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QUICK SUMMARY
The best maternity jeans are the PACBREEZE slim maternity jeans. Our moms love that these maternity jeans are stretchy, versatile and affordable, and that they cling to the body without being too tight.
Good jeans can be difficult to find. Good maternity jeans? Even more difficult. Not only are you faced with the regular jean shopping obstacles, but you have the added challenge of finding a pair that’s stretchy and roomy enough to grow with your body, but not so much that it just hangs on your body.
When I was pregnant with my now 2-year-old daughter, I thought I could get away with wearing maternity leggings every day. But after feeling underdressed at a few different events, I decided it was time to invest in a pair of maternity jeans. It wasn’t an easy process: I had to order most of my contenders online, since so few retailers sell maternity clothes in stores. Not to mention I stand at a whopping 5 feet 2 inches, and the options for petite maternity jeans aren’t as vast. (The same is true for tall and plus-size maternity jeans.)
Some moms-to-be will use a pants extender to, well, extend the life of their non-maternity jeans. Eventually, however, you’ll reach a point where the zipper just won’t budge over your belly. And when that day comes (or even before that, if you like to be prepared), you may want to test out some of the best maternity jeans, recommended by What to Expect moms.
How we chose the best maternity jeans
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I tried dozens of different maternity jeans, all in the name of finding a pair that was comfortable but also made me feel cute. While I'm happy to report that I found some great options, I can only personally speak to what a petite, somewhat curvy woman found flattering and comfortable. So, in order to get a wider range of opinions and feedback, I also turned to the What to Expect community, where hundreds of moms have shared their recommended maternity jeans, along with details on their height, weight and style preferences.
In the end, I gathered a list of about 50 maternity jeans for a variety of designs and sizes, and narrowed down the list to 16 of the best maternity jeans. All of these pairs have received rave reviews for fit, comfort and style, which moms-to-be agree are the most important features to consider when shopping for maternity jeans.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
These Amazon jeans check a lot of boxes when it comes to maternity jeans. First, there’s the elasticity: Both the jeans and panel contain spandex, allowing them to stretch as your body — not just your belly — changes. (One reviewer, a mom-to-be who says she has “slightly larger hips and thighs,” found that the jeans easily stretched to accommodate their growth.) Then there’s the slim, high-waist style, which allows for a lot of versatility when pairing the jeans with a top. Above all else, however, is the fit. Moms-to-be rave about how easily the pants slid on and how well they clung to the body. They also note that the fabric was strong, but not super thick, which is especially helpful if you run warm during pregnancy.
Many customers recommend sizing up from your non-pregnancy size, as the jeans can run a little small. Additionally, shorter customers found the jeans a little long, but easily remedied that by cuffing the bottom.
"I bought 3 pairs from PACBREEZE on Amazon, and they fit like a gem. Got them in a size L (up from my standard M) in anticipation of weight gain and such. They are a smidge loose, but so comfortable. I love the belly band, it goes all the way up to my bra and just matches my belly with room to expand, doesn't hug or press. I've made the joke to my friends that I'll be buying them in a size M once I'm back to my normal weight just because of how comfy those jeans are."
Understandably, you may not want to pay a lot of money on jeans you’ll only wear for nine months. At under $20, Oh! Mamma’s skinny jeans are an affordable but quality option. Many customers rave about the thick, but lightweight fabric, which makes these maternity jeans perfect for year-round wear. They also note that there is plenty of stretch, due to the fabric’s rayon-spandex blend. The jeans also get high marks for the size range, with several customers deeming these the best plus-size maternity jeans.
A nice bonus: The jeans are available with a demi-panel that goes up to your belly button or a full panel that runs further up your waist, so you can choose based on your comfort and support preference.
One thing to note: The jeans run big so you’ll likely want to stick to your non-pregnancy size, or even size down.
A more expensive pair of maternity jeans may be worth the investment, particularly if you hope to have multiple children. These Ingrid+Isabel Verdugo Skinny Jeans come highly recommended by Robin Hilmantel, What to Expect’s Senior Director of Editorial Strategy & Growth and mother of three.
Robin bought these jeans five years ago, when she was pregnant with her oldest son. She proceeded to wear the same pair through the following two pregnancies, the most recent of which was less than a year ago. This is a true testament to the quality of the fabric, which is over 50% rayon for plenty of stretch as your body grows.
Unlike many maternity jeans, which feature an over-the-belly panel, these Ingrid+Isabel jeans have side panels along the jeans. Some moms-to-be prefer this, including Robin. “The style worked better for me as someone who didn't show until later in my pregnancies,” she says. “I could start wearing them earlier and it was more comfortable than wearing my normal jeans.”
What to Expect moms praise Pink Blush for its breadth of fashionable plus-size maternity clothes. And, of course, that includes jeans. Deemed a bestseller by the brand, these distressed maternity jeans are made primarily of cotton to provide all-day comfort. Of course, there’s also a touch of spandex to ensure they can stretch and grow with you through each trimester. The belly band stretches up and over your growing bump for additional comfort and support.
These jeans also receive great feedback for their length, with one mom-to-be writing that, at 5 feet 8 inches, “these hit the ground and don’t show my ankles when I sit.” They also run true to size, according to reviewers, so you likely won’t need to size up.
"Pink blush maternity jeans! ordered my first pair and loved them, size chart was accurate and they fit great. They have a huge selection of skinny, relaxed, straight, bootcut etc. i was worried by 19 week belly wouldn’t be enough to fill them out/keep them up, but they hold in place great while being super comfortable and let me feel put together again. i ordered a second pair yesterday. definitely would recommend."
Those blessed with height can stop searching for jeans that actually hit where they’re supposed to. These Wrangler boot cut jeans are available in 30-, 32-, 34-, and 36-inch inseams, a true rarity with jeans, let alone maternity jeans.
“I am 6’ 1” tall and the longest length in these fit me perfectly,” writes one reviewer. Another mom-to-be who describes herself as “very tall” said these pants, “fit SO WELL, [despite] a little bit of shrinkage on length but not enough to be a problem.”
Moms praise the length and the style of the cut. Made of cotton with a touch of spandex, these dark wash jeans slide on with ease, with many moms-to-be saying they fit great and are comfortable enough for all day wear. The underbelly band is soft and only on the front, making these feel less like maternity jeans. The only downside is that the front pockets are fake, but the generously-sized back pockets make up for it.
When it comes to sizing, reviews are mixed: Some moms say you can wear your pre-pregnancy size while others say you’ll want to size down. It’s worth measuring and comparing with the sizing chart before buying, though Amazon’s return process is super easy if needed.
"Wrangler does a maternity jeans with 36’’ insteam. They are a bit pricey but at least they fit great and are long enough, I plan on having several pregnancies so I bought two of those"
As someone who stands at an abysmal 5 feet 2 inches, few jeans fit me as well as those from GAP. So when I was on the hunt for some petite maternity jeans, I naturally turned to GAP and ultimately settled on these skinny maternity jeans, which hit right at my ankle bone. (Though they do have regular and tall sizing available, should your height differ.)
Despite the name, these skinny maternity jeans aren’t confining. The cotton, polyester and elastane blend give the jeans plenty of stretch to slide on with ease, but keep them from stretching to the point of being baggy. (A style I do not look good wearing — trust.) In fact, they’re comparable to leggings when it comes to comfort.
The panel was soft enough as not to irritate my sensitive skin, and was thin enough that I didn’t feel like it added extra padding to my frame. This also made it easier to wear form-fitting shirts, in the case of a day at the office or dinner date.
I found these during a sale, and bought two pairs: one in black and one in medium wash for more options. But if you aren’t as lucky, I can assure you they’re worth the slight splurge.
What to Expect moms love Old Navy’s line of maternity jeans; so much so that some say they only wear Old Navy maternity jeans. And though the brand offers dozens of maternity jeans to choose from, these flare maternity jeans are a particularly excellent pair.
What we liked most about these, compared to other flare maternity jeans, is that the legs have just the right amount of width: Enough that you can comfortably wear a pair of boots beneath (or, in some cases, give your swollen pregnancy legs some breathing room), but not so much that you’re swimming in excess fabric.
At first, the material might intimidate you. It’s almost all cotton and, as several customers write, lacks the stretch you commonly find in maternity jeans. But despite this lack of give, many write that the jeans fit well and are so comfortable they can be worn all day with no issues. That said, you may have to size up from your pre-pregnancy size to find the perfect fit.
"The only maternity jeans I kept from my first pregnancy and have worn in this one are from Old Navy. they're actually a size smaller than my non-maternity jeans from Old Navy and are comfy. I like them cause they're a bit stretchy too."
Best Maternity Jean Shorts
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Maternity Mid-Rise Shortie Shorts
If you reach for a pair of jean shorts every summer, there's no need to stop during pregnancy. With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, moms-to-be say Levi Strauss & Co.’s maternity shorts have ample stretch to provide a comfortable fit. They also say the panel supports and holds the belly well, and is “snug without being too tight, so you don't need to keep hoisting it up,” as one reviewer writes.
Both the band and the shorts themselves are made of a soft, lightweight material that one reviewer says is not too thin, but also not too thick that it’ll make you sweat. And trust us, the last thing a pregnant person wants to do in the summer is sweat even more.
But what moms-to-be rave about most is that these maternity jean shorts look just like regular shorts: no bagginess or sagging that you may find in other maternity shorts.
"[Levi's shorts are the] absolute BEST maternity shorts ever!! I’m in Florida so we’re in the high 90’s and HUMID and these shorts are a lifesaver!! Really stretchy and (thin?!) but durable! I’m usually a size 14/16 bottom, and the XL is a perfect fit!"
Size range: 24 - 33 (XS - L); Short, Regular and Long
Color options: Two
Panel type: Over the belly
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
When you’re pregnant, you can get away with breaking a lot of fashion rules. Including the one that says white jeans are only for summer. And with almost 200 five-star reviews, Abercrombie’s white maternity jeans are a great choice.
You may not associate Abercrombie with pregnancy-friendly clothing, but What to Expect moms rave about these maternity jeans. The fabric is soft and stretchy, which makes it possible to comfortably wear these jeans all day long. Despite the stretch, however, most moms-to-be recommend sizing up from your pre-pregnancy size for the ideal fit. Not to mention, they are available in short and long lengths, getting approval from both short and tall moms-to-be.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention two standout features: The raw hem, which gives the jeans a slightly casual look, and the functional pockets.
Black maternity jeans are a great investment, because they can easily be dressed up or down. But it’s hard to call these Motherhood Maternity black jeans an investment, given the reasonable $43 price tag. Despite the comparatively lower cost, these ankle-length jeans don’t sacrifice on quality. The combination of cotton, rayon and modal make these jeans as soft and stretchy as some of the best maternity leggings. (But customers swear they don’t look like jeggings.)
The panel is equally comfortable and designed so it can be pulled up or rolled over your bump. Many moms appreciate this option, as under belly panels are more comfortable during the first two trimesters when their bump may not be as big.
A note to taller moms: You may find that the jeans hit above the ankle, rather than right at it. If this is a deal breaker, consider looking at some of the other jeans on this list with a longer inseam.
"I have a hard time finding pants because I’m 4’10 and I got these off Amazon and LOVE them! They’re not ankle length on me obviously but they are so comfortable. 10/10! They also are not as dark as pictured, they look like normal dark jeans."
Best Skinny Maternity Jeans
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Maternity Skinny Jeans
Some moms say the band feels too tight when you sit down
Material: 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane
Size range: XS - XL
Color options: Three
Panel type: Under the belly
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
With about 4,500 five-star reviews — and tons of praise from What to Expect community members — it’s a shock these skinny maternity jeans aren’t sold out regularly. Made of a stretchy cotton and polyester blend, these Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. jeans receive high marks for being comfortable and flattering. The jeans themselves are thick enough to last through the entire nine months (and maybe through future pregnancies), but moms promise they are breathable, which is important with skinny jeans. They also feature a supportive but subtle under-the-bump panel that helps them stay up all day long.
Normally jeans of this quality would cost at least $50, but you can snag these for $35. At that price point, you can grab a pair in each of the three colors available.
Size range: 23 - 37 (XXS - XL); Extra short, Short, Regular and Long
Color options: Three
Panel type: Over the belly
Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It
If you don’t want to flaunt your ever-changing body, straight leg jeans are a great choice: Their high waist and loose-but-not-baggy fit help to elongate your body rather than clinging to or exaggerating your curves. Not to mention the looser fit further accommodates your body as it grows through the trimesters.
These straight leg maternity jeans from Abercrombie are an excellent option. Because of the straight leg style, the jeans themselves don’t have a ton of stretch so you’ll likely want to size up. That said, the over-the-belly panel has plenty of give to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
As with other Abercrombie maternity jeans, this straight leg pair is available in long, short and extra short, depending on which color you order.
"They are the best! It’s the only fit I can find that aren’t skinny and actually have pockets. I’m regretting not getting 2 pairs last time and not sticking with my normal size-I sized up, but they are awesome."
In theory, you could wear non-maternity boyfriend jeans during pregnancy: They are designed to be baggy, providing plenty of room to accommodate your body as it grows throughout pregnancy. Still, you may prefer a pregnancy-specific pair for just a little extra comfort and security. These gray boyfriend maternity jeans from Old Navy fit the bill, with a full over-the-bump panel that offers maximum support and helps keep your pants from falling.
Many customers rave about the jeans’ comfort, which is the result of a cotton and polyester blend. They also note that, even though the jeans are roomy, they are still somewhat fitted: You don’t feel like you’re wearing a sack or pair of MC Hammer pants.
Best Side Panel Maternity Jeans
Madewell Maternity Side-Panel Kick Out Crop Jeans in Arlen Wash
If you want to get the most wear out of your maternity jeans, you may want to consider finding a pair with side panels. Unlike over- or under-the-bump panels, side panels are built in the side (obviously) of the jeans’ waistband. This allows the jeans to grow with your belly, but also makes it possible to wear them postpartum, as you won’t have loose, excess fabric to contend with.
Madewell is known for producing high quality denim, and its maternity jeans are no exception. Cut low in front for comfort and high in back for coverage, these flare maternity jeans get rave reviews for comfort. Not to mention the fabric is super stretchy, making it easy to slide in and out of them, even once you hit the nine month mark. Although the jeans have enough stretch to fit your body, they won’t become loose throughout the day: No baggy pants here!
These are definitely the most expensive pair of jeans on our list, but considering you can wear them through each trimester (and even after pregnancy), it may be a worthwhile investment.
"I’ve found a number of maternity jeans secondhand. My favorite are by Madewell. Sadly they are a bit expensive directly through the store, but they are my favorite ones I’ve found!!"
This Amazon brand is popular among What to Expect moms for providing fashionable and functional maternity clothes at an affordable price. Case in point: these over-the-belly maternity jeans, which have received more than 1,800 five-star reviews on Amazon.
The band is the standout feature of these maternity jeans, with many customers writing that it’s comfortably snug: It will provide plenty of support without putting too much (if any) pressure on your bump. Several customers also note that the band is breathable, which is important if you’re dealing with a summer pregnancy or you just run super hot. The waist of these jeans are cut in a V-shape rather than straight across, providing a little extra support from below the belly.
The jeans themselves are equally stretchy, thanks to the rayon, nylon and spandex blend. This combo also makes them fit like leggings, so make sure that’s the look you’re going for before buying.
From celebrity-favorite brand Seraphine comes a pair of maternity jeans you’ll swoon over. These skinny jeans feature an under-the-belly panel made of jersey fabric, which is known to stretch without losing its shape and very rarely shrink. It’s also super soft, which will feel good against sensitive pregnancy skin. (P.S. - If under-the-bump isn’t for you, Seraphine offers the same jeans with an over-the-bump panel.)
The jeans are made primarily of organic cotton and recycled polyester, so you’ll not only feel good wearing them, but you’ll also feel good about wearing them. The material is particularly flexible, so you know the jeans will grow throughout your pregnancy.
What to Look For in Maternity Jeans
In addition to comfort and style, you may want to consider the following when shopping for maternity jeans.
Waistband: Maternity jeans tend to have three different types of waistbands: an under-the-bump band, side paneling or over-the-bump paneling. While the style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, over-the-bump paneling generally provides the smoothest support for your bump, under-the-bump waistbands can provide support from below and side paneling is the closest you’ll get to your regular jeans.
Stretch: This can be especially important with a growing body — and even more important if the jeans are tight to begin with.
Price point: As is true with regular denim, maternity jeans range in price from super affordable to splurge status. Depending on how often you’ll wear your maternity jeans (and maybe whether or not they can be worn after pregnancy, too), you’ll want to consider price before doling out.
FAQ
Where to buy maternity jeans?
Maternity jeans are more readily available than in years past — and in a number of styles, colors and sizes, too! If you need help narrowing down the places to search for maternity jeans, then consider the following:
Amazon, Old Navy and Gap have the largest variety of maternity jeans
Pink Blush has the most size inclusive maternity jeans
Most moms-to-be start wearing maternity jeans when their non-maternity jeans start to feel too tight. For many, this is around the end of the first trimester when the bump becomes more noticeable. That said, every pregnancy body is different: Some women start showing early (especially if it’s their second or third pregnancy), while others may not really “pop” until the start of the third trimester. And then there are some women who will utilize pants extenders through their entire pregnancy, never even trying on a pair of maternity jeans. Ultimately, the decision of when to start wearing maternity jeans will come down to your personal preference and comfort.
Do you buy maternity jeans in your normal size?
More often than not, you can buy maternity jeans (and, really, any maternity clothes) in your pre-pregnancy size. But before you add to cart, make sure to look at the material and style of the maternity jeans. If a jean is made of non-stretchy material or is designed to be more fitted, you may want to consider ordering the next size up. Additionally, it helps to read customer reviews before selecting a size: Many times they will share the size they bought, as well as measurements like height and weight, to help others make a more informed decision.