Seraphine

If you want maternity clothes that feel considered rather than purely practical, Seraphine is a strong choice. The label is designed to fit and flatter a growing bump through every stage of pregnancy, and its range spans more than 200 styles from everyday basics to red-carpet-worthy occasionwear. It is a buy for someone who wants to feel polished, not just covered.

Much of its fame comes from royal attention. Seraphine received worldwide notice when Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, was photographed in a Seraphine dress for the first official family portrait with Prince George, and she returned to the brand across her pregnancies. That kind of visibility turned a maternity label into a recognised name.

It is the Jolene Knot Front Dress. After the Duchess of Cambridge was photographed wearing the brand in 2013, that particular dress sold out within two hours, a striking example of the so-called royal effect on a maternity label.

It depends on your stage and your need. For day-to-day, the brand's wardrobe basics, denims and knitwear are the most useful starting point, while its Luxe Collection, introduced in 2012, is the place to look for red-carpet-style occasion and event dressing during and after pregnancy.

Seraphine was founded in 2002 by French-born designer Cecile Reinaud. Originally from Paris, she studied business in France and worked in advertising in the UK before the idea took shape, prompted by friends asking her to tailor their clothes during their pregnancies. Her first design for the label was a pair of maternity jeans with a special lining and flexible fit.

Seraphine is a London-based maternity fashion brand. Its first store opened on Kensington Church Street in West London in 2002, and the company later expanded internationally with stores and stockists in cities including New York, Paris, Dubai and New Delhi.

Seraphine went into administration on 7 July 2025 and, that same month, was acquired by Next plc. Before that it had been an independent British brand that, at its 2020 peak, generated £28 million in turnover.

The Seraphine maternity line includes more than 200 styles for women during and after pregnancy, covering wardrobe basics, denims, office attire, knitwear, outerwear and evening gowns. Its 2012 Luxe Collection extended that into red-carpet pieces, bridal gowns and outerwear for and after pregnancy.

Beyond the royal connection, Seraphine has been worn by celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Christina Aguilera and Marion Cotillard. That cross-section of high-profile mothers has reinforced its reputation as a go-to for stylish maternity dressing.

Yes. Seraphine received the Queen's Award for Enterprise, the United Kingdom's highest official accolade for businesses, in both 2015 and 2020. It has also picked up industry honours over the years, including recognition for its maternity and eveningwear, which speaks to its standing in the category.

Treat them as you would good everyday and occasion pieces: follow each garment's care label, wash basics and knitwear gently to keep their shape through a changing body, and reserve professional cleaning for evening gowns and Luxe Collection styles. Many pieces are designed to work during and after pregnancy, so caring for them well extends their use.