Maternity jeans – sounds like an oxymoron, right? Except that doesn't need to be the case at all for the jeans-loving mamas out there. Maternity jeans have come such a long way in both comfort and style that you may find yourself preferring them to loungewear, even in the later stages of pregnancy!
That's why we've put together this buying guide and list of our ten favourite maternity jeans available online in the UK, spanning black skinny jeans and jeggings to floaty wide legs and boyfriend cuts. Expect fabulous finds from classic maternity brands like Mamalicious alongside offerings from the likes of New Look and ASOS Design. Blooming lovely.
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Table of Contents
You've probably come across jeans being referred to as low, mid, or high rise, but do you know what it actually means? The rise refers to the distance from the seam in between your legs to the top of the waistband. Low rise jeans are perfect for those with shorter torsos as there is literally less fabric, whereas mid-rise pairs have slightly more to them with their cut hitting right at the hips.
High-rise jeans are often the most flattering option, sitting right at your belly button or just below which defines your waist and makes your legs look longer. Your height and size is a good thing to consider when deciding which rise will be the best for you during pregnancy but do keep comfort in mind as well.
Bump bands can vary from small ones covering just across the bump, to over-the-bump bands covering the whole tummy. Which one you choose will depend on what stage of pregnancy you are at, what else you might be wearing with the jeans, and generally what you find the most comfortable. Keep in mind the season as you may feel warmer with an over the bump band.
Made from stretch jersey, cotton, or a cotton blend, bump bands start from the waistband and keep you feeling secure. In the first months you may want a smaller more discreet band, especially if your tummy is more on show. When you're further along in your pregnancy, however, your jeans might fit better wearing an over-bump band, and you may welcome the added tummy support, too!
An alternative to a bump band is an elasticated waist, which looks and feels more like the waistband of "normal" jeans. Because of their minimalism, they can be a little easier to get on and off and will feel slightly cooler in the height of summer, as you don't need to have your entire bump covered by fabric.
If you're looking for more minimal support, jeans with elasticated inserts above the front pockets are even more discreet than an elasticated waist. They're also a good pick if you like to tuck in your t-shirts and tops. However, they are better for the earlier stages of pregnancy as they don't provide quite as much stretch as bump bands, which you might miss when you're further along.
Stretchiness is one of the most important factors, especially if you're hoping to wear them all the way through your pregnancy and possibly afterwards, too. Skinnier jeans can seem intimidating but high-performance stretch denim does exactly what it says. Alternatively, lots of maternity jeans are advertised as "soft and stretchy" which is another good claim to look for.
On the other hand, some styles of maternity jeans are made with a firmer, more structured material in order to achieve a certain look. Straight or wide leg jeans and jeans with a relaxed fit are often made with firmer cotton, which is a good thing to be aware of when you are shopping online. If hardier or thicker material is what you're into, go for a very relaxed or slouchy fit or buy the next size up.
£45.00
No one does it better than maternity-directed brands, and these jeans by Mamalicious are a breath of fresh air (without having to undo your top button). In at number one we've gone for dark blue denim with a slight fade, which look great no matter the occasion.
Mid-rise and regular length, they have pockets on the front and back, as well as a wide bump band in grey which has adjustable elastic and a hidden button to keep it in place. A super-practical fit for any age that you'll love all the way through pregnancy.
£32.00
Part of Asos Design's responsible edit, these kick flare jeans are also made from Better Cotton Initiative cotton. Another fantastic, sustainable option, well done ASOS! As well as a cool and casual low rise, they have a discreet and comfy stretch jersey bump band in a similar blue shade to the jeans.
Featuring useful belt loops, a zip fly, and four pockets, they're definitely practical, and the kick flare leg makes them stand out in the looks department too. A perfect everyday look for the the beach, a trip to the shops or for chilling in cafes at the weekend.
£25.00
A gorgeous eco-friendly option the Farleigh jeans are made from responsibly resourced materials and have a minimalist, straight leg cut. Crafted from 100% thick, stretch cotton denim, the relaxed fit makes sure they are very comfortable. The sturdy material will stand the test of time too, seeing you through multiple pregnancies.
With an under the bump band these jeans might be better suited to early pregnancy, they have a contemporary day-to-day feel with a chic cropped ankle.
£59.00
The Tristan Overbump Maternity Skinny Jeans may look very skinny and sleek but they are also deceivingly practical and comfortable. Made from high-performance stretch denim, they have a cotton over-bump band to go with their slim but not-too-skinny cut. You don't need to shy away from skinny jeans, these will stretch to fit your growing bump
Creating a flattering and flawless fit at any stage of pregnancy, they are a real essential. Perfect for work or everyday wear, and for when you feel like getting dressed up, too! Sizes are limited, or these would have scored even higher.
£18.00
These are a more structured pair of jeans, made from non stretch cotton, but given they are 100% cotton they are highly breathable so still ensure comfort. With five pockets they are practical as well as pretty and look bang on trend with a pair of chunky ankle boots.
Coming in white, we found these maternity jeans to be a cute change from the usual blue or black jeans. They are perfect to be worn once baby is here too and zip fly and button detailing to finish the style gives the illusion they are not maternity wear at all.
£48.00
On first glance these leather-look jeans seem like they might be too sleek to be maternity wear, but looks can be deceiving! Yes, they're super-stylish. but they are very giving and comfortable, too. Being pregnant doesn't mean missing out on fashionable options.
Made from a soft and stretchy cotton blend which is coated for a cool look, they have a wide bump band with adjustable elastic and a hidden button. They're great for all occasions and everyday wear as your bump grows, and we like how the bump band is black too, which blends in well under any top.
£40.00
These jeans get the thumbs up from not only us, but ASOS' regular customers too. Perfect for the warmer months, the cropped style will keep you cool throughout Spring and Summer but can be teamed with stylish boots when the weather turns.
With a waistband that can be worn not over the bump, for support, these jeans will suit no matter what stage of pregnancy you are. With pockets to the front and back, we love how River Island have considered practicality as well as style.
£40.00
These Molly jeans by River Island prove that you can still go to the party dressed to kill, whatever stage of pregnancy you happen to be at. With a concealed fly and over-the-bump waistband, belt loops and pockets, these jeans are surprisingly functional during your pregnancy, and beyond, too.
Skinny yet stretchy, they're as dressed up as jeans can get and it's hard to go wrong with a good clean-black wash. A glamorous choice that will suit practically any outfit. Team with floaty tops, boho blouses or chic vests and turn heads wherever you go.
£29.99
Next up we have New Look's mom jeans – perfect for grungier mums-to-be or simply those who don't want to make a compromise with the usual type of maternity jeans. In a pale blue, they are high rise rise with a stretchy bump band and stylishly cropped and turned up legs.
The distressed detailing will set you apart from the crowd whilst still being super comfy. The slouchy and relaxed fit will make you want to wear them all of the time – if you dare! We've popped this one in at number nine as the size range isn't perfect, and we realise it's a slightly bolder fashion choice during pregnancy.
£40.00
We love the broad ranges of leg sizes in these River Island jeans, suiting a multitude of heights, unlike most on the market. These maternity jeans offer a casual yet classic straight leg that would sit well with trainers for a sleek daytime look, or dressed up with heels for a night on the town.
The pale light blue denim is 98 percent cotton, with added elastane to provide the all important stretch that can see you through your whole pregnancy and into your forth trimester. A perfect light weight option for the warmer months of the year.
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
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