This is my second pregnancy and one thing I know for sure is how hard it is to find good maternity jeans. I bought a couple of pairs during my first that worked, even though I wasn’t head over heels with any of them. This time around, I’m due exactly six months later, which means I’m going to be rocking a bump during the fall and winter (where I had a spring/summer bump the first time). Jeans are an absolute staple for my wardrobe and I couldn’t imagine going through the fall and winter without a few solid pairs of jeans I can rely on. Finding the best maternity jeans this time around was critical.
I know people have differing opinions on maternity clothes, but I know one thing for certain for myself… I have to feel good in what I’m wearing. It is really makes a difference for my mental health.
One additional situation I came across that is making a big difference between being pregnant in 2023/2024 versus 2021 is…. skinny jeans aren’t in. The couple of pairs of maternity jeans I do have are skinny. Thankfully, brands have realized this and made the jump to start offering more cuts for maternity jeans than just the skinny styles.
Try on note #1: These are all straight out of the box without any tailoring or hemming. I’m about 5’5″ish with shorter legs so I will likely hem at least a few of these, but I wanted to show exactly what they look like with no alterations.
Try on note #2: I did this try on haul at 16.5 weeks. My bump is not very large yet, but rest assured, I expect to have the same, large bump I had with my first. Also just the general disclaimer that every body is different and grows differently throughout pregnancy.
Try on note #3: I got my pre-pregnancy size for every pair and I will make notes on how I feel the stretch is. Generally speaking though, if you’re in between sizes, I would size down (especially for the stretchier styles) and if the jeans arrive and feel even a little loose, I would return for a smaller size as you can expect most to stretch a little bit.
Best Maternity Jeans of 2023
DL1961 Patti Straight Maternity Ankle Jeans
These are so comfortable and a good option if you’re someone who felt most comfortable in a skinny jean and just want to dip your toes into a straighter style. I really like the under the bump paneling, though note that this one dips quite a bit lower in the front. You’ll definitely want to wear with longer shirts and sweaters. These are definitely some of the best maternity jeans but do have quite a bit of stretch, so I would recommend trying one size down.
Also available in a lighter wash.
DL1961 Hepburn Maternity Wide Leg Jeans
These have a good bit of stretch and feel very comfortable on. I like how they are under the bump with paneling, but come up a little bit higher. I expect the panels to stretch nicely as I grow. The wash is, dare I say it, perfect. Not too dark, not too light.
Madewell Maternity Over-the-Belly Kick Out Crop Jeans in Cherryville Wash
I did not want to like these and now I’m calling them some of the best maternity jeans. I usually don’t prefer over the belly style jeans, however, these are the most “everyday” out of the list. Also a great option, if you are weaning yourself away from the skinny styles. I love kick crop jeans outside of pregnancy, so I know these will be in heavy rotation for me, despite not preferring the over the belly style.
PAIGE Noella Straight Maternity Jeans
I wasn’t sure about this style when I ordered it, solely based on the wash. However, when I got them, I started trying the jeans on with some of the sweater styles I’m excited to wear throughout the fall and absolutely loved how they looked. Surprisingly, I do think these are some of the best maternity jeans! The straight style is perfect to wear with sneakers for a more casual and laid back weekend look.
Also available in black and a darker wash as well.
PAIGE Anessa Maternity Jeans
These ended up being hands down my favorite from a comfort level… and surprisingly from a style level too. I have grown to love a wide legged jean and I think these are absolutely on trend right now. The fact that they feel like leggings when you’re wearing them?! The cherry on top of what’s already the BEST maternity jeans. These come up a little higher on the belly, which I find nice and supportive– and it also means your tops don’t need to be quite as long. The panels will stretch nicely though, for sure, as your bump grows.
Also available on sale in select sizes.
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I also thought I hated over the bump maternity jeans, but trust me, when it gets cold (I was pregnant in the winter, in Scotland) and the bump gets bigger they are so cosy and feel like they keep everything tucked in.
Great tip!!! Did not consider that in a summer third trimester last time 🤣
I love all the different cuts and styles! Thanks for the honest reviews!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Abercrombie also makes maternity jeans – might be worth a try!
Highly recommend checking out the abercrombie ankle straight maternity jeans!
Ok, about 5 weeks later— have your favorites changed? I’m waffling between the two wide leg options, and since they’re pretty expensive I want to know which are your favorite now!
Great question! The Patti straight and Paige wide legs are my most worn, by far!
Any update on the stretch of the Patti straight? One size feels a little too tight and the other feels perfectly tight but I’m afraid they’ll stretch a lot. I also know I have 20+ weeks of growing but usually only gain in the belly…can’t decide which pair to keep. Your blog is so helpful. Trying Patti and Paige Anessa!