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.
Thankfully, comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style when you’re pregnant, and a well-chosen pair of maternity jeans can be dressed up or dressed down to fit nearly any occasion.
And the best news? Maternity jeans are way less constricting than the ones you were accustomed to pre-pregnancy.
We’ve rounded up the best maternity jeans to help you look and feel your best during pregnancy.
- Super stretchy premium denim
- Superior quality stretchability
- Smooth tummy knit panel
- Crafted with elastic insets
- Ultra skinny maternity jean
- Super stretchy
- Exclusive secret fit belly
- Seamless stretch
- Amazing slimming fit
- Features contrast stitching
- Faded and whiskered
- Soft belly band
- Embroidered back pockets
- Smooth, comfortable fit
- Machine washable
- Patented crossover panel
- Adjusts to your changing body
- Low rise, skinny fit
- Pull on closure
- Seamless stretch maternity panel
- Comfortable and flattering fit
- Functioning back pocket
- Secret fit belly
- Super stretchy jeans
- High quality
- Supportive all-round elasticized underbelly waistband
- Fits your growing belly
- Elastic waist panels
- Slender, super-flattering fit
- Ultra versatile
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 strict work dress code that allows 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 may require hand-washing or dry cleaning. Make sure you know what’s expected before investing in your new pair of jeans, so you know the necessary care will fit your lifestyle.
The Best Maternity Jeans of 2021
Here are our favorite maternity jeans on the market.
Best Maternity Jeans for Big Thighs
1. Three Seasons Boot Cut Maternity Jeans
2. Motherhood Plus Size Secret Fit Maternity Jeggings
3. Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Skinny Jegging
Plus, you’ll love the multiple panels to keep your growing belly supported. One covers your belly and provides back support. The side inset panel is designed to adjust at the hips so you can wear these comfortably throughout your entire pregnancy.
Best Maternity Jeans for Early Pregnancy
4. Maternal America California Skinny Maternity Jeans
Best Skinny Maternity Jeans
5. Three Seasons Skinny Maternity Jeans
6. DL1961 Maternity Jeans
7. Sweet Mommy Fleece Lined Skinny Maternity Jeans
Best Designer Maternity Jeans
8. Paige Verdugo Ultra Skinny Maternity Jeans
9. James Jeans Jules Trumpet Leg Maternity Jeans
10. MamaJeans Milano Maternity Jeans
Moms deserve the best and these luxurious jeans will make you feel like a queen as your baby bump grows bigger. 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.
Best Maternity Jeans that Don’t Fall Down
11. Wallflower Instastretch Bootcut Maternity Jeans
Best Budget Maternity Jeans
12. Levi Strauss Signature Maternity Skinny Jeans
Best Over the Bump Maternity Jeans
13. Motherhood Maternity Boot Cut Jeans
14. Lilac Maternity Skinny Jeans
Best Maternity Jeans for Tall Women
15. Motherhood Long Stretch Skinny Maternity Jeans
16. Motherhood Secret Fit Long Boot Cut Maternity Jeans
Best Maternity Jeans Shorts
17. Motherhood Maternity Shorts
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 lots of different options and the “best” one is primarily a matter of personal preference, some styles do tend to work better with certain body types than others.
Skinny Jeans
This style is fitted at the leg and follows the body all the way down to the ankle. While your non-pregnancy skinny jeans might have been constricting, when you’re pregnant they’re 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 then run straight down the body. The opening at the ankle is the same as the opening at the knee.
Good for:
- All body types.
- Dressing up or down.
- Creating a slimming effect.
Bootcut Jeans
This style is 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 “denims.” 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.
If you have narrow hips, it may be difficult to keep an underbelly pair of jeans from sagging.
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 tend to be 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 5’8 or taller.
However, you may need to try on a pair or two to determine whether these special sizes actually work better for you. Exact fit can also vary based on torso length and footwear preference. In other words, these sizes aren’t one-size-fits-all.
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, have a neutral belly band that won’t show through a thin top, and are 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.
