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The Best Maternity Jeans for Every Shape, Size and Style

Must-have denim to wear during all three trimesters of pregnancy (and beyond).

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gap, walmart, goodamerican

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In general, most pregnant moms will start wearing maternity jeans by the second trimester. As soon as your regular jeans start to feel too tight – which could easily happen in the first trimester – it's a good idea to make the switch to maternity jeans. But finding a pair that's comfortable, flattering, and can grow with you (and your bump) is easier said than done. There are so many brands and styles to choose from, plus you have to decide out how much coverage you want over your belly.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab reviews maternity clothes of all kinds, from pregnancy leggings to nursing bras and more. To find the best maternity jeans, we looked at materials, style, fit and pricing. We also considered personal experiences and feedback from real users. Here are the best maternity jeans to buy when you're pregnant.

Best Overall Maternity Jeans

Gap Maternity Soft Wear Demi Panel True Skinny Jeans

On Sale
Maternity Soft Wear Demi Panel True Skinny Jeans
Now 25% Off
Credit: Gap

Pros

  • Comfortable and flattering
  • Comes in lots of styles and colors
  • Multiple panel options for various fits

Cons

  • Price fluctuates; keep an eye out for sales

Gap's maternity jeans earn our top spot because the brand offers something for everyone. There are tons of styles to choose from – like skinny, straight, bootcut and more – with various color shades and size options for tall and short. Even better, they're not overly pricey and often go on sale. This style in particular uses a demi panel, but there are side insets and full panel options as well.

Best Value Maternity Jeans

Oh! Mamma Maternity Skinny Jeans with Demi Panel

Maternity Skinny Jeans with Demi Panel
Credit: Oh! Mamma

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Available in plus sizes
  • Fabric is stretchy and comfortable

Cons

  • Some users say the skinny leg is too loose

Like the previous style, these jeans also come in a variety of color and panel options for every preference. On top of that, they're a total steal for under $20. They don't come in tall or short sizes, but they're available in plus sizes up to 3X. Most reviewers sing their praises, saying they fit well and feels comfortable to wear. A few note that they fit too loose in the legs.

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Best Curvy Maternity Jeans

Good American The Honeymoon Mid Rise

The Honeymoon Mid Rise
Credit: Good American

Pros

  • Available in sizes 00-24
  • Side inset panels with a higher fit

Cons

  • Pricier than others

With a flattering fit that the luxury denim brand is known for, these jeans are size inclusive to fit curvy bodies and wider thighs, plus they're available in 00 through 24. And while most inset panels have a low-rise fit, these sit higher on the belly yet still offer insets for people who don't like fabric panels. If you prefer a different leg or rise, there are several other maternity jean styles to choose from.

Best Tall Maternity Jeans

Old Navy Maternity Front Low-Panel Universal Straight Jeans

Maternity Front Low-Panel Universal Straight Jeans
Credit: Old Navy

Pros

  • Long sizes available in 0-20
  • Variety of affordable styles

Cons

  • This particular panel may not be supportive enough in late pregnancy

If you struggle to find maternity jeans for a taller frame, Old Navy has tons of long-legged options with a 32" inseam and are available in pant sizes 0-20. This pair in particular has a light wash and straight leg fit to give your lower legs more wiggle room, plus a low-rise panel that sits just in the front of the jeans. It's also available in regular and short sizes and is on the lower end of maternity jean pricing.

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Best Maternity Jeans for Early Pregnancy

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans

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Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
Now 17% Off
Credit: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.

Pros

  • Less elastic at waist for smaller bumps
  • Comfortable and stretchy denim

Cons

  • Not ideal for third trimester

Whether you're in the first or second trimester or just have a smaller bump size, these jeans have less elastic than others to help fit well without feeling too loose. They're also Amazon's bestseller for maternity jeans with rave reviews from users who say it's the only pair they've found that can stay up. The jeans use a cotton blend denim that feels stretchy around legs so you can comfortably wear them all day.

Best Designer Maternity Jeans

PAIGE Transcend Skyline Skinny Maternity Jeans

Transcend Skyline Skinny Maternity Jeans
Now 57% Off
Credit: Paige

Pros

  • Soft, stretchy and sturdy fabric
  • 31-inch inseam offers full length

Cons

  • Dye may bleed; wash before use

While many designer denim brands offer maternity styles, don't expect them to fit the same as your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans. That being said, these fan-favorite Paige jeans do not disappoint. Users love how thick and substantial the fabric feels, while still being stretchy and non-constricting. Note that the inseam is 31" long, so shorter moms might need to have them hemmed.

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Best Maternity Skinny Jeans

H&M MAMA Super Skinny Jeans

MAMA Super Skinny Jeans
Credit: H&M

Pros

  • Stretchy denim with a skinny fit
  • Available in petite sizes

Cons

  • Care instructions advise dry clean only

You don't have to sacrifice flattering and form-fitting pants just because you're pregnant: These self-proclaimed "super" skinny jeans have a stretchy denim fabric around the legs with a jersey knit panel over the belly. Available in both regular and petite lengths, they come in sizes XS to XXL, though we recommend sizing up if you're in between.

Best Maternity Mom Jeans

Asos Maternity Maternity Original Mom Jeans

 Maternity Original Mom Jeans
Credit: ASOS

Pros

  • Relaxed fit throughout legs
  • 100% cotton

Cons

  • Less stretch than other styles

"Mom jeans" are known for their relaxed fit and high-waist design, and they've proven themselves stylish over the past few years. These are ideal for pregnant moms that prefer looser fits over slim and skinny thanks to the slight bagginess of the legs. And while some tight-fitting maternity jeans have stretch in the denim, these are 100% and will feel more structured throughout.

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Best Maternity Jeggings

SPANX Mama Ankle Jean-ish Maternity Leggings

Mama Ankle Jean-ish Maternity Leggings
Credit: Spanx

Pros

  • Comfort of leggings with the appearance of denim
  • Shape and control without feeling tight

Cons

  • No tall, petite or plus sizes available

For maternity bottoms that look like jeans but feel like leggings, these hybrid pants are an easy wardrobe staple that you can wear anywhere. They also have slimming benefits throughout the leg that help them look flattering without feeling constricting, plus a stretchy over-the-bump fit for support. Besides this dark rinse, they're also available in black or white.

Best Distressed Maternity Jeans

1822 Destructed Maternity Skinny Jeans

Destructed Maternity Skinny Jeans
Credit: 1822

Pros

  • Trendy tears for unique design
  • Comfortable fabric

Cons

  • Limited sizing

With asymmetrical distressing that looks on trend without going over the top, this pair has a versatile over-the-belly fit that you can wear into your late pregnancy. They get glowing reviews from users who say they feel incredibly comfortable. Just note that this pair is only available in sizes S-XL, without options for plus, tall or petite.

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Best Faux Leather Maternity Jeans

7 For All Mankind b(air) Coated Ankle Skinny Maternity Jeans

b(air) Coated Ankle Skinny Maternity Jeans
Credit: 7 For All Mankind

Pros

  • Coating adds a leather-like look
  • Fabric is lightweight and stretchy

Cons

  • Expensive

Coated jeans give you a shiny finish similar to leather and are ideal for a dressed-up denim look. Not only does this pair look great, but they also feel lightweight and stretchy instead of thick and stiff, like you might expect an added layer. We also love that they're machine wash safe. The fit is a low rise with inset panels.

Best Designer Maternity Jeans

Hatch The Nearly Skinny Maternity

The Nearly Skinny Maternity

Pros

  • Flattering fabric and fit
  • Available in denim, black and white colors

Cons

  • Expensive

This celebrity favorite brand is well-loved for its maternity clothes that can be worn throughout your pregnancy and into your postpartum days. This jeans use a stretchy fabric with a skinny fit that looks super flattering on. They come in several colors with an ankle-length fit. Note that the brand recommends sizing up.

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Best Organic Cotton Maternity Jeans

Seraphine Organic Cotton Over Bump Maternity Jeans

Organic Cotton Over Bump Maternity Jeans
Credit: Seraphine

Pros

  • Made with organic cotton and recycled polyester
  • Celebrity favorite brand

Cons

  • Brand doesn't offer free shipping

It's hard to find sustainable fashion brands when it comes to maternity clothes, but this style uses 81% organic cotton, which uses less water and chemicals to grow. The rest of the blend is made up of recycled polyester with a touch of spandex. On top of that, they look flattering on and have an over-the-belly fit that can support you as your bump gets bigger. The brand is well-loved by royals and these specific jeans were even worn by Anne Hathaway.

Softest Maternity Jeans

Madewell Side-Panel Skinny Jeans

Side-Panel Skinny Jeans
Credit: Madewell

Pros

  • Blended with lyocell for a softer feel
  • High rise in the back for more coverage

Cons

  • 28.5" inseam may be too short on some

While most jeans are made of cotton, these are blended with 11% TENCEL lyocell, a man-made fiber that uses wood pulp as the raw material and feels incredibly soft and silky. They have inset panels in the front and a high rise in the back for more coverage. Like some of the other styles, they're stretchy so they are easy to slip on and give a comfortable fit throughout the day.

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Best Maternity Overalls

Motherhood Maternity Indigo Blue Denim Overalls

Indigo Blue Denim Overalls
Credit: Motherhood Maternity

Pros

  • Cute and comfortable
  • Grows with your bump

Cons

  • Not as easy for bathroom breaks

Not only are maternity overalls in style thanks to how great they look over pregnant bellies, but they also help keep your pants up better than regular maternity bottoms. This denim pair in particular has hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon from reviewers who say they fit better than other styles. Just like inset maternity jeans, they have stretchy side panels that expands as your bump grows. For warmer weather, these also come as shortalls (i.e. short overalls).

Best Maternity Jean Shorts

HOFISH Over The Belly Pregnancy Shorts

Over The Belly Pregnancy Shorts
Credit: HOFISH

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Fabric is stretchy and non-constricting

Cons

  • Inseam may be too short for some preferences

Most maternity denim brands also sell shorts, so if you find a fit you love then it's a good idea to stick with that. But if you're unsure, this Amazon bestseller is inexpensive, uses a soft and stretchy fabric, and has an over-the-bump fit to help them stay in place. The panel can also help support you, which is crucial when you're already dealing with being pregnant in the heat! They also come in both light and dark washes.

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How do I choose the best maternity jeans for me?

line break

Just like shopping for regular jeans, you'll need to consider what style you're looking for and your body type. On top of that, you get to pick which waistband you prefer to help the jeans stay in place. It comes down to personal preferences, but the most popular panel options include:

  • Side inset panels are stretchy pieces of fabric built into the waistband of the jeans to help it expand. These have the least amount of extra material for people who prefer less coverage over their bumps, and they usually sit lower on your hips than the other styles.
  • Demi waistband panels use a stretchy fabric at the waist that covers just the lower part of your bum, perfect if don't like low-rise jeans, yet still don't want your belly entirely covered.
  • Full-coverage panels go all the way over your belly and can even help support you, especially in the third trimester. These panels also help keep your jeans up for a higher fit.
  • Pants extenders place on your pre-pregnancy jeans are great if you find yourself in an in-between period where your jeans are too snug yet maternity jeans seem too loose. They help keep your pants up without needing to button or zip the waistband.
Headshot of Lexie Sachs
Lexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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