6 pairs of maternity jeans you'll love (and where to buy them)
You don’t have to swear off denim for nine months
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The first signs of your growing baby bump might come in the first trimester when you go to button your favorite broken-in jeans and just can’t get that button to fasten. Maybe you don't even know you're pregnant yet. Surprise!
The good news is that maternity jeans have never been trendier, and they give a whole new meaning to the “mom jeans” trend.
From skinny jeans to boot cut, frayed to cuffed, maternity clothing brands have become much more innovative and creative in their array of options for moms-to-be.
Here are six maternity jean options that will keep you feeling stylish and comfortable as you and your baby grow.
6 pairs of maternity jeans to try
1. Mjeans by Maurices Over-the-Bump Colored Maternity Jegging
When your stiff maternity jeans get too uncomfortable, and you wish you could wear leggings every day, these maternity jeggings solve so many problems at once. They transition well from a work day, to a casual outing with friends, and make for easy to dress up or down everyday wear.
Available in four different colors and sizes X-small through XX-large, these almost-jeans accommodate many body types and bump sizes.
With the Over The Bump Colored Maternity Jegging, there are a variety of options—with four different colors and plenty of inclusive sizes.
2. Motherhood Maternity Side-panel Letdown Hem Maternity Overalls
These overalls feature ankle-length denim pants that won't constrict you.
If you haven’t had a pair of overalls since junior high, pregnancy is the perfect time to give the trend another go—they look super cute with a bump at any stage. These have adjustable straps, and a stylish ankle length hem that makes them perfect for spring and summer as well.
We only wish they were available in a few more sizes, and maybe another color, but these will be your most surprising pregnancy staple if you are able to snag a pair.
Overalls can be a fun and less formal denim option for all mamas this summer that will allow your bump the extra room it needs.
3. Hatch The Boyfriend Maternity Jean
This pair of jeans from Hatch are one of the many fabulous maternity options offers.
These splurge-worthy jeans will take you through multiple seasons of pregnancy, and don’t even look like maternity jeans thanks to a well concealed side panel. They even still have a button.
Available in two washes, these slightly distressed jeans will last multiple pregnancies, if you decide to have more kids.
They’re also easy to pair with every shoe from boots to flip flops to sneakers to ensure you get your money’s worth.
These jeans are far from slouchy or uncomfortable like other jeans. The Boyfriend Maternity Jean is straight-cut with extra side-paneling for comfort.
4. Stitch Fix Just USA Eason Maternity Frayed-hem Straight-leg Jean
A full belly panel can bring extra support to those who are both pregnant and postpartum.
These jeans prove you can have a little fun at any stage of pregnancy. The frayed bottoms look ready for any adventure, and pair perfectly with your favorite flats.
Some pregnant moms prefer a belly panel that doesn’t stretch all the way up to their bra lines, and if that’s you, these are your match. The panel covers your bump but not your upper stomach area.
This simple and straight legged classic is available in sizes 2 to 16, and made from a cotton/poly/spandex blend.
The frayed hem on these maternity jeans are perfect for Saturday outings and playdates alike.
5. Abercrombie Maternity 4-inch Mom Shorts
Abercrombie's maternity shorts bring some normalcy back to your wardrobe after introducing maternity-wear to it.
Just when you thought you couldn’t shop at the same stores during pregnancy, Abercrombie & Fitch nodded to moms building the next generation with these “mom shorts.”
They feature a unique style in which the belly band is sewn deeper into the shorts, not right at the top of the denim, making them look a bit more like your typical jean shorts and less like maternity wear.
These 4 Inch Mom Shorts are perfect for hot summer weather and have a full panel with extra stretch to cover the entire belly.
6. Gap Maternity True Waistband Full-panel Cheeky Straight Jeans with Washwell
Gap has been recognized for their quality denim and stylish designs.
It’s hard to beat Gap’s pricing, sizing, and color options when it comes to maternity wear, and jeans are no exception.
These dark blue options come without distressing, can be dressed up or down, and various colorways often go on sale for less than half of the original price.
Available in short, regular, or long, these are a safe, classic, and versatile pair of jeans to last all nine months.
Gap's Maternity Cheeky Straight Jeans can be your go-to denim option for everyday as they are stylish and long-lasting.
What are maternity jeans?
Maternity jeans are jeans with an over-the-belly fabric panel, or jeans that have built-in expanders around the waist. They are meant to be forgiving around the hips, waist, and belly, to accommodate your growing bump.
Maternity jeans come in all lengths, from short shorts to full-length jeans, so you can pick a pair for each season you are expecting.
If you aren’t a fan of denim, and tend to live in leggings, there are also extensive options for maternity jeggings that might be a more comfortable option during pregnancy.
Do I need maternity jeans?
It depends how often you wore your jeans pre-pregnancy. If jeans are already a staple in your wardrobe, this item will be an important one to invest in for pregnancy. However, if you were more a leggings and joggers kind of gal before, you probably won’t want to start wearing jeans now.
When should I buy maternity jeans?
As soon as you don’t fit into your non-maternity jeans! This tends to happen towards the end of the first trimester for many mamas, but it can be even earlier—especially if it’s not your first pregnancy.
If you own some stretchy jeans, rather than those with a zipper and button, you might be able to use those longer in your pregnancy, or use waist extenders to wear your typical jeans a few more weeks or months. Most women will know in their second trimester if they are going to want maternity jeans for the rest of the pregnancy.
What size maternity jeans should I buy?
Like other maternity clothes, most jeans are sized to fit your pre-pregnancy size, but check each size guide when you are shopping to be sure.
This isn’t the time to buy the most skin tight jeans you can squeeze into, as you might find them to be too constricting on your belly as you get further along in pregnancy. If you are stuck between two sizes, opt for the larger one to accommodate those last few weeks of pregnancy.