You don't have to give up style for comfort now that you're pregnant.
Pregnancy is uncomfortable enough without your waistband digging in. Between the hip pain, stretching skin, and loosening joints, your clothes should solve problems, not cause them.
A great pair of maternity jeans is a wardrobe MVP. You can dress them up for work or down for a coffee run. But finding that “unicorn” pair isn’t easy. You don’t want to overpay for denim that sags, rolls down, or feels like a corset against your bump.
We tested a wide variety of brands to separate the stiff and scratchy from the soft and stretchy. To save you time and money, we curated this list of the best maternity jeans for every trimester, style, and budget.
Our Top Picks
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Pick a style that matches your pre-pregnancy vibe and current needs. If your office has a strict dress code, a dark wash straight-leg or bootcut looks professional. If you live in leggings and value comfort over everything, jeggings are the perfect transition piece.
Belly Band Type
This is the most critical comfort factor. In the first trimester, an inset panel or side-stretch waistband works best. By the third trimester, when your skin feels tight, a full belly panel offers support and coverage. Some moms prefer under-the-belly cuts to avoid extra fabric over the bump.
Wash and Color
Dark washes (indigo or black) are generally more slimming and versatile for dressier occasions. Light washes and distressed looks scream “weekend casual.” If you can only buy one pair, go for a clean, dark rinse.
Stretch and Fabric Content
Check the label for spandex, elastane, or Lycra. Maternity jeans need significantly more stretch than regular denim to accommodate your changing shape without bagging out at the knees. A blend with at least 2% stretch material ensures they move with you.
Rear Pockets
Pocket placement changes how your silhouette looks. Pockets that sit too low make your rear look saggy. Look for pockets centered on the glutes; flap pockets can add volume if you want to balance out a growing belly.
Care Instructions
Pregnancy is tiring, so high-maintenance clothing is a no-go. Ensure your jeans are machine washable. Avoid pairs that require dry cleaning or line drying unless you are committed to the extra effort.
Product Reviews
We’ve rounded up the most comfortable, stylish, and supportive denim to get you through every trimester.
Best Maternity Jeans for Big Thighs
If you have muscular or curvy thighs, you need a cut that balances your silhouette. Bootcut styles help even out the hips, while jeggings with high stretch accommodate curves without cutting off circulation. Darker washes will minimize attention to the legs.
These jeans offer a relaxed fit that doesn’t cling to your thighs. The slight flare at the hem creates a balanced look, perfect for pairing with sneakers or boots. The light-colored belly band is discreet under light tops, and the embroidered pockets sit high to give your rear a visual lift.
Motherhood Plus-Size Secret Fit Maternity Jeggings
These jeggings hug your figure without feeling restrictive. The cotton-spandex blend stretches generously, making them ideal for women who want style and comfort. They pair perfectly with long tunics or sweaters, giving you a sleek look that celebrates your curves.
You don’t have to sacrifice the “denim look” for comfort. These jeggings use a modal, cotton, and spandex blend to feel soft against sensitive skin. The front panel supports your bump while the back provides stability. The side insets adjust at the hips, meaning these pants grow with you from the first trimester to the third.
Best Maternity Jeans for Early Pregnancy
When you can’t button your regular pants but aren’t ready for a full panel, look for “inset” or “under-belly” styles. These allow you to breathe and sit comfortably without the bulk of a massive waistband you don’t need yet.
Maternal America California Skinny Maternity Jeans
The wide waistband on these jeans sits comfortably under the belly, making them perfect for the “in-between” stage. They cradle your bump gently rather than covering it entirely. With a classic cotton construction and just enough spandex, they maintain the structure of real jeans while offering necessary weekend comfort.
Best Skinny Maternity Jeans
Skinny jeans are a modern staple that works with almost any shoe, from flats to knee-high boots. The key is finding a pair with excellent recovery so they don’t bag out at the knees after two hours of wear.
These feature a dark wash that instantly elevates your outfit for dinner or work. The neutral belly band remains invisible under shirts, and the pockets are sized to flatter. The polyester and rayon mix ensures the fabric moves with you rather than fighting against your circulation.
DL1961 uses innovative fabric technology to ensure their jeans never lose their shape. The under-the-belly elastic panels make these look like standard non-maternity denim. They work exceptionally well for moms who want to maintain their pre-pregnancy style without the bulk of a full panel.
Winter pregnancies call for extra insulation. These pants feature a soft fleece lining to keep you warm without adding bulk. The full belly panel provides maximum coverage, and with multiple color options, you can rotate them throughout the week. They feel like sweatpants but look pulled together.
Best Designer Maternity Jeans
If denim is your daily uniform, splurging on a designer pair makes sense. Premium brands often use higher-quality elastics and denim blends that hold their shape better and last through multiple pregnancies.
Paige is known for premium denim, and their maternity line delivers. Instead of a large band, these use discreet elastic inserts at the waist. They look identical to regular designer jeans. The fabric blend is incredibly soft, offering a luxury feel that justifies the investment.
These give you the hand-feel of rigid cotton denim but include a full panel to keep everything secure. They offer structure and support, preventing that “falling down” feeling. The ankle cut is ideal for showing off cute booties or flats.
Crafted by Italian designers, these jeans focus on fit and finish. The five-pocket design keeps them functional, while the dark blue wash offers a sophisticated aesthetic. The ultra-stretch blend supports your legs and bum, while the belly panel accommodates a full-term bump comfortably.
Best Maternity Jeans That Don’t Fall Down
The “sag factor” is real. To keep your jeans in place, look for a full belly panel with strong elastic or a mid-rise style that sits securely on the hips. Avoiding 100% cotton in favor of a poly-blend helps the jeans grip your legs better.
Wallflower brings a distressed, lived-in look to maternity wear. The mid-belly panel provides a happy medium between under-belly and full-coverage styles, offering enough grip to stay up without reaching your bra line. The embellished pockets draw the eye and add personality.
Best Budget Maternity Jeans
You don’t need to break the bank for clothes you wear for six months. Budget-friendly options have improved significantly in quality. To make them last, wash them inside out on cold and skip the dryer.
You can’t go wrong with Levi’s. These offer the brand’s classic durability at a wallet-friendly price. The super-stretchy denim retains its shape after a long day, and the full smooth panel keeps them securely on your waist. They are a reliable everyday workhorse.
Best Over-the-Bump Maternity Jeans
Over-the-bump (full panel) jeans are the gold standard for the second and third trimesters. They provide a smoothing effect under shirts and offer light compression that feels supportive on an achy belly.
Motherhood’s patented “Secret Fit” belly panel is famous for a reason, it hugs the bump without stretching out or sliding down. The bootcut silhouette balances hips and looks great with heels or boots. It’s a versatile choice for moms who want one pair to do it all.
These feature a full panel that blends seamlessly with the rest of the pant. The standout feature is the internal adjustable waistband, allowing you to tighten or loosen the fit as you grow. The light wash keeps things casual and fresh for daytime wear.
Best Maternity Jeans for Tall Women
Standard inseams often leave tall women with “high-waters.” Look for brands that offer specific “Long” or “Tall” inseams (usually 32 inches and up) to ensure the hem hits the right spot on your shoe.
Finally, skinny jeans that actually reach your ankles. These long-length options prevent that awkward gap between your pant hem and shoe. The super-stretchy fabric accommodates weight gain in the legs, and the faux front pockets ensure a smooth finish without bulk.
Motherhood Secret Fit Long Boot Cut Maternity Jeans
Bootcut jeans need to be long enough to skim the floor when wearing heels, and these deliver. The large rear pockets are flattering, and the dark wash makes them office-appropriate. The full belly panel keeps the longer, heavier fabric securely in place.
Best Maternity Jean Shorts
Summer pregnancy? Skip the full panel layers and opt for shorts with side panels or under-belly cuts. This keeps your midsection cooler while letting you show off your legs.
The “Secret Fit” belly applies here too, but the short inseam keeps you breezy. The side shirring accommodates growth without a heavy layer of spandex over your stomach. The 3.5-inch length is trendy without being too revealing.
Which Style of Maternity Jeans Is Best?
Before filling your cart, it helps to know the terminology. While the “best” style is personal, certain cuts solve specific wardrobe problems better than others.
Skinny Jeans
These are fitted from hip to hem, hugging the leg all the way down. Modern maternity skinny jeans use high-tech stretch fabrics to prevent them from feeling like a tourniquet.
Good for:
Tucking into tall boots.
Balancing out oversized sweaters or tunics.
Petite women (less fabric prevents overwhelming your frame).
Straight-Legged Jeans
The “Goldilocks” of denim. They are looser than skinny jeans but sleeker than bootcuts. The leg opening at the ankle matches the knee width.
Good for:
Professional work environments.
Women who dislike tight fabric on their calves.
Creating a vertical, slimming line.
Bootcut Jeans
Fitted through the thigh and flaring out below the knee, this style balances curves. The wider hem accommodates boots (hence the name).
Good for:
Balancing wider hips or larger thighs.
Tall women.
Wearing with heels or chunky boots.
Jeggings
The ultimate comfort wear. These are essentially leggings with denim styling (faux pockets, stitching, rivets). They offer the most stretch of any option.
Good for:
Days when comfort is the priority.
Travel or long periods of sitting.
Layering under dresses.
Over the Belly vs. Under the Belly
Over the Belly (Full Panel): A stretchy fabric panel covers the entire bump, pulling up to the bra line. Pros:* Feels secure, smooths the silhouette, keeps pants up. Cons:* Can be hot in summer; some women find the pressure on the belly uncomfortable.
Under the Belly (Demi or Inset): Sits below the bump like low-rise jeans, or features elastic insets at the pockets. Pros:* Cooler, less fabric, great for early pregnancy or postpartum. Cons:* Can slide down more easily; may cut into the lower belly if too tight.
Regular, Petite, or Tall?
Maternity sizing generally matches your pre-pregnancy size, but length matters.
* Petite: Best for 5’3″ and under. The inseam and rise are adjusted so the knee break hits the right spot.
* Tall: Best for 5’8″ and up. Prevents the “shrunk in the wash” look.
Maternity Jeans FAQs
Can I Wear Regular Jeans While Pregnant?
Yes, especially in the first trimester. You can use a “belly band” extender or the hair-tie trick (looping a rubber band through the buttonhole) to extend the life of your regular jeans until they become uncomfortable.
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Jeans?
Most women make the switch around weeks 12 to 16, or whenever regular waistbands start digging in. If you feel relief when you unbutton your pants, it’s time to switch.
Should You Size Up in Maternity Jeans?
Generally, no. Stick to your pre-pregnancy size (e.g., if you were a size 8, buy a maternity 8). Brands account for the bump and weight gain. Sizing up usually leads to sagging in the hips and legs.
Why Are Maternity Jeans So Low?
Styles without a full panel are cut low in the front to sit under the curve of your belly. This prevents the waistband from cutting across the sensitive middle of your bump.
How Many Pairs of Maternity Jeans Should I Buy?
Two to three pairs are usually sufficient. One dark wash for work/dates, one casual pair (or distressed style), and perhaps a comfortable jegging option for home and errands.
How Do I Keep Maternity Jeans From Falling Down?
If your jeans are sagging, the belly panel might be too loose or the hips too wide. Try a “full panel” style for more friction/grip, or look for jeans with internal button adjusters in the waistband to tighten the fit.
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best pregnancy jeans is the Three Seasons Boot Cut Maternity Jeans. Every mom-to-be needs a forgiving, casual pair of denim in her rotation. These fit a wide range of body types, feature a neutral belly band that disappears under tops, and come at a price that leaves room in the budget for nursery decor.
Jeans are a staple for a reason. Don’t suffer through tight waistbands, find a maternity pair that makes you feel like yourself again.
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.