If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
Maternity jeans come in a wide range of styles, and they are designed to accommodate your growing bump as much as possible. The number of options available in the market is endless as you can find your favorite fit including boyfriend, mom, and skinny fit. These jeans either have a higher waistband to conceal the bump or a lower design that leaves the bump-free. Different women prefer different waist styles, and at the end of the day, the decision depends on how comfortable you are. Most pregnant women do not need to buy maternity jeans right away, but as the bump begins to grow, you will no longer be able to fit in your old jeans. If you choose a pair carefully, you can even wear them post-pregnancy. It can be a hassle to browse so many different options, so we have shortlisted the highest-rated maternity jeans in 2024 to help you out.
Most maternity jeans have an elastic waistband, which is very convenient as it will stretch according to your growing bump size. In this guide, we have included tips on choosing the right ones, and how to make use of them post-pregnancy as well.
Comparing the Top Maternity Jeans of 2024
Levi Strauss & Co. Jeans — Best Overall
Key Features
- Made from 78% cotton, 20% polyester, and 2% elastane
- Ideal for the first trimester
- Elastic waistband with cooling technology
- Available in six sizes and three colors
Our first pick is these skinny maternity jeans by Levi Strauss because of their good quality and stretchable material. They are designed specifically for the first trimester of expecting mothers and are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane. This makes them extremely soft, which allows them to be comfortable enough to wear all day. Also, the elastic waistband will not stretch out after prolonged wear, and it will provide a snug fit. The waistband also has a cooling technology to prevent excessive sweating. The pockets at the back are functional enough to fit your necessities like your phone and keys. Six sizes and three colors are available. These jeans are not only comfortable to wear, but they will look good as well.
Motherhood Jeans — Runner Up
Key Features
- Made from 75% cotton, 22% polyester, 2% rayon, and 1% spandex
- Elastic waistband with pull on closure
- 5 pocket design
- Four colors available
The Motherhood maternity jeans are our second choice. They are made from a combination of cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex, which makes them comfortable and stretchable at the same time. They have a pull-on closure with an elastic waistband, which makes them convenient to wear. The design is ideal for casual outfits and you can even dress it up with a blazer or a stylish blouse. The skinny fit makes them perfect for all occasions. The jeans feature the typical 5-pocket design which means you can easily fit all your essentials. Moreover, the elastic waistband will grow throughout your pregnancy without losing its elasticity. The wide range of size options means that you can find one that fits perfectly.
HOFISH Jeans — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Snug and skinny fit
- Ideal for pregnant women in all trimesters
- A blend of nylon, spandex, and rayon make them stretchable
- Can also be used post-pregnancy
- Available in four colors
The Hofish maternity jeans are our third pick due to their snug fit and stretchable material. Even without an elastic waistband, the jeans are so flexible that they will fit women in all trimesters. The blend of nylon, spandex, and rayon gives these jeans the flexibility needed. You do not have to worry about the safety of your baby because the material is comfortable and breathable. These are full-length jeans and have enough pockets to fit all your necessities. You can wear these on both formal and casual occasions, and you can even wear them post-pregnancy. The company provides good customer service, and you can contact them in case of any queries.
Hybrid & Company Jeans — Also Consider
Key Features
- Fabric is blended with spandex for flexibility
- Bootcut low rise jeans
- Button and fly closure
- Functional back pockets for keeping small necessities
The Hybrid & Company Super Comfy Stretch Women's Maternity Bootcut Jeans & Company maternity jeans are perfect for you if you are looking for loose-fit jeans. These are bootcut and have a button closure. The fabric has a blend of spandex which makes these jeans flexible. These jeans will leave your baby bump free without covering it, so you can purchase these if you like this freedom. The fly closure and the button should not be near your baby bump to ensure its safety. These jeans can be machine washed without ruining the fabric. The two back pockets are functional and can be used to keep your essentials like your phone and keys. These are low-rise jeans, so you should not purchase these if you are looking for a high-waisted option that covers your bump.
Jvini Jeans — Another Option
Key Features
- Made from 76% cotton, 22% polyester, and 2% spandex
- Pull-on and button and fly closure
- Skinny and snug fit
- Available in seven sizes
These jegging pants are ideal for those who love a ripped and distressed look from their maternity jeans. They are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, and have a pull-on, flexible closure. They are stretchable and will fit women during and even post-pregnancy. Along with the elastic panel, a button and fly are also included to make sure they fit perfectly. They are available in several shades of blue and black, and the ripped design is trendy. Seven different sizes mean that you will definitely find your size, but make sure you consult the size chart before choosing. You can get a size down if you prefer a super skinny fit, or a size up for a loose fit.
Finding Your Next Maternity Jeans: A Buyer’s Guide
Maternity jeans are your best friend if you are a pregnant woman. You can style a pair in so many different ways, and make use of them on both casual and formal occasions. It is important to choose maternity clothes carefully because you are only going to be wearing them for a short period of time. It is not worth spending a lot of money on them unless you are sure you can wear them after pregnancy as well. This guide will help you through your journey of finding the right maternity jeans.
What Are the Two Main Types of Maternity Jeans?
Maternity jeans come in a range of different styles, but the major difference is whether they are worn over the baby bump or under it. Both are comfortable in their own way, but you need to consider several factors before you decide on one. Here are the major differences between the two.
Over the bump
Over-the-bump jeans are more secure in the sense that they keep your baby bump protected under a layer of clothing. They also offer more support to the woman wearing them. They are ideal for winters as they will help keep you and your baby warm. They are preferred by women looking for comfort and flexibility. If you wore high-rise and high-waisted jeans before pregnancy, you will prefer this type.
Under the bump
Under the bump, jeans do not cover your baby bump, so they are ideal for those women who like to expose it. Some women can develop sensitive and dry skin during pregnancy, and these jeans can help as they do not rub against your skin. Also, they can be worn after pregnancy and they will still fit. The only drawback is that they can slip down easily, and you will need to invest in specific maternity tops to keep the bump hidden.
Pull-On Closure or Button and Fly Closure?
All maternity jeans have some form of elastic on their waist which makes them flexible enough to stretch as your bump grows. Some only have an elastic waistband with a pull-on closure, while others have elastic on the sides along with a fly and button closure. If comfort is your first priority, the pull-on style is ideal for you. They can fit easily and you do not have to struggle with closing the button and the fly, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. The elastic waistband is also easy on your baby bump and there are no chances of the button pressing onto your belly.
On the other hand, a button and zip can ensure a perfect fit, something that elastic waistbands cannot achieve. Especially, if you are going for a skinny fit, you may want to consider getting a pair of jeans with a button and fly closure. If you want to get a pair that you can wear after pregnancy as well, get the one with button closure. Whichever style you choose, make sure that the jeans are not pressing against your belly and making you uncomfortable. You should be able to breathe easily and be comfortable in them, but they should not be so loose that they keep falling down.
How to Wash Maternity Jeans?
Washing maternity jeans are not very different from washing regular jeans, but you need to take care of the elastic and make sure it does not lose its flexibility. Most maternity jeans are machine washable, but it is important that you check with the manufacturer before you throw them in the machine. Usually, a cold cycle is ideal for washing maternity jeans, but make sure you use a gentle cycle because you do not want to ruin the elastic. Mild detergent is usually sufficient, and you should avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners. You can put them in the dryer, but some elastics are not durable enough to survive in the dryer. Air drying them should be your first option, but if it is cold and it will take very long to air dry them, you can put them in the dryer. The important thing is that you follow the instructions mentioned on the tag of the jeans.
Do You Want to Wear Your Maternity Jeans Post Pregnancy?
If you want to increase the life of your maternity jeans, make sure you get a pair that can be worn after pregnancy as well. Usually, low-rise jeans that are worn under the belly are ideal for post-pregnancy. A lot of brands are now manufacturing maternity jeans that do not look like maternity clothes. The elastic bands are removable and adjustable. When you’re pregnant you can attach the band and adjust it according to the growing size of your belly. After pregnancy when your body starts coming back to its original shape, you can remove the elastic and start wearing the jeans normally. However, the important thing is to purchase a pair that is durable enough to last many years. The good thing about these jeans is that you can use them as many times, and adjust the elastic for each pregnancy.