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When it’s finally time to cave and stock your maternity wardrobe with a few staple items like maternity jeans, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options available.
Over-the-bump? Under-the-bump? One good investment pair or several budget-friendly pairs? Talk about decision fatigue. Luckily, I’ve broken down all the things you need to consider when looking for the best maternity jeans, as well as our top picks to help you narrow down your search.
Jump to a specific section
- Best Maternity Jeans – My Top 3 Picks
- What are Maternity Jeans?
- Key Features of the Best Maternity Jeans
- How to Find the Best Maternity Jeans
- When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Jeans?
- Common Material Choices for Maternity Jeans
- The Best Maternity Jeans
- Levi Strauss & Co Signature Gold Label Women’s Maternity Skinny Jeans
- Motherhood Maternity Women’s IndigoBlue Super Stretch Skinny Denim
- Motherhood Maternity Women’s Indigo Blue Stretch Boot-Cut Jean
- Motherhood Maternity Women’s Essential Stretch Full Length Secret Fit Belly Leggings
- Hybrid & Company Super Comfy Stretch Women’s Skinny Maternity Jeans
- V VOCNI Maternity Jeans, Distressed Denim
- Jvini Women’s Maternity Full-Panel Pull-On Ripped Skinny Denim Jeggings
- Liu & Qu Maternity Women’s Casual Pants Stretchy Comfortable Lounge Pants
- FAQs about best maternity jeans
- The Bottom Line
Best Maternity Jeans – My Top 3 Picks
Let’s just cut to the chase! My top picks for the best maternity jeans are based on their quality, style, and price.
- Best Overall: Levi Strauss & Co Signature Gold Label Women’s Maternity Skinny Jeans
- Most Stylish: V VOCNI Maternity Jeans, Distressed Denim
- Best Bargain: Jvini Women’s Maternity Full-Panel Pull-On Ripped Skinny Denim Jeggings
What are Maternity Jeans?
So, what exactly makes maternity jeans maternity jeans? Maternity jeans are just like regular jeans with the addition of panels and waistbands, often in elasticated materials to help accommodate a growing belly.
These panels and waistbands vary and include elasticated sides, an over-the-bump elasticated panel, or an under-the-bump band. What style you prefer will typically be a matter of trial-and-error until you find what’s most comfortable for you and your bump.
Aside from these panels and elasticated bands, the jeans themselves look just like your “normal” jeans and come in various styles, including skinny, boot-cut, distressed, jegging, etc.
Key Features of the Best Maternity Jeans
What should you be looking for when buying maternity jeans? Here are a few of the most important features to consider when shopping.
Style
One of the most important things when shopping for maternity jeans is style. However, just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice your style and preferences when it comes to your clothes. There are tons of great options out there now to suit everyone.
Know what you like and search for that style on maternity clothing websites and online retailers to find exactly what you’re looking for. There are skinny jeans, boot-cut jeggings, distressed denim, boyfriend jeans, acid washed – you name it.
So, know what styles you like and go looking for those in maternity wear because when you feel good in your clothes, it makes a world of difference!
Comfort
One of the biggest benefits of maternity jeans is that they’re comfortable. Regular jeans have buttons and zips that can put pressure on your belly and may just be overall very uncomfortable and restricting. That’s the last thing you want while pregnant!
When shopping for maternity jeans, look for those with elasticated panels or bands and pull-on jeans vs. button-ups for maximum comfort. Additionally, the style of jeans you prefer will also play a role in how comfortable your jeans are, as skinnier fits tend to be snugger while relaxed boyfriend styles allow more room for movement.
Stretch
Most of us prefer a pair of jeans with good stretch, but that’s never been more important than during pregnancy. Feeling restricted or having snug, rigid material constricting your movements and digging into your belly can easily ruin your day when you’re likely already dealing with a whole host of pregnancy symptoms.
Look for maternity jeans with stretch both in the jeans themselves and the bands or panels. Whenever possible, try on your maternity jeans to ensure they have enough stretch and are comfortable without being too baggy or rolling down with any small movement – you don’t want to have to pull your pants up constantly.
Belly Band
Maternity jeans tend to feature either an over-the-bump belly band/panel or an under-the-bump belly band. It’s always best to try on a few pairs of jeans with each style to see what you find most comfortable for your bump.
The over-the-bump bands/panels feature a large piece of breathable, typically cotton, elastic that you pull up to cover your bump. This band helps keep your jeans up but also helps to make your bump feel more supported.
Under-the-bump bands sit under your belly, similar to low-rise jeans. These are great for those that feel a bit restricted by over-the-bump styles or those early in pregnancy.
Adaptable
Another thing you may want to consider is how adaptable your maternity jeans are to the changing needs of your body as you move through each trimester and into postpartum wear. For example, some jeans may target specific trimesters and require you to buy new jeans to accommodate a bigger (or smaller) belly when outside of those targeted times.
Most good pairs of maternity jeans will have the right amount of stretch as well as a comfortable and flexible belly band that will be able to support you through all trimesters of pregnancy as well as postpartum. So, if you’re hoping to invest in one or two pairs of good quality maternity jeans – these are the kind you want to look for.
How to Find the Best Maternity Jeans
So now you know what key features you should be considering when buying maternity jeans, but how do you find the best ones? Here are some helpful things to note when looking for the best maternity jeans:
Look for Reviews
As with anything you purchase, especially online, always check the reviews! The reviews can save you from wasting your money on something that looks great but may be disappointing, low-quality, or a lemon.
This is especially important online because you can’t try them on before buying them, and you have to rely on a good return policy to be able to get a refund on an item that you don’t like once it arrives.
Consider Pricing
The best maternity jeans for you also take into consideration your budget. Pregnancy is just nine months out of a year, and especially if you’re not planning to have any more children after this pregnancy – shelling out hundreds of dollars for maternity clothes may not be worth it.
Budget a set amount for your maternity clothes and stick to it by finding a few staple pieces that you can wear over and over again in different ways and repurposing some of your existing garments and oversized items.
For some, this may be investing in one good high-quality pair of jeans and just repurposing a lot of flowy dresses already in their wardrobe. In contrast, others may buy multiple lower-quality staple items at cheaper price points to create a whole new maternity wardrobe on a budget.
A Good and Supportive Belly Band
The type of belly band you prefer will come down to what is most comfortable for you when you try on various types of maternity jeans. However, whether it be over-the-bump or under-the-bump, you want to make sure that the belly band feels good and supportive around your bump.
This means having breathable and comfortable fabric and hugging/sitting right on or under your bump so that you feel supported and comfortable in your day-to-day outfits.
Choosing Staple Pieces
There’s no better time to create a capsule wardrobe than when you’re pregnant. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the budget to spend hundreds or thousands on a whole new wardrobe to fit their growing belly. Instead, focus on neutral staple items that can be mixed, matched, and worn in various ways.
For example, having one good pair of black maternity jeans or pants and one good pair of classic blue jeans can cover a wide variety of occasions, from work to running errands or events. In addition, focusing on choosing neutral-colored staple pieces will save you money while still feeling stylish and prepared for any circumstances that may come up.
When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Jeans?
There is no set time frame for switching to maternity jeans. Making the switch from your regular jeans to maternity ones typically depends on your growing belly, and when you find that your regular jeans no longer fit, you start to feel snug and uncomfortable.
For some, this could be as early as 12 weeks or as late as 20 weeks. But, on average, most women have switched to wearing maternity jeans or maternity wear of some sort by six months.
Common Material Choices for Maternity Jeans
Most commonly, maternity jeans are made up of cotton, polyester, and spandex, with cotton being the main percentage of the blend. This combination of materials allows for breathable, comfortable, and stretchy jeans ideal for a growing belly.
The bands or panels of maternity jeans tend to be made from cotton with some elastic or spandex to create a stretchy yet supportive band for your bump.
The Best Maternity Jeans
Levi Strauss & Co Signature Gold Label Women’s Maternity Skinny Jeans
Why sacrifice style just because you’re pregnant? These Levis allow you to feel like you still fit into your favorite classic jeans but with a comfortable and cooling over-the-bump waistband to accommodate your growing belly.
- Material: 78% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 2% Elastane
- Style: Skinny
- Over/Under Bump? Over
- Price range: $27 – 40
- Machine Washable? Yes
The skinny, snug fit allows you to feel sexy and confident in your jeans, and the pull-on style makes it easy to get in and out of.
Pros
- Pull-on
- Cooling waistband
- Super-stretch for comfort but doesn’t lose shape.
- Machine washable
- Three color-ways
- Functioning back pocket
Cons
- Snug fit through legs and hips may not be comfortable for everyone.
- Only fits up to size 16
Motherhood Maternity Women’s IndigoBlue Super Stretch Skinny Denim
The Motherhood Maternity IndigoBlue Super Stretch Denim Jean is a great, inclusive option for women throughout the entirety of their pregnancy.
- Material: 75% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Rayon, 1% Spandex
- Style: Skinny
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $25 – 60
- Machine Washable? Yes
The super stretch band expands easily to accommodate your growing belly and maintains a comfortable fit throughout pregnancy. With sizes from X-Small to 3X, including petite sizing, there’s the perfect fit for every expectant mother!
Pros
- Pull-on
- Machine Washable
- Super-stretchy and comfortable for all-day wear
- The maternity panel grows with you throughout pregnancy
- Five color-ways
- Wide range of sizes, including plus and petite sizing
- Functioning back pocket
Cons
- May fit a bit loose.
- Belly band may not be as supportive as some prefer
Motherhood Maternity Women’s Indigo Blue Stretch Boot-Cut Jean
For those women that prefer a looser but still tailored fit at the ankle, the Motherhood Maternity Women’s Indigo Blue Stretch Boot-Cut Jean is a perfect choice. With a super-stretch secret belly band, these jeans will grow with you throughout your pregnancy.
- Material: 75% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Rayon, 1% Spandex
- Style: Boot-cut
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $30 – 60
- Machine Washable? Yes
Sizes range from X-Small to 3X and are available in petite to accommodate every expectant mother! Easy to pull-on and machine washable for easy care, you can’t go wrong with this maternity wardrobe staple.
Pros
- Pull-on
- Machine washable
- Comfortable stretch for all-day wear
- Boot cut for those that prefer a looser but still tailored fit at the ankle.
- Functioning back pocket
- Wide range of sizes, including plus and petite
Cons
- Only two color-ways
- Can feel a bit loose/belly band may not be as supportive as some prefer
Motherhood Maternity Women’s Essential Stretch Full Length Secret Fit Belly Leggings
If jeans aren’t your thing or you’re looking for a more comfortable pair of pants to dress up or down, Motherhood Maternity Women’s Essential Stretch Full Length Secret Fit Belly Leggings are a great option.
- Material: 87% Cotton, 13% Spandex
- Style: Skinny
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $20 – 45
- Machine Washable? Yes
Easy to pull on and go, these leggings fit over the bump, so you don’t need to feel like you constantly have to pull them up as you move about. Available in three neutral colors to dress up or dress down and in a range of sizes from X-Small to 3X, they’re a great staple maternity option for every expectant mom from the first trimester and beyond.
Pros
- Pull-on
- Machine washable
- Comfortable fit
- Knit weave makes for breathable legging and great temperature regulation, so you can wear them all year-round.
- Secret Fit Maternity Panel is designed to grow with you and your bump from the first trimester and beyond.
Cons
- Not Jeans
- No petite options
- May stretch out the longer you wear them or the more you move.
Hybrid & Company Super Comfy Stretch Women’s Skinny Maternity Jeans
The Hybrid & Company Super Comfy Stretch Women’s Skinny Maternity Jeans are a great, affordable option for expectant mothers. There are options for everyone with a wide variety of colors and styles and sizes from X-small to 3X.
- Material: Cotton blended with spandex
- Style: Skinny
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $15 – 40
- Machine Washable? Yes
The stretch cotton blended spandex allows for comfortable all-day wear, and the over-the-bump maternity band helps your bump to feel supported.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Good stretch for comfort
- Wide range of colors and styles is available
- X-Small to 3X sizing
- Supportive over-the-bump band.
Cons
- Button closure
- Runs small
V VOCNI Maternity Jeans, Distressed Denim
The V VOCNI Maternity Jeans are a great wardrobe staple throughout pregnancy from your first trimester to postpartum. With the under-the-bump elastic, these comfortable, relaxed, boyfriend-fit distressed jeans will be practical and supportive for your changing body. Even when you’ve had your baby.
- Material: Cotton denim, elastane, and polyester.
- Style: Boyfriend fit
- Under/Over Bump? Under
- Price range: $20 – 40
- Machine Washable? Yes
The distressed look allows you to feel stylish and cool just with the added support of a maternity band.
Pros
- Wide variety of color-ways
- Elastic closure
- Boyfriend fit for more relaxed, comfortable fit
- The under-the-bump band is great for both pregnancy and postpartum.
- The distressed look is stylish.
- Pull-on
Cons
- Limited sizes
Jvini Women’s Maternity Full-Panel Pull-On Ripped Skinny Denim Jeggings
If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable way to stock, your maternity wardrobe with a variety of different jean options, the Jvini Women’s Maternity Full-Panel Pull-On Denim Jeggings is the perfect choice.
- Material: 76% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Style: Skinny
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $10 – 25
- Machine Washable? Yes
With a full belly panel that you can wear over your whole bump or roll down, it’s easy to adjust the panel to your comfort and support preference, easily making these one of the best maternity jeans.
Pros
- Pull-on
- Variety of color-ways
- Sizing from XX-small to 3X
- Over-the-belly panels can be worn fully covering the bump or rolled down.
- Machine washable
Cons
- Lower quality materials
- Can be difficult to get sizing right
Liu & Qu Maternity Women’s Casual Pants Stretchy Comfortable Lounge Pants
If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable than jeans for at-home or running errands, the Liu & Qu Maternity Lounge Pants are for you.
- Material: 95% Viscose, 5% Spandex
- Style: Loose fit lounge pants
- Under/Over Bump? Over
- Price range: $15 – 50
- Machine Washable? Yes
With a soft and breathable over-the-bump design, you’ll be comfortable and supported, while the loose fit of the legs will help you feel more relaxed and less restricted. Available in colors and patterns for all occasions (even Christmas!) There’s a pair for every expectant mom out there.
Pros
- Elastic, pull on
- Machine washable
- Comfortable loose fit loungewear
- Breathable, soft fabric and maternity band
- Wide range of colors and patterns
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Not jeans
FAQs about best maternity jeans
Answer: Yes, a good-quality pair of comfortable maternity jeans can be worn throughout your pregnancy and postpartum. The elasticated band or sides make for a less restrictive fit during your postpartum recovery and can be much more comfortable and practical in the months after birth.
Answer: Yes, you can wear normal jeans when pregnant. However, you may find them to be uncomfortable and restrictive. While you can size up to accommodate your growing belly, you will typically find that while this may help with the bump, the fit through the hips and legs may be baggy.You can also wrap a hair elastic through the buttonhole of your jeans and attach it to the button in early pregnancy to allow you to wear your regular jeans but a bit more room around the belly.
Answer: In most cases, no. Maternity jean sizing is the same as “normal” jean sizing, so you can buy your usual jean size when shopping for maternity jeans. Maternity jeans just have panels and elasticated bands that allow your jeans to grow with your belly while still fitting you properly in the hips and legs.
The Bottom Line
Shopping for jeans can be a nightmare even when you’re not pregnant. So, knowing what to look for when it comes to maternity jeans can help you quickly narrow down your options and find the best maternity jeans for you.
If you’re looking for our top pick overall, I like the Levi Strauss & Co Signature Gold Label Women’s Maternity Skinny Jeans for the perfect combination of style and comfort. If you liked this article, be sure to comment down below. And for more helpful tips, check out our guide to the best belly bands for pregnant moms!
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