The Best Maternity Jeans To Fit Every Bump And Style

Waistband style: Side panel | Colors: Two | Sizes: 23 to 34; 27-inch and 31-inch inseams 

This wide-leg high-waisted pair from designer denim brand Paige hits all the right marks. It has that effortlessly cool look that pairs easily with a wide variety of tops, can be dressed up or down and is made from the brand’s “Transcend Denim” that looks like thicker denim but is much softer, lighter weight and stretchier—all musts for dressing a pregnant body. With a nearly 12-inch rise, it’s not made to sit below the belly like other side-panel jeans (although it can), but will be equally comfortable pulled up over the belly as well, accommodating all the phases of pregnancy. 

It comes in two inseam options: 27-inch and 31-inch, so even petite moms-to-be can get the perfect fit without having to spend extra on alterations—or, if one prefers a cropped look instead. The two washes it’s available in are both on-trend. While it is an investment, its versatility, comfortability and ability to be worn even after the baby arrives, makes it a worthwhile purchase in our book. “Paige makes great maternity jeans with expandable panels that allow some stretch around the belly, while still staying up throughout the day. This style of maternity jeans is great for postpartum, too,” says Sassa. We’re also fans of the brand’s straight leg maternity jeans as well. 

Waistband style: Under the belly | Colors: Two | Sizes: 24 to 34 

If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of boyfriend jeans that you can’t even tell are maternity jeans, look no further. With small, barely noticeable wedge-shaped expandable bamboo and spandex side panels, these jeans are designed to be worn under your bump—even as it continues to grow.  “I’ve worn both full panel over belly and underbelly maternity jeans, and I prefer the underbelly paired with a fitted top for support,” says Candice Collison, cofounder and CEO of maternity line Of an Origin. 

The Hatch boyfriend jeans come in two washes, a “destroyed” light wash and a fantastic indigo, while details like distressing and a raw hem adds an extra laidback cool mom vibe. Just note, many customers say they do stretch out quite a bit (which is fabulous as the bump grows), but you may want to consider sizing down if you’re purchasing them early in your pregnancy, otherwise your prepregnancy size will probably work for most. (The indigo wash is on super sale right now, by the way.)

Waistband style: Under-the-bump and over-the bump panel options | Colors: Eight | Sizes: XS-XXL Plus

Classic Levis are just as good during pregnancy as they were before, and at under $30, this affordable pair of maternity jeans is ideal for those who aren’t looking to invest a lot in maternity pants or want to buy several pairs in different sizes as their bump grows, but still want to look and feel stylish. It’s a skinny leg and comes in a wide range of colors and even panel types. There’s an under-the-belly panel and full over-the-bump option as well. 

With thousands of five-star reviews, fans rave that the jeans feel like real denim—not jeggings—and praise the comfort of the panel. Despite the substantial feel, they note that the jeans are breathable and stretchy enough to sit with ease.

Waistband style: Full over-the-bump panel | Colors: Three | Sizes: 24 to 34; short/regular/long lengths 

Shopping for jeans as a petite person is hard enough not pregnant, so adding a bump to the mix can make it feel extra tricky. Fortunately, the Abercrombie Maternity Ankle Straight Jean makes that conundrum a thing of the past. The ankle length already makes it shorter than a full length pair, and you can select the short length option for an even better fit where the jeans will actually look cropped. “I like that Abercrombie has more on-trend cuts,” says Caroline B., a recently pregnant mom. 

The straight leg is a classic style that can easily be styled with various types of tops and the finished hem makes it look a little dressier than styles with a raw hem. The super light wash “90s Straight Leg” option has an ultra high-waist and distressed knee for a more casual feel. A full belly panel easily accommodates even third trimester bumps while functional pockets are always a win. 

Waistband style: Full over-the-bump panel | Colors: Four | Sizes: 24 to 31

With a wide leg and soft, over-the-belly panel, these stylish five-pocket jeans can be worn in every season: with Uggs or boots in the colder months and sneakers or sandals in warmer ones. On top, you can pair it with chunky sweaters, fitted tanks, an oversized button-down shirt and everything in between to feel put together. We love that this maternity jean comes in four colorways, including black and light olive for those who want to move beyond traditional blue jeans.

Reviews indicate these tend to run true to size, and the brand recommends ordering your prepregnancy size for the best fit. Super soft and stretchy, these can also often be found on sale, in case you want to stock up on more than one pair. 

Waistband style: Front low-panel | Colors: One | Sizes: 0 to 20; short, regular, long

These straight leg jeans have a unique low front panel only (the back is panel-less) that sits right under the belly, making them comfy both during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum months.  The black is easy to pair with lots of different tops and dressier than regular blue jeans. As an added bonus, they often go on sale making them wallet-friendly. 

I lived in these throughout (and after) my own pregnancies. I personally preferred the low panel to the full panel versions that often slid down and felt stuffy. They stretched out enough in the waist to grow with me, but not everywhere else and maintained their shape after many washings. There’s also a loose leg version if that’s the style you prefer.

Waistband style: Side panels | Colors: Two | Sizes: 23-34

“I look for the expandable side panels, I don’t like the feeling of the full panels on my skin, and the extra layer of synthetic fabric makes me hot,” says Collison. If side panels are what you’re also looking for, these sophisticated straight leg jeans somehow manage to be stretchy and comfy while maintaining its shape throughout the day—a real testament to its quality. The expandable below-the-belly side panels are discreet, making you feel like you’re wearing a “real” pair of jeans, while stretching easily to accommodate a growing belly.  

The ankle length and distressed hem lends it a chic silhouette (or can work as full-length jeans for petite mamas). This is one of those durable pairs that should last you through multiple pregnancies and beyond. Just note the front pockets aren’t functional, although the back ones are. There’s also a sleek black option.