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“Shopping for jeans is one of my favorite activities,” said no one ever.
Even on a good day, trying on endless pairs of jeans is a real feat. But when you’re feeling bloated, exhausted, nauseous, and your old tried-and-true denim doesn’t fit anymore, the last thing you want to do is go maternity jeans shopping.
Don’t stress — when it comes to finding the best maternity jeans for your growing bump, we’ve scouted the options on the market for short and tall women, women with more weight, and those who are particular about stretch and fit.
As your baby bump grows, it can be tempting to let leggings and jeggings replace stiff jeans that constrict your belly and thighs.
Maternity jeans, however, are designed to allow for more room in the belly in one of two ways: They either have stretchy side panels and go under the belly, or a front panel, which is a piece of stretchy fabric that goes over the belly.
Pregnant people everywhere have strong opinions about which way is better, but it’s truly a personal choice. Some want the coverage of a front panel, while others don’t want anything on their stomach due to skin sensitivity or the heat factor of an extra layer.
Sure, spending extra money on a pair of jeans you’ll only wear for a few months might not be at the top of a mama-to-be’s to-do list. However, if your jeans can bring a little extra comfort and confidence into your pregnancy, we think it’s worth it.
We chose jeans based on a combination of style, comfort, positive feedback from pregnant women, price, and quality. And if wearing jeans in the summer just sounds like a recipe for overheating, read on to find some crops and shorts in the mix.
Price guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Gap Maternity Soft Wear Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans
Price: $$
These side panel (or “inset panel”) girlfriend-cut jeans are made from super soft indigo denim and intended to sit below your bump. With front and back pockets, a traditional zipper and button closure, and a relaxed fit, they earn high marks for both style and comfort.
In addition to having an adjustable rolled cuff, they’re available in short, regular, and tall lengths. Reviewers say that these are super comfortable and feel just like sliding into your favorite pair of prepregnancy jeans.
Buy Gap Maternity Soft Wear Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans online.
Isabel Maternity Side Panel Midi Jean Shorts
Price: $
Don’t stop rocking jean shorts this summer just because you have a baby on board. These low rise denim shorts from Isabel Maternity (by Target brand Ingrid & Isabel) are designed to leave you feeling supported and cool as the weather heats up.
With a 4-inch inseam and light washed denim, these shorts are well loved by mamas-to-be. According to one reviewer, “They fit perfectly from zero belly to 40 weeks… it’s like some Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants magic.”
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
Price: $
This pair of skinny jeans from Levi Strauss & Co fits tight through the hip and thigh for a sleek look. They’re made intentionally for the first trimester, but reviewers say the demi panel and cotton denim is stretchy enough to adapt to your growing baby bump.
One review for these adorable skinny jeans reads “They stay up! OMG OMG OMG,” addressing a common problem women experience with front panel maternity jeans. However, it’s worth noting: shorter moms might have to roll the cuffs of these jeans as they have a 29.5-inch inseam.
Buy Gold Label Women’s Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans online.
Indigo Blue Secret Fit Belly Deep Cuff Crop Maternity Jeans from Motherhood Maternity
Price: $
Motherhood Maternity has remained a go-to brand for pregnant moms for years for their quality products and affordable pricing — and these cuff crop jeans are no exception.
These summer crops come with a full belly panel that can either provide additional support or can be folded below the belly. The company promotes their patented panel as “seamless” and “no slip,” for added comfort and security.
Some reviewers say these jeans are on the baggier side, so keep that in mind when choosing a size.
Buy Indigo Blue Secret Fit Belly Deep Cuff Crop Maternity Jeans online.
PinkBlush Blue Distressed Cropped Plus Maternity Boyfriend Jeans
Price: $$
These larger sized maternity jeans seem to go like hotcakes, but since the reviews are so great, we figured we’d continue to spread the good word! They offer a few different styles and shades, but the overall opinion is that PinkBlush jeans fit well and the price is right.
One mama says “Cute jeans are hard to find, these are amazing.” Another reviewer loves her own booty in the jeans, saying the length and “rear shaping” are nice.
Buy PinkBlush Blue Distressed Cropped Plus Maternity Boyfriend Jeans online.
Good American The Honeymoon Mid Rise
Price: $$$
While this option could also be categorized as a “splurge,” these jeans from Good American are perfect for those who prefer a high-waisted fit. They include soft black side panel inserts in the waistband to accommodate your growing belly and come in sizes from 00 to 24.
The higher stretch fabric blend of these jeans awards them major comfort points. According to a reviewer, these are “hands down the most comfortable jeans I have ever owned, let alone maternity jeans!”
Old Navy Maternity Premium Full Panel Distressed Raw-Edge Rockstar Jeans
Price: $
This option from Old Navy is an excellent selection for shorter women, as most of the reviewers stated they work well for their petite body types and even the regular length fit on the shorter side. (They come in short, regular, and long fit.)
One 4-foot 11-inch reviewer said the short fit her perfectly, and had a nice stretch. Another reviewer says, “I didn’t think jeans would be comfy being pregnant, but these definitely are.”
Buy Old Navy Maternity Premium Full-Panel Rockstar Jeans online.
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Tall Ridley High Waisted Skinny Jeans
Price: $
Tall ladies rejoice: ASOS has plenty of options for long-legged moms-to-be. These black skinny jeans (hello, date night!) are made of a stretch denim fabric and have a jersey over-the-belly waistband.
While the ASOS website doesn’t give an inseam measurement, the model in the photos is just shy of 5-feet 9-inches.
Buy ASOS DESIGN Maternity Tall Ridley High Waisted Skinny Jeans online.
H&M’s MAMA Push Up Ankle Jeggings
Price: $
Still not convinced that jeans and pregnancy go together? These stylish jeggings from H&M’s maternity line look like the real thing but with the feel of leggings.
This pair has a stretchy front belly panel, back pockets (warning: the front pockets are fake!), and a raw edge design for extra style points. Plus, the fronts of the ankles are higher than the backs for easy pairing with your favorite high tops or strappy sandals.
Madewell Maternity Side Panel Classic Straight Jeans in Carsondale Wash: Adjustable Edition
Price: $$$
If you’re going to drop some dough on jeans that will last, Madewell is the place to go. This pair has a low cut front and high cut back for support and style.
The stretchy side insets are perfect for hot months when you don’t want fabric on your stomach, and the adjustable fit allows for multi-trimester wear.
Buy Madewell Maternity Side Panel Classic Straight Jeans online.
Alivia Ford Skinny Jean with Frayed Hem and Full Panel
Price: $
If you’d rather be saving that $100 for an amazing nursery item or self-care splurge post-baby, these full panel skinny jeans from Alivia Ford Maternity will do the trick.
At around $20 these light-colored, distressed crops will get you through the summer in style without a heavy fabric weighing you down. The frayed ankles look super cute with flip-flops or sneakers, and at this price tag, you could buy a pair of the darker wash as well.
Buy Alivia Ford Skinny Jeans with Frayed Hem and Full Panel online.