Pregnancy changes your body fast. One week your jeans fit perfectly, and the next, you can’t quite close that top button. But you likely aren’t ready for full maternity wear yet.
Even as your pregnancy progresses, you might find your bump outgrows standard maternity panels, or you just miss your favorite pre-pregnancy denim.
The solution? A pregnancy pant extender.
These handy tools bridge the gap (literally) to keep your pants up and your wallet happy. We researched the different types and tested the top options to help keep your wardrobe flexible through every trimester.
- Available in cotton or bamboo fabric
- Snug enough to hold unbuttoned pants
- Created by a mom of six
- Adjustable for pregnancy & postpartum
- Includes two styles of pants extenders
- Smaller button is better for some pants
- Elastic extender moves with you
- Includes elastic-waisted pants option
- Comes in a range of button styles
- Made of different fabrics & colors
Types of Pregnancy Pant Extenders
Before you buy, know that there are two primary styles to choose from:
Extender
Think of the extender as a bridge between your button and buttonhole. These are usually small pieces of fabric or elastic with a button on one side and a loop on the other. They hold the top of your unbuttoned pants or maternity jeans together to give you an extra inch or two of breathing room.
Belly Belt
A belly belt (or belly band) works differently. It is a stretchy tube of fabric you wear over your hips and unbuttoned pants. It holds your jeans up via compression and covers the exposed zipper area, looking like a layered undershirt.
Key Features to Look For
Not all extenders work for every outfit. Here is what we consider when shopping:
Type
Decide if you just need a little extra room or full coverage. If you want to wear short tops, a belly belt is better because it hides the open fly. If you always wear long tunics, a simple button extender works fine.
Material
Check the fabric blend. In the summer, thick synthetic bands can trap heat and make you sweaty. Cotton blends offer better breathability. However, spandex or Lycra is necessary for the stretch and recovery needed to hold your pants up.
Size
Button extenders are usually “one size fits most.” Belly belts, however, come in graded sizes (Small, Medium, Large). When buying a belt, choose your pre-pregnancy size. They are designed to stretch with you.
Appearance
Basic button extenders are functional but ugly; you will want a long shirt to cover them. Belly belts usually come in neutrals like black, white, or navy. They look like a camisole peeking out from under your shirt, so you don’t have to hide them as aggressively.
Product Reviews
We tested these extenders for comfort, durability, and how well they actually keep pants up. Here are our top five picks.
Maddie Moo: 3 Belly Band Clothing Extenders
Best Four-Stage
Maddie Moo belly bands strike a great balance between security and softness. They are snug enough to cradle your bump and hold up unbuttoned jeans, but they don’t feel like a corset. We love that they are seamless, which prevents irritation on sensitive stretched skin.
You can choose between a cotton blend or bamboo. The cotton version (98% cotton, 2% spandex) is breathable and sturdy. However, the bamboo option is fantastic for hot sleepers; it wicks moisture away and resists wrinkling better than standard cotton.
This set comes with three bands in neutral colors (black, white, and grey/tan/navy). This variety allows you to match the band to your outfit, making it look like a layered tank top rather than a maternity tool.
Pros
- Available in breathable cotton or moisture-wicking bamboo.
- Three-pack provides great value and outfit matching.
- Seamless design prevents skin irritation.
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky if you are between sizes.
- Fabric may roll down on some body shapes.
Product Specs
| Style | Belly belt |
| Material | 98% cotton, 2% spandex or 98% bamboo, 2% spandex |
| Includes | Three belly bands |
| Sizes available | S–XXL |
Our Ratings
Maeband: Pregnancy Pant Extenders
Best Mom-Designed
The Maeband takes a different approach than standard button loops. Designed by a mom who wanted to avoid buying a whole new wardrobe, this extender uses your pant’s belt loops for leverage.
Instead of just bridging the button gap, the Maeband threads through the front belt loops and Velcro changes the size. This keeps the front of your pants flat and secure. You don’t get that awkward “bulging zipper” look that some button extenders create.
Because it is highly adjustable via Velcro, you can use it from the early “bloating” weeks all the way to delivery. It is also excellent for the postpartum phase when you want to get back into your favorite jeans but need a little extra room.
Pros
- Designed by a mom for real-world functionality.
- Velcro design offers precise adjustability.
- Keeps the front of pants flatter than button loops.
Cons
- Only works on pants that have belt loops.
- Requires a longer shirt to hide the band completely.
Product Specs
| Style | Pants extender |
| Material | 95% cotton, 5% spandex |
| Includes | One Maeband |
| Sizes available | S–L |
Our Ratings
Gratlin: Seamless Belly Band with Pants Extenders
Best One-Piece
If you are unsure which style will work for you, the Gratlin set covers all bases. This kit includes both a seamless belly band and specific button extenders. You get options in black, white, or beige to match your wardrobe.
We noticed the button extenders in this set feature smaller buttons. This is a huge plus if you wear dress pants or slacks with dainty buttons that won’t fit standard denim extenders. However, getting the extender through the stiff buttonhole of heavy jeans can be a struggle.
The belly band offers plenty of stretch and support. Be aware that the material is synthetic. While durable, it felt a bit clammy during our testing on hot days compared to cotton blends.
Pros
- Versatile kit includes both bands and button extenders.
- Smaller buttons fit dress slacks well.
- Provides multiple options for different pregnancy stages.
Cons
- Synthetic fabric is less breathable than cotton.
- Buttonholes on the extenders are very tight.
Product Specs
| Style | Belly band & pants extender |
| Material | 86% polyamide, 14% spandex |
| Includes | One belly band, two pants extenders |
| Sizes available | S–XL |
Our Ratings
Fertile Mind: Belly Belt Combo
Best Bib-Style
Fertile Mind solves the biggest problem with button extenders: the exposed skin in the zipper gap. This kit uses a clever “bib” system. You attach the extender to your pants, but you also thread a piece of fabric (the bib) over the gap.
This bib tucks into the open V of your unzipped fly. It covers your underwear and skin, so if your shirt rides up, you don’t flash anyone. It essentially mocks the look of a maternity panel on regular jeans.
The kit is comprehensive. It includes two sizes of extenders for button-fastening pants and two specifically for slide-clasp trousers (common in office wear). This makes it a strong contender for working moms.
Pros
- Fabric bib covers the exposed zipper gap effectively.
- Includes attachments for clasp-closure dress pants.
- Elastic extenders stretch as you move.
Cons
- Bib fabric can bunch up if not positioned perfectly.
- Too many parts to keep track of compared to simple bands.
Product Specs
| Style | Pants extender |
| Material | 95% cotton, 5% lycra |
| Includes | Two button & two slide fastener extenders, three “bibs.” |
| Sizes available | One size fits all |
Our Ratings
Willbond: 19 Pieces Waistband Extender
Best Short-Term
Think of the Willbond set as your emergency survival kit. It isn’t the highest fashion option, but it offers massive variety for a low price. It is perfect for bridging the gap before you buy maternity clothes or for those final weeks when nothing fits.
You get 19 pieces total: four denim-style extenders (various blue/black shades), five elastic extenders, and ten button-loop extenders. This variety ensures you have a match for almost any pair of pants in your closet.
The button-and-loop extenders are great for a quick inch of room. The denim strips offer more substantial expansion, adding up to three inches to your waistband. Just keep in mind that these are purely functional; you will definitely need a long top to hide them.
Pros
- Huge variety of colors and styles in one pack.
- Very affordable short-term solution.
- Works on denim, khakis, and polyester slacks.
Cons
- Not as durable as premium brands.
- Aesthetically unappealing without a long shirt.
Product Specs
| Style | Pants extenders |
| Material | Cotton, denim, nickel, rubber |
| Includes | 19 pants extenders |
| Sizes available | One size fits all |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Style | Material | Includes | Sizes available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maddie Moo: 3 Belly Band Clothing Extenders | Best Four-Stage | Belly belt | 98% cotton, 2% spandex or 98% bamboo, 2% spandex | 3 belly bands | S–XXL |
| Maeband: Pregnancy Pant Extenders | Best Mom-Designed | Pants extender | 95% cotton, 5% spandex | 1 Maeband | S–L |
| Gratlin: Seamless Belly Band with Pants Extenders | Best One-Piece | Belly band & pants extender | 86% polyamide, 14% spandex | 1 belly band, 2 pants extenders | S–XL |
| Fertile Mind: Belly Belt Combo | Best Bib-Style | Pants extender | 95% cotton, 5% lycra | 2 button & 2 slide fastener extenders, 3 “bibs.” | One size fits all |
| Willbond: 19 Pieces Waistband Extender | Best Short-Term | Pants extenders | Cotton, denim, nickel, rubber | 19 pants extenders | One size fits all |
Pant Extenders vs. Support Belts vs. Postpartum Bands
These three items look similar but serve totally different purposes. Here is the breakdown:
- Pregnancy Pant Extenders: Small accessories that connect the button and buttonhole of your regular pants. They let you wear non-maternity clothes when your belly is too big to zip them up.
- Pregnancy Support Belts: These are structural garments that wrap around your lower back and under your bump. Their job is to lift the weight of the baby to relieve pelvic pressure and back pain. They don’t necessarily hold your pants up.
- Postpartum Bands: These are adjustable elastic wraps worn after the baby arrives (1). They compress the abdomen to help you feel supported while your core muscles recover.
How to DIY a Pregnancy Pant Extender
If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can make a professional-looking extender. Maternity Sewing has a great tutorial on creating a robust waistband extender (2).
If you can’t sew, try the “Hair Tie Hack.” Loop a hair elastic through your buttonhole, then pull the two ends through each other to create a knot. Loop the free end over your button. It gives you about an inch of extra space, perfect for the first trimester bloating.
FAQs
When Should I Start Using a Pregnancy Pant Extender?
You can start using an extender as soon as your pants feel tight, which often happens in the first trimester due to bloating. Most women switch to extenders between weeks 8 and 14 before moving to full maternity clothes.
Can I Wash My Pant Extenders?
Yes, most fabric extenders and belly bands are machine washable. However, you should wash them on a gentle cycle and air dry them to preserve the elasticity. Always check the care label on the specific product.
Do Pant Extenders Work for All Pants?
No, extenders require a button and a buttonhole to function. They will not work on pants with slide clasps (unless you buy a specific adapter) or skirts with side zippers.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to replace your entire wardrobe the moment you see a positive test. The best pregnancy pant extenders let you stay in your favorite jeans and slacks for months longer, saving you money and stress.
Choose a simple button extender for early pregnancy and transition to a full coverage belly band as your bump grows. Comfort is key, so listen to your body and adjust your wardrobe as you grow.
