How do you know what size maternity jeans to buy?

While fit can fluctuate between brands, McGowan says most maternity denim labels offer sizing based on your current pregnant measurements, so, however you grow during pregnancy, you can purchase the right size, whether you opt for a below or over-the-bump silhouette. “Fitting for above the bump or below should be based on your preference,” she says. “Over-the-bump styles should have a panel that is tight-fitting to the body to help keep your pants on you, but not so fitted to the point of discomfort.” Like DL1961 maternity jeans, some labels follow the same sizing as the mainline in sizes 23 to 34. “All of our maternity denim sits under the bump as we have found this to be the most comfortable for our pregnant customers,” Ahmed tells Byrdie. “Because of the elastic panels at the front waist, they can be worn post-pregnancy.”

When should you buy maternity jeans?

There’s no official “right” time to buy maternity jeans—it’s all about preference. Ahem says many maternity jeans are designed to be worn at all stages of pregnancy, including post-pregnancy. “Most women start shopping for maternity clothing once they are not able to wear their pre-pregnancy clothes comfortably and need more room and support,” she says. To extend the life of your existing denim, McGowan offers some advice. “The rubber band trick or front panel extenders help make some of your favorite pants work a little longer,” she explains. “Once you try on a well-fitting pair of maternity denim, you usually wish you had bought a pair sooner.”

What makes them maternity jeans?

Below-the-bump maternity jeans feature elastic panels at the front waist and a lower front rise to accommodate all stages of pregnancy, with a slightly higher back rise for a secure and mobile feel. Over-the-bump maternity jeans feature a larger stretch panel, typically without a button and fly, resembling leggings.

The Best Maternity Jeans of 2022

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Denim is one of the first instantaneously uncomfortable fabrics when you’re pregnant. That is until you’ve happened upon the best maternity jeans. Whether you’re a straight-leg, cropped, skinny, or boyfriend fan, jeans for pregnant bodies abound in many trendy iterations, appearing equally stylish as all the favorites you defaulted to before you were expecting.

By designing core denim silhouettes for maternity and post-maternity bodies, Hatch's Maggie McGowan tells Byrdie: “It’s all about making our woman feel like she’s wearing her normal jeans.”

Similarly, Sarah Ahmed at DL1961 says the brand focuses on offering a range of inseams, fits, and fashion details that cater to those who are pregnant, specifically. “We treat our maternity denim the same as our mainline denim,” she says. “We take our most popular mainline silhouettes, from skinny and straight to boyfriend and bootcut, and tailor them to accommodate the various needs of pregnancy dressing.”

Meet the Expert

Maggie McGowan is the Vice President of Design at Hatch, with prior experience at Madewell and Michael Kors Collection. The birth of her two daughters significantly honed her design aesthetic for maternity wear, recognizing the challenge women face when getting dressed while pregnant.
Sarah Ahmed is the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at the family-owned brand premium denim label DL1961.

Both experts suggest owning a few pairs of maternity jeans in a range of fits and washes. “Our motto at DL1961 is: Buy less and wear more,” says Ahmed. “Because our maternity denim is made to wear during pregnancy and after, we suggest selecting a few seasonless styles you can dress up or down.”

A tried and true classic leg shape and wash you can wear every day, like a skinny or straight leg, is a great entry point. “This style would be chic enough to work with a crisp, white button-down at the farmers market yet casual enough to sit down on the grass for a lazy evening picnic dinner with friends,” says McGowen. Second, consider a more fashion-forward style in a different wash. “Maybe your second pair is lighter denim in a cropped kick flare, or your second pair is a slouchy boyfriend in a darker wash,” she continues. At the same time, Ahmed points to a white bootcut for summer weather.

McGowen suggests a cropped, slim, stovepipe leg in a stretch black or white denim for a third option. “Use it as an alternative to a legging, style it with everything, and both colors would be appropriate all year long,” she says.

Keep reading for the best maternity jeans, with more fit and shopping tips from McGowen and Ahmed below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hatch The Crop Maternity Jean at Hatchcollection.com

Jump to Review

Best Straight Leg:

DL1961 Patti Straight Maternity at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Ankle:

Paige Maternity Noella Straight Jeans at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wide Leg:

H&M MAMA Wide High Ankle Jeans at Hm.com

Jump to Review

Best Skinny:

Citizens of Humanity Rocket Ankle Skinny Maternity Jeans at Apeainthepod.com

Jump to Review

Most Comfortable:

Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-ish Seamless Maternity Leggings at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mom Jeans:

ASOS DESIGN Maternity High Waist Slouchy Mom Jeans at Asos

Jump to Review

Best on Amazon:

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Skinny Jeans at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Gap Cheeky Straight Jeans With Washwell at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best White:

Joe’s Lara Ankle Maternity Jeans at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
Why Trust Byrdie

Hatch

View On Hatchcollection.com View On Maisonette.com View On Shopbop.com

McGowan says Hatch’s Crop Maternity Jean is her ultimate add-to-cart pick for any expecting mom. “This perfect pair of denim will give you a chic sneaker and white T-shirt moment or a polished night out when worn with your favorite blouse, statement earrings, and a block heel,” she says. “They’re fitted in the hip and thigh, but the kick crop keeps them comfortable and flattering on all the different and beautiful body shapes. With three different wash offerings, you’re ready to go anywhere.”

Material: Indigo and Light Wash: 92% Cotton 8% Elastomultiester; True White: 60% Cotton 37% Tencel 3% Elastane | Colors: Indigo, True White, Light Wash | Size Range: 25-34 | Care: True White: Machine wash warm and tumble dry cool; Light Wash: Machine wash cold and tumble dry cool; Indigo: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dl1961.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

“The Patti Straight is our best-selling maternity jean,” says Ahmed—a vintage straight fit with a 27-inch inseam that’s relaxed through the leg and easy to dress up or down. “It comes in three classic washes—light indigo, dark indigo, and solid black—and features stretch panels at the front waistband for ultimate comfort through every trimester,” she continues. “It’s also made with clean dyes, solar power, and less than 10 gallons of water per pair.”

Material: Black: 58% cotton, 28% Tencel lyocell, 13% polyester, 1% lycra spandex; Seaborn Raw + Reef: 99% cotton, 1% lycra spandex | Colors: Black, Seaborn Raw, Reef | Size Range: 23-34 | Care: Machine wash cold

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Revolve View On Shopbop.com

This medium-blue indigo straight is perfect for work or dressier occasions. The clean, cropped cut hits at the ankle to showcase your footwear of choice, from heels to sneakers and flats. And with medium stretch throughout and elastic panels at the waist with button closure and zip fly, they’re as comfy as they are polished whether you style them with an oversize tee or blazer and blouse.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Colors: Roam | Size Range: 23-34 | Care: Machine wash cold

H&M

View On Hm.com

Most maternity jeans come in skinny and straight-leg fits. But if you’re all for the trendy slouchy look, H&M’s wide-leg MAMA jeans are for you. The 5-pocket, ankle-length jean features frayed hems for a cool, undone look and a wide jersey waist panel for a comfortable over-tummy fit with a zip fly and buttons.

Material: 99% recycled cotton blend, 1% spandex | Waist Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Colors: Light denim blue | Size Range: XS-XXL | Care: Machine wash cool

citizens of humanity rocket ankle skinny maternity jeans

A Pea In The Pod

View On Apeainthepod.com View On Macy's View On Motherhood.com

Citizens of Humanity is a tried-and-true favorite for jeans, which, wonderfully, includes maternity. For your go-to off-duty pair of skinnies, look to this light-wash pair featuring a single ripped knee with tattered hems for an undone look. The seamless over-the-bump stretch panel offers discreet comfort and support that layers well under tops and knits of all kinds.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Waist Material: 93% nylon, 7% spandex | Colors: Surf Spray | Size Range: 25-32 | Care: Machine wash

spanx mama ankle jean-ish seamless maternity leggings

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

Spanx jeans-ish leggings are the perfect way to master maximum comfort with the put-together look of denim. Coming in white, black, and dark blue, these feature a comfy over-the-pump stretch panel that’s seamless and supportive as your bump grows. Keep them in rotation after baby when you’re in the mood for denim sans a restricted fit. It’s worth noting that the brand recommends washing these before you wear them for the first time.

Material: 69% cotton, 26% polyester, 5% elastane | Waist Material: 89% nylon, 11% elastane | Colors: White, Black, Twilight Rinse | Size Range: XS-XL | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle cycle with like colors; lay flat to dry

ASOS

View On Asos

No better time to embrace slouchy mom jeans than when pregnant, right? This non-stretch pair is designed for a loose fit through the legs, with elastic panels at the waist to sit under the bump comfortably. Pair yours with sneakers and an oversize hoodie for relaxed days, or proudly showcase your bump with a fitted tee.

Material: 93% cotton, 7% spandex | Colors: Stonewash | Size Range: 2-16 | Care: Machine wash

signature by levi strauss and co gold label maternity skinny jeans

Amazon

View On Amazon

Love your Levi jeans? Look no further than one of the brand’s best-selling maternity styles during your pregnancy—the Gold Label skinny. With over 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, these super-stretchy jeans come in four washes and retain their shape wear after wear. Plus, they feature a smooth and comfy knit over-the-bump panel that grows with you throughout the trimesters and beyond.

Material: 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane | Colors: Blue Ice, Blue Laguna, Flip Sig, Noir | Size Range: XS-XL | Care: Machine wash

Gap Maternity True Waistband Full Panel Cheeky Straight Jeans With Washwell

Gap

View On Gap.com

Gap’s straight-leg maternity jeans are a mega pregnancy style win, combining affordability with sustainability and vintage-inspired design. Featuring a classic five-pocket design and over-the-bump stretch panel, you get the look of modern and versatile straight legs with the comfort of stretch denim that you crave most with a growing belly. Plus, they come in four different eco-friendly washes.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Colors: Medium Wash, Dark Indigo, White, Dark Wash, Grey Wash | Size Range: 25-34 (in short, regular, and long) | Care: Machine wash

Bloomingdales

View On Nordstrom View On Apeainthepod.com View On Bloomingdales

Joe’s maternity jeans are constant sell-outs, so act fast on this white straight-leg fit for summer. The clean look and lightweight feel are comfy in the heat and perfect with slide sandals, summer sneakers, and heels if you’re up for it. Even better, the stretch panels go a little more unnoticed if they peek out from beneath your top (a common later-in-pregnancy woe).

Material: 71% cotton, 27% lyocell, 2% elastane | Colors: White | Size Range: 23-34 | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry

Madewell

View On Madewell.com

Who doesn’t love a vintage-wash black jeans to style casually with sweatshirts or dressed up with heels? This pair by Madewell is cut low for an under-the-belly fit with elastic inserts and an adjustable elasticized waistband. The perfectly broken-in feel will feel good throughout pregnancy and beyond, whether you style them with an over button-down and slides or a peplum top and pumps for dinner.

Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane heritage stretch denim | Colors: Lunar Wash | Size Range: 23-33 | Care: Machine wash

Seraphine

View On Seraphine.com

If you’re seeking over-the-bump skinny jeans, look to Seraphine’s classic style, made with organic cotton. With the classic look of a traditional button and fly closure, you can wear tops of all kinds, from sweaters to button-downs and tees. The darker wash can easily be dressed up or down for errands and coffee runs to dinners out.

Material: 81% organic cotton, 17% recycled polyester, 2% elastane; waistband: 94% cotton, 6% elastane | Colors: Blue | Size Range: 2-16 (in regular, petite, and long) | Care: Machine wash; do not tumble dry; can be dry cleaned

blanqi maternity belly support flare jeans

Byrdie

View On Blanqi.com

We’re indeed amid a flare jean resurgence, especially when they nonchalantly pool around your ankles. During pregnancy, reach for Blanqi’s super-stretchy, pull-on design, crafted from the same moisture-wicking and buttery-soft microfiber used in the brand’s bestselling leggings. They’re made with a hidden but supportive over-the-belly panel that lifts and redistributes baby weight while feeling smooth and gentle on delicate (and likely super-stretched) skin.

Material: 87% cotton, 12% polyester, 1% spandex | Colors: Light Stonewash, Worn Indigo Wash | Size Range: 0-14

hudson nico midrise bootcut maternity jeans

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Hudsonjeans.com

Blame Y2K nostalgia, but the bootcut is also back. This maternity pair by Hudson looks as stylish pooled at the ankle with sneakers as it does with strappy heeled sandals, featuring front elastic panels designed to sit below the bump, with plenty of stretch throughout for maximum comfort.

Material: 93% cotton, 6% polyester, 1% elastane | Colors: Spades | Size Range: 23-34 | Care: Machine wash

A Pea In The Pod

View On Apeainthepod.com View On Express.com View On Motherhood.com

When you’re craving a denim look that’s as comfy as your sweats, it’s all about the maternity jogger jeans. This pair by Ripe features a clean straight leg and is made from soft and stretchy denim with an elastic waist, drawstring, and side front pockets. Pair them with cushy sandals and a tank in the thick of summer, or layer up with an oversize knit and sneakers or boots when the weather is cool.

Material: 96% cotton, 2% polyester, 2% elastane | Colors: Fade Wash, Medium Wash | Size Range: XS-XL

What to Look for in Maternity Jeans

Supportive fit

Ahmed says the most important factors to seek in maternity jeans are features that support and provide flexibility for bump growth. Additionally, McGowen says that “Fit, proportion, and fabric composition is everything that separates a great pair of maternity jeans from your favorite go-to denim.” Of course, the fit must be designed with a pregnant body in mind, including how the hips and belly change and the effect said changes have on the pulling and bunching of fabric. “Each denim maternity style is about keeping proportion in mind,” the Hatch VP continues. “A growing belly changes the entire silhouette of the body, and maternity denim factors that new shape into its fit.”

Soft, stretchy fabric

Soft fabric with good recovery through stretch is best for the material in maternity jeans, too. “Our core denim was selected as it feels like the perfect worn and loved jeans right off the shelf,” McGowan tells Byrdie. “The element of stretch helps give you a bit of give as your body shifts and helps keep its shape,” she continues. “Our slim jeans have a high element of stretch so they can move with you easily and be forgiving on the body while still having that fitted silhouette.”

Ahmed says most DL1961 maternity styles are made with high-retention stretch to retain a level of comfort and mobility. “We also offer select styles in our DL Ultimate fabric, which features botanic fibers such as Tencel and Modal that are known for their ultra-soft hand feel and breathability,” she explains.

FAQ

How do you know what size maternity jeans to buy?

While fit can fluctuate between brands, McGowan says most maternity denim labels offer sizing based on your current pregnant measurements, so, however you grow during pregnancy, you can purchase the right size, whether you opt for a below or over-the-bump silhouette. “Fitting for above the bump or below should be based on your preference,” she says. “Over-the-bump styles should have a panel that is tight-fitting to the body to help keep your pants on you, but not so fitted to the point of discomfort.”
Like DL1961 maternity jeans, some labels follow the same sizing as the mainline in sizes 23 to 34. “All of our maternity denim sits under the bump as we have found this to be the most comfortable for our pregnant customers,” Ahmed tells Byrdie. “Because of the elastic panels at the front waist, they can be worn post-pregnancy.”
When should you buy maternity jeans?

There’s no official “right” time to buy maternity jeans—it’s all about preference. Ahem says many maternity jeans are designed to be worn at all stages of pregnancy, including post-pregnancy. “Most women start shopping for maternity clothing once they are not able to wear their pre-pregnancy clothes comfortably and need more room and support,” she says.
To extend the life of your existing denim, McGowan offers some advice. “The rubber band trick or front panel extenders help make some of your favorite pants work a little longer,” she explains. “Once you try on a well-fitting pair of maternity denim, you usually wish you had bought a pair sooner.”
What makes them maternity jeans?

Below-the-bump maternity jeans feature elastic panels at the front waist and a lower front rise to accommodate all stages of pregnancy, with a slightly higher back rise for a secure and mobile feel. Over-the-bump maternity jeans feature a larger stretch panel, typically without a button and fly, resembling leggings.

Why Trust Byrdie

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a seasoned editor and commerce writer who had her first child this spring. As a Byrdie contributor, she’s constantly on the hunt for and trials products that are not only stylish but make life easier, including pregnancy-related essentials. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Marie Claire, Glamour, Town&Country, InStyle, Esquire, Women’s Health, WWD, Footwear News, Brides, Refinery29, Coveteur, and more. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Art History from the University of Arizona.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough maternity jeans from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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