Pregnancy

The Best Maternity Jeans For Expectant Moms

by Bethany Braun-Silva


The Best Maternity Jeans For Expectant Moms
Shop Story

Jeans are a go-to clothing choice for many women. Whether for work, a night out or running errands, we live in our jeans and we love them for their versatility and comfort. It can sometimes be tricky to find just the right fit, and when you’re pregnant it can be even trickier. In fact, finding the perfect jean to suit your growing body can be an overwhelming and downright scary task. But believe us, it doesn’t have to be. If you know your favorite style pre-pregnancy, chances are that same style will suit you just fine while you’re pregnant. Even better, you might not have to size up, since maternity jeans have built-in panels that are made to grow and stretch with your body as it changes over the nine-month period. Here are a few options for pregnancy jeans with panels:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Maternity Jeans By Panel Type

 

        • Full-panel maternity jeans

These panels cover your entire belly and are meant to grow with you. They are often made of thin, stretchy fabric that’s discreet and great for women who like the supportive feel of something covering their belly entirely.

 

        • Side-panel maternity jeans

Just as the name implies, these elastic panels are inserted into the sides of jeans, usually on or near the pocket area. They tend to be subtle and give the look of a normal, rather than maternity, jean.

 

        • Demi-panel maternity jeans

These panels fall underneath the belly and stretch as you grow. They give the jean the feel of a legging and are comfortable in the beginning stages of pregnancy.

 

Being pregnant is hard enough without the hassle of choosing what to wear. Once you find the right maternity jean, you’ll look better and feel better! Here, we break down the best maternity jeans for every style, shape and budget.

 

1 of 20 Image Credits: Motherhood Maternity

Best Overall Maternity Jean

Secret Fit Belly Super Stretch Skinny Maternity Jeans

Price:$35.00

These popular jeans will make you look great throughout your entire pregnancy. They’re made from a stretchy denim fabric that’s comfortable and supportive. The “secret” full panel can be worn above the belly without slipping, and can also be rolled down under the belly and no one will ever know it’s there.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
So glad I got these pants, they fit perfect and I want to wear them everyday. They feel like pajamas!

2 of 20 Image Credits: A Pea In The Pod

Best Skinny Maternity Jean

AG Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans

Price:$188.00

We already know AG makes great jeans, and these skinny maternity jeans are no exception. They have a lean fit and are super flattering. They are also a dark wash which is extra slimming. They have a full panel but also feature a “faux fly” so you can look like you’re wearing the real deal! The denim fabric is also very stretchy.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I exclusively wore AG jeans before I got pregnant so was really excited to discover they offer maternity jeans. I love these!

3 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Boyfriend Maternity Jean

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Maternity Slim Boyfriend Jeans

Price:$46.00

If skinny or tight-fitting jeans just aren’t your thing while your pregnant, we can’t say that we blame you. But we can recommend these loose-fitting boyfriend jeans from Levi Strauss & Co. They feature a smoothing full panel that also provides lower back support, which is much needed in the second and third trimester. The cut of the jeans is loose without looking too baggy, so you’ll be comfortable while still looking stylish.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
LOVE these maternity jeans! I’m in my second trimester, 5’ 3”, 140 lbs and naturally curvy through the hips and butt. I ordered a size medium and they fit perfectly!

4 of 20 Image Credits: Target

Best Bootcut Maternity Jean

Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Bootcut Jeans

Price:$30.00

Bootcut jeans are a great, polished yet casual option for work. These Isabel Maternity jeans are the perfect bootcut and have a slim fit through the hip that will flatter your shape, plus power stretch denim adjusts to your changing body. The elastic panels in the waistband make these jeans ideal for styling just like regular jeans!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These jeans are super comfy! I’m about 6 months pregnant and they work just fine. I’ll still have room for the last few months.

5 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Flare Maternity Jean

Momo Maternity Women

Price:$35.00

Another great option for work or date night, these polished jeans are the perfect flare that feature a full, over-the-belly panel. The ultra-stretchy fabric will keep its shape throughout your entire pregnancy. The best part? The belly panel is moisture wicking, so no need to worry about embarrassing sweat stains while wearing these jeans, which is super important because pregnant women sweat…. a lot!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I’m 5’8” and 198lbs at 5 months prego. They fit perfectly and comfortably. The dark denim is pretty and these are very nice looking jeans. Not too heavy but not thin by any means.

6 of 20 Image Credits: Motherhood Maternity

Best Plus Size Maternity Jean

Plus Size Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans

Price:$35.00

These jeans have a 34-inch inseam, so even the tallest mamas can rock them without feeling like they’re wearing high waters. They have a classic straight-leg fit that’s slim but not skinny, and they look great cuffed, too! The full panel uses Motherhood Maternity’s Secret Fit Belly fabrication, so no one will detect it under your shirt.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I’m 5'8” about 145lbs and these fit me great!! I couldn't be happier! They stay up in position like they are supposed to and they are plenty long and stylish.

7 of 20 Image Credits: Walmart

Best Affordable Maternity Jean

Oh! Mamma Full-Panel Super Soft Skinny Maternity Jeans

Price:$19.00

Leave it Walmart to carry a great maternity jean for under $20! These Oh! Mamma jeans are soft and stretchy, feature a discreet full panel and come in four different color washes. If you don’t want to splurge on something you won’t wear after pregnancy, these jeans are for you. Available in size Small through 1X.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These have quickly become my favorite maternity jeans! They are soft, with just enough stretch to make them super comfortable. I am 29 weeks pregnant, 5'3" tall and weigh 160. I got a size medium and they fit perfectly.

8 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Splurge Maternity Jean

Paige Transcend - Skyline Skinny Maternity Jeans

Price:$200.00

These chic, mid-rise jeans from Paige feature extra-deep elastic insets that allow you to wear them throughout your entire pregnancy. So while the price may be a little high, you’ll get a lot of use out of them. Moms-to-be love that they’re stylish and don’t look like maternity jeans, plus they’re stretchy and comfortable too!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These are the best jeans I've ever worn, and I will continue to wear them even after pregnancy. They are just as good (if not better!) than other Paige Denim jeans I've worn. They're soft, slimming and ultra comfortable.

9 of 20 Image Credits: A Pea in the Pod

Best Designer Maternity Jean

J Brand Under Belly Mama J Super Skinny Maternity Jeans

Price:$198.00

The zippered fly and matching elastic side panels make this cool jean look like a regular jean, and you can even get away with tucking your shirt in for stylish look! They won’t slide down and are stretchy enough to take you well into your third trimester.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I was 22 weeks when I bought these and I wish I had them longer - they're so comfortable, actually stay up, and look great!

10 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Full Panel Maternity Jean

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women

Price:$27.00

The full panel on these jeans is discreet and offers lower back support, which is huge, so that means you’re likely not going to want to take them off. But here’s the best part: The dark color of the panel also looks like part of the jean should your shirt rise up. Genius!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
Really, really happy with these jeans. I'm 5'3" and normally around 140lb, currently 147lb at 18 weeks. I'm usually between a 6 and an 8, and I went with a medium. It fits really well--surprisingly a good length for me!

11 of 20 Image Credits: A Pea in the Pod

Best Side Panel Maternity Jean

Good American Side Panel Honeymoon Ankle Maternity Jeans

Price:$160.00

The elastic side panels on these jeans from Khloé Kardashian’s denim line look just like pockets, so they’re super flattering and don’t look like maternity wear. The entire jean can be buttoned up around your growing belly comfortably. These low-rise jeans come in seven different washes and are available in sizes 00-24.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
They are so well-made, very comfortable and the plus is that they’re very stylish. I actually get compliments on them all the time and when I show people they are maternity, they can’t believe it.

12 of 20 Image Credits: Gap

Best Demi Panel Maternity Jean

Maternity Soft Wear Demi Panel True Skinny Jeans

Price:$80.00

This demi-panel maternity jean sits low on the belly and has the feeling of a legging, with the support and look of a jean. They’re easy to pull on and are made from eco-friendly materials, so you can feel extra-good while wearing them. They come in short, regular and long lengths to suit moms of all sizes.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
Fit perfectly and are very comfortable but still look like normal jeans with real pockets.

13 of 20 Image Credits: A Pea in the Pod

Best Distressed Maternity Jean

Luxe Essentials Kate Girlfriend Maternity Jeans

Price:$98.00

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to lose your edge. These distressed straight-leg jeans are comfy and cool and fit loose through the hip and thigh. They have a full panel and look great paired with booties and a leather jacket. Go for it, mama!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
Love these jeans. 28wks preg with baby #3. Love that these are loose enough to not restrict me at all and the holes allow even more movement.

14 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Maternity Jean Overalls

Indigo Blue Side Panel Denim Overalls

Price:$60.00

Yes, you CAN wear overalls while pregnant, and these are the perfect pair if you want to rock the adorable style. They feature elastic side panels and, of course, plenty of room for your growing bump. You won’t have to worry about constantly pulling your pants up either, which is something we can definitely get behind!

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These are cute and also feel just soft and stretchy enough but sturdy enough that I don't think they will stretch out during wear. I love them so much! They seem to fit exactly true to size.

15 of 20 Image Credits: Old Navy

Best White Maternity Jean

Old Navy Full-Panel Rockstar White Jeans

Price:$46.00

You may be thinking, “White jeans while pregnant? No way!” But these flattering and stretchy white maternity jeans from Old Navy will give you all the confidence you need to rock this look. The ankle-length denim style, which is perfect warm-weather wear, features a real waistband and a full belly panel underneath.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These pants are fabulous. So soft, and they don’t slide down like a lot of other maternity pants do. I also love that the waistband is nude so doesn’t show through when wearing a light colored top.

16 of 20 Image Credits: Motherhood Maternity

Best Black Maternity Jean

1822 Denim Butter Maternity Skinny Jeans

Price:$49.00

Black maternity jeans will be a closet staple throughout your pregnancy, as they can take you from the running errands to dinner. These skinny black jeans can be dressed up or down and have a matching full belly panel. The pants are great paired with flats and sneakers, and look especially chic with heels (if you dare).

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These are the most comfortable maternity jeans out there! Easy to dress up for a night out or wear with flats to the playground.

17 of 20 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Cropped Maternity Jean

Indigo Blue Side Panel Under Belly Raw Hem Crop Denim Jean

Price:$45.00

These on-trend cropped jeans feature a raw hem and distressed styling. They’re a relaxed fit that’s great for everyday wear. They have elastic side panels and are made from stretchy fabric that will grow and move with your throughout your pregnancy.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I bought these jeans and wear them at least 2x a week! They are so comfortable. The ankle feature on these jeans is my favorite thing about these jeans, the high-low cut detail is so adorable and flattering!!

18 of 20 Image Credits: Target

Best Maternity Jean for Fourth Trimester

Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Comfort-Fit Post Pregnancy Jeans

Price:$30.00

Even after you give birth, you’ll need jeans that stretch and move and that are comfortable to wear. Many women opt to keep wearing their maternity jeans or you can also buy these post pregnancy jeans from Ingrid & Isabel. They have a soft, wide, high-rise waistband that hits well above a C-section scar. You’ll feel supported and comfortable, and there are no zippers or buttons that can irritate your skin.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
These are the perfect jeans for postpartum. I’m three and a half months out, and back to my pre-baby clothes in almost everything, but my stomach is still not quite back to normal. Snug, but soft and stretchy, holds everything in and is the perfect length for me.

19 of 20 Image Credits: Motherhood Maternity

Best Tall Maternity Jean

Tall Secret Fit Belly Stretch Straight Leg Maternity Jeans

Price:$35.00

These jeans have a 34-inch inseam, so even the tallest mamas can rock them without feeling like they’re wearing high waters. They have a classic straight-leg fit that’s slim but not skinny, and they look great cuffed, too! The full panel uses Motherhood Maternity’s Secret Fit Belly fabrication, so no one will detect it under your shirt.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
I’m 5'8” about 145lbs and these fit me great!! I couldn't be happier! They stay up in position like they are supposed to and they are plenty long and stylish.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the style fits better than expected. Fits true to size based on sizing chart.

These Jean's are amazing! They are so comfy with a little stretch and fit great!

20 of 20 Image Credits: Loft

Best Petite Maternity Jean

Loft Petite Maternity Skinny Jean

Price:$80.00

The 27-inch inseam on these Loft Petite Maternity Skinny Jeans is great for shorter women. The dark wash and stretchy material is very flattering, plus, just like your favorite pair of regular jeans, they’re designed to get better the more you wear them and will have a personalized feel and fit that you’ll love. They come in sizes 00-18.

What Reviewers Are Saying:
after a long search for maternity jeans ( because i knew it would be the only pair i buy) i decided to give it a try and purchased Loft petite maternity jeans. I absolutely love them! Great fit and does not require any alterations!

I was so happy to finally find a pair of petite maternity jeans that fit my short stature!

I initially bought the size 18P and it was too big, too short in the groin/leg inseam. Tried the 16 regular and it fit great!