Jean shopping can be a headache at the best of times. Throw in an ever-expanding bump to the mix and you’d be forgiven for wearing leggings for the duration of your pregnancy.
Well the good news is, we’ve done the legwork for you so that you can confidently shop maternity denim from the comfort of your own home.
When should I start wearing maternity jeans?
Everyone’s bumps grow at different rates, however, jeans can be the first thing to feel a bit restrictive. Unlike floaty dresses or stretchy leisurewear, the fixed waistband doesn’t tend to be very forgiving.
If it’s your first baby, you might not start to see much of a difference in your waistline until after the three-month mark, however, if this isn’t your first rodeo, you might feel more comfortable making the switch sooner.
What are the most comfortable maternity jeans?
Generally speaking, there are two types of maternity jeans to choose from: those that sit over the bump, and those that sit under. It will come down to personal preference, however in general over the bump styles will offer more support, and are less likely to full down or sag.
Isabella Oliver over the bump maternity boyfriend jean
We loved these modern boyfriend cut jeans made by environmentally conscious, B Corp certified brand Isabella Oliver. The washed black colourway looks fab when worn with heels for smarter events, but they also work great with trainers during the day. The pull-on, over-the-bump style doesn’t bother with a fake fly front but does feature two back pockets and a wide stretchy back panel.
We also liked that they arrived pre-rolled, to finish above the ankle (but can be unrolled for extra length), and the bump panel isn’t too high, leaving us feeling adequately supported, rather than squeezed. However, sizing isn’t very inclusive. They are currently only available in a size 0-3, which equates to a UK 4-12. Overall though, we felt this was a really high quality pair of jeans, at a great price.
Paige verdugo maternity skinny mid-rise jeans
OK, so they’re not cheap, but if you’re looking to invest in a quality pair of jeans that will see you through your entire pregnancy, and into the so-called fourth trimester, we don’t think you’ll find better. The denim is soft and stretchy but supportive, gently sculpting the bum without sagging, and the skinny shape was a breeze to pull on. The discreet stretchy side panels sit just under the bump and were so comfortable. They are the closest thing to a “real” pair of jeans we’ve found.
J Brand mama J skinny mid-rise maternity jeans
Almost identical in every way, J Brand’s maternity jeans feature the same stretchy side panels as Paige above, and are super flattering. Again, they sit under the bump but look and feel just like a regular mid-rise pair of jeans, and are definitely a pair we’ll wear post baby too. These have a higher cotton content than the Paige pair, but if you can’t choose between the two, we’d go with your favourite colour. These are a very versatile blue-black shade that will go with everything you own.
Lily & Ribbon Sophia black maternity jeans
Lily & Ribbon’s Sophie jeans have long been an IndyBest favourite. The brand has now added a black and light wash style; and improved sizing (hurrah!) – they now come in three leg lengths (30,32,34) and sizes 6-24. The fabric is stretchy and lightweight, while still feeling good quality. This makes them a doddle to get on, whether you’re in your first trimester or your last.
Seraphine organic cotton over bump black maternity jeans
Made from a combination of organic cotton and recycled materials, these classic over the bump jeans were a favourite of The Duchess of Cambridge when she was pregnant. We really like the stretchy panel on this pair which is made from a thinner, tight-like fabric that could be pulled all the way over our boobs if we wanted. It created a surprisingly smooth silhouette without making us overheat or feel too constricted. The jeans themselves feel substantial, with a weight and stretch that would be appropriate year-round. At 5ft 4in, our tester needed to roll them up a bit, so if you’re a little taller you’ll appreciate the extra length.
M&S maternity mom tapered jeans
After trialling skinnies and slim legs, these mom-style jeans from M&S felt like a breath of fresh air. They come with the same substantial over the bump panel as the brand’s cut-offs, but with a flattering tapered leg that offers much more freedom of movement (ideal if you’re chasing little ones around). Available in this dark blue, or a lighter summer-ready shade, we were also impressed by the inclusive sizing, with three leg lengths on offer across sizes 6-24.
Mamalicious maternity under the bump jeggings
For those that prefer an under the bump style, these stretchy skinnies from Mamalicious are ideal. The fabric isn’t as soft as others we tried, nor as stretchy, and there are no belt loops to help you pull the pair on. That said, the simple, pared-back design will appeal to minimalists looking for an easy basic to wear under long T-shirts or jumpers. They’re quite long but if you’re on the shorter side they look great turned up and teamed with trainers.
