The Best Maternity Jeans, According to Our Community of Millions of Moms

Updated: July 29, 2022
three pairs of maternity jeans

One day during every person's pregnancy, it happens: Your jeans just don’t zip up. This can be exciting (baby’s making his first debut!) but also daunting (and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming, too).

After all, good jeans can be hard to find. Good maternity jeans? Even harder. Plus, if you’re petite, tall or plus-size, you might wonder where on Earth you’ll find jeans you love as much as the go-to pairs that took you years to find in the first place.

This conundrum also tends to come with urgency: Denim is one of the first clothing items to go out the window as you start to grow, and not having a pregnancy-friendly replacement on hand can make getting dressed stressful.

What to look for in maternity jeans

  • Waistband. Maternity jeans tend to have three different types of waistbands: an under-the-bump band, side paneling or over-the-bump paneling. While the style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, over-the-bump paneling generally provides the smoothest support for your bump, under-the-bump waistbands can provide support from below and side paneling is the closest you’ll get to your regular jeans.
  • Stretch. This can be especially important with a growing body — and even more important if the jeans are tight to begin with.
  • Price point. As is true with regular denim, maternity jeans range in price from super affordable to splurge status. Depending on how often you’ll wear your maternity jeans (and maybe whether or not they can be worn after pregnancy, too), you’ll want to consider price before doling out.

The good news? These days, there are more maternity denim options than ever — and you can find stylish, comfortable picks at a range of different price points to take you from day one to delivery day.

How we chose the best maternity jeans

Factoring in the criteria above, we combed through endless maternity jeans available on the market to come up with our final list of favorites. Here's a closer look at how we narrowed down the best of the best maternity jeans:

  • We scoured countless online reviews across both parent-favorite retailers and the What to Expect Community, paying close attention to which maternity jeans moms said were the best and which ones should be skipped.
  • We polled our social media followers, asking them to fill us in on their favorite maternity jeans (plus, what made them must-haves).
  • We made sure to include different types of maternity jeans, from those that were perfect for petite women to the best pick for warmer weather to the ones with the most stretch. We also provided options for all different price points, whether you're searching for the best budget option or feel like spluring on a designer pair of jeans.

Here, our favorite maternity jeans available right now.

Why Trust Us?

Best Affordable Maternity Jeans

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Maternity Skinny Jeans

levi strauss maternity jeans
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$35
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: More affordable than other pairs, comfortable, stays up all day long
Cons: Some moms say the band feels too tight when you sit down

Why We Love It

If you don’t want to spend a lot on maternity jeans, this pair is the one for you. These maternity jeans have a pull-on design, over-the-belly panel and come in both a black and classic blue wash.

But the more accessible price point isn't the only thing that moms-to-be love about these jeans: they're the number one best-selling pair on Amazon, thanks to the stretchy material, comfortable and flattering shape and the supportive over-the-bump panel that helps them stay up all day long.

"I am in love with these pants," one reviewer reports. "I initially bought them for a trip to NY. I wore them all day, and walked over 10 miles in them and they were so comfortable and actually stayed up!"

Best Maternity Jeans for Tall Women

Motherhood Maternity Stretch Secret Fit Belly Boot Cut Jean

boot cut maternity jeans
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$35
See Now Motherhood_Maternity
Motherhood Maternity
$50
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Comfortable, long length option is perfect for taller women
Cons: Some parents said the pants had a mild odor upon arrival

Why We Love It

Those blessed with height can stop searching for jeans that actually hit where they’re supposed to. These Motherhood Maternity boot cut jeans have long options that are perfect for taller women, and are comfortable enough to wear again and again. With over 1,400 five-star reviews from moms-to-be on Amazon, moms praise the comfort of the panel, the length and the style of the cut.

"These are amazing! I'm so glad I got them I’m so tired of only wearing leggings because that’s all that fits around my belly now!" wrote one reviewer. "These XL longs fit me perfectly — I’m normally a 14/16 and am very tall, so I always need the 'long' version of jeans, and these are my new favorite pants."

"I’m 5'11' and they touch the floor (I got Large Long), super happy with them!" added another reviewer.

Best Stretchy Maternity Jeans

Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Crossover Panel Skinny Jeans

Best Maternity Jeans - Ingrid Maternity by Ingrid and Isabel Crossover Panel Skinny Jeans
Buying Options:
Target
Target
$30
See Now
Pros: Super stretchy and affordable, good for everyday wear
Cons: Some say the sizing can be inconsistent (loose in some areas, tight in others)

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

“Stretch” and “skinny jeans” might not be two words that seem like they’d go hand-in-hand during pregnancy, but Ingrid & Isabel’s successfully deliver both with a super soft and comfortable feel. They have a crossover over-the-bump panel, which reviewers say is comfortable, soft, and supportive of your growing pregnant belly.

Keep in mind that some moms say that the size can be inconsistent, from the legs feeling a bit loose as the day goes on or the band feeling tighter as your pregnancy progresses. That said, the vast majority of reviewers couldn't get enough of this wonderfully stretchy pair that's perfect for everyday wear, and our social media followers told us this brand is one of their go-tos.

Community Reviews

"I found some great maternity jeans with the full panel at Target. I got a pair of jeans and denim shorts from them and they’re practically all I wear. ... I might need to get more for myself."

- Andersens2019

Best White Maternity Jeans

Gap Maternity True Waistband Full Panel Cheeky Straight Jeans

white maternity jeans from Gap
Buying Options:
Gap
Gap
$80
See Now
Pros: Comfortable, runs true to size
Cons: A bit more expensive than other jeans

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

With a straight-leg fit, these ankle-length jeans look fresh and edgy whether you’re off to school pickup or a girls' night. A full over-the-belly panel is super supportive, too, keeping you comfy no matter where the day brings you. Moms-to-be particularly love how comfortable Gap's maternity jeans are, while also having a flattering look; as one said, "I've never been a fan of any others I try they always looked like 'mom jeans' on me making my bottom half look saggy. The gap pants are the only maternity pants I wear!"

Community Reviews

"Cheap cute jeans are the cheeky jeans by GAP."

- Oenomel

Best Black Maternity Jeans

1822 Denim Re:Denim Frayed Hem Skinny Maternity Jeans

Best Maternity Jeans - ReDenim Frayed Hem Skinny Maternity Black Jeans
Buying Options:
Nordstrom
Nordstrom
$59
See Now
Pros: Sustainably made, easily dressed up or down
Cons: Some tall moms-to-be may not love the ankle cut

Why We Love It

Have you found yourself pining for your pre-pregnancy denim? This attractive pair, which eco-conscious shoppers will be happy to know is made using materials from recycled water bottles, is high in the back and won’t sag. They’re stylish enough to pass as non-maternity jeans but comfortable enough that you won’t be wishing you wore a dress.

They also have an over-the-bump panel to help keep your belly feeling supported, making them a particular favorite of moms we polled on Instagram.

Best Maternity Overalls

Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle-Length Overalls

best maternity jeans - motherhood maternity womens skinny overalls
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$52
See Now buybuyBaby
buybuyBaby
$70
See Now JCPenney
JCPenney
$80
See Now Macy's
Macy's
$78
See Now Motherhood_Maternity
Motherhood Maternity
$78
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Fits throughout the trimesters, stylish and unique option
Cons: May take longer to take them on and off than regular maternity jeans

Why We Love It

A stretchy, relaxed fit makes overalls the stuff of a pregnant person's dreams. Even if you’re not a fan of overalls, this cute, flattering pair accentuates your bump in the best way while providing enough stretch to grow with you thanks to a knit elastic side-panel.

"Got [these maternity overalls] during my second month of pregnancy — even though I didn’t have a belly at all — and they still looked cute!" one reviewer shared. "I am now in my seventh month of pregnancy and they fit absolutely perfect still! I’m sure they’ll fit up until due date!"

Plus, lots of moms-to-be enjoyed how flexible these overalls were in terms of length and support: There's no risk of them falling down throughout the day thanks to the shoulder straps, and they can easily be cuffed if you need to shorten the length.

Best Denim Maternity Shorts

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women's Maternity Mid-Rise Shortie Shorts

denim maternity shorts
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$31
See Now Walmart
Walmart
$52
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Snug yet comfortable, full-panel band provides all-day support
Cons: Some say they bunch up in areas, front pockets are just for decoration

Why We Love It

If you reach for a pair of jean shorts every summer, there's no need to stop during pregnancy. Moms-to-be say this pair of maternity shorts from Levi Strauss & Co. provides the most bang for your buck, saying they provide ample stretch while providing a snug yet comfortable fit.

"[These] shorts look just like regular shorts, no bagginess or sagging," one reviewer reports. "The belly band is snug without being too tight, so you don't need to keep hoisting it up."

Best Maternity Jeans for Summer

V VOCNI Maternity Jeans

V VOCNI Maternity Jeans
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$33
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Comfortable fit that's looser than most maternity jeans, functional pockets
Cons: May run short for taller moms-to-be, some said they felt loose by the end of the day

Why We Love It

Summer pregnancies (especially for those mamas-to-be in the second or third trimester) call for two requirements when it comes to jeans: a loose enough fit that won’t leave your feet swelling and comfortThese loose, laidback maternity jeans deliver on both counts with super-soft material and a distressed, cropped style that will take you from daytime errands to casual backyard BBQs. This pair boasts functional pockets and an under-the-bump panel, which reviewers online enjoy as it doesn't feel constricting on your belly.

Best Maternity Jeans for Petite Women

Motherhood Maternity Women's Indigo Blue Skinny Denim Jean

Motherhood Maternity petite jeans
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$50
See Now Motherhood_Maternity
Motherhood Maternity
$50
See Now
Registry List:
Pros: Comes in various lengths and washes
Cons: Some say they stretch out or sag by the end of the day

Why We Love It

Not every denim brand offers maternity jeans in different lengths, so we love that petite moms-to-be won't feel the need to hem these jeans from Motherhood Maternity. A clean silhouette means they'll work in casual offices, while the comfortable over-the-bump panel is smooth enough to wear with dressy blouses or casual tees alike. Plus, the panel has a secure fit, so you won’t have to adjust it all day long.

"They are the comfort quality of jeggings, but have a thicker material, so they are plenty warm for winter and are probably more durable," reports one reviewer.

In addition to coming in multiple lengths, they also come in five washes, from a light distressed denim to a chic dark wash.

Best Plus-Size Maternity Jeans

Jessica Simpson Maternity Plus-Size Skinny Jeans

pinkblush maternity jeans
Buying Options:
Macy's
Macy's
$78
See Now
Pros: Multiple washes available, versatile waistband
Cons: Runs small

Why We Love It

These Jessica Simpson maternity jeans comfortably fit sizes 1X to 3X and have an over-the-belly panel (that can be folded down as well) and comfortable stretch. They're available in two colors, a darker wash that would work for dressier occasions, as well as a medium one that has a more classic look. Plus, unlike some maternity jeans that have fake pockets, these have five usable ones for easy storage.

Best Under-the-Belly Panel

Gap Maternity Soft Wear Demi Panel True Skinny Jeans

gap maternity jeans
Buying Options:
Gap
Gap
$80
See Now
Pros: Works well during pregnancy and postpartum, classic style
Cons: Some say there's not enough stretch to them

Why We Love It

For some pregnant people, an under-the-belly panel is the way to go. This pair of Gap Maternity Jeans features an under-the-bump panel the falls just under your belly button. It's made from soft, stretchy denim and will work well postpartum, too.

"I LOVE the way these pants fit me," one reviewer notes. "Absolutely true to size. Very comfortable. The waist, fit and length is just perfect. I will be buying these in other washes for the rest of my pregnancy." 

Keep in mind, though, that some moms-to-be wished these maternity pants had more stretch to them.

Best Designer Maternity Jeans

Madewell Over-the-Belly Skinny Jeans

madewell maternity jeans in medium denim wash
Buying Options:
Madewell
Madewell
$148
See Now
Pros: Flattering and supportive, quality denim
Cons: Size range not as inclusive

Why We Love It

Having a hard time parting with your go-to pair of pants? If you don’t mind splurging on a copy-cat maternity jean, many big name designers make versions of their most popular denim styles for mamas with growing bellies. You really can’t go wrong with this pair from Madewell. While they look nearly identical to the brand's regular jeans, they provide stretchy support with an over-the-bump panel that makes the pair especially perfect for the second and third trimester. Lots of reviewers love how flattering this pair is on your backside, too. Plus, this maternity jean brand is Meghan-Markle approved!

Best Organic Maternity Jeans

Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Maternity Jeans

Best Maternity Jeans - Seraphine Organic Cotton Under the Bump Jeans
Buying Options:
Seraphine_Maternity
Seraphine Maternity
$85
See Now
Pros: Made with organic cotton
Cons: Size availability is limited

Why We Love It

From celebrity-favorite brand Seraphine comes a pair of maternity jeans you’ll swoon over. This stylish under-the-bump pair sits just right and is crafted with a super soft and flexible material that looks and feels like your favorite pair should. And did we mention they’re organic?