

Practical clothing checklist

• Try on your outfit beforehand while sitting, standing and moving.

• Bring suitable underwear that will not show under each outfit.

• Check all your family’s outfits together in natural light.

• Keep clothes on hangers during transport to minimise creasing.

• Bring no more than one or two carefully planned looks.

• Avoid tight socks or clothes that leave marks just before the shoot.

• Bring comfortable shoes for an outdoor session.

• Take photos of your options beforehand if you would like advice.

More inspiration for your maternity photoshoot

Maternity photography in Ghent

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When is the best time for maternity photos?

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Beautiful maternity poses for mums-to-be

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Browse all articles on pregnancy and special moments.

Questions about what to wear for your maternity shoot

Chosen your outfit? Let’s create timeless images together.

You can discuss your clothing options beforehand so that the colours, fabrics, backdrop and lighting work beautifully together. During the photoshoot, you will receive gentle guidance on posture, hand placement and expression.

Jaweed Studio · Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent · Visits by appointment only