20 Best Maternity Jeans, According to a Mom Who Tried On Dozens

These Amazon jeans check a lot of boxes when it comes to maternity jeans. First, there’s the elasticity: Both the jeans and panel contain spandex, allowing them to stretch as your body — not just your belly — changes. (One reviewer, a mom-to-be who says she has “slightly larger hips and thighs,” found that the jeans easily stretched to accommodate their growth.) Then there’s the slim, high-waist style, which allows for a lot of versatility when pairing the jeans with a top. Above all else, however, is the fit. Moms-to-be rave about how easily the pants slid on and how well they clung to the body. They also note that the fabric was strong, but not super thick, which is especially helpful if you run warm during pregnancy. 

Many customers recommend sizing up from your non-pregnancy size, as the jeans can run a little small. Additionally, shorter customers found the jeans a little long, but easily remedied that by cuffing the bottom.

Understandably, you may not want to splurge on jeans you’ll only wear for nine months. At $40, Motherhood Maternity offers a solid price point for a highly recommended pair of maternity jeans. Moms-to-be praise the on-trend straight leg cut and multiple wash options, and appreciate the fact that they’re designed for postpartum wear, too.

These jeans are available in five washes and in sizes XS to XL. A few moms-to-be shared that they run large, and recommend sizing down.

A more expensive pair of maternity jeans may be worth the investment, particularly if you hope to have multiple children. One brand moms can’t stop talking about is PAIGE, sharing that they’ve held up through many washes and pregnancies. They’re significantly more expensive than most other options on my list, but the overwhelming support from moms-to-be makes them a worthy splurge.

Blake Bakkila, a contributing writer and soon-to-be mom of two, says she's lived in these during both of her pregnancies. She loved them so much, in fact, that she purchased a similar style from the brand in white for the summer months when she was in her second and third trimester.

What to Expect moms praise Amazon for its breadth of fashionable plus-size maternity clothes. And, of course, that includes jeans. These maternity jeans are made primarily of cotton to provide all-day comfort. Of course, there’s also a touch of spandex to ensure they can stretch and grow with you through each trimester. The belly band stretches up and over your growing bump for additional comfort and support. 

If these aren’t quite your style, moms also rave about Pink Blush has more than a dozen plus-size maternity jeans to choose from, including these light wash wide leg jeans. The only other caveat? Styles often teeter in and out of stock, so be sure to sign up for an email to notify you when your favorite pair is back in the size you need.

Those blessed with height can stop searching for jeans that actually hit where they’re supposed to. These Pink Blush bootcut jeans are highlighted in the brand's tall-friendly lineup, and they're made with a 34-inch inseam. 

“I am [5’ 9”] and struggle to find regular jeans that fit let alone maternity ones that are long enough," writes one reviewer. "These have a longer than usual regular inseam and they are perfect! If you are petite then you will have to hem, but I think the fit and comfort are worth it.” 

When it comes to sizing, the brand says they run slightly large, so you'll likely want to size down. It’s worth measuring and comparing with the sizing chart before buying. But the best part? The pockets are useable.

As someone who stands at an abysmal 5 feet 2 inches, few jeans fit me as well as those from GAP. So when I was on the hunt for some petite maternity jeans, I naturally turned to GAP and ultimately settled on these skinny maternity jeans, which hit right at my ankle bone. (Though they do have regular and tall sizing available, should your height differ.) 

Despite the name, these skinny maternity jeans aren’t confining. The cotton, polyester, and elastane blend give them plenty of stretch to slide on with ease, but the construction prevents them from stretching to the point of being baggy. (A style I do not look good wearing — trust.) In fact, they’re comparable to leggings when it comes to comfort. 

The panel was soft enough as not to irritate my sensitive skin, and was thin enough that I didn’t feel like it added extra padding to my frame. This also made it easier to wear form-fitting shirts, in the case of a day at the office or dinner date. 

I found these during a sale, and bought two pairs: one in black and one in medium wash for more options. But if you aren’t as lucky, I can assure you they’re worth the slight splurge. 

What to Expect moms love Old Navy’s line of maternity jeans; so much so that some say they only wear Old Navy maternity jeans. And though the brand offers dozens of maternity jeans to choose from (even overalls), these full-panel, loose jeans are supportive and relaxed (no easy feat for sometimes-restrictive maternity clothing).

At first, the material might intimidate you. It’s almost all cotton and, as several moms-to-be write, lacks the stretch you commonly find in maternity jeans. But despite this lack of give, many say that the jeans are so comfortable they can be worn all day with no issues. That said, you may have to size up from your pre-pregnancy size to find the perfect fit.

Levi Strauss Signature Gold is another brand moms-to-be love for comfortable and affordable maternity jeans. Sold on Amazon, these wide-leg jeans have a full belly band panel, which the majority of moms in the What to Expect Community recommend for extra coverage and comfort.

The brand recommends sticking with your pre-pregnancy size, but one mom warned that hers ran a bit small. Fortunately, you can take advantage of Amazon’s easy return policy if they’re not the right fit.

If you reach for a pair of jean shorts every summer, there's no need to stop during pregnancy. According to thousands of reviews on Amazon, moms-to-be say Levi's maternity shorts have ample stretch to provide a comfortable fit. They also say the panel supports and holds the belly well, and is “big and stretchy (not too tight) but doesn’t slide down,” as one reviewer writes. 

Both the band and the shorts are made of a soft, lightweight material with a loose fit—because the last thing a pregnant person wants to do in the summer is sweat even more. 

But what moms-to-be rave about most is that these maternity jean shorts look just like regular shorts: no bagginess or sagging that you may find in other maternity styles. 

Another winner from Old Navy, these skinny maternity jeans are regularly sold out in select sizes. Made of a stretchy cotton and polyester blend, they receive high marks for being comfortable and flattering. They feature a supportive over-the-bump panel that isn't too restrictive and helps them stay up all day long. One 6-foot-tall mom raves that it's one of the few maternity jeans that fit her and were made with quality materials.

If you don’t want to flaunt your ever-changing body, straight-leg jeans are a great choice: The high waist and loose-but-not-baggy cut elongates your body rather than clings to or exaggerates your curves. Not to mention the clean fit, free of tapering or flaring, further accommodates your body as it grows through the trimesters. 

These straight-leg maternity jeans from Abercrombie are an excellent option. Because of the straight leg style, the jeans themselves don’t have a ton of stretch, so you’ll likely want to size up. That said, the over-the-belly panel has plenty of give to keep you comfortable throughout the day. 

As with other Abercrombie maternity jeans, this straight leg pair is available in long, short, and regular lengths, depending on which color you order. Plus, if a straight cut isn't your thing, the brand also offers a range of washes and styles, including everything from bootcut to wide-leg jeans. 

In theory, you could wear non-maternity boyfriend jeans throughout your pregnancy: The archetypal fit is baggy, providing plenty of room to accommodate your body as it grows. Still, you may prefer a pregnancy-specific pair for just a little extra comfort and security. These splurge-y jeans from Hatch are expensive, yes, but they’re probably the least maternity-looking maternity jeans out there.

The barely-there side paneling makes them almost identical to any other pair of designer boyfriend jeans on the market, and they’ll likely work well into the fourth trimester and for future pregnancies, too. They should even fit well postpartum.

Many moms-to-be say side panel jeans look and feel like regular jeans, which is a huge plus when you just want a stylish alternative to your trusty sweatpants. These maternity jeans are a must-have because of the relaxed-yet-flattering fit, and there are three inseam options to choose from depending on your height (short, regular, or long).

For this product, some also noted that these ran bigger than expected, so you may want to try them on in a store first or order multiple sizes online.

This Amazon brand is popular among What to Expect moms for providing fashionable and functional maternity clothes at an affordable price. Case in point: these over-the-belly maternity jeans, which have received more than 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. 

The band is the standout feature of these maternity jeans, with many customers writing that it’s comfortably snug: It will provide plenty of support without putting too much (if any) pressure on your bump. Several customers also note that the band is breathable, which is important if you’re dealing with a summer pregnancy or you just run super hot. 

The jeans themselves are equally stretchy, thanks to the cotton, polyester, and spandex blend. The boyfriend style also gives them a more relaxed look and feel, allowing them to grow with you throughout pregnancy.

And if you like the way the jeans fit, you should also consider the brand’s over-the-belly maternity shorts. 

If you’re not sure about side paneling or over-the-belly styles, you’re not alone. Many moms-to-be have turned to Old Navy’s low-panel maternity jeans for this exact reason. These feature a stretchy waistband that goes just below the belly, comfortably supporting your bump without covering it.

Another major perk? The $55 price point. As most Old Navy loyalists know, the brand hosts sales almost every day (even right now, they’re 40% off). There doesn’t seem to be a consensus on sizing, however, since some said they sized up for a looser fit, while others opted for a smaller size for extra support.

Last year, the barrel jean was everywhere, and there are no signs of the trend slowing down. The non-maternity style of these jeans are high-rise with a wide hip area and narrow hem. The result? A flattering solution moms and moms-to-be are loving for a more loose-yet-polished pregnancy and postpartum look. And thanks to Old Navy, you can try out the trend in maternity form with these over-the-belly barrel jeans. Reviewers say the belly band gives them full-coverage support without feeling too tight, and the six wash options can give you more variety in your closet at a solid price point. Keep in mind, however, that taller moms say the cropped hem makes them fit more like capris.

ASOS's maternity line is frequently recommended in the What to Expect community, especially for occasion wear, but we're also loving their extensive denim collection. These overalls take the guesswork out of what you're wearing, a much-appreciated style among moms-to-be with limited options in their closets. Layer with a tank or short-sleeve top during the spring and summer, or add a long-sleeve or sweater underneath for the fall and winter months. Reviewers say the 100% cotton material is breathable, but not very stretchy, so your bump might feel a bit too cramped as you approach the third trimester. 

If there's one thing moms complain about, it's stocking up on maternity-specific clothing that you'll never wear postpartum. That's why it's always ideal to find an item that can last long after your due date. H&M is another go-to retailer for on-trend pieces at lower prices, and these wide-leg pants are sure to become a staple in your pregnancy and postpartum wardrobe. The beaded drawstring isn't just a design detail, but also allows you to loosen or tighten the waistband as needed. One reviewer shares the jeans run large and long, so you may want to size down or plan to have them hemmed.

Y2K fashion is so back, and yes, that includes low-rise jeans. Fortunately for moms-to-be, these also double as comfortable under-the-bump maternity jeans, which are perfect for those of us who can't stand belly bands or side panels. These jeans from H&M's Mama line are made with a barely-there elasticized waistband, so they almost look like non-maternity pants. Conveniently, the elastic is adjustable, so it should work with you throughout your pregnancy and into the fourth trimester. Look carefully at the brand's size guide to determine the best fit based on your measurements. 

There's a simple ingredient that goes into crafting the ultimate pair of maternity jeans: lots of stretch. Many moms in the What to Expect community rave about IUGA leggings, which are sold in several denim washes. The cotton, polyester, and spandex blend has four-way stretch to accommodate your growing belly, plus all four pockets are functional. You won't find a button or zipper in sight, which is what gives them maximum comfort and stretch, but these definitely fall into the "jegging" category. If you need something more structured for a dressed-up ensemble, these might not be right for you.