“If you haven’t worn denim in a while, the best advice is to keep it simple,” New Jersey-based stylist Julie Holobinko tells Verywell Family. “One full length and one cropped style could last you your whole pregnancy.” As you start your search for the best jeans to wear right now, you’ll have to decide if you want to relax in the stretch of jeggings or go with Holobinko’s trend advice: “Denim styles have changed significantly over the past few years. A straight-leg jean with a more rigid denim looks much more modern and cool.” We kept her words in mind, as well as budget, lifestyle, and the physical needs of changing pregnant bodies, while researching this list. Based on what we learned, here are the best maternity jeans right now. A seamless waistband supports the baby bump for nine months. They’re comfortable, won’t slip down, and grow with you. For a pregnant person, it’s the best of both worlds: the comfort of leggings with the style of jeans. Two back pockets complete the jeans look. These are also highly recommended for all bodies and are easy to wear. Price at time of publication: $110 With inclusive sizing up to 3X, these pants are a great option for bodies of all sizes. They come in a variety of colors and offer a slim fit, making them look great from the back and the front. At a budget-friendly price, it’s easy to stock up on multiple pairs. Price at time of publication: $17 The Baby Bump panel in these jeans provides an elastic waist exclusively on the front panel. For some parents-to-be, this is helpful for the first trimester, and some like that they look like regular jeans from the back, but they may not provide enough stretch or support to last through the entire nine months. Price at time of publication: $35 They’re flattering no matter what you pair with them, whether it’s a T-shirt and sandals or a flowy top. You can choose from a medium wash or dark wash, depending on which is your favorite, without having to break the bank because they’re budget-friendly, too. Price at time of publication: $50 While many love this innovative approach, others also appreciate the zip fly, belt loops, and skinny fit. Made with cotton and spandex, they’ll feel comfortable all day long. Price at time of publication: $63 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $89 Price at time of publication: $78 Price at time of publication: $198 Price at time of publication: $74 Price at time of publication: $198
What to Look for When Buying Maternity Jeans
Style
Pregnancy is probably not a time to stray from the norm, stylist Julie Holobinko tells us. “Women should look for maternity denim that looks similar to styles they wear not pregnant. Start with one or two styles that are pretty basic, so you can get a good bit of wear out of them during your pregnancy.”
Fit
Use the size guide on each retailer’s website. “Start with your pre-pregnancy size. The best way to get a good fit is to try on a variety of sizes and styles,” says Holobinko. Some sizing is based on pre-pregnancy waist measurement, while others are a more general sizing. This will vary by brand and style, so read the details before any purchase.
Denim Wash
There are so many options of denim colors. Pick what appeals to you and your style. From a stylist’s perspective, Holobinko tells us, “Denim washes on the darker side with no distressing are the most neutral/versatile.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s a mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. Over the course of her three pregnancies, her maternity jeans were in style, went out of style, and then came back in style again. When shopping for new jeans, consider waiting until at least the second trimester (12 weeks). The changes your body goes through in the first trimester don’t usually involve your growing bump, so it might be hard to gauge what size you need until you are further along. You can use the rubber-band trick (loop around the button hole and attach to the button) to give yourself a little extra room in the waist early on in pregnancy. That said, some people find that wearing jeans even just a few weeks into pregnancy is super uncomfortable. So if having a good pair of comfortable jeans is important to you, purchase a pair of maternity jeans early on. So you could need to purchase a few pairs of maternity jeans at some point during your pregnancy. Luckily, there are many styles of maternity jeans to choose from, so you can find jeans that fit your style and budget, and that feel great. Everyone’s body changes in different ways during pregnancy. Some people are “all belly” and don’t gain significant weight in their thighs and butts; others expand all over. You might want a pair of jeans that is more supportive of your growing belly. Or, you might want a pair made with stretchier, more breathable material overall. Your budget, lifestyle, and style sensibilities will also dictate what the best pair of maternity pants is for you.
