12 Pairs of Actually Comfortable Maternity Jeans That Won’t Break the Bank

Almost as soon as you get pregnant, your body starts changing. During your pregnancy, you’ll likely need to shop for jeans as your belly starts expanding and your legs begin to swell. Luckily, there are a ton of maternity jeans on the market that are comfortable, cute, and won’t bust your budget. Although you’ll only need these maternity pants for a short period of time, your comfort is of the utmost importance during this special phase of life. Don’t feel guilty about splurging on clothes that actually fit your changing body.

Best maternity jeans at-a-glance

• Best classic style maternity jeans: Gap Maternity True Waistband Full Panel Skinny Jeans with Washwell
• Best skinny maternity jeans: Good American Good Mama Full Belly
• Best casual maternity jeans: Maternity Full Panel Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
• Best boyfriend maternity jeans: HATCH The Boyfriend Maternity Jean
• Best maternity overalls: Motherhood Indigo Blue Side Panel Destructed Maternity Shortalls
• Best straight cut maternity jeans: H&M MAMA Vintage Straight Jeans
• Best budget maternity jeans: Isabel Maternity High-Rise Inset Panel Distressed Bootcut Maternity Jeans
• Best black maternity jeans: Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Black Maternity Jeans
• Best maternity jeans for swollen ankles: Butter Ankle Slit Maternity Jeans by 1822 Denim 
• Best plus-sized maternity jeans: Pinkblush Maternity Light Wash Distressed Cropped Plus Maternity Jeans
• Fastest shipped maternity jeans: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
• Best selection of maternity jeans: A Pea In The Pod Paige Side Panel Verdugo Ultra Skinny Maternity Jeans

What to look for in maternity jeans

Shopping for maternity jeans requires more than just going up a size on your regular jeans. You’re going to need a pair that can accommodate your growing bump so the waistband is important. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a stretchy over-the-bump waistband (which are generally the most comfortable), side panels that are stretchy and built into the side of the jeans (and look more like regular jeans), or under-the-bump bands (for those who don’t want a panel right on top of the belly). You also want to look for fabric that’s stretchy, so you can wear the jeans for at least a few months of the pregnancy; no one wants to keep shopping for pants every month.

Things to consider when buying maternity clothes

Since you will likely only need maternity pants or jeans for a short time, you could sell your clothes second hand after your pregnancy at a place like ThredUp, Poshmark, or TheRealReal. You could also donate to a women’s shelter or pass along to an expecting friend. Some places, like Rent the Runway, have services available where you can borrow maternity clothes and switch them out for new items as your body changes.

Some maternity items are dual-purpose, meaning you can wear them both during pregnancy and postpartum, while nursing, for example. Other items are cut in a way that isn’t necessarily considered maternity but is “bump friendly.”

Shopping while pregnant can be stressful, since your body is constantly changing and you’re probably switching sizes faster than you can say “epidural.” Keep in mind that your body is doing a lot right now, so buy things that will make you feel your best, inside and out.

Below, shop the best maternity jeans in all price points, washes, styles, and sizes.

Best classic style maternity jeans

Gap Maternity True Waistband Full Panel Skinny Jeans with Washwell — $34.00

These skinny jeans come in 10 sizes and three lengths, in a dark indigo wash. The classic shape has a large over-the-belly panel to keep you feeling comfortable and secure. It’s slim cut through the hips and thighs, but thanks to the stretch denim material, it won’t feel too constricting.

Pros

• Over-the-belly panel
• Stretchy material
• Made with 13% recycled cotton

Cons

• Short in length

Best skinny maternity jeans

Good American Good Mama Full Belly — $159.00

These skinny jeans have a full belly band you can pull over your belly for extra coverage and support. The classic blue wash goes with just about everything, giving you a casual look that’s extra comfy.

Pros

• Full coverage belly band
• No waist band
• Inclusive size range

Cons

• Runs small

Best casual maternity jeans

Maternity Full Panel Boyfriend Ripped Jeans — $25.00

These trendy, ripped jeans are casual and cute, and perfect for fall. The straight cut has a lived-in feel, and the pair features a mid-rise waist. There is a large, full panel waistband to go over your belly. The cropped length hits just above the ankle. Sizes range from 0 to 20, with short, regular, and long inseam options.

Pros

• Full-panel waistband
• Mid-rise waist
• Affordable

Cons

• Not very stretchy

Best boyfriend maternity jeans

HATCH The Boyfriend Maternity Jean — $198.00

HATCH is a go-to for before, during, and after pregnancy, and this boyfriend jean is the stuff dreams are made of. The relaxed fit jean comes in two colors—destroyed light wash and indigo—and is incredibly stretchy. They have HATCH’s signature grow-with-you bamboo/spandex wedge and custom buttons and rivets. Sizing ranges from 25 to 34.

Pros

• Grow-with-you spandex wedge
• Don’t look like maternity jeans

Cons

• May have to try a few sizes to get the right one

Best maternity overalls

Motherhood Indigo Blue Side Panel Destructed Maternity Shorteralls — $65.00

For an adorable summertime look, these overall shorts have side panels to accommodate your growing bump. The laid-back look is both fun and functional, and machine washable. Adjustable straps also lend more give as you grow throughout your 40 weeks. These shortalls have a 5-star rating from almost 400 reviews, come in two colors, and sizes XS through XL.

Pros

• Adjustable straps so you can wear them during your whole pregnancy
• Stretchy material

Cons

• Only for warmer weather

Best straight cut maternity jeans

H&M MAMA Vintage Straight Jeans — $50.00

These stretchy, cotton-blend jeans are cropped at the ankle and cut straight for maximum comfort. A large jersey panel fits over the belly, and is made from partly recycled cotton. The jeans come in three washes, in sizes XS to XXL. You can buy them both in-store and online.

Pros

• Jersey waist panel
• Relaxed in the leg
• Soft cotton blend is partly recycled

Cons

• Sizing may be inconsistent between colors

Best budget maternity jeans

Isabel Maternity High-Rise Inset Panel Distressed Bootcut Maternity Jeans — $30.00

These fit-and-flare jeans sit comfortably below the belly, and feature stretch panels at the front pockets. The dark wash lends itself to match any outfit, and spandex adds stretch to the shape. The true fly button and zipper allows wear during pregnancy and postpartum since they run true to your pre-pregnancy size. Available in sizes 00 through 18.

Pros

• Sits under the belly
• Stretch panels at the pockets
• Affordable

Cons

• Lower rise may fall down more often

Best black maternity jeans

Seraphine Organic Cotton Under Bump Black Maternity Jeans — $39.00

This brand, loved by celebs like Kate Middleton, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, and more, offers a ton of stylish and classic maternity essentials. We love their denim, especially these black jeans made of organic cotton. They feature a stretchy under-bump band that is comfy and cozy (they have over the belly options as well). The jeans come in sizes US 2 to US 14, with petite, regular, and long options available.

Pros

• Fits under the bump
• Stretch jersey panel
• Made from organic and recycled materials

Cons

• Lower rise may fall down more often

Best maternity jeans for swollen ankles

Butter Ankle Slit Maternity Jeans by 1822 Denim — $59.00

My ankles were severely swollen during my pregnancy and after my cesarean. These cute ankle jeans have little adorned slits, giving your calves some much needed breathing room. The stretch panel that goes over-the-bump provides support, and the jeans are an easy-to-wear pull-on style. Sizing runs from 00 to 12, and runs large, so the brand recommends ordering one size down. Nordstrom provides free shipping and free returns, and also offers wrapping if you’re purchasing a gift.

Pros

• Stretch waist panel
• Pull on
• Soft and stretchy material

Cons

• Runs large

Best plus-size maternity jeans

Pinkblush Maternity Light Wash Distressed Cropped Plus Maternity Jeans — $68.00

These distressed denim jeans have a raw hem and an elastic over-belly waistband. Available in sizes 1X to 3X, the five-pocket jeans are slightly cropped, though one review notes they are long for “cropped” jeans. The light wash is stylish and casual—perfect to pair with a sweater this fall and winter.

Pros

• Elastic over-the-belly waistband
• Distressed look and raw hem for style

Cons

• Long in length

Fastest shipped maternity jeans

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans — $36.00

Amazon has a lot of great maternity denim, and you can’t go wrong with a pair from the classic brand Levi Strauss. These jeans come in four washes and include both under-belly and over-belly options. Sizing ranges from XS to XL. Prime shipping will get these jeans to you quickly, or try Amazon’s “prime wardrobe” option where you get seven days to “try before you buy.” Order up to eight items and try them on at home. Only pay for what you want to keep and return the rest for free.

Pros

• Over-the-belly waist panel has a cross-back detail to provide lower back support
• Pull on

Cons

• Jeans may roll down

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