Having the perfect pair of jeans is a great feeling, but finding a pair of maternity jeans you love is even better. To help you look and feel your best during pregnancy, find a pair of jeans (or two) that fit your lifestyle, budget, and seasonal needs.
There are three main types of maternity jeans: under-belly waistband, over-belly waistband, and side stretch panel. Try each one to see what feels best for you and your changing body. Pregnancy is not the time to sacrifice comfort for style.
Here are the best maternity jeans for your growing bump.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-ish Leggings at Spanx.com
Made by mamas for mamas, the seamless, over-the-bump waistband allows for wear before, during, and after pregnancy.
Best Splurge: Madewell Maternity Skinny Jeans at Nordstrom
Stay comfortable without sacrificing style in this pair, made with plenty of stretch so there’s no worry about it slipping down.
Best Plus-Size: Oh! Mamma Maternity Skinny Jeans at Walmart
With sizes up to 3X and full panel coverage, these jeans are a great option for soon-to-be mamas of all sizes.
Best on Amazon: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Baby Bump Skinny Jeans at Amazon
Ideal for wear through the first trimester, the Baby Bump panel provides an elastic waist exclusively on the front panel.
Best Overalls: GAP Maternity Denim Overalls at Gap.com
A solid pick if you prioritize versatility, it’s complete with an adjustable band, button closure, and racerback straps.
Best Petite: Old Navy Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans at Gap.com
The over-the-bump panel provides you support while also keeping a clean silhouette during your day at work or running errands.
Best Shorts: Motherhood Maternity Shorts at Motherhood.com
You can choose from a medium wash or dark wash, depending on which is your favorite, without having to break the bank.
Best Long-Lasting: Asos Bandia Maternity Skinny Jeans at Asos.com
Once you’ve delivered, simply remove the stitch for the waistband and you’ve got a regular pair of jeans.
Best Mom Jeans: ASOS Maternity Original Mom Jeans at Asos.com
Made with elasticated side inserts, these jeans give you enough wiggle room without sacrificing functionality.
Best Tall: Motherhood Maternity Indigo Blue Stretch Secret Fit Belly Boot Cut Jean at Walmart
These jeans will not only look stylish, but provide you with enough stretch to feel comfortable all day long.
Best Overall: Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-ish Leggings
- Slip-resistant
- Has pockets
- Comes in various colors
Cons
- Expensive
It’s no surprise that the maternity pants that stay put the best are made by Spanx, the iconic shapewear brand. These leggings come in a denim look with the Twilight Rinse, and are also available in black and white.
A seamless waistband supports the baby bump for nine months. They’re comfortable, won’t slip down, and grow with you. For a pregnant lady, it’s the best of both worlds: the comfort of leggings with the style of jeans. Two back pockets complete the jean look. From sizes 0 through 16 (XS-XL), these are highly recommended for all bodies and easy to wear.
Best Splurge: Madewell Maternity Skinny Jeans
Pros
- Soft and stretchy
- Ideal for second and third trimester
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Online only
Fans of Madewell jeans will be happy to know that their signature, sexy fit doesn’t have to be sacrificed during pregnancy. The soft-to-the-touch denim is made with plenty of stretch, so they are comfortable but won’t get too baggy or slip down.
Madewell recommends ordering one size down from your regular sizing since these run large, and says the jeans are best for the second and third trimester. With a full panel placed a little higher than others, there’s plenty of room for your butt, and they look great from the back. You won’t be able to try these on in-store, since they’re only available on Madewell’s website.
“They say you live and you learn. And with my second pregnancy, I learned I really only needed one pair of maternity jeans: this pair from Madewell, to be exact. They hug me in all the right ways just like my beloved pre-pregnancy jeans, but with adjustable over-the-belly coverage that can expand with you. And the best part? They don’t fall down.” —Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director, Verywell Health Commerce
Best Plus-Size: Oh! Mamma Maternity Skinny Jeans with Full Panel
- Comes in various colors
- Full panel coverage
- Affordable
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Feels thin
These highly rated maternity jeans are loved for a lot of reasons. The stretch fit is comfortable for all-day wear, and the full-panel coverage will keep your tummy supported for the entire pregnancy.
With inclusive sizing up to 3X, these pants are a great option for soon-to-be mamas of all sizes. They come in a variety of colors and offer a slim fit, making them look great from the back and the front. At a budget-friendly price, it’s easy to stock up on multiple pairs.
Best on Amazon: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
- Comes in various colors
- Affordable
- Elastic waist
Cons
- Not long-lasting
With a seven day try-on period and free returns through Amazon Prime Wardrobe, these stylish pants are an affordable option for maternity jeans. The premium denim is super stretchy, but will keep its shape all day long.
The Baby Bump panel in these jeans provides an elastic waist exclusively on the front panel. For some moms-to-be, this is helpful for the first trimester but may not provide enough stretch or support to last through the entire nine months. Reviewers love how these look like regular jeans from the back, since the elastic panel only appears in the front.
Best Overalls: GAP Maternity Denim Overalls
- Adjustable elastic waist
- Has pockets
- Ideal for all stages of pregnancy
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Of course you can rely on the GAP for stylish, classic, maternity denim overalls. These highly rated overalls fit well, are not too stretchy, and look great. To accommodate a growing bump, there are lots of ways to tailor their fit during all stages of pregnancy.
From the adjustable elasticized band at the back of the waist that offers support, to the adjustable button closure hardware on the sides and the adjustable racerback straps, this pair will last you the full nine months. The dropped front waistband hugs the belly and there are slant pockets in the front, and patch pockets on the butt. The sides run a bit low, so a long shirt is recommended. The inseam measures 28 inches.
Best Petite: Old Navy Maternity Full-Panel Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
- Belly band
- Three inseam options
Cons
- Only comes in two colors
For those who wear petite sizes, finding clothing can be tough, especially when it comes to maternity jeans. With these full-panel skinny jeans from Old Navy, you’ll feel comfortable all day long with the over-the-bump panel that provides you support while also keeping a clean silhouette.
The skinny style also features a faux zipper to resemble a regular jean look. They’re perfect for pairing with a t-shirt on your lazy days but great for work when you pair them with a dressy top.
Best Shorts: Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Cuffed Maternity Shorts
- Affordable
- Belly band
Cons
- No plus sizes
Feel stylish and comfortable even during those hot summer months thanks to the looser fit on these shorts. They run true to size and feature a belly band to provide you with support during your day.
They’re flattering no matter what you pair with them, whether it’s a t-shirt and sandals or flowy top. You can choose from a medium wash or dark wash, depending on which is your favorite, without having to break the bank because they’re budget-friendly, too.
Best Long-Lasting: Asos Bandia Maternity Ankle Grazer Skinny Jeans
- Removable jersey bump band
- Five pockets
- Extension tab
Cons
- No plus sizes
- Only one color offered
If you’re looking for a pair of jeans to last you through your entire pregnancy and postpartum, this is it. These maternity jeans feature a removable bump band and extension tab to ensure you’ve got plenty of room and can remain comfortable as baby grows. Once you’ve delivered, simply remove the stitch for the waistband and you’ve got a regular pair of jeans.
While many love this innovative approach, others also appreciate the zip fly, belt loops, and skinny fit. Designed with cotton and spandex, you’ll feel comfortable all day long.
Best Mom Jeans: ASOS Design Maternity Original Mom Jeans
Pros
- Back pockets
- Elasticated side inserts
Cons
- One color offered
Designed to grow with you during pregnancy, you’ll not only feel comfortable, but you will love how stylish they are, too. Made with elasticated side inserts, these jeans give you enough wiggle room without sacrificing functionality. You’ll find back pockets, belt loops, and they’re environmentally friendly as they use 50% less water during the washing and aging process.
Best Tall: Motherhood Maternity Indigo Blue Stretch Secret Fit Belly Boot Cut Jean
- Boot cut
- More than a dozen sizes
- Bump panel
Cons
- May not fit every personal style
- Only two colors offered
With a 29-inch inseam, taller moms will appreciate these bootcut-style jeans for their growing belly. Made with cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex, these jeans will not only look stylish, but provide you with enough stretch to feel comfortable all day long.
Choose from dark wash or medium wash which can be paired with a casual or dressy shirt. Moms will also appreciate the over-the-bump panel and functioning back pocket.
What to Look for in Maternity Jeans
Comfort
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for maternity jeans is comfort. Because you now have to factor in your growing baby bump, you’ll want jeans that stretch or feature a belly band. Most maternity jeans have faux zippers, so you don’t have to worry about zipping up your pants because belly bands provide you the support you need.
You’ll also want to consider the material of the jeans. Cotton is lightweight and easy to breathe while spandex will give your baby bump the extra space it needs to continue growing thanks to the much-needed stretch.
There’s also different cuts to jeans, from skinny to bootcut, and all will vary depending on your day-to-day activities and preferences. While you want to be comfortable most of all, skinny jeans are great for work if you pair them with a dressy top. Bootcut gives you a looser fit for more casual occasions. You can also check out maternity shorts for hot summer days.
Sizing
Typically, maternity sizing is similar to the size you already wear. For example, if you were a size 10 pre-pregnancy, you’ll want to shop for a size 10 in maternity clothing, but it really depends on the brand. You can always size up or down if you want to see which fit is better.
You’ll also want to factor in how you’re carrying: high, low, or somewhere in the middle. This may affect how maternity jeans will fit and if the belly band will roll down or if it’s too high for you to be comfortable.
Your best bet is to simply try on the jeans. Take the size you normally wear and then grab a size up and down to give you an idea of where to start. This will ensure you’ve found a proper fit and can stay comfortable all day long.
Types of Waistbands
Once you’ve started shopping for maternity jeans, you’ve probably noticed many feature some type of special waistband. These will accommodate your growing belly, providing you support in different areas, but they’re not all three-trimester-friendly.
- Over-the-belly styles reduce overall stress on the body, can hep alleviate lower back pain, and are great for second and third trimesters. But they may roll down (depending on activity level and bump size), and the jeans may be loose on other areas of the body.
- Under-the-belly waistbands are perfect for the first trimester, and many people prefer the discreet look (the elastic panel typically only appears in front, instead of all the way around the waist). But these styles may feel uncomfortable in the second and third trimester, and won’t provide much support.
- Side-stretch panels are also good for the first semester and have a look that’s similar to non-maternity jeans. But they don’t offer any support for a growing belly, and are harder to button as pregnancy progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What week do I start wearing maternity jeans?
Everyone makes the switch from regular pants to maternity pants at different times. Some find that their clothes are way too tight right away, and need to switch to sweatpants or yoga pants as early as 6 or 8 weeks. Some don’t really “pop” until about 12 weeks, which is when the uterus has expanded beyond the pelvic area. Still others don’t really need to wear clothes with a more flexible waistline until about 20 weeks in, when the abdomen begins to significantly expand.
When shopping for new jeans, consider waiting until at least the second trimester (12 weeks). The changes your body goes through in the first trimester don’t usually involve your growing bump, so it might be hard to gauge what size you need until you are further along. You can use the rubber-band trick to give yourself a little extra room in the waist early on in pregnancy.
That said, some people find that wearing jeans even just a few weeks into pregnancy is super uncomfortable. So if having a good pair of comfortable jeans is important to you, purchase a pair of maternity jeans early on.
What jeans can I wear while I’m pregnant?
While some people can rock non-pregnancy jeans halfway into pregnancy or even longer, most find that non-maternity jeans start to become too tight and constrictive as early as a few weeks into pregnancy. Even though your belly hasn’t popped yet, you may still experience bloating and cramping.
So you’ll likely need to purchase a few pairs of maternity jeans at some point during your pregnancy. Luckily, unlike even just a few years ago, there are many styles of maternity jeans to choose from, so you can find jeans that fit your style and budget, and that feel great.
What type of maternity pants are the best?
There are so many brands that make maternity pants, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as you try to pick out the perfect pair. There isn’t really a “best” pair of maternity pants, though—it’s more about the best maternity pants for you.
Everyone’s body changes in different ways during pregnancy. Some people are “all belly” and don’t gain significant weight in their thighs and butts; others expand all over. You might want a pair of jeans that is more supportive of your growing belly. Or, you might want a pair made with stretchier, more breathable material overall.
Your budget, lifestyle, and style sensibilities will also dictate what the best pair of maternity pants is for you.
Does Gap have good maternity jeans?
Gap has been making jeans forever and maternity clothes for years, and is a trusted brand for maternity jeans. One of the best things about Gap is that you are likely to find a lot of variety, from skinny jeans to bootcut jeans to straight-leg jeans to jeggings.
If a wide belly panel is important to you, Gap is also the place to be, as Gap maternity jeans offer some of the most generous belly panels around. Gap also offers maternity jeans with elastic sides, as well as under-the-belly panels. Although Gap maternity jeans aren’t the cheapest, most are fairly budget-friendly, and many people report that the jeans hold up well from one pregnancy to another.
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