Choosing what to wear for maternity photos can feel overwhelming — especially when your body is changing and you’re navigating Vancouver’s unpredictable weather. As a Vancouver maternity photographer, I see firsthand how the right clothing choices can make a session feel relaxed, natural, and true to who you are. My goal is always the same: for you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully yourself, without dressing up as someone you’re not.
This guide is intentionally free of gender stereotypes and rigid rules, and is written for anyone looking for maternity photography in Vancouver, BC that feels documentary, inclusive, and real. These are gentle, practical tips to help you choose maternity outfits that move with you, photograph beautifully, and still feel like you.
1. Comfort Comes First (Always) | Advice from a Vancouver Maternity Photographer
If it doesn’t feel good on your body, it will show.
For documentary-style maternity photography, comfort is essential. You’ll be sitting, walking, leaning, holding your belly, maybe playing with a toddler or sharing quiet moments with your partner. Choose pieces that allow you to move easily and breathe, physically and emotionally.
Soft fabrics, elastic waists, relaxed silhouettes, and layers you can adjust are all your friends.
Casual brands I love for comfort-first looks:
- Beyond Nine – beautiful, thoughtful maternity and non-maternity pieces that grow with you
- Legoe Heritage – relaxed, modern staples perfect for everyday wear
- Storq – effortless basics that feel lived-in and real
These are brands I personally wore during pregnancy, and they photograph exactly as they feel: natural and unforced.
2. Choose Clothing That Feels Like Your Real Life
Your maternity photos don’t need to look like a “special occasion” — unless that truly reflects who you are. Documentary maternity photography is about capturing a season of your life, not performing pregnancy. I always encourage clients to start from what already feels familiar and grounding, and then elevate it gently if they wish.
Everyone is free to be photographed during pregnancy in the way that suits them best — whether that’s a more editorial and posed style, or a quieter, documentary approach. The key is choosing outfits that support confidence, presence, and authenticity.
3. Let Vancouver’s Light and Landscape Guide You
Vancouver has soft light, muted tones, and natural textures — even in the city. Clothing that works well here tends to be:
- Neutral or earthy in tone
- Light-reflective rather than shiny
- Textured rather than overly structured
Think linen, cotton, wool blends, ribbed knits, and gently worn denim. These materials photograph beautifully in studios, homes, beaches, and urban spaces alike.
4. Elevated but Uncomplicated: What to Wear for Maternity Photos in Vancouver
If you’re drawn to a more elegant look, choose pieces that still allow movement and ease.
Flowy dresses, wrap silhouettes, soft tailoring, or oversized button-downs can feel intentional without feeling stiff.
Brands I love for elevated maternity looks:
- Nothing Fits But – timeless, flattering pieces designed specifically for pregnancy
- Christy Dawn – romantic silhouettes with beautiful movement
- Doen – soft, feminine, and heirloom-inspired (a higher price point, but stunning)
These work especially well for in-studio maternity sessions or slower-paced outdoor shoots.
5. Thrift Stores Are a Hidden Gem for Maternity Wear
Maternity clothing is often worn for a short time — which makes thrift stores in Vancouver an amazing option.
Oversized knits, flowy dresses, button-down shirts, and elastic-waist pants can all work beautifully without being labeled “maternity.” Plus, thrifting allows you to experiment without pressure.
It’s also a more sustainable choice, which many families value deeply.
6. Support Local When You Can
If supporting local and independent brands matters to you, Vancouver and BC are full of beautiful options that work wonderfully for maternity — even if they’re not labeled as such.
These pieces are especially great if you’re looking for something you’ll continue wearing beyond pregnancy, which I always encourage.
BC-based and Canadian brands to explore:
- Harly Jae – relaxed, timeless pieces designed to adapt to changing bodies
- A Bronze Age – elevated essentials with beautiful structure and drape
- Bare Knitwear – cozy, intentional knits perfect for fall and winter sessions
- Beaton Linen – breathable, minimal linen pieces that photograph effortlessly
- Bees & Bones – soft, ethical garments with a lived-in feel
- Jimi Collection – relaxed silhouettes with a modern edge
- Gillian Stevens – slow-made, thoughtful pieces that age beautifully
None of these are strictly maternity brands — and that’s exactly why they work so well for documentary maternity photography. They allow room for a growing belly without feeling temporary or costume-like.
7. Cozy Knits & Sustainable Staples for Cooler Months
For fall and winter maternity sessions in Vancouver, knitwear can be incredibly flattering and grounding.
- Babaa makes stunning, chunky knits that drape beautifully over a bump and feel timeless — perfect for cozy, intimate sessions.
- Nonna Lietta, L’Envers, Tradlands, James Street Co, and Aritzia also offer beautiful knits and layered pieces that photograph wonderfully and are versatile beyond pregnancy.
Layered knits, cardigans, and soft sweaters create warmth and texture while still allowing you to move naturally.
8. Avoid Trends That Don’t Feel Like You
You don’t need bodycon dresses, flower crowns, or bare-belly shots unless you genuinely want them.
There is no single way to “look pregnant.” Your body doesn’t need to be styled to prove anything.
The most meaningful maternity photos come from authenticity — not trends.
9. When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
Simple outfits age better. They allow the focus to stay on connection, emotion, and presence rather than styling.
A soft dress. A knit top and relaxed pants. A button-down worn open. Bare feet or comfortable shoes.
Less effort often creates the most honest images.
FAQ: Maternity Outfit Tips in Vancouver, BC
What should I wear for maternity photos in Vancouver?
As a Vancouver maternity photographer, I always recommend starting with comfort. Choose clothing that allows you to move easily and feels true to your everyday style. Soft fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and layers work especially well for Vancouver’s light and weather, whether your session is indoors, outdoors, or in-studio.
Do I need to wear a maternity dress for my photos?
Not at all. Many of my clients wear non-maternity clothing for their Vancouver maternity photography session. Oversized knits, flowy dresses, linen sets, and elastic-waist pants often photograph beautifully and can be worn long after pregnancy.
What colors photograph best for maternity sessions in Vancouver?
Neutral and earthy tones tend to work best with Vancouver’s natural light and landscapes. Creams, soft browns, muted greens, warm grays, and gentle blues photograph timelessly and keep the focus on connection rather than trends.
Can you help me choose what to wear for my maternity photos?
Yes — absolutely. When you book a session with me, I’m always happy to offer guidance on what to wear based on your location, season, and personal style. My approach as a Vancouver maternity photographer is collaborative and pressure-free.
When is the best time to schedule maternity photos?
Most maternity sessions take place between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is visible but you still feel relatively comfortable moving around. That said, every pregnancy is different, and we can always adapt the session to what feels best for you.
Final Thought: Choosing What to Wear for Your Vancouver Maternity Photography Session
Your maternity session isn’t about wearing the “right” outfit — it’s about honoring this season of becoming.
If you’re planning a maternity photography session in Vancouver, BC and are looking for a Vancouver maternity photographer who values comfort, connection, and authenticity, I’m always happy to help you choose outfits that feel true to you — and photograph beautifully in this season of life.
Ready to Create Something Real Together?
Let’s tell your family’s story — the way it feels right now.
Want to learn more or book a session? Send me an inquiry. I’d be honored to create something magical with your family.
Find me on Instagram: @lorenzatessariphotography
