19 best maternity trousers to buy during pregnancy
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I've been a dress girlie for as long as I can remember, but the minute pregnancy hit I strangely found myself drawn to shopping maternity trousers more than almost anything else. Dresses felt as though they either drowned me and my bump or - if I opted for something more fitted - totally suffocated us.
They also felt a bit too traditionally ‘mumsy’, and I think something in me subconsciously wanted to subvert the expected femininity of a pregnant woman and go entirely the other way. Trousers felt cooler. More versatile. More rebellious. And having spoken to many of my pregnant friends and colleagues, I'm not the only one.
And while, during pregnancy, it can be very easy to live in the best maternity jeans or maternity leggings, there's something about maternity trousers in particular that feels slightly less obvious, less cliché.
- Why you can trust us
- How we tested the best maternity trousers
- Which trousers are best for pregnancy? Shop our tried & tested styles.
- Your maternity trousers FAQs, answered
- How many weeks pregnant should I buy maternity clothes?
- When should you start wearing maternity trousers?
- Can I wear tight trousers while pregnant?
- What trousers to wear in early pregnancy?
Allowing much more of your own personal style to show, they can be a real game-changer when it comes to your confidence in pregnancy.
Many pregnant woman will attest that you don't necessarily feel like your best self throughout the nine months you're carrying, but you can still tap into and lean on capsule wardrobe heroes to help. A flattering and comfortable pair of maternity trousers are ideal – you just have to know where to look for them.
Instantly making you look like you mean business, maternity trousers are great for the office, where denim doesn't really cut it. They're also essential for achieving that ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic – just look at poster girl (and our current maternity style girl crush) Jennifer Lawrence, who pairs hers with a simple white tee and unbuttoned shirt. Characteristically chic.
Whilst we are by no means suggesting that you break up with your trusty maternity flared leggings altogether, adding a few pairs of maternity trousers to your pregnancy wardrobe will help you keep things fresh. Here at Glamour, we are all about shopping wisely with sustainability front of mind, which is why we implore you to invest in items you’ll love enough to wear repeatedly over the next nine months.
Swayed by the power of maternity trousers? We’ve curated an edit of the very best, including everything from a pair of under the bump utility cargo trousers perfect for a weekend stroll, to striped linen trousers that would be ideal for that much-deserved babymoon. Ultimately, our edit proves maternity wear doesn’t have to be basic.
Why you can trust us
Website Director, Bianca London, Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, Commerce Photo Editor, Neamh Randall, 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…
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How we tested the best maternity trousers
Our editors tried a plethora of maternity trousers throughout every trimester of their pregnancies and marked them on style, comfort and longevity. Whilst we quickly grew out of some of the more purse-friendly offerings, we did find plenty that lasted right until our due dates and beyond (because every new mum knows your body can take months to readjust to its pre-pregnancy shape).
Trousers designed for mums-to-be tend to fall into two styles – they’re either designed with a thick band, usually made from a jersey fabric that covers (and stretches over) your stomach, or they’re cut to sit below the bump with an elasticated waistband. Comfort preferences aside, we found that maternity pants with a band looked best teamed with a loose-fitting shirt or jumper to skim over it, while those that sit below the bump looked great with a (stretchy) bodysuit or fitted top.
PSA: Some of the styles you'll find below aren't strictly maternity, either. We made a conscious effort to invest in regular/mainline collection pieces that worked with our bumps – i.e. items with a lot of stretch – that we could continue wearing after the baby came, in a bid to be less wasteful.
Which trousers are best for pregnancy? Shop our tried & tested styles.
- Why we love them: Similarly to the TALA style Néamh has reviewed, these Adanola trousers feature a wide waistband that you can fold to wear under your bump or pull up over it. Super comfy.
- Style: Under or over the bump.
- Sizes available: XXS - XXXL.
Save when you shop for maternity trousers with these Adanola discount codes at checkout.
- Why we love them: “A pair of striped blue pyjama-style trousers were my go-to in the third trimester. Admittedly, it was summer, but if you're planning on spending any of your pregnancy on holiday or you'll be coming to the end of it come spring/summer, do not sleep on these.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XL.
- Why we love them: “An light-hued, cropped ankle linen trouser has been my summer staple for as long as I can remember, and I wasn't willing to ditch that go-to formula once pregnant. This Vero Moda pair are a super lightweight, airy fabric which not only flows beautifully but feels really gentle and comfortable across your growing belly. The drawstring waist, whilst an obvious plus, must not go unnoticed - allowing these trouser to work for your wardrobe throughout pregnancy and well beyond into postpartum.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Why we love them: “The perfect maternity office trouser, bar none. The fabrication and front pleats render them indistinguishable from regular officewear and look great with everything from blouses and shirts to cardigans, knitwear and t-shirts, while the belly panel and relaxed fit make them almost as comfortable as your pyjamas. Win win.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Why we love them: “When I tell you I lived in my beige linen set in the final trimester, I'm not joking. The slight cropped trouser on this pair in particular is also very smart, because if there's one time you don't want to be tripping over long, floor-grazing hems it's while you're walking around with a baby inside your body.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: S-L.
- Why we love them: “A flared track pant may just be one of my most hard-working trousers of all time, so investing in a great quality pair that doesn't lose its shape after 400,000 washes feels like a smart decision. This grey marl pair is not only infinitely timeless and chic in the most understated way, particularly when paired with your simplest white t-shirts, but they also welcome a growing bump thanks to that elasticated waist and drawstring.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-L.
Save when you shop for maternity trousers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
- Why we love them: “I only discovered this new in pair postpartum, but knowing Beyond Nine's fit and how brilliantly they accommodate a growing bump, I'm devastated I didn't find them earlier. I live in them right now (so they definitely get the post-birth stamp of approval), but thanks to the loose-fit and elasticated waist I know that they'd have been an invaluable member of my maternity trouser rotation.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: 6-22.
- Why we love them: “I was wearing these on-trend trousers long before I found out I was expecting, but the double layer fabric, loungewear feel and fold over/adaptable waistband means they've been brilliant for my growing bump.” – Néamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
- Style: Under or over the bump.
- Sizes available: XXS - XXXXL.
Save when you shop for maternity trousers with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
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- Why we love them: “Cargo pants have been on the rise again in fashion over recent seasons, and being pregnant needn't mean skipping the trend altogether. These cinched ankles add shape and avoid that feeling of being drowned by your clothes which often happens from about six months onwards, while the under-the-bump fit makes way for a more fitted top to really show off that belly.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: 6-20.
- Why we love them: “Gender reveal loungewear, anyone? I'm kidding, of course. Otherwise you'd have been forgiven for being surprised when I gave birth to my son. This is one of my favourite tracksuit fits, both during pregnancy and postpartum, and I particularly love that the cuffed ankle adds shape but isn't too tight. After all, swollen ankles are never more real than in late pregnancy - and trust me when I tell you a tight elastic digging into those will deeply test your patience.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: 6-22.
- Why we love them: “If they haven't already, if you're anything like me be prepared for flared joggers to take over your life around the 25 week mark. I wasn't mad on fabric gripping my swollen ankles on certain days, so switching my maternity leggings for a flared pant like these was a total gamechanger.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Why we love them: “Spot the boy mom! Kidding, I don't exclusively wear blue, but this is a good shade - if you do. Another pair that are as comfortable as your PJs, these come with the added benefit of a matching top which means the outfit's already been decided for you. And anything that takes decision-making off your hands during such a hectic time is a no-brainer.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: UK 6-16.
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- Why we love them: Looking put-together and work-appropriate is a struggle at the best of times, let a lone when you're pregnant and showing. These trousers are easy to throw on and go, all you need is a few workwear tops to wear them with on rotation.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: XS - XXL.
- Why we love them: “I plan on wearing these high waist trousers all throughout spring/summer and on my next holiday after the baby's come. Both comfortable and practical, so far they've seen me through the earlier stages of pregnancy as well as now when I'm further on and can barely see my feet.” – Néamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: UK 6- 18.
- Why we love them: “These might seem like another summer option due to the linen fabric, but if you are - or have ever been - pregnant, you'll know all about the extra body heat you have due to hormones(!). Therefore this pair, with their deep olive hue, is actually perfect for the comfy, relaxed days during these traditionally cooler months, as the colour lends them to a slightly more wintery palette.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Why we love them: “One of my favourite, most joyful fashion discoveries of late, Kindred of London create some of the most unique and beautiful pieces that are just perfect for Spring. Luckily for mamas-to-be, they're also generally oversized in silhouette - and this striped linen trouser feels as comfortable as nightwear but looks undeniably adorable.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: 8-18.
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- Why we love them: “Ideal for cosy days, these cable-knit trousers are to be lived in this season if you find yourself with a bump. Soft, comfortable and very gently-elasticated, they work brilliantly postpartum too.” – Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor.
- Style: Under the bump.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Why we love them: Make the most of your curves in these super chic slim leg trousers by JoJo Maman Baby. If you’ve got the sort of job where you need to wear trousers to work fairly often, then these are a great investment. We also love that they are stylish enough that you can genuinely take them from the office to the bar simply by switching up your shoes and accessories.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: UK 8 - 18.
Save when you shop for maternity trousers with these Next discount codes at checkout.
- Why we love them: Ribbed fabrics are popular for maternity wear because it stretches, but it’s usually reserved for dresses or jumpers only. Pair these trousers with the matching jumper for a laidback co-ord set, or smarten up with a shirt or blazer.
- Style: Over the bump.
- Sizes available: UK XS - XXL.
Save when you shop for maternity trousers with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
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Your maternity trousers FAQs, answered:
How many weeks pregnant should I buy maternity clothes?
Truthfully, it's totally up to you and there's no real blueprint. As different people's bumps begin to show at different stages, it's impossible to know when will be the right time until, well, you get there. Charlie, for example, tended to prefer a looser silhouette pre-pregnancy, and could therefore get away with her existing wardrobe for a lot longer than Neamh and Bianca.
Generally speaking, most people start needing maternity clothes around 12-16 weeks when their regular clothes start to feel tight or uncomfortable. But it's best to go by your own timeline, and aim to start wearing maternity clothes whenever you feel the need for a bit more comfort and support.
When should you start wearing maternity trousers?
Similarly to all maternity clothes, the best time to start wearing maternity trousers is when your regular trousers begin to feel a little too tight. This can tend to be around 12-16 weeks when your bump begins to grow more rapidly, but for many people this is earlier/later.
It can also depend whether or not this is your first pregnancy, as bumps tend to spring into action a little earlier if you've previously been pregnancy (as your body is primed and ready, and doesn't need to stretch from scratch. How clever?!).
Can I wear tight trousers while pregnant?
Tight trousers can't hurt the baby due to the uterine protection and amniotic fluid, but they can make you uncomfortable so it's wise to give your growing body a little extra room if things are feeling tight. Particularly as you're likely only getting bigger (for now!).
What trousers to wear in early pregnancy?
It's totally up to you, your comfort and your personal style, but we found we fell into certain habits when it came to maternity trousers. While Charlie found comfort in relaxed, cropped linen styles that could be worn over the bump in the early months and under when it got a bit bigger, Neamh tended to lean more towards more form-fitting flared yoga pants that really hugged and supported the bump throughout.
Of course you needn't stick to one camp, but as a general rule of thumb it's a good idea to start by considering what style of trousers you usually gravitate towards and opt for those with only small adjustments (an elasticated waist, a maternity belly band, one size up etc.). Your body is going to be changing a lot, and trying to experiment with a totally new style in the early days can feel a bit overwhelming. Start by finding your comfort zone, and once you've got that to reliably fall back on you'll have a more solid foundation on which to try out new styles alongside.
