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17 Best Maternity Jeans of 2024

Updated
You don't have to give up style for comfort now that you're pregnant.

When you’re pregnant, few things matter more than comfort. Between itchy, stretching skin, hip and back pain, and loosening joints, you don’t want your clothes to cause you additional trouble.

We all know that a well-chosen pair of maternity jeans can be dressed up or dressed down to fit nearly any occasion. But choosing can be hard. You don’t want to pay too much for maternity jeans that end up rubbing on your tender belly, rolling down, or constricting your movement.

Having tried a wide variety of styles and brands, we were surprised to discover that some maternity jeans did exactly this. So, to spare you the discomfort and save you some money, we’ve created a list of the best maternity jeans for every situation, so you can look and feel your best at all times throughout your pregnancy.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Levi Strauss Signature
Best Budget Pick
Levi Strauss Signature
  • Highly stretchy premium denim
  • Superior comfort
  • Smooth tummy knit panel
Product Image of the Paige Verdugo Skinny
Best Designer Jeans
Paige Verdugo Skinny
  • Crafted with elastic insets
  • Ultra-skinny maternity jean
  • All-around stretch
Product Image of the Motherhood Long Stretch
Best for Long Legs
Motherhood Long Stretch
  • Exclusive secret fit belly
  • Seamless stretch
  • Amazing slimming fit
Product Image of the Three Seasons Jeans
Best Skinny Jeans
Three Seasons Jeans
  • Features contrast stitching
  • Faded and whiskered
  • Soft belly band
Product Image of the Three Seasons Boot Cut
Relaxed Yet Stylish
Three Seasons Boot Cut
  • Embroidered back pockets
  • Smooth, comfortable fit
  • Machine washable
Product Image of the Ingrid & Isabel Women's Skinny Denim Jegging with Side Inset Panel Pants, True...
Cute & Comfy
Ingrid & Isabel
  • Patented crossover panel
  • Adjusts to your changing body
  • Low rise, skinny fit
Product Image of the Motherhood Boot Cut (Dark)
Best Over The Bump
Motherhood Boot Cut (Dark)
  • Pull on closure
  • Seamless stretch maternity panel
  • Comfortable and flattering fit
Product Image of the Motherhood Boot Cut (Medium)
Best for Tall Women
Motherhood Boot Cut (Medium)
  • Functioning back pocket
  • Secret fit belly
  • Super stretchy jeans
Product Image of the Maternal America
Old Classic with a Twist
Maternal America
  • High quality
  • Supportive underbelly waistband
  • Fits your growing belly
Product Image of the DL1961 Maternity Jeans
Stretch Where They Need To
DL1961 Maternity Jeans
  • Elastic waist panels
  • Slender, super-flattering fit
  • Ultra versatile


The Best Maternity Jeans of 2024

Here are our favorite maternity jeans on the market.

Best Maternity Jeans for Big Thighs

If you’ve got big thighs, you can go one of two ways — embrace your curves with skinny jeans or jeggings, or pick a boot cut to balance out the bottom of your silhouette. Either way, a darker wash is going to be the most slimming.

Three Seasons Boot Cut Maternity Jeans

Relaxed Yet Stylish

These loose-fitting casual jeans leave plenty of room in the thighs, so they won’t feel tight. Plus, they flare slightly at the bottom for a balanced look. The light-colored belly band won’t peek through thin tops, and the embroidered pockets are placed perfectly on your bum to avoid the appearance of sagging.

User Experience

In my first trimester, I found these maternity jeans to be a comfortable and well-fitting solution to my growing belly. The waistband stays up, even though I'm not showing much yet, and the jeans have a good amount of stretch, making them a great option for later stages of pregnancy. However, I wish the waistband was black instead of nude colored, as it often peeks out from under my black tops.

Motherhood Plus-Size Secret Fit Maternity Jeggings

For Curvy Mamas

These figure-hugging jeggings let you show off all your curves. They’re made of cotton and spandex for maximum comfort and are designed for the woman who has a little more body to love. Pair them with a long sweater or tunic, and you’ll be ready to turn heads without feeling constricted.

Personal Perspective

Definitely pleased with these maternity jeans, as they provide a comfortable and flattering fit with room for my growing belly. The soft and stretchy material adds to the overall comfort, and the length is just right, hitting at or just past the ankle. However, the belly band can be somewhat itchy and transparent, and the inconsistency in the wash of the dark pairs is a minor drawback, but overall, I'm happy with the fit and quality of these jeans.

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Skinny Jegging

Cute and Comfy

Stay stylish while committing to comfort with these jeggings! They’ve got a stylish denim look without a restricting, heavy feel. Made instead of a modal, cotton, and spandex blend, they feel soft and stretchy.

Plus, you’ll love the multiple panels to keep your growing belly supported. The front panel covers your belly and provides back support, while the side inset panel is designed to adjust at the hips so you can wear these comfortably throughout your entire pregnancy.

Community Feedback

I'm a bit disappointed with these pants as the sizing was quite off. I followed the advice on the tag and bought the same size I wore before pregnancy, but they were way too large even at 9 months pregnant. The waist is huge and won't even stay up, while the legs are extra tight and uncomfortable. On the positive side, the overall construction and quality of the material are great. However, if you haven't gained much weight during your pregnancy, I suggest going down two sizes for a better fit.

Best Maternity Jeans for Early Pregnancy

You can’t button your regular jeans anymore, but you still feel good enough to prioritize style. Look for a pair of jeans that will show off your bump, allowing you to move freely and no longer feel constricted by the typical zipper-and-button design.

Maternal America California Skinny Maternity Jeans

Old Classic With a Twist

These jeans’ wide, underbelly waistline is perfect for early pregnancy since it will gently cradle your belly and expand with you. They’re constructed of cotton, like traditional jeans, with just a hint of spandex to allow the fabric some “give.” Round it out with the skinny silhouette and casual medium wash, and these just might become your favorite weekend pair.

First-Hand Impression

I recently tried these maternity jeans and found the overall quality and elastic waistband to be impressive. However, they tended to stretch a bit after a few hours of wear, requiring frequent adjustments to keep them up. Additionally, the jeans were quite long, so petite individuals may need to consider hemming them.

Best Skinny Maternity Jeans

Flaunt it, mama! Skinny jeans are great in any season for a variety of body types and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on where you’re headed. Plus, they add a healthy dose of style to any outfit. Just make sure they’re not too constricting — you still want to move freely.

Three Seasons Skinny Maternity Jeans

Wardrobe Staple

The dark wash on these skinny maternity jeans makes them easy to dress up or down, and the neutral-colored belly band won’t show through your top. The pockets are well-designed to flatter your rear, and the polyester/rayon/cotton construction offers a little “give” when you move.

User Experience

In my experience, these maternity jeans have been a fantastic addition to my wardrobe. As a 5'8", 200 lbs expecting mother, I've found that the fit and length are just right for my body. The jeans are soft, stretchy, and provide ample room for growth in the thighs and hips, without looking too big. Although the ankles are a bit looser than I'd prefer, the overall comfort and support from the stomach area make these jeans a solid choice. The price may be a little higher than I'd like, but the quality and comfort make it worth the investment.

DL1961 Maternity Jeans

Stretch Where They Need To

The innovative under-the-belly elastic doesn’t make these look like regular maternity jeans. Because of their design, they will work throughout many stages of pregnancy, and the cotton/lycra construction means that your skinny jeans won’t feel too tight.

Personal Perspective

Excellent, I had high hopes for these jeans but they didn't meet my expectations. I've tried multiple sizes and none of them fit well, with some being too baggy and others too tight. The quality also seemed lower compared to similar jeans I've purchased in the past, making them not flattering at all.

PoshDivah Fleece-Lined Maternity Pants

Cozy and Comfy

If you tend to run cold, you’ve found your perfect jeans. These pants are lined with fleece to help you stay extra warm — and they’re comfy, too. They have full belly panels and even come in five sizes and six colors to fit any style.

Community Feedback

In my experience, these maternity leggings provide warmth and comfort during pregnancy, making them a favorite choice for the colder months. The fleece lining adds an extra layer of softness and coziness, though some may find it too thick. Sizing can be a bit inconsistent, with some customers needing to size up for a better fit. Additionally, the leggings may not be entirely matte black as shown in pictures, and the elastic waistband might be too tight for some. Despite these minor drawbacks, these leggings have served me well throughout my pregnancy, and I appreciate their warmth and overall quality.

Best Designer Maternity Jeans

You don’t have to choose between fashion and function — with these jeans, you can have both. Most stylists will tell you that one of the main wardrobe pieces to splurge on is a good pair of jeans, and that rule doesn’t change during pregnancy.

Paige Verdugo Ultra Skinny Maternity Jeans

Fits Like a Glove

Instead of a traditional belly band, these jeans have elastic inserts in the waist, so they better resemble a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans. The ultra-skinny silhouette is on trend, and the rayon/cotton/polyester/spandex blend will allow you to wear them without feeling constricted.

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased these jeans and initially, I was in love with their comfort and fit. The softness and stretch of the fabric made them feel like no other jeans I've owned. However, after wearing them a few times, I noticed they started to stretch out and didn't maintain their shape as well as I had hoped. While they are undoubtedly comfortable, I think the longevity and overall quality could be improved for the price point.

James Jeans Women's Twiggy Maternity Jean Legging

Full, Easy Coverage

These jeans are constructed mostly of cotton, so they’ll feel like your pre-pregnancy jeans, but they have a full belly panel for your comfort — and to prevent your pants from falling down. Pair it with mid-ankle boots to help visually balance out your belly.

User Experience

This pair of jeans exceeded my expectations in terms of fit and quality. When I tried them on, I was delighted to find that they didn't give me the dreaded "mommy butt" that I've experienced with other maternity jeans. The material feels durable and comfortable, making them perfect for everyday wear. I've received numerous compliments on how well these jeans look on me, which is a definite confidence booster. In my opinion, the investment in these jeans is absolutely worth it for expecting mothers who want both style and comfort.

MamaJeans Milano Maternity Jeans

Live in Luxury

These luxurious jeans will make you feel like a queen as your baby bump grows. Crafted by an Italian designer brand, they have a skinny fit and five-pocket design. Choose from three color options, though we highly suggest the stunning dark blue wash.

The material is an ultra-stretch blend of cotton, polyester, and lycra and includes a super supportive belly bump panel. Feel great, look great, and prepare for your due date in style.

Personal Perspective

I'm quite pleased with these maternity jeans for their comfort and affordability. The full panel is soft and stretchy, making them very comfortable to wear, and the real pockets are a nice bonus. However, the jeans do have a lower rise than I'd prefer, requiring frequent adjustments, and the fabric feels more like a legging or jegging rather than true denim. Additionally, I suggest ordering a size larger than you might expect, as they tend to run small. Despite these minor issues, I found these jeans to be a great addition to my maternity wardrobe.

Best Maternity Jeans That Don’t Fall Down

One of the biggest complaints women have about maternity pants is that they don’t stay up. They tend to sag after a while and are not only uncomfortable but unflattering as well. Pick a pair with a strong full-belly panel that will stay in place all day long.

Wallflower Bootcut Maternity Jeans

Queen of Casual

These casual, distressed jeans have a mid-belly panel to help keep them hoisted and are made from a cotton-polyester blend to keep you comfy. They have embellished pockets for added flair and a slight bootcut shape to give you a nice silhouette.

Community Feedback

For someone around 5'8" and pregnant, these maternity pants provide a comfortable and stylish option. The sizing can be a bit tricky, so it's important to consult the size chart and consider personal preferences for a snug or looser fit. The full panel is stretchy and may not provide as much support as desired for some, but overall, the pants are well-received for their comfort and appearance. A few users mentioned that the pants may not be as long as they like, and some found the embellishments to be a bit too flashy, but these factors may vary based on individual preferences.

Best Budget Maternity Jeans

You won’t be wearing these pants forever — just for a few months. We get why you don’t want to spend a fortune. The good news is, you don’t have to. And with a few laundry tips like washing less frequently, turning them inside out for washing, and hanging them to dry can significantly extend the life of your budget-friendly jeans.

Levi Strauss Signature Maternity Skinny Jeans

Affordable Awesomeness

These jeans from the denim powerhouse Levi Strauss come in four different washes and an on-trend, skinny fit. They’re made of stretchy denim that won’t lose its shape and have a full belly panel to help keep them up.

First-Hand Impression

My experience with these maternity jeans has been a mix of comfort and annoyance. The over-the-belly fit and stretchy fabric provided ample room for growth, but I found myself constantly pulling them up due to a lack of belt loops and their tendency to slide down. While the jeans were a bit long for my 5'1" frame, rolling them up created a cute, casual look that I appreciated.

Best Over-the-Bump Maternity Jeans

For most women, over-the-bump styles tend to stay up better than under-the-belly styles. The stretchy fabric also provides limited support to the belly, offering comfort. Choose a pair with a real, engineered panel (as opposed to just a piece of elastic masquerading as a panel) for maximum support to keep your pants from sagging.

Motherhood Maternity Boot Cut Jeans

Comfy, Classic Fit

Motherhood Maternity is the expert in women’s maternity clothing, and their patented “Secret Fit” belly is designed to expand and hug your bump without stretching out. They’re available in either a dark or medium wash, and the boot-cut shape is both flattering and comfortable.

User Experience

These maternity jeans have been a fantastic addition to my wardrobe, providing both comfort and style during this special time. The stretchy material is perfect for accommodating my growing belly, and the fit around my thighs is flattering and comfortable. However, I'm a bit disappointed that there are no front pockets, as that would have been a useful feature. As someone who's 5'4", the jeans are a bit long for me, but this issue can be easily resolved by rolling them up or hemming them. One downside though is that they tend to slide down a bit during the day, which can be frustrating.

Hybrid & Company Skinny Maternity Jeans

Your New Favorite Pair

These skinny maternity jeans made of stretch denim have a full belly panel that looks just like a regular pair of jeans. There is also an adjustable mid-rise internal waistband to ensure a custom fit. It has a stylish skinny fit and light blue wash to add a casual element.

Personal Perspective

Love these maternity jeans! They're comfy and make my baby bump look adorable, while providing enough room for growth. The soft belly band is perfect, and the jeans offer both front pockets and a button for extra convenience. The only minor issues are the initial stiffness and length, but overall they've become my go-to pants during pregnancy.

Best Maternity Jeans for Tall Women

If you’re taller than 5 feet, 7 inches, you’re probably well-acquainted with the struggle to find jeans that fit. After all, you’re not preparing for a flood. Tall sizes have longer inseams to accommodate your longer leg length, and Rule #1 of Tall Lady Laundry is still in place while you’re pregnant: Don’t throw your jeans in the dryer.

Motherhood Long Stretch Skinny Maternity Jeans

Goes the Extra Mile

These long-length jeans will go all the way down to your ankles to avoid looking like capris. They are super stretchy to ensure a custom fit, and the secret-fit belly will ensure they stay up. They also have faux front pockets for added visual detail.

Community Feedback

These maternity jeans offer a stylish appearance, resembling regular pants with a dark wash that lasts through multiple washes. However, the elastic around the belly struggles to keep the pants up, especially when using the functional back pockets. The jeans are comfortable and stretchy, catering to various body types and heights, even for taller individuals. Despite some fit issues, they remain a decent option for those seeking affordable maternity wear without sacrificing style.

Motherhood Secret Fit Long Boot Cut Maternity Jeans

Great for Heels

These boot-cut jeans will help truncate your legs so they won’t appear quite as long. They have a full belly panel and large, well-designed rear pockets that will also fit with a tall pair of heels. Add that to the trendy dark wash, and you’ve found the perfect long pair of jeans.

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased these maternity jeans and found them to be both comfortable and flattering. The fit was perfect for my growing belly and they come in various washes, though I personally prefer the darker wash. However, I was disappointed to discover that the front pockets were fake, which can be quite frustrating when you're used to having them. Additionally, some buyers might face issues with incorrect washes being sent, so be prepared for potential mix-ups.

Best Maternity Jean Shorts

You’re ready to show off those legs, but squeezing into your old Daisy Dukes just isn’t going to happen. While a belly panel may keep your shorts from falling down, you may want to wear as few layers as possible in the summer heat. If that’s the case, go for an under-belly option.

Motherhood Maternity Shorts

Perfect for Summer

There’s no need to endure a hot, itchy belly panel when you have these shorts. They have side shirring in the waistline, and the 3.5-inch inseam will not only help you show off your gams but also keep them nice and cool.

User Experience

If you're looking for comfortable maternity shorts for sleeping and lounging around the house, these shorts might be a good option. They have a waistband that isn't too tight or restrictive and seem to grow with your belly. However, the material might not be the softest, and they are quite short, making them not suitable for wearing outside the house. The shorts tend to run slightly large, so you may want to consider ordering a size down.

How to Choose the Best Jeans for Pregnancy

Style

Choose a style that fits not only your personal preference but also your body type and lifestyle. If you work in an office with a work dress code that allows for jeans on Fridays, opt for a straight leg with a dark wash. If you tend to live in maternity leggings and just want to mix it up a bit, jeggings may be right for you.

Belly Band

If you’re in your first or second trimester, go for jeans with a belly panel. If you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy and your skin is super tight and itchy, you may prefer a below-the-belly style.

Wash

Jeans come in many different washes (colors). A dark wash tends to be the most professional — and also slimming — while lighter washes are seen as more casual.

Rear Pockets

They’re such a small detail, but the truth is that rear pockets have the potential to make or break a pair of jeans. Oversized pockets — as well as those that hit too low on the bum — can make your rear look saggy. Pockets with flaps can give the illusion of a little bit of a lift, and all pockets should end well before the thigh begins.

Care Instructions

Read the care instructions before buying. While most can be machine washed, some jeans may require hand-washing or dry cleaning. Make sure you know what’s expected before investing in your new pair of jeans, so you can ensure the necessary care will fit your lifestyle.


Which Style of Maternity Jeans Is Best?

Before you go shopping, you’ll want to be familiar with the different types of jeans available to you. While there are many options and the “best” one is primarily a matter of personal preference, some styles tend to work better with certain body types than others.

Skinny Jeans

This style is fitted at the leg and follows the body down to the ankle. While your non-pregnancy skinny jeans might have been constricting, these maternity jeans are designed to fit your ever-expanding body.

Good for:

  • Showing off your curves.
  • Adding an illusion of height if you’re on the shorter side.
  • Layering under long tops.
  • Showing off tall boots.

Straight-Legged Jeans

These are a versatile, middle-of-the-road style option. They tend to be loose in the thigh and run straight down the body. The opening at the ankle is the same width as the opening at the knee.

Good for:

  • All body types.
  • Dressing up or down.
  • Creating a slimming effect.

Bootcut Jeans

This style runs straight through the thigh but then begins to flare out below the knee or mid-calf. The opening at the ankle is wider than the opening at the knee. There are varying degrees of flare, from a slight widening at the ankle to a much more noticeable flare. While stylish, it may not always be the best option for shorter women as it truncates the leg instead of lengthening it.

Good for:

  • Creating a slimming effect.
  • Taller women.
  • Pairing with heels.

Jeggings

These pants are more “leggings” than “jeans.” The fabric is dyed to look like jeans, but they’re super stretchy and thin like regular leggings.

Good for:

  • Comfort.
  • Layering under dresses, tunics, or long sweaters.
  • Pairing with high boots.

Over the Belly or Under: Which is Better?

A full belly panel or underbelly waistline is primarily a matter of personal preference and body type.

It may be challenging to keep an underbelly pair of jeans from sagging if you have narrow hips.

However, if you’re late in your pregnancy and your skin is stretched to its max, the idea of placing an elastic piece of fabric over your tender belly may be unbearable.

Regular, Petite, or Tall?

If you are either tall or short, buying regular-length pants may end up hitting at an awkward place on your ankle (or the floor). Sometimes you need special sizing:

Petite: A petite size may fit better if you are between 4’11” and 5’3″.

Tall: A tall size may work if you’re 5 feet, 8 inches, or taller.

However, you may need to try on a pair or two to determine whether these special sizes actually work better for you. An exact fit can also vary based on torso length and footwear preference. In other words, these aren’t a one-size-fits-all item.

Maternity Jeans FAQs

Can I Wear Regular Jeans While Pregnant?

Yes, you can definitely wear regular jeans during the early stages of pregnancy if they’re still comfortable, of course.

Just remember that as your belly grows, you might find maternity jeans more comfortable because of their super stretchy belly panel that accommodates your growing bump.

When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Jeans?

There’s no definitive time to start wearing maternity jeans. It just depends on how fast your belly grows and how your regular jeans fit.

For the most part, women switch to maternity jeans in their second trimester when their bump begins to show noticeably.

Should You Size Up in Maternity Jeans?

No, you typically shouldn’t need to size up in maternity jeans. They’re designed with stretchy fabric and adjustable waistbands to adapt to your changing body. Pick the size you wore pre-pregnancy, as most maternity clothes are based on these sizes.

Why Are Maternity Jeans So Low?

Maternity jeans are low to accommodate your growing belly. They usually have a soft and stretchy panel that provides extra support for your belly while ensuring comfort and flexibility.

How Many Pairs of Maternity Jeans Should I Buy?

The number of maternity jeans you should buy is going to heavily weigh on your lifestyle and normal clothing rotation.

A good starting point could be 2-3 pairs: one for casual wear, one for work, and one for any dressy occasion. Remember, comfort and convenience are so important during pregnancy.


The Bottom Line

Our top pick for the best pregnancy jeans is the Three Seasons Boot Cut Maternity Jeans. While skinny jeans look upscale and trendy, every mom-to-be needs a comfy, slouchy, casual pair of jeans in her wardrobe. These are cut to fit nearly every body shape. They have a neutral belly band that won’t show through a thin top, and they come at a price point that makes them accessible to any budget.

Jeans were a wardrobe staple before you were pregnant, and that doesn’t need to change once you’re expecting. Choose a pair that are comfy and make you feel fabulous, and wear them with confidence.

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Headshot of Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Reviewed by

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN is an oncology nurse navigator and freelance medical writer. Mary has 4 years of experience as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. including emergency/trauma, post-anesthesia, and deployment medicine.