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These Comfy & Chic Maternity Jeans Give Leggings a Run For Their Money

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If you’re pregnant (or going to be), Fall weather couldn’t come sooner to give you some sweet relief. The only thing you’ll miss about summer? Throwing on an easy, breezy maternity dress that’s super comfy and gives you some ventilation. While nothing will be as comfortable as a T-shirt dress while pregnant, there are plenty of belly-friendly jeans that you’ll actually want to wear (perhaps in lieu of leggings!).

Best Maternity Jeans, at a Glance

Best Overall: Levi’s Baggy Dad Women’s Jeans, $54 (was $108)
Best Slim Fitting Jeans:
Blooming Women Over the Bump Maternity Slim Jeans, $74 (was $82)
Best Full Panel Jeans:
Gap Maternity True Waistband Full Panel Cheeky Straight Jeans, $47 (was $80)
Best for Over the Bump:Madewell Maternity Over-the-Belly Kick Out Crop Jeans, $148
Best Baggy Jeans:Abercrombie & Fitch Maternity Baggy Jean, $90
Best Splurge:Hatch The Boyfriend Maternity Jean, $198
Best on Amazon:, $35
Most Affordable:Old Navy Maternity Full-Panel Wow Skinny Jeans, $22 (was $45)
Best Non-Maternity Jeans:Rag & Bone Miramar Trompe L’Oeil Printed Denim Low Rise Jeans, $175
Best Cropped Jeans:Pinkblush Maternity Blue Fringe Hem Crop Maternity Jeans, $77

What to Consider When Shopping for Maternity Jeans

Pregnant or not, shopping for jeans can be a pain in the you know what. However, if you look in the right places, you’re sure to be surprised at how comfy the wardrobe staple can be with a growing belly. Whether you want to shop at a maternity store like Meghan Markle-approved Hatch, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, or Motherhood Maternity—or prefer to go the big-box retailer route a la Amazon or Nordstrom, there are plenty of comfortable, not-constricting maternity jeans out there. And according to Amber Roy, a senior fashion designer at Clifton, there’s a few things to consider when looking for a new pair of jeans.

Comfort: Roy says to look for jeans made from soft, stretchy materials “like cotton blends that allow for movement and accommodate your growing body. A good pair should feel like a second skin.”
Style: “Choose styles that suit your personal aesthetic,” Roy explains. “Whether you prefer skinny, bootcut, or relaxed fit, there’s a style for everyone. Pair them with your favorite tops or sweaters for a complete look.”
Support Features: Lastly, opt for jeans with a supportive waistband that helps alleviate pressure on the belly. “Look for styles that include back support, especially as pregnancy progresses,” Roy adds.

When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Jeans?

Every pregnancy is different, so how your bump grows will vary. “Many expectant mothers find it comfortable to switch to maternity jeans around the second trimester, typically between 12 to 16 weeks,” Roy explains. ‘However, this can vary based on individual body changes; some may choose to transition earlier if their regular jeans start feeling tight.” A good rule to follow is to switch to a pair of maternity jeans for optimal comfort when your current pants start feeling too restrictive.

With over-the-belly stretch panels, sustainable fabrics, and so many modern styles to choose from (fringe trim? yes please!). Ahead, check out the best maternity jeans every mama-to-be needs in her pregnancy wardrobe.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Levi’s and QVC are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

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