As a first-time pregnant woman, I expected my body to change a lot over the course of nine months. I’m currently in my second trimester, and this slow process has made it difficult to find the best maternity jeans for my growing belly. However, I have learned some tips and would like to share them with you here. “It’s all about fit and comfort,” says designer Ali Abbas. parents. She says you should first consider what type of leg shape and waistline (above the tummy, mid-rise with an elastic waist insert, or below the tummy) is most comfortable for your stage. Also think about how difficult it will be to get in and out as it grows. “Depending on your tummy panel and the shape of your legs, it can be difficult to take them off. When you’re seven or eight months pregnant, you don’t want to struggle to take your jeans off.”
Samantha Dawn, a personal stylist and mother of two, points out two other unique factors to look out for when shopping for maternity jeans. “It helps to pay attention to the seams so they don’t add too much bulk,” she says. “Flat seams help avoid irritation on the abdomen and inner thighs.” Second? Material preferences may vary. “Instead of looking for classic denim, which feels a little stiff and uncomfortable, look for blends of cotton and spandex, or stretch denim (a blend of traditional denim and materials like elastane or spandex).”
With these expert recommendations in mind, parents My team of testers and I went through a lot of maternity jeans to find not only the most comfortable and durable jeans, but also the ones that will keep you feeling as stylish as your pre-pregnancy self.
Other maternity jeans we tried and loved
our experts
Dressing while pregnant can be difficult, so we asked pregnancy testers, fashion experts, and stylists for advice.
- Ali Abbas is head maternity designer Ingrid + Isabel is a clothing brand specializing in designs and fits for maternity and post-natal styles.
- Samantha Dawn is a personal stylist and coach who incorporates psychology into her approach. Her company, By Samantha Dawn, helps female leaders develop their own style.
Factors to consider when buying maternity jeans
- size: For most jeans we tested, maintaining your pre-pregnancy size was a safe bet. If you prefer a looser fit than the advertised size, you may want to size up. However, keep in mind that many pregnancy jeans stretch a little when you wear them, so if you size up, you’ll need to wash them more often to get them back to the shape you like.
- style: Deciding which panel type you need is largely based on personal preference. Some testers (myself included) prefer side panels because they resemble pre-pregnancy clothes and make it easier to choose tops. “I think side stretch panels are aesthetically pleasing because they can be worn throughout all trimesters while still maintaining the look of regular jeans,” says Dawn. You can wear any shirt, but for a full belly band, you’ll need to make sure the shirt is quite long to provide full coverage. However, a belly band may be more comfortable for some people because it doesn’t dig into your waist or stomach. It may also provide more support later in pregnancy.
- Durability: You only have a limited amount of time to wear your maternity jeans, but you want them to look like new even after a few washes. All of the jeans on our list held up well to multiple wears and washes, but some of the more expensive jeans definitely felt of higher quality. In addition to durability, you’ll want to choose a wash that matches well with your existing wardrobe so you can wear it enough to justify the purchase. “Black denim works for me,” Abbas says. “I felt like I could wear it over and over again, and it went well with my existing wardrobe.”
- value: “Of course it depends on your budget, but I think it’s worth investing in at least one pair of high-quality denim,” says Abbas. “They can cost over $200. Surprisingly low-priced denim options exist, and great maternity jeans can be found for $35 to $50.” Another tip? “If you have a designer denim brand you loved before you got pregnant, be sure to check if they also carry maternity denim,” she suggests. “If you like the fit of Joe’s jeans, the maternity option is probably right for you. Plus, it’s brand-matched so you know your size and fit.”
who are we
Author Claudia Fisher is an editor with over 10 years of experience covering lifestyle topics, testing products, and consulting with experts to provide readers with the best recommendations and advice. She is currently in her second trimester and has tried many maternity items along the way.
In writing this article, Claudia and parents” editors tapped into their arsenal of pregnant team members to wear and wash tons of maternity jeans and report on fit, feel, durability, quality, and other important factors. A pregnant editor herself (with lots of hand-me-downs from her sister and friends), Claudia has worn her fair share of maternity jeans, from cool, loose styles with waist inserts to tight skinny jeans with full-length midriff panels.
We also consulted experts to find out what specific concerns are most relevant when searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Allie Abbas, head maternity designer for clothing brand Ingrid + Isabel, and Samantha Dawn, a personal stylist and style coach who specializes in helping women in leadership positions take their style to the next level.
