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The 15 best maternity jeans that feel just as comfy as leggings
I'm not a regular mom, I'm a cool mom (to be)
Of all the essentials you'll need to purchase during pregnancy, jeans might be your number one priority. Unlike repurposing your oversized and loose-fitting clothes, jeans just aren't designed to grow with your belly – and your non-pregnancy styles stop fitting almost immediately.
But also, a good pair of jeans is perfect for a staple pregnancy wardrobe (think leggings, dresses, and a blazer) that'll get you through this time. Wardrobe stylist and brand consultant Allison Bornstein, who's worked with celebs like Katie Holmes and brands like Tory Burch and Sezane, helps pregnant clients create a capsule that makes dressing during many body changes easier. And, that will prevent over-buying clothes you're only going to wear for a few months.
Bornstein sees pregnancy as an opportunity to try new styles with your changing shape. "I think it is such a fun time to dress because your body is so different, and you can try new things," she says. "BUT I find that many of my clients will initially feel a little out of sorts and unlike themselves, so it's nice to have something that grounds you."
In my case, because I'm short: skinny, straight, and cigarette-style denim are the best type of jeans for me (wide-leg denim tends to make the bump look bigger). Think of it like a reverse hourglass. Show off that gorge bump, and taper at the top and bottom of your body. Also worth noting? How your body responds to pregnancy is unique and kinda surprising sometimes, tbh. "I wouldn't rush and get things before you start growing because you never know how you'll feel and how your body will change," says Bornstein, who also does virtual styling sessions.
There's still good news: you only really need one or two pairs of jeans that you absolutely love and wear 24/7, which is both budget-conscious and eco-conscious. So below, here are the 14 best maternity jeans that'll be worth your time and money – and will still make you feel like you.
Seraphine Organic Ripped Boyfriend Maternity Jeans
Seraphine is a pro in the maternity-wear game and has your pregnancy wardrobe covered. We love their denim collection, in particular these boyfriend jeans that are the ultimate in casual cool. Made from organic cotton denim, they are super soft and stretchy.
I basically lived in ASOS maternity denim when I was pregnant, both because of the value and how fab I felt. According to Bornstein, the brand's look and fit is "perfect if you want a maternity jean that has that more vintage feeling and isn't necessarily super skinny and stretchy throughout."
We know what you're thinking – yes, pregnant women *can* wear white (or off-white in this case). And we say make the most of it while you can before your little bundle of joy arrives and vomits all over them. Ahh the joys of motherhood...
It's totally a personal preference, but some pregnant peeps love the ~under-the-bump~ style because it's less hassle and better for more months of your pregnancy. "I would try to find something that has a similar vibe to what you normally wear but a maternity version," sez Bornstein. DL1961's maternity is sustainable with stretch and hold, so you're getting more for what you pay for.
John Lewis 7 For All Mankind Bootcut Maternity Jeans
If pre-pregnancy you were wearing designer denim brands, you may not want to give up those luxuries. Lucikly, 7 For All Mankind has maternity styles – like these black bootcut jeans. Crafted from that brand's Slim Illusion denim (a revolutionary fabric that offers stretch and high-recovery), you won't have to compromise on style. Plus, they also boast a Secret Fit panel to accommodate a growing bump so you can wear them all throughout your pregnancy. That justifies the spennier price tag, IMO.
We are still big fans of Topshop denim, and the same applies to the brand's maternity range. This pair comes in a regular mom fit but with a jersey bump band for added comfort. We love the '90s bleach wash.
Parents-to-be looooove Spanx leggings because they feel sculpted in all the right places but also supported and comfy (a pregnancy must). These jeggings give you a leggings feel with a real denim look – that's what we call a win win. You can wear them to work but also, no need to take 'em off at home.
River Island Blue maternity split hem flared jeans
Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't dress on trend. We're loving the '70s fashion revival, especially when it comes to denim. Flares? Yes please! The super stretch fabric, overbump maternity waistband, and split hem all make this style extra pregnancy-friendly, too.
For denim that's also basically a whole outfit, invest in a pair of deungarees. You'll look adorbs, you'll be comfy, you'll be able to layer, and you can roll up the pant legs for a "casual vibes only feel." Done and done!
Isabella Oliver Over the Bump Organic Maternity Boyfriend Jeans
Prioritising sustainability in pregnancy, Isabella Oliver is one of our favourite maternity brands. The London-based label's jeans made from organic cotton are a must-have – with no zips or buttons, simply pull on and up over your bump.
Lean into the oversized look with these wide-leg jeans. If the trailing hems are too long, simply roll them up to tap into the cuffed jeans trend we're loving ATM. P.S. These also come in black.
Tick the boxes for style and comfort with these jeggings. The skinny fit gives a figure-hugging feel, while the breathable cotton-rich fabric with added stretch ensures you can last all day in them. These also have a super high-waisted design to fully cover your bump, which some people prefer.
Some denim-lovers (like moi) enjoy denim that mimics a high-waisted jean with the over-the-belly panel. "I have a few clients who are fully high-waisted vintage Levi’s wearers and felt really lost when they got pregnant, because the last thing that you want is stiff high-waisted denim pushing against your bump," says Bornstein. "In that case, we found some really great jeans to satisfy that cooler vibe but in a less restrictive way." It totally depends on the person, so try on both and see what works best for you.
Motherhood Maternity Super Stretch Secret Fit Belly Boot Cut Denim Jeans
You might not immediately think of bootcut as the pregnancy style, but think again."I think it's flattering on everyone, including pregnant people! The flare at the bottom adds a little balance to the hips and the bump and feels a bit more unexpected," Bornstein raves. More than 1,800 people on Amazon love this pair. (FYI, "secret fit" means there's a belly panel above the denim to keep your pants in place.)
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