The Best Maternity Shorts Are Soft And Lightweight To Keep You Cool

If you love the look of denim but hate the feel of the fabric, these chic Seraphine shorts are your new pregnancy Holy Grail. They’re incredibly soft, lightweight and a comfortable alternative to often uncomfortable jean shorts. The self-tie belt in the front adds an elegant touch to any ensemble, and roomy side pockets keep your cell phone and essentials safe and secure.

Slip these shorts on over your favorite one-piece swimsuit for a stylish hot mom summer look, or pair with a simple tank top, cute sandals and accessories for a lunch date with your partner. The fashionable London-based maternity brand is a favorite of mine, as well as Kate Middleton, who was often spotted sporting Seraphine dresses during her three pregnancies.

The struggle to find stylish plus-size maternity shorts is real, however PinkBlush provides plenty of fashion-forward options in sizes up to 3x. These navy distressed denim shorts with a frayed hem caught my eye, as they’re not only on trend for summer, but easy to style with casual tops for beach days and chic shirts for summer brunches and BBQs. They feature an over-the-belly band for extra bump support and are available in sizes 1 to 3X to flatter a range of plus-size figures.

What the reviews say: One reviewer praises the quality of the jean material and calls the fit “super comfortable.”

Hatch has always been my go-to for elevated maternity essentials, especially since the pieces are specifically designed to be worn before, during and after pregnancy. I love that you can hardly tell these are maternity shorts, making you more prone to put them on. There’s no thick (and suffocating in the summer heat) belly band, so your bump can catch a breeze, and the discreet panel on the side blends right in so it’s barely noticeable. They have the perfect amount of distressing, a cool and ultra comfortable slouchy fit and a stacked hem so you’ve got a little more coverage in the back.

What the reviews say: “I’ve spent a lot of time looking for decent maternity denim shorts and these are the best,” says one reviewer. “They’re cute and comfy and plenty of room for my growing bump. And with the elastic on the side, they look like normal shorts, so you can wear any top with them.” 

With 70+ positive reviews and an impressive 4.9-average star rating, these athletic maternity shorts are worth the splurge for walks, workouts and when you just don’t feel like wearing “real” clothes. Made by a woman for women, they’re loose so as not to restrict movement, lightweight so you can feel the burn without burning up and feature a wide waistband to keep you comfortable and supported as you sweat. They come in three colors (black, slate and navy) and are available in sizes up to XXL.

What the reviews say: “These shorts are wonderful,” writes one mom of four. “Not too short and don’t ride up, plus have discreet pockets. I can tell the waist will be comfortable even as I get larger. Also, the material is lightweight and great for sweaty workouts or just hitting the playground with the kids or lounging.”

Consider these shapewear shorts your new secret weapon for a summer pregnancy. Made from an ultra thin material to discreetly don under anything without sweating bullets, they gently lift your bump for extra support and smooth your belly, butt and thighs beautifully so you look and feel like a million bucks.

Whether you’re headed to the office, your best friend’s wedding or getting glammed up in a figure-flattering dress for your baby shower, these shorts have your back(side) and bump, quite literally. They double as underwear, eliminating panty lines, and are the perfect solution for the dreaded third-trimester thigh chafing.

What the reviews say: “These have truly been a life saver,” writes one pregnant verified purchaser. “They are butter soft, and I can’t even feel my legs touching. I wear them around the house all the time or under dresses, and they are truly amazing.”

It can be tough to find a cute pair of maternity shorts that don’t look obviously maternity. That’s not the case with these chic chambray shorts you’ll be reaching for long after your bump is gone. They’re made from the softest eco-friendly chambray fabric with fun and feminine details, like a gathered waist with little ruffles and a luxurious drape that elevates any outfit. The waist stretches as you grow without stretching out, so you can add them to your regular shorts drawer postpartum too.

Pair with a plain tee or tank, gold hoops and some Golden Goose sneakers for a classic cool mom ‘fit.

A pair of breathable black shorts for summertime is a maternity wardrobe staple. These easy and effortlessly elegant pull-on Quince linen shorts are made from sustainable 100% European flax and are lightweight, airy and naturally heat-regulating, so you’re always comfortable no matter the weather. They have a cozy and relaxed fit with an elastic waistband that can be worn above, on, or below your bump for a custom fit. Dress them up with a tucked-in blouse or keep it casual in a white T-shirt and sandals.

What the reviews say: “It’s so hard to find cute maternity clothes that you know you can wear postpartum,” writes one reviewer. “These are so cute and 100% linen, not some blended material that you know won’t last.”

These modern, high-waisted maternity lounge shorts definitely live up to their name. They’re like cuddling with a cloud and are so soft you’ll never want to take them off—buy them in both colors (oat and ivory) to rock on repeat around the house. Style with the coordinating Cloud Collection Tee to sleep like a baby.

What the reviews say: “I’m a mom of three now, and these shorts are everything—pregnant or not,” writes one mom. “They can be worn in a high-rise manner, and I can wear them at my hips giving me a little more length in the legs.” Another reviewer says she lives in these. “They are ridiculously comfortable, but also make your loungewear look so much more elegant feeling.”

Beyond Yoga is a favorite of Forbes Vetted editors, with their Spacedye maternity leggings earning the top spot on our tested best maternity leggings list for overall quality, fit and features. These top-rated black bike shorts are just as good.

Made of a buttery-soft performance fabric, they feature built-in UV protection for sunny days and moisture-wicking capabilities to help you stay cool and dry even when it’s blazing hot out. The waistband can be worn up high to help support your bump during the later months or folded down for a more comfortable fit if you’re more of an under-the-belly sort. Pair with an oversize tee and slides to run errands, or slip on a fitted workout tank and sneakers to go for an actual run. You’ll live in these shorts postpartum, too, when neighborhood walks with the babe become your new normal.

While I don’t own these specific maternity shorts, I do have a few pieces from Nest Designs and can attest to their overall quality and comfort. These cozy charcoal shorts go with everything and are cozy enough to wear to bed yet cute enough to rock out of the house. They’re made from a buttery-soft and breathable bamboo fabric that’s thermal-regulating for hot and sticky days so you can kick it in chill mode.

The high waistband stretches easily to accommodate a growing bump, and we can totally see these being a hospital bag must-have to slip on post-birth or to leave the hospital in if you’re having a summer baby.

What the reviews say: One reviewer notes they run big, so you may want to order a size down, particularly if you plan on wearing them in early pregnancy.