The Best Maternity Jeans to Add to Your Pregnancy Wardrobe
March 23, 2022
Denim is a timeless wardrobe staple. And whether you’re into slouchy styles or spray-on skinnies, a great pair of jeans can make or break your look. Unfortunately, denim is a fabric that doesn’t offer much give, meaning your favorite Levi’s will be one of the first things to go when your baby bump starts to show. Stressed at the thought of giving up jeans for the foreseeable future? Don’t sweat it! The best maternity jeans will get you through the next nine+ months. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pregnancy jeans. But the best options work with your changing shape and perfectly complement your unique sense of style.
Need some fashion inspiration? Keep reading to learn more about sizing—plus, discover a few of our favorite pregnancy-friendly denim brands. And, once you’ve got a grasp on the basics, browse the best maternity jeans for every body type, style preference and stage of pregnancy. These are pairs you won’t just tolerate, but ones you’ll truly love. You might even be sad to pack them away once baby arrives.
In this article:
How to determine what size maternity jeans to buy
Types of maternity jeans
Where to buy the best maternity jeans
The best maternity jeans around
You want to get the most mileage out of your wardrobe, so comfort, quality and versatility are all important when shopping for maternity clothing. Pregnancy jeans use the same sizing system as regular jeans—they’re just built for growth, so you can start by selecting the size you wore pre-pregnancy. Keep in mind: Sizes can vary by brand, so check the sizing guidelines. Opt for a jean that’s super-soft with a nice stretch to better accommodate your changing body.
Before we dive into our picks for the best maternity jeans, here’s a brief breakdown of the different styles you can choose from. There are three main types of pregnancy jeans:
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Over-the-bump jeans: Over-the-bump maternity jeans have a built-in fabric panel that covers your belly. Styles with a stretchy over-the-bump panel are a great option for moms who prefer high-waisted jeans, since they can be folded up for maximum comfort (especially late in pregnancy, when your bump is big) or down for early pregnancy and postpartum support.
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Demi-panel jeans: Demi-panel maternity jeans have an elasticated waistband that sits under your baby bump. This style provides firm support, and the waistband can easily be hidden under flowy tops.
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Side-panel jeans: Side-panel maternity jeans have discreet, stretchy panels on the sides that expand with your growing body. This style looks closest to your regular jeans and works well for moms who don’t want additional support around their baby bumps.
On the hunt for the perfect pair of maternity jeans? Here are three online stores that offer amazing pregnancy-friendly denim options.
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H&M: If you’re looking for affordable maternity jeans that don’t skimp on style or comfort, H&M should be your first stop. From classic skinnies to distressed slouchy jeans and denim overalls, this brand has something for every preference. Plus, many of H&M’s designs come in petite sizes too.
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HATCH: HATCH is our go-to store for high-quality maternity wear. The brand’s denim collection is made with über-soft stretchy fabrics and comes in a great range of trendy styles. This is one of the pricier brands on our list, but these jeans are so good, you’ll get serious cost per wear.
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Nordstrom: Nordstrom is your one-stop shop for some of the best maternity jeans. The curated collection of denim includes high-quality brands like Madewell Maternity and 1822 Denim. Whether you’re looking for boyfriend jeans or classic black skinnies, you’re bound to find a style you love at this department store.
The best maternity jeans showcase your unique sense of style and feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of pregnancy loungewear. You can choose maternity jeans that work for your current stage of pregnancy, or shop for options that’ll grow with you. Not sure where to begin? From wide-leg styles to plus-size and petite picks, here you’ll find stylish pregnancy jeans to fit your body and your fashion aesthetic.
Best overall maternity jeans
If wearing a pair of skinny jeans while pregnant sounds unappealing, you probably haven’t found the right pair. Enter the MAMA True to You Skinny Jeans by H&M, which are so well-made and comfortable, you can rock them right up until the day you deliver. The perfect amount of stretch makes these maternity skinny jeans comfy without being saggy, while the blue full-panel waistband blends in seamlessly and actually stays up. FYI, H&M’s maternity jeans collection doesn’t stop here. Check out the brand’s vintage style and wide leg cropped jeans for a more relaxed silhouette. Is it any wonder H&M was voted the top maternity denim brand in our Best of Pregnancy awards?
Buy it: H&M MAMA True To You Skinny High Jeans, $60, HM.com
Best black maternity jeans
Black maternity jeans are a wardrobe staple. The right pair can take you from day to night, the office to dinner out and everyday life to special events. Given their versatility, it’s worth investing in a quality pair. Our top pick? These dark-hued maternity jeans by 1822 Denim. The simple, pull-on style has a slim fit and a stretchy belly band that ends just under your bust for maximum support. Plus, this pair is made using 30 percent recycled water bottles, so it’s an eco-friendly option to boot. The only downside? You’ll wish you had found them sooner.
Buy it: 1822 Denim Re: Denim Ankle Skinny Maternity Jeans, $59, Nordstrom.com
Best plus-size maternity jeans
PinkBlush has an awesome selection of plus-size maternity jeans. We love these dark-wash skinnies with distressed details and frayed hems. Made from a cotton-spandex blend, these jeans offer a stretch fit, and have a stretchy over-the-bump band to support your belly. One possible downside is that these skinny jeans tend to run a bit small, so size up for an optimal fit. Not into slim-cut styles? Whether you’re into boyfriend-inspired pants or prefer to stick to basic bootcut jeans, there’s something on this brand’s site for you.
Buy it: PinkBlush Maternity Navy Blue Fray Hem Skinny Maternity Plus Jeans, $68, PinkBlushMaternity.com
Best petite maternity jeans
Jeans that don’t require any alterations are a petite person’s dream—but when you’re petite and pregnant, that dream may seem more like a fantasy. Old Navy is one of the few retailers that carries maternity jeans in three different lengths to suit women of every stature. We love this slouchy, relaxed-fit pair. Our two favorite features? A seamless over-the-bump panel that’s easily concealed under tops and a cropped leg that negates the need for any hemming. Plus, the faded, light-wash denim and ripped detailing give these jeans a cool lived-in vibe. Bonus: This pair has real pockets, which is a feature that can be hard to find in maternity jeans.
Buy it: Old Navy Maternity Full Panel Slouchy Straight Cropped Jeans, $56, OldNavy.com
Best tall maternity jeans
Being born with long legs may seem like a blessing, but when it comes to looking for maternity jeans, it can make things a little tricky. Over-the-bump panels often don’t stretch high enough, and inseams are frequently too short, leaving the fit anything but flattering. This pair of maternity jeans solves both of those problems with a 36-inch inseam and a long over-bump panel that’ll stay securely in place. And if you do need to hoist them up, no problem: This pair has real belt loops too. If jeggings aren’t your thing, check out Long Tall Sally’s maternity skinny jeans for another option.
Buy it: LTS Maternity Black Skinny Jeggings, $60, LongTallSally.com
Best maternity skinny jeans
Skinny jeans have been a mainstay of the fashion industry, season after season—and with good reason. Slim-fit jeans suit most body types and are super-easy to style. The good news? You don’t have to give up your skinnies during pregnancy! This pair by tried-and-true brand Madewell, are made from a soft, stretchy denim, and have a tapered leg that accentuates your shape. Another standout feature is the over-belly maternity band, which is made from a breathable material and is cut lower in the back so that it doesn’t dig in or restrict your movement.
Buy it: Madewell Maternity Skinny Jeans, $148, Nordstrom.com
Best boyfriend maternity jeans
It can be tempting to reach for your partner’s roomier pants as your pregnancy progresses. Skip the closet theft and invest in your own pair of maternity boyfriend jeans. HATCH has perfected the comfy-cute style with their iconic Boyfriend Maternity Jean; they’re designed with a roomy fit and just the right amount of purposeful wear and tear. We’re wild about the low-slung waistband that has a subtle elastic wedge at the side that stretches to fit your changing shape. Pair these jeans with your favorite shirt and some sneakers for an easy-breezy outfit, or add a slick or red lipstick and fancy flats for an evening out. Like to mix up your look? HATCH has awesome kick-flare cropped maternity jeans and slim-fit styles too.
Buy it: HATCH Collection The Boyfriend Maternity Jean, $198, HATCHCollection.com
Best under belly maternity jeans
Made from super-soft premium denim, these maternity jeans are a real gem. The demi-waistband sits just under your bump to offer firm support. Better yet, they come in three lengths and inclusive sizes. Looking for a more relaxed shape? GAP offers a massive collection of pregnancy pants, including denim joggers, patterned styles and more.
Buy it: Gap Maternity Soft Wear Demi Panel True Skinny Jeans with Distressed Detail, $80, Gap.com
Best over-belly maternity jeans
Ingrid & Isabel is a go-to brand for maternity attire—especially when it comes to pregnancy jeans. This pair boasts the brand’s signature crossover panel, which can be worn up for full belly coverage or folded down for extra hold. Plus, the sustainable fabric expands and contracts to fit your evolving pregnancy body. Still not convinced? Check out the glowing customer reviews from real-life moms.
Buy it: Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Skinny Jeans w/ Crossover Panel, $118, IngridandIsabel.com
Best side-panel maternity jeans
Side-panel maternity jeans have—you guessed it—stretchy side panels that grow to your changing body. Opt for this style of under-belly maternity jeans if you want to keep your bump uncovered. These distressed maternity jeans by Joe’s look nearly identical to your regular pairs—except they’re way comfier thanks to an accommodating waistband.
Buy it: Joe’s Icon Side Panel Ankle Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans, $188, APeainthePod.com
Best flare maternity jeans
Flare jeans are making a major comeback, and UK-brand River Island carries some of the coolest pairs out there. Made from sustainably sourced cotton, this pair hits the mark in terms of style and comfort. The slim-leg jeans flare out to a bell bottom with a trendy split hem; meanwhile, a stretchy maternity band provides support and coverage for your baby bump. Pair them with an oversized shirt and killer shoes for a winning look.
Buy it: River Island Blue Maternity Split Hem Flared Jeans, $78, RiverIsland.com
Best affordable maternity jeans
Not looking to spend a fortune on clothes you can only wear for a few months—but also don’t want to skimp on quality? Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel offers some of the best maternity jeans at knockdown prices. They have a designer look and feel with several washes, cuts and styles to choose from. And at $30 a pair, you’ll be left with a little extra cash to spend on a maternity top or two—the ultimate pregnancy win-win. The brand has a few different styles available, but our favorite is this pair of high-rise jeggings with a crossover panel that can be folded up for gentle compression or down for firm support.
Buy it: Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel High-Rise Crossover Panel Maternity Jeggings, $30, Target.com
Best designer maternity jeans
How cool are these coated pregnancy jeans? Yes, they’re an investment, but the side-stretch panels extend the life of these jeans, making them work when you’re just showing, ready to pop and during the postpartum phase. Plus, the thick, super-stretch denim sculpts your legs without feeling restrictive. Based on sheer comfort alone, these designer maternity jeans are worth every penny—but throw in how awesome they make you look, and it’ll be the smartest money you’ve ever spent.
Buy it: DL1961 Florence Skinny Maternity Jeans, $189, ShopBop.com
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