When it comes to maternity clothes, getting a comfortable and stylish pair of maternity jeans that you can wear with anything will be on the top of any mum-to-be's list. Jeans are a staple in most of our wardrobes, but with a bump, how do you get the right pair that feel comfortable? Luckily for denim lovers who are also expecting, there are loads of fabulous maternity jeans on the market.
Yes, jeans are arguably one of the most difficult pieces of clothing to shop for. When you’ve got a baby on the way, the mission of finding a good and reliable pair becomes even tougher. You've got to consider the fit, length, and comfort, plus how the material adapts to your bump and personal sense of style. That's why we've decided to do the work for you, so you can just enjoy looking your best.
Editor's choice
• Best Maternity Jeans for Most Body Shapes: Indigo Over Bump Skinny Maternity Jeans – Shop now at Seraphine
• Best Maternity Jeggings: Mamalicious MLAMY MATERNITY JEGGINGS
• Best Maternity Dungarees: MAMA Denim Dungarees
• Best Boyfriend Maternity Jeans: Isabella Oliver Over-Bump Organic Maternity Boyfriend Jeans
Whatever stage of pregnancy you're at, whether you're looking for petite maternity jeans or regular fit, you deserve to find that dream pair of jeans that will go with your favourite tops while keeping you and bump comfortable. Mother&Baby have rounded up the best maternity jeans that will not only flatter your bump but will help you feel fabulous, too. Take a look at our full list of favourites down below.
The best maternity jeans, jeggings and more 2024
Best Maternity Jeans for Most Body Shapes
Seaphinewww.seraphine.com
These Seraphine Indigo Over Bump Skinny Maternity Jeans are a staple for any maternity wardrobe. Made from 99% cotton, they have a skinny fit with a grazing length, ideal for casual looks. There’s a soft and stretchy jersey waistband to pull up over your bump, for a secure and flexible fit, and the slim fit makes these the perfect jeans to take from day to night. We love the innovative tee-tuck gap at the front – perfect for tucking in your shirts for a more put-together look. Plus, they come in Long and Petite sizes.
Pros
- Flattering cut
- Plenty of stretch
Cons
- Can't be tumble dried
| Size Range: | UK 6-20, including Long and Petite Ranges |
| Style: | Over the Bump |
Best Boyfriend Maternity Jeans
Isabella Oliverwww.uk.isabellaoliver.com
These Isabella Oliver Over-Bump Organic Maternity Boyfriend Jean are super stylish baggier fit and sustainable as not only are they crafted from organic cotton, but they’ve been made using less water than it takes to make regular jeans. Available in a range of different denim washes, there's a colour to suit every style. Pair with an oversized shirt and trainers for off-duty dressing that you can feel good about. Alternatively, pair with a t-shirt, blazer and smart loafers for a relaxed work look.
Pros
- Three colour options
- Ethically made
Cons
- Not available in different leg lengths
| Size Range: | 4-6 to 16-18 |
| Style: | Over the Bump |
Best Maternity Jeggings
Mamalicious Maternity Jeggingswww.mamalicious.com
If you find yourself struggling to find a pair of jeans that fit you comfortably at all, opt for a pair of jeggings instead. This skinny pair from Mamalicious are made from 79% cotton and feature a cotton bump band that ensures these fit you throughout all stages of pregnancy. They look good and feel good so, what's not to love?
Pros
- Comfortable design with supportive bump band
- Machine washable at 40
Cons
- Limited size range
| Size Range: | XS - XL |
| Style: | Under the Bump |
Best blue denim maternity dungarees
ASOS www.asos.com
For a classic go-to pair of maternity dungarees, this light washed pair from ASOS is our winner. With an elasticated waist, adjustable buckle straps, and wider leg design for a cool yet casual fit, we love the relaxed denim wash of this denim.
Made using a classic denim fabric, it’s important to note that these dungarees are not stretchy, so you may want to size up if you prefer a less snug fit, with one mum reviewer saying, “honestly I’ve never felt so comfortable in dungarees before especially being pregnant but I wish I bought them for my first pregnancy! Best ever, I’m usually a 12 maternity size so I bought a 14 and there perfect!” Caring for them is also very easy as they’re fully machine washable so you can just throw them in with your other maternity denim.
Pros
- Complete with adjustable straps, providing a more comfortable fit.
- They feature a button on the side, allowing them to fit well throughout different stages of pregnancy.
- This dungaree comes with multiple pockets, including a bib pocket, side pockets, and back pockets.
Cons
- Some mums found they needed to size up
| Sizes: | 6-20 |
Best For Size Range
New Lookwww.newlook.com
These Maternity Indigo Lift & Shape Under Bump Emilee Jeggings from New Look are a super skinny (but stretchy) fit, made from high stretch denim with sculpting seams so that you feel supported and sophisticated throughout your pregnancy. Available in a wide range of leg lengths and sizes, we love how these sit comfortably under the bump while looking stylish as well as how affordable they are.
Pros
- 5-pocket design for added storage
- Jeanologia™: (made using less water) for a sustainable choice
Cons
- Some mums found the fit a little too small
| Size Range: | 8 28L – 20 34L |
| Style: | Under the Bump |
Best wide leg maternity jeans
Nextwww.next.co.uk
These relaxed-fit mom jeans from Next are ideal for a more relaxed style. Available in three different denim washes, they're available in long or regular length. They’ve been made with a jersey fabric band to provide ultimate comfort for you and your growing bump while remaining trendy with turn-up hems. Style with some sandals and t-shirt for a cool summer look.
Pros
- Thick jersey bump band
- Available in long and regular length
Cons
- Taller mums still found the longer length too short
| Size Range: | 6-18 |
| Style: | Over the Bump |
Best ripped maternity jeans
Boohoowww.boohoo.com
These figure hugging maternity jeans from Boohoo feature a stylish ripped design are ideal for your growing bump. Made from cotton, these maternity jeans feel soft against the skin and stretch over your bump beautifully. We love how easy these are to style up and down and that they're available in two denim washes.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Ideal for dressing up and down
Cons
- Limited size range
| Size Range: | UK 8-16 |
| Style: | Over the Bump |
Best For Value
Sainsbury'stuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
Made from soft, faded wash denim, these affordable Sainsbury's Overbump Denim Mom Jeans are the perfect wardrobe staple. The jersey bump band offers comfort and support, while being easy to hide under the top of your choice. We love how easy these are to style and wear, plus the multiple pockets in the design. Mums loved the fit with one saying, "really happy as they stay up and fit really nicely around the bump."
Pros
- Multiple pockets for handy storage
- Features added stretch for all-day wear
Cons
- No different leg length options for shorter or taller mums
| Size Range: | 8-22 |
| Style: | Over The Bump |
Are maternity jeans comfortable?
There are two types of maternity jeans, ones that go over your bump and others that sit just under it.
It’s completely up to you which style you prefer.
Over-the-bump jeans usually tend to offer more support and you don’t run the risk of them slipping down. On the flipside, in warmer weather, some women prefer under-the-bump jeans as it allows more skin to be exposed.
Most of these jeans are usually made from soft and stretchy cotton with comfort in mind, making them perfect for wearing during pregnancy and even wearing postpartum.
So, if a pair of jeans ever feels too tight or you’re not fully satisfied you probably shouldn’t go with them. This will be the same for maternity jeggings and maternity dungarees.
What month do you start wearing maternity jeans?
As with all maternity clothes, this will depend on your body - everyone is different. Typically, it will be around 4-5 months that you will start to need clothing that accommodates your bump, but it can be a bit earlier too. You may also be able to get away with just slightly oversized clothes until you're 6 months pregnant. Just wear what makes you comfortable. Jeans are a little tighter than other clothing items, so maternity jeans may be your first clothing purchase when you're pregnant.
What size jeans should I buy?
Most brands say that you should buy the same size maternity jeans as you would normally buy, as the jeans will have extra panels to support your growing bump. That said, many mums-to-be report various amounts of slipping, as of course, every bump is different.
Under-the-bump style jeans should fit comfortably below your belly and will usually have a soft elasticated waistband. A lot of pregnant people opt to wear these in their second trimester. Plus, the addition of a belly band can help them stay in place.
Over-the-bump styles have a built-in stretchy band that fits over your tummy, as the name suggests and are often a good idea for when your bump gets bigger. Our best advice is to try a number of different styles to see which work best for you. You can also check if your choice of jeans will fit postpartum.
Are maternity jeans supposed to be tight?
Many of us have done the pull and jump into our jeans, but that can't always be the case when we're pregnant. Maternity jeans should feel firm and supportive but also comfortable enough to move in. They shouldn't be tight around the bump, so if you feel pressure on your stomach, those aren't the right jeans for you. You'll also want some stretch to your maternity jeans so they can grow with you, throughout your pregnancy.
Which shops sell maternity jeans?
There are plenty of brilliant high street brands that stock maternity jeans. For example, they're available from New Look, H&M and even supermarkets, like ASDA. There are also more specialist maternity-wear shops too, like Mamalicious. So, there’s plenty of choice on offer. If you have the time, it’s always worth trying on a few different pairs and styles to find the ones that fit your growing bump best.
Charlotte Duck is an award-winning journalist who's interviewed six Oscar winners, a Greek princess and a Cbeebies presenter. She's written for GLAMOUR, Vogue, Stylist and The Independent during her career, and, though she writes about beautiful children's clothes, her own two children refuse to wear them.