13 best maternity jeans I'd recommend as a fashion editor (and first-time mum)
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The pregnancy shopping list seems never-ending at times, but amongst the birthing balls, cribs, Gaviscon and prams you may not yet have considered adding maternity jeans.
Because when it comes to dressing your ever-growing body over the next nine months - while stocking up on some of the best maternity leggings is undoubtedly the go-to - you might find yourself growing tired of ‘comfort’ clothes and in desperate need of wearing an outfit that feels like ‘you’. The pre-pregnancy you.
After all, this whole growing-and-carrying-a-baby thing is one long old slog, and parting with such a sartorial stalwart for nine (let's be honest, closer to ten) months provides something of a gaping hole in your wardrobe. And despite them traditionally being seen as one of the most rigid, least forgiving fabrics, the world of maternity denim has actually come a really long way over recent years - meaning that there's actually no real need to ditch the jeans altogether. You just might want to invest in some with a few smart tweaks designed for this exact stage of your life.
When I found out I was expecting, investing in the best maternity jeans was firmly off the cards. I strived to make my Levi's 501s work for as long as possible. I'd always been adamant that I didn't want to succumb to maternity denim – maternity clothing at all, in fact. I knew that buying things that I'd only wear for a maximum of nine months was about as bad a decision for the environment as it was for my bank balance.
So, at first, I started off by undoing one button of my ‘normal’ jeans and throwing an oversized shirt over them. Then, soon enough, it was two buttons, with the elastic band trick to keep my waistband together. Not long into the second trimester, though, I had to admit defeat. They just weren't going to fit any longer, no matter how robust the elastic band.
What followed was some very extensive denim-based research (we're nothing if not thorough) that we've collated and compiled into one handy guide for those of you facing the very same conundrum.
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Shopping for the best jeans for women is a mammoth task even when you're not pregnant, so throw a growing bump into the mix, and you've got yourself quite the headache. Sure, you could avoid shopping for maternity jeans entirely, rather than living in maternity nightwear or the best maternity leggings for nine months straight. But jeans are the anchor of every wardrobe, solving a hundred "I have nothing to wear!" scenarios. Throw some knitwear over the top and you're good to go.
Jeans have always done the heavy-lifting in my wardrobe, and have in turn become the one go-to I know I can rely on regardless of the occasion. The prospect of ditching them entirely felt like I was giving up such a crucial part of my fashion identity, so I knew I had to find a way to make them work for me, regardless of my changing body. Of course, this took some serious research.
Luckily for you (don't say we don't spoil you), I'm here to share said research, and reveal the very best maternity jeans - and FAQ answers - I found along the way. Bonus points for those pairs that I still wear postpartum.
Why you can trust us
Website Director, Bianca London, Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, and Freelance Contributor, Rebecca Cope, all became first time (and in Bianca's case, second-time too!) mums over the last few years, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
We didn't want to lose our personal style identities – which, conveniently for those of you reading this for inspo, are all very different to one another's – but we also wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in our lives. And if we were finding this balance hard to strike, after working our whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, we figured others must be too. So we made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate guides. If for nothing more than for us to refer back to if/when we ever do this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people…
How we tested the best maternity jeans
Charlie, Bianca, and Rebecca used our own pregnancies as the perfect excuse to trial run the best maternity styles out there and compile this edit. We all shopped for sartorial staples from independent, designer and high street maternity brands during our second and third trimesters (with varying success), and have also asked our well-dressed pregnant pals and new mums for their top tips to find high-quality maternity wear. Not to mention, we've scoured Instagram for the ultimate inspiration too. For mums-to-be, Glamour's edit of the best maternity jeans of 2026 is essential reading…
Which jeans are best for pregnancy? Shop our tried & tested styles.
- Sizing: 8-26 in petite, regular and tall leg lengths
- Colourways: Black, Mid Blue, Dark Blue
- Design: Over the Bump
Rebecca says: “When we asked for recommendations from pregnant friends, Lovall came up again and again as the go-to brand for jeggings. They also do fab jeans, too, like these straight leg ones, which come in three different washes and feature a fake waistband and stitching details on the back to give the illusion that they are real jeans."
- Sizing: 6-22
- Colourways: Indigo, Black
- Design: Over the Bump
Charlie says: “If you're looking for an ultra-fitted pair of maternity jeans, you could always bypass denim altogether and opt for jeggings for that true second-skin level cotton comfort.”
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Slim Barrel Jeans
- Sizing: 6-20
- Colourways: Light Mid Wash, Black
- Design: Below the Bump
Charlie says: “A great barrel shape for an ever-changing body, I particularly love the mid-wash hue of this pair making them feel super relaxed and worn-in. I wore mine throughout pregnancy, and have continue to do so on casual WFH days 19 months postpartum.”
Lemon Twist Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
- Sizing: 23-32
- Colourways: Light Blue, Mid Blue
- Design: Non-Maternity
Charlie says: “Okay, stay with me on this one. While admittedly not ‘maternity jeans’, one of my favourite ways to shop while pregnant is to just shop from my regular, favourite brands and size up. Despite the name, Mother is not a maternity label, but they do know their denim better than almost any other brand I've come across. Buying an already-loose silhouette in a size or two up is a sure-fire way of snapping yourself up a pair that'll work for you just as well postpartum, too.”
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MAMA Before & After Wide Jeans
- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Colourways: Grey, Light Blue, Blue, White, Black
- Design: Below the Bump
Charlie says: “There's an unspoken belief in pregnancy that everything ought to be high-waisted, but while encasing your bump is often the comfiest thing to do, sometimes you do just want to let it all hang out. Luckily, the low-slung jean market didn't bypass those of us with child, and this loose-fit pair is one of the comfiest, most relaxed styles I found. They're also currently over 50% off so - without meaning to unduly panic a pregnant person with an already overworked nervous system - RUN."
Seraphine Blue Premium Organic Overbump Maternity Relaxed Fit Jeans
- Sizing: 6-20
- Colourways: Blue
- Design: Over the Bump
Charlie says: “I'm personally more of a wide-leg jean girlie, but when it came to pregnancy dressing I did get to a point in which I felt so wide all over that I felt compelled to try a slimmer-leg jean. Seraphine's over-the-bump band is, in my opinion, hard to beat when it comes to both comfort and support, and the turn-up of this pair makes them feel a little more relaxed than most slim-leg jeans. These are perfect as we move into spring, and look great with a ballet flat or flat sandal.”
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Wide Leg Dad Jeans
- Sizing: 6-20
- Colourways: Black, Blue
- Design: Below the Bump
Charlie says: “Another ‘below the bump’ pair, but this time I wouldn't necessarily describe the fit as ‘low-slung’. More of a mid-rise, this pair offer a little extra support thanks to the elasticated side-panels.”
Maternity Mid Blue Wash Over Bump Wide Leg Jeans
- Sizing: 8-20
- Colourways: Mid Blue
- Design: Over the Bump
Charlie says: “If you're looking for denim that feels as close to pyjamas as possible, this super soft, stretch denim pair with an elasticated waist should be your go-to. The slightly cropped wide leg is forever flattering, and I love them with a more open shoe (think ballet flats and sandals) more so than a trainer to avoid an overly-bulky silhouette. Due to the relaxed fabric, once worn late into pregnancy they become a little stretched and don't ‘ping back’ brilliantly for postpartum use, but for pregnancy they couldn't be more comfortable.”
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- Sizing: 4-18
- Colourways: Indigo
- Design: Below the Bump
Charlie says: “If you've got a little extra to spend on a pair of truly versatile, comfortable and long-lasting maternity jeans, this elasticated-waist boyfriend style pair by Isabella Oliver are hard to beat. It, of course, helps that the brand are total maternity-wear experts, but this might just be our favourite style they've ever done. The deep indigo is also a really smart shade to invest in, as it works just as well with a t-shirt and jeans as it does with a blouse and heels.”
Maternity Flared Cropped Jeans
- Sizing: 6-14
- Colourways: Off-White, Medium Blue, Dark Blue, Black
- Design: Over the bump
Charlie says: “I can almost hear the lambs bleating and the Easter Eggs being ripped open the minute I see a white jean. Is there anything that signifies spring quite like it? If you're anything like I was, with a summer baby due, you'll be showing just in time for spring - and a pair of off-white denim with a comfortable and supportive belly band is a great way to step into the season. The cropped, frayed hem of this pair feels really refreshing and looks perfect for relaxed weekend plans where you still want to feel put-together.”
Maternity Blue Over Bump Adalae Wide Leg Jeans
- Sizing: 8-20
- Colourways: Blue, Black
- Design: Over the Bump
Charlie says: “Sometimes, particularly when you're pregnant and have enough to think about, all you need is a fuss-free pair of jeans that you can pull out time and time again. These not only go with just about everything thanks to the simple design and classic cut, but the jersey over-the-bump panel makes them super comfy and supportive, too.”
Leopard Print Maternity Barrel Denim Jeans
- Sizing: 6-22
- Colourways: Leopard Print, Blue
- Design: Across the Bump
Charlie says: “All too often maternity wear it strictly functional and forgets any semblance of personal style or expression, so when I spot a something created for pregnant women with a little extra heart it brings me such joy. Particularly when they're not only super flattering and comfortable (the clever side elastics mean they'll last a big chunk of your pregnancy and well beyond birth), but affordable too.”
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- Sizing: XS-XXL
- Colourways: Dark Blue, Light Blue, Black, Indigo, Navy Cream
- Design: Over the Bump
Charlie says: “When considering maternity jeans, people tend to head for either super slouchy wide-legs or bump-cuddling skinny silhouettes, but may we remind you of the quiet, nostalgic power of a straight-leg. By no means one to avoid during pregnancy, particularly when they have a subtle, supportive belly panel. And with such a whopping discount right now, we can confidently say they're worth every single penny (and more, actually).”
Your maternity jeans FAQs, answered:
When should I start wearing maternity jeans?
Denim is one of the first things that tends to feel a bit restrictive when you're pregnant, unlike the yoga pants and white t-shirts you'll likely be able to fit into for quite some time. While everyone's bumps grow at different speeds, you'll probably start crying out for a pair of maternity jeans between the two and four-month mark (perhaps earlier if you've had a baby before). 'Til then? That handy hair-tie hack will expand the rigid waistband of your favourite pair of light-wash boyfriend jeans.
What are the different styles of maternity jeans?
When it comes to the best maternity jeans, they fall into two main camps: under-bump maternity jeans and jeans that fit over the bump, wrapping your belly in a layer of stretchy jersey. You can also find maternity jeans that have a regular fastening at the front and elasticated panels at the side, but these are less common.
The style you choose all depends on your own maternity style and your body. You’re likely to be extra sensitive to the feel of the fabric on your skin right now, so have a try-on session at home and opt for the jeans that feel most comfortable.
Whatever your preference, the high street has *really* elevated its offering, and you'll be able to find a range of fits as a result – from maternity skinny jeans to black maternity jeans, bootcut jeans or trending wide-leg or mid-rise styles. We've even got maternity mom jeans and slim jeans in this edit.
What maternity jeans are the best?
If you're looking for a fast fix, the high street offers many brilliant choices. H&M's MAMA collection is a great place to start, offering a plethora of styles from mom-cut to skinny. My go-tos were the ASOS wide-legs and non-maternity styles (sized up) from my favourite denim labels such as Mother. That said, I also loved a pair of cropped straight-leg jeans from Isabella Oliver, everyone's favourite premium maternity brand. Seraphine has a really great selection of both under and over the bump styles to try if you're not sure which one you prefer, or even if you want both to wear for different occasions. And if in doubt, there's always some trusty jeggings to fall back on – Lovall do a few styles and comes highly recommended.
More maternity content:
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags.
