When you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, you can probably squeeze into your favorite jeans while you have a subtle baby bump. But, as you progress in your pregnancy journey, the squeezing becomes more and more difficult to do.
So, there comes a point where you’ll have to cave in and buy a pair of maternity jeans. Aside from comfort and style, you’ll also want to consider a pair that’ll transition well post-bump.
“Look for quality material that isn’t restrictive and has stretch,” Ann Akiri, vice president of PR and spokesperson at Destination Maternity, told the New York Post. “The most important area is the waistband to have a supporting belly band which will grow with your bump and comfortably extends over your bump.”
To answer your lingering questions about maternity jeans, Akiri shared the 411 in our in-depth FAQ section following the best maternity jeans of 2023 we rounded up. Bump, buy and boast in style.
For more options, check out our guides to the best maternity clothing brands and maternity swimsuits.
1. Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Skinny Jeans, $30
With nearly 11,000 rave reviews for their ability to stretch but keep their shape, the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Skinny Jeans are some of the best to grab for just $30. They’re available in a few different washes, too, and features a smooth tummy knit panel that adapts with your changing figure.
2. Foucome Underbelly Stretch Skinny Jeggings, $35
Shop the Foucome Underbelly Stretch Skinny Jeggings for a less-than-$40 option that has an on-trend raw hem that looks spectacular with nude heels or white sneakers. With nearly 1,500 reviews for their comfy low waist and stretchy and versatile design, they’re worth your coin.
3. Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Plus-Size Maternity Boyfriend Jean, $26
For some of the best plus-sized jeans on the market, shop the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Plus-Size Maternity Boyfriend Jean. Not only do they fit well (for less than $30, too) but they have a giving, comfortable fit we can’t help but love.
4. Abercrombie Maternity Ankle Straight Jean, $84, original price: $99
Buy the jeans everyone and their mother is obsessed with (and we mean everyone): Abercrombie’s Maternity Ankle Straight Jean. Now at 15% off, they come in an array of washes and fits — including extra-short, short, regular and long.
For more options, check out our full Abercrombie review and feature.
5. Madewell Maternity Over-the-Belly Perfect Vintage Straight Jean, $148
Looking for a neat pair of white jeans? Shop Madewell’s Maternity Over-the-Belly Perfect Vintage Straight Jean. Though a splurge, you’ll want to wear them for nine months straight (and after), thanks to the pair’s vast size range, body-hugging stretch and premium white patented Cone denim fabric.
6. Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Over Belly Skinny Maternity Jeans, $30
Add the Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Over Belly Skinny Maternity Jeans to your cart. For just $30 at Target, they provide gentle back support as your belly grows, along with a clean hem and and post-pregnancy wearability.
7. Jessica Simpson Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jegging, $45, original price: $68
For top-rated maternity jeans, pick up the Jessica Simpson Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jegging. Just shy of $50, they boast a classic look and a comfortable stretchy material (because that’s what we’re after, FYI).
8. H&M MAMA Paper-Bag Jeans, $40
Looking for an ultra-comfy pair of maternity jeans? We recommend H&M’s MAMA Paper-Bag Jeans, the bottoms closest to sweatpants and the most on-trend paper-bag pants. Its ruffle-trimmed waistband and covered elastic and mock fly are enough to have us recommending the pair IRL.
9. Time and Tru Maternity Skinny Jeans, $24
Affordable and best-selling at Walmart, the Time and Tru Maternity Skinny Jeans are worth your money. Specifically, the pair is offered in plus sizing, boasts a seamless belly band and offers maximum support and coverage. What’s not to love?
10. HATCH The Slim Maternity Jean, $198
Your black maternity jeans await. Shop HATCH’s The Slim Maternity Jean. Though a splurge, they look great and will serve you well postpartum. Plus, they come in a few different washes, feature a true waistband to seamlessly tuck in shirts and an iconic wedge design that ensures there’s no pinching around your belly.
11. PAIGE Verdugo Lana Ankle Maternity Jean, $105 to $199
Let’s be real — PAIGE’s Verdugo Lana Ankle Maternity Jean doesn’t even look like a pair of bump-friendly jeans. Iconically, its mid-rise design are crafted with the brand’s Transcend denim for that coveted soft, supportive fit.
12. HATCH Ultimate Before, During & After Maternity Kara Pant, $128
Maternity jeans, but make them with flair (and, quite literally, flare!) HATCH’s Ultimate Before, During & After Maternity Kara Pant are a premium option to snag, thanks to their marriage of cotton and spandex, stretchy fit and flattering design.
13. PinkBlush Maternity Distressed Raw Hem Straight Maternity Jeans, $76
Raw hem and wide-leg fit? Sign us up! PinkBlush Maternity is keen on all the trends, as is the case with its Distressed Raw Hem Straight Maternity Jeans — perfect for the fashionista. Plus, they’ll be your relaxed-fit go-to.
14. ASOS Maternity Skinny Jeans, $30
For a skinny fit that’s not too restricting, shop the ASOS Maternity Skinny Jeans. For just $30, we love the wash of them, specifically, as well as their versatile styling power. Game on, mommas-to-be.
15. Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans, $25 to $35
Affordable, classic and to-the-point is the name of the game for Motherhood Maternity’s Secret Fit Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans. They’re readily available online, fit seamlessly and boast a generous size range. They’re ready for your add-to-cart maneuver.
16. Good American Maternity Good Flare Jeans, $160
Hands up (or rather, bumps out) for Good American’s Maternity Good Flare Jeans. They’re a splurge but you can’t beat its stunning wash and extra belly band for support and comfort. Its high-rise, five-pocket style is another reason why we love them — and, we can’t complain about clean hems with a bit of personality, either.
An FAQ on Maternity Jeans
Ahead, Akiri details her expert tips on shopping for a pair of maternity jeans, including what to know about their fit during (and after!) pregnancy.
When should I start wearing maternity jeans?
Every baby bump is unique (that goes without saying). While we can’t say a specific month is best, Akiri breaks down the telltale sign of when you should begin sporting them to and fro.
“When you start to show it’s a good idea to buy a few maternity essentials that will help you transition to a maternity wardrobe that doesn’t break the bank,” she recommends. “After all, threading an elastic hairband through the button hole only takes you so far!”
Typically, women begin to show around 16 to 20 weeks.
Are regular jeans the same as maternity jeans?
Unfortunately, regular jeans do not provide sufficient room for your growing baby. “The waistband is restrictive and can feel very uncomfortable as your baby begins to grow,” Akiri says. “Although there are regular jeans you can buy with stretch they do not have belly bands which give you the comfort you need while still looking stylish through your pregnancy.”
What’s more, good maternity jeans will give ample room for your growing curves particularly in the waistband area and comfortable coverage so that your baby bump isn’t exposed.
What to look for in a quality pair of maternity jeans:
When choosing maternity jeans, there are some important features to look out for:
- Durable long lasting jeans that will last through all trimesters
- Soft material with stretch such as spandex to give added comfort for all your beautiful curves as your body grows
- No fuss easy pull up and pull down maternity jeans are best, and most importantly of all your maternity jeans should have a belly band feature to give comfortable flexible support and coverage over your bump.
“Good maternity jeans with belly bands can still be worn after your baby is born and will support your changing body as it continues to adapt postpartum, too,” she adds.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.