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“Shopping for jeans is one of my favorite activities,” said no one ever.
Even on a good day, trying on endless pairs of jeans is a real feat. But when you’re feeling bloated, exhausted, nauseous, and your old tried-and-true denim doesn’t fit anymore, the last thing you want to do is go maternity jeans shopping.
Don’t stress — when it comes to finding the best maternity jeans for your growing bump, we’ve scouted the options on the market for short and tall women, women with more weight, and those who are particular about stretch and fit.
Best side panel maternity jeans: Gap Maternity Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans with Washwell
Best maternity shorts: Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Poplin Maternity Shorts
Best demi panel maternity jeans: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
Best maternity overalls: Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle-Length Overalls
Best belly support maternity jeans: Ingrid and Isabel Maternity Skinny Jeans with Crossover Panel
Best plus-size maternity jeans: Good American Maternity Good Straight
Best post-pregnancy jeans: Ingrid and Isabel Postpartum Jeans
Best maternity jeggings: Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-Ish Leggings
Best splurge maternity jeans: HATCH Collection The Boyfriend Maternity Jeans
Best environmentally friendly maternity jeans: Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Maternity Jeans
Best budget-friendly maternity jeans: Alivia Ford Skinny Jeans with Uneven Hem
As your baby bump grows, it can be tempting to let leggings and jeggings replace stiff jeans that constrict your belly and thighs.
Maternity jeans, however, are designed to allow for more room in the belly in one of two ways: They either have stretchy side panels and go under the belly, or a front panel, which is a piece of stretchy fabric that goes over the belly.
Pregnant people everywhere have strong opinions about which way is better, but it’s truly a personal choice. Some want the coverage of a front panel, while others don’t want anything on their stomach due to skin sensitivity or the heat factor of an extra layer.
Sure, spending extra money on a pair of jeans you’ll only wear for a few months might not be at the top of a mama-to-be’s to-do list. However, if your jeans can bring a little extra comfort and confidence into your pregnancy, we think it’s worth it.
We chose jeans based on a combination of style, comfort, positive feedback from pregnant women, price, and quality.
We recognize that choosing the perfect maternity jeans is a personal decision, so we tried to include options from a variety of brands and different fits in the hopes that something would resonate with you.
As a bonus, if wearing jeans in the summer just sounds like a recipe for overheating, read on to find some overalls and shorts in the mix.
Price guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best side panel maternity jeans
Gap Maternity Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans with Washwell
- Price: $$
- Sizes Available: 25-34
- Material: 85% cotton, 13% polyester, 2% elastane
- Best for: Those who want a regular jean feel
These side panel (or “inset panel”) girlfriend-cut jeans are made from super-soft indigo denim and intended to sit below your bump. With front and back pockets, a traditional zipper and button closure, and a relaxed fit, they earn high marks for both style and comfort.
In addition to having an adjustable rolled cuff, they’re available in short, regular, and tall lengths. Reviewers say that these are super-comfortable and feel just like sliding into your favorite pair of prepregnancy jeans.
Pros
- includes front and back pockets
- short, regular, and long lengths available
- part of the Washwell program that has saved millions of liters of water
Cons
- no fabric over the bump to provide additional support
- doesn’t offer as many different color options as some of the other jeans
Best maternity shorts
Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Poplin Maternity Shorts
- Price: $
- Sizes Available: XS-XL
- Material: 98% cotton and 2% Spandex (Secret Fit Belly: 84% nylon, 16% Spandex)
- Best for: warm weather
Don’t stop rocking shorts this summer just because you have a baby on board. While these shorts don’t come in tradition denim, they do have a navy color for those who love the blue in blue jeans. These shorts are made from a poplin fabric, which will help you keep cool despite the hot sun and the bun in your oven.
In addition to the short’s cooling properties, the Secret Fit Belly offers support as your bump grows, and the 4 1/2-inch inseam offers just enough leg coverage for most mamas-to-be. The biggest downside? You can’t wear these your whole pregnancy unless you live near the equator!
Pros
- budget-friendly and includes pockets
- Secret Fit Belly offers support
- available in four colors
Cons
- the Secret Fit Belly doesn’t match the color of the shorts
- probably not weather-appropriate to wear your entire pregnancy
Best demi panel maternity jeans
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
- Price: $
- Sizes Available: XS-XL
- Material: 80% cotton, 18% polyester, 2% elastane
- Best for: early pregnancy
This pair of skinny jeans from Levi Strauss & Co fits tight through the hip and thigh for a sleek look. They’re made intentionally for the first trimester, but reviewers say the demi panel and cotton denim is stretchy enough to adapt to your growing baby bump.
One review for these adorable skinny jeans reads “They stay up! OMG OMG OMG,” addressing a common problem women experience with front panel maternity jeans. However, it’s worth noting: Shorter moms might have to roll the cuffs of these jeans as they have a 29.5-inch inseam.
Pros
- stretchy demi panel
- cooling technology in the waistband
- budget-friendly price tag
Cons
- inseam may be a bit long for shorter bodies
- some users complained the pants bunched oddly around their thighs due to the skinny jean cut
Best maternity overalls
Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle-Length Overalls
- Price: $$
- Sizes Available: XS-XL
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% Spandex
- Best for: overall lovers
Motherhood Maternity has remained a go-to brand for pregnant moms for years for their quality products and affordable pricing — and these overalls are no exception.
The legs of these overalls are a skinny ankle length style with a frayed let-down hem, and a knit elastic side panel offers stretch for growing bumps. If you’re a fan of overalls, you’ll love that you can purchase these in a lighter and darker wash.
Pros
- includes a knit elastic side panel
- available in a lighter and darker wash
- wide range of available sizes
Cons
- can be trickier to get in and out of than traditional jeans
- frayed hems aren’t for everyone
Best belly support maternity jeans
Ingrid and Isabel Maternity Skinny Jeans with Crossover Panel
- Price: $$
- Sizes Available: 25-32
- Material: Body: 56% cotton, 24% rayon, 18% REPREVE, and 2% Spandex Belly: 90% nylon and 10% Spandex
- Best for: those who want belly support
These jeans stand out for the versatile options they offer when it comes to belly support. Depending on how you’re feeling, the crossover panel on these jeans can be pulled up over the belly or folded up below it for extra support. Available in indigo and black, these jeans have functional back pockets, too.
As an added bonus for those who love recycling, these jeans are made with REPREVE, which is a performance fiber made from repurposed materials.
Pros
- the crossover panel can be pulled up over the belly or folded below it for extra support
- available in indigo and black
- back pockets
Cons
- the black ones can fade a bit with washing
- some users complained that they were so stretchy, they didn’t fit as snuggly as expected for a skinny-jean look
Best plus-size maternity jeans
Good American Maternity Good Straight
- Price: $$$
- Sizes Available: 00-26
- Material: not advertised
- Best for: those unable to find jeans in their size
While this option could also be categorized as a “splurge,” these jeans from Good American offer a spectrum of sizes that mean no matter the size of you or your bump there’s likely a fit for you. They include a full-coverage belly band for extra support while coming in sizes from 00 to 26.
These jeans are high-rise with functional back pockets. They also have a skinny leg with a clean hem to give a polished appearance even when you may not feel it!
Pros
- wide range of sizes available
- includes pockets and a full-coverage belly band
- button closure below belly button gives “normal” jean feel
Cons
- one of the more expensive options on our list
- only available in one color
Best post-pregnancy jeans
Ingrid and Isabel Postpartum Jeans
- Price: $$
- Sizes Available: 2-18
- Material: 91% cotton, 7% recycled polyester, 2% Spandex
- Best for: postpartum
Looking for something that will transition well into the postpartum period? These easy pull-on jeans are perfect for after a long night of breastfeeding when the last thing you’ll want to do is suck in your breath to button a button. Additionally, the high waist will help to support your baby belly during pregnancy, but also comfortably cover your stomach area in the postpartum period.
While pockets are always useful, the ones on these jeans can lend an extra helpful hand holding important things like your cell phone or a pacifier when your hands are full with your baby.
Pros
- high-rise waist to support your baby belly and hide stomach weight postpartum
- front and back pockets
Cons
- only available in one color
- don’t have the same amount of stretch as some other jeans, since they were specifically designed for the postpartum period
Best maternity jeggings
Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-Ish Leggings
- Price: $$$
- Sizes Available: XS-XL
- Material: Body: 69% cotton, 26% polyester, and 5% elastane; Tummy: 89% nylon and 11% elastane
- Best for: legging lovers
Love your leggings but have a few upcoming events where jeans would be more appropriate? These leggings designed with a classic jean look can be worn throughout your pregnancy and postpartum and come in three different colors.
The Mama Magic waistband which allows the leggings to expand with your growing bump is built into the pant, and since there is no center seam you won’t have to worry about camel toe. One thing to keep in mind though is that the manufacturer warns the color in the pants can transfer to other fabrics and surfaces during the laundering process.
Pros
- available in three colors
- designed to be worn all through the pregnancy and postpartum period
- Mama Magic waistband is built into the pant seamlessly
Cons
- not the most budget-friendly option
- manufacturer warns the color can transfer to other fabrics and surfaces during the washing process
Best splurge maternity jeans
HATCH Collection The Boyfriend Maternity Jeans
- Price: $$$
- Sizes Available: 25-34
- Material: 92% cotton and 8% elastomultiester
- Best for: Those willing to spend a bit more for comfort
Available in two different washes, these jeans include a bamboo/Spandex wedge to help them grow with your bump. If you like a distressed look and relaxed fit, users rave about the softness of the material.
With a button/zipper combo and pockets on the front and back, you can still feel like you’re wearing regular jeans. While these are expensive, if you’re starting to wear maternity clothing early in your pregnancy or plan to be pregnant again in the future, you may wish to view them as an investment piece!
Pros
- available in two different washes
- includes pockets on the front and back
- users rave about the softness of the material
Cons
- not the most budget-friendly
- the distressed look may not be appropriate for all events
Best environmentally friendly maternity jeans
Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Maternity Jeans
- Price: $$
- Sizes Available: 2-14
- Material: 81% organic cotton, 17% recycled polyester, 2% elastane; Waistband: 94% cotton, 6% elastane
- Best for: those who like to buy organic
Made with organic cotton and recycled polyester, these jeans are an environmentally friendly maternity option without being one of the most expensive options on our list!
These jeans offer a stretchy panel on the front of the waistband that can expand as your bump grows. Available in sizes that include petite and long options, users can also get this jean in an over-the-bump version.
Pros
- made of organic cotton and recycled polyester
- can be purchased in an over-the-bump version, too
- offers petite and long options
Cons
- sizing stops at 14
- doesn’t have the zipper and button if you’re looking for more of a “real” jean feel
Best budget-friendly maternity jeans
Alivia Ford Skinny Jeans with Uneven Hem
- Price: $
- Sizes Available: S-XL
- Material: 44% cotton, 35% polyester, 19% rayon, and 2% Spandex
- Best for: those saving money for other items
If you’d rather be saving that $100 for an amazing nursery item or self-care splurge post-baby, these full-panel skinny jeans from Alivia Ford Maternity will do the trick.
At around $20, these will get you through the summer in style without heavy fabric weighing you down. The frayed ankles look super-cute with flip-flops or sneakers, and at this price tag, you could buy a pair of the black as well.
Pros
- budget-friendly price tag
- offered in black and blue
- includes front and back pockets
Cons
- pull-on style lacks some of the “normal” jean feel
- uneven hem may not look appropriate for more formal situations
| Price | Sizes Available | Material | Best for | Product callouts | |
| Gap Maternity Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans with Washwell | $$ | 25-34 | 85% cotton, 13% polyester, 2% elastane | Those who want a regular jean feel | Insert panel at side; pockets; zipper and button closure |
| Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Poplin Maternity Shorts | $ | XS-XL | 98% cotton and 2% Spandex (Secret Fit Belly: 84% nylon, 16% Spandex) | Warm Weather | Poplin fabric; Secret Fit Belly |
| Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans | $ | XS-XL | 80% cotton, 18% polyester, 2% Elastane | Early pregnancy | Cooling technology in the waistband; demi panel |
| Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle-Length Overalls | $$ | XS-XL | 98% cotton, 2% Spandex | Overall lovers | Knit elastic side panel; skinny-ankle length with frayed let-down hem |
| Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Skinny Jeans with Crossover Panel | $$ | 25-32 | Body: 56% cotton, 24% rayon, 18% REPREVE, and 2% Spandex; Belly: 90% nylon and 10% Spandex | Those who want belly support | Crossover panel can be pulled up over the belly or folded under it for extra support. |
| Good American Maternity Good Straight | $$$ | 00-26 | Not advertised | Those unable to find jeans in their size | Full-coverage belly band; pockets |
| Ingrid & Isabel Postpartum Jeans | $$ | 25-32 | 69% cotton, 25% REPREVE polyester, 3% viscose, and 3% Spandex | Postpartum | High-rise waist; front and back pockets |
| Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-Ish Leggings | $$$ | XS-XL | Body: 69% cotton, 26% polyester, and 5% elastane; Tummy: 89% nylon and 11% elastane | Legging lovers | Seamless built-in Mama Magic waistband |
| HATCH Collection The Boyfriend Maternity Jeans | $$$ | 25-34 | 92% cotton and 8% elastomultiester | Those willing to spend a bit more for comfort | Bamboo/Spandex wedge; front and back pockets |
| Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Maternity Jeans | $$ | 2-14 | 81% organic cotton, 17% recycled polyester, 2% elastane; Waistband: 94% cotton, 6% elastane) | Those who like to buy organic | Stretchy panel on the front of the waistband; available in an over-the-bump style, too |
| Alivia Ford Skinny Jeans with Uneven Hem | $ | S-XL | 44% cotton, 35% polyester, 19% rayon, and 2% Spandex | Those saving money for other items | Uneven hem; elastic over-belly waistband |
When should you start wearing maternity clothing?
People start wearing maternity clothing at all different points in their pregnancy. (It’s typically not needed in the first trimester, though.)
Clues that it might be time to consider maternity clothing include: Your jeans are only fitting if buttons are left undone, Spandex is becoming your favorite fabric, and your stomach is starting to play peek-a-boo with strangers from under your shirt.
Does Gap have good maternity jeans?
It’s a very personal decision which maternity jeans you like. It can even vary from pregnancy to pregnancy depending on your bump size! That being said, Gap offers a variety of maternity jean styles and fits. They are also frequently on sale, which may appeal to bargain shoppers.
Can I wear jeans postpartum?
After you give birth, it will take a while for your uterus to shrink back to its prepregnancy size. You may also have gained some extra weight over the course of your pregnancy. For some women, this means maternity jeans will feel more comfortable than traditional jeans during the postpartum period. It’s up to you when you decide to fold them up and pack them away!
Once your bump starts to grow, comfort is key! With their stretchy fabric and extra panels, maternity jeans can offer a little extra room to breathe and perhaps even some help supporting your bump.
Just like regularly sized jeans, there are a variety of styles, cuts, and fabric options available. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a look at some of the maternity jeans on the list above or visit your nearest department store.