Feeling the heat? Pop on a pair of maternity shorts and let some air circulate. While maternity jeans and overalls are a staple during pregnancy, shorts add an extra layer of versatility to your wardrobe. Gym shorts double as loungewear, denim cut-offs will take you to the beach and the school run, while bike shorts can be dressed up for a night out or paired with an oversized tee for cool casual wear.
Aside from being a great mix-and-match piece, the right pair of maternity shorts should be super-comfy. Under-the-bump styles with an elasticated waistband are the most common, and have the benefit of being easy to slip on and off in a flash. Maternity shorts with stretchy inserts at the side tend to have a snug fit, but still adapt to your changing shape. If you prefer a high level of support, try a pair with a stretchy over-belly panel.
Now that you’ve gotten to grips with the long and short of it, check out our favorite maternity short brands and browse a few stylish pairs to buy right now.
On the hunt for the perfect pair of maternity shorts? Here are three online stores that offer amazing pregnancy-friendly options.
- Gap: Looking for affordable maternity shorts that don’t skimp on style or comfort? Gap should be your first stop. From maternity jean shorts with full belly panels to athletic styles this brand has something for every need.
- Seraphine: Seraphine is home to a small number of maternity shorts with refined silhouettes. From relaxed chambray styles to cut-off overalls and bermuda shorts that offer a little more thigh coverage, these options are easy-to-wear and great quality.
- Nordstrom: Nordstrom offers a curated collection of shorts from maternity brands like Madewell, Ingrid & Isabel and Belly Bandit. Whether you’re looking for classic cut-offs or supportive bike shorts, you’re bound to find a style you love at this department store.
The best maternity shorts offer plenty of stretch and gentle support for your changing shape. As shorts tend to be worn in the warmer months, it’s a good idea to opt for pairs made from lightweight, breathable materials like linen or cotton-blend denim. Not sure where to begin? Here find our favorite maternity shorts for hitting the gym, summer day trips and lounging at home.
Best maternity jean shorts
Maternity jean shorts are a classic style that never goes out of fashion. We like this pair by 1822 Denim. The dark-wash denim and cuffed hems give a grown-up vibe, while the over-belly band offers plenty of support and keeps them from slipping too low on the hips. Better yet, the cotton-polyester blend is soft, stretchy and is partially made from recycled water bottles.
Size range: 24 to 31 | Fabric: 56% cotton/22% polyester/21% rayon/1% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Best maternity biker shorts
Maternity biker shorts are having a moment—and we’re here for it. This pair by Best of Pregnancy award-winning brand Beyond Yoga, are designed to be worn through all three trimesters and beyond. The high-waisted cut offers plenty of belly coverage but you can also fold them down if you prefer firm support. Plus, the buttery-soft fabric has UPF 50+ protection and actually wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry whether you’re running errands or hitting a prenatal workout class. Oh, and did we mention that these maternity workout shorts have pockets too?
Size range: XS to XL | Fabric: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best maternity sweat shorts
If your mom-to-be uniform is a sweatshirt and joggers, give these maternity sweatshorts a try. Perfect for warmer weather, this style has a relaxed fit and a mid-rise elastic waistband. And because comfort is key, the cotton blend shorts have a soft fleece lining. Wear them with a matching sweatshirt and sneakers or a classic white tee and sandals when the temperature spikes.
Size range: XS to 4X | Fabric: Cotton/polyester | Care instructions: Machine or hand wash cold
Best plus-size maternity shorts
Next up is a pair of plus-size maternity jean shorts for curvy queens. The dark-wash pair are effortlessly cool thanks to frayed hems and five functional pockets. Meanwhile, the stretchy over-belly panel offers plenty of support. We also like that the indigo denim has a high cotton content (93 percent to be precise), making them ultra-breathable and soft.
Size range: 1X to 3X | Fabric: 93% cotton/6% elasterell-p/1% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Best white maternity shorts
Nothing says summer like a pair of white maternity shorts. The five-pocket cutoff style is made from white stretch denim with elasticated side panels that blend right in and ensure a comfortable fit. Frayed hems add another layer of interest to these crisp white shorts. Impractical? Maybe. Adorable? Heck yes!
Size range: 24 to 32 | Fabric: 71% cotton/27% lyocell/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best black maternity shorts
How cute are these black maternity shorts? The mid-thigh length cut is perfect for balmy summer days, but the dark wash denim keeps things chic. Incredibly versatile, these shorts can be paired with a T-shirt and sneakers for casual wear or a button-down shirt and leather sandals for an elevated look.
Size range: XS to L | Fabric: 96% cotton/3% elasterell-p/1% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Best maternity running shorts
Enjoy your daily jog in these maternity running shorts by Gap. The high-performance fabric wicks moisture away from the skin while the wide waistband gently cradles your bump. Although they veer on the shorter side, this pair has a curved hem and a non-restrictive fit to preserve your modesty.
Size range: XXS to XXL | Fabric: 91% polyester/9% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best maternity cargo shorts
Cargo-style maternity shorts are a great option for vacation or city living. Why? The easy-breezy style has a loose fit on the thigh and deep pockets for added functionality. A versatile belly panel can be rolled up or down depending on your preference and the breathable fabric dries off in a flash—perfect for humid weather.
Size range: XS to XXL | Fabric: 88% polyester/12% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Best under-belly maternity shorts
If you’re looking for a pair of shorts that don’t scream maternity, try this pair by Isabel Maternity. Made from a lightweight linen blend, these shorts have discreet elasticated panels at the waist and a functional drawstring tie for a custom fit. They rest just under your bump and can be worn from the first trimester right through the postpartum stage.
Size range: XS to XXL | Fabric: 55% linen/45% rayon | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Best maternity bermuda shorts
Love them or hate them, Bermuda shorts are making a comeback. This navy pair by Seraphine is stylish and functional. The soft cotton-tencel blend is soft and breathable with plenty of stretch. Plus, the over-belly band provides plenty of support for your blossoming bump. Wear them with a loose blouse and ballet flats for boho vibes or opt for a tight tee and sneakers for a modern look.
Size range: US 2 to 14 | Fabric: 65% cotton/31% lyocell/4% spandex | Care instructions: Gentle wash
Best linen maternity shorts
Designed to be worn before, during and after pregnancy, these maternity shorts are chic and comfortable. A removable tie belt lets you adjust the fit, while the paper-bag style waist has plenty of give. The pistachio green hue is right on trend for summer and the linen blend fabric is light and airy.
Size range: XS to XXL | Fabric: 55% linen/ 45% rayon | Care instructions: Machine wash cool
Best maternity lounge shorts
Regular pajamas may be too warm to wear during the summer months. That’s where these awesome maternity shorts come in clutch. Made of breathable bamboo fabric, these shorts are soft, stretchy and oh-so-comfy. Thanks to the adjustable drawstring waistband you can customize the fit and wear them during pregnancy and beyond.
Size range: XS to XXL | Fabric: 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Best maternity board shorts
Planning plenty of beach days this summer? Check out these maternity board shorts that can be worn in or out of the water. The shorts boast built-in underwear and a full coverage panel that can also be folded down once or twice to sit lower on the belly. Plus, the lightweight material dries off in a flash so you can head straight from the ocean to the boardwalk!
Size range: S to XXL | Fabric: 87% nylon/13% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash
We get it—finding pregnancy-appropriate clothes can be tricky, especially when it comes to bottoms. To help you find the best maternity shorts, we browsed a wide array of options from trusted maternity clothing brands and retailers. When sourcing options, we considered a list of criteria, such as sizing options, fabrics, colors and, of course, style. We also read user reviews to understand how real moms-to-be felt about these garments, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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