Maternity Jeans. It’s one of the things that I was most apprehensive about when I became pregnant. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but clothing-wise, it was something that gave me pause. Jeans are hard enough as it is, am I right?! Then add twenty to thirty-some pounds, a nice round belly, and limited options… finding the perfect pair is no easy feat. But with this pregnancy, I was determined to try as many as possible and find the best of the best. I ordered countless pairs from nearly every brand I could find. And after over 15 pairs, I’ve got the ultimate maternity jeans review for ya!
We’ll start with some of the more affordable options. Some of the least expensive pairs I found were at one of my favs: Target!
Maternity Inset Under the Belly Ankle Skinny Jeans by Liz Lange
I’ll be honest, these weren’t my favorite looks-wise. The wash was a little more whiskered than I typically go for. But there were limited options at my store, so I went with these side-panel maternity jeans. These were sized as Small, Medium, Large, etc. I tried on the Mediums. The fit was fine, but I was concerned that these might be very stretched out after a while. I would suggest trying on multiple sizes and keeping the pair that are slightly more snug. (I couldn’t find this wash online, but the updated wash is one I like a lot more!)
SIZE: Medium, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Meh
Maternity Over the Belly Distressed Jeggings
The next pair were also from Target and the Liz Lange line. They are over-the-belly rather than a side panel, which makes them great for the second and third trimester.
Looks-wise, these were definitely more my style. They fit a bit more like a stretchy legging, but I liked that they still had the look of jeans. I tried these in a small, and probably would have kept these if I hadn’t already purchased a few pairs!
SIZE: Small, STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes!
For more affordable options, I also ordered a few pairs from Old Navy. First up, a white pair!
Full Panel Stay-White Rockstar Jeans
These were a great fit. I’m a fan of the Rockstar jeans already, so it was no surprise that I was a fan of these too. I didn’t end up keeping them, which honestly was a regret because I purchased a much more expensive pair. Oh well. Don’t make the same mistake! Try these!! 😉
SIZE: 6, STRECH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes!
These were also Rockstars but fit differently. The jean material was super-light and extra stretchy like leggings. Although I liked the wash and they were very comfortable, I didn’t end up keeping them. I wanted more of a jean, but if you’re a legging gal, these are for you!
SIZE: 6, STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes… if you want leggings/jeggings
The fit on these were very similar to the previous pair. The were light and super-stretchy. Another perfect option for leggings or jeggings lover!
SIZE: 4 (size down!), STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes… for leggings lovers!
And last up on the affordable options list: H&M! I’ll be honest: I had never previously tried H&M jeans before. I had nothing to compare the maternity ones to, but I was really impressed with the quality.
These were an absolute favorite. The fit was great, I loved the weight of the denim, and the distressing was right up my alley. The only thing that kept me from keeping them was the waistline. Do you see the faux button waist? It looked okay with long shirts, but it just felt kinda funny, and I couldn’t get over it. Even looking at these photos though makes me wish I had kept them!
SIZE: 8, STRETCH-FACTOR: Light stretch, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Loved, except for low button fly
These were also from H&M and another jegging/legging type option. The legs, like the name implies, were super skinny through the ankle. These type of jeans just aren’t my favorite personally, but if you like jeggings, these are a great option!
SIZE: 8, STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Good for leggings-lovers!
And now onto Loft! They didn’t have much variety in their options, and since I already had a few pairs picked out, I decided to try a style that was a bit different: a girlfriend jean. (Girlfriend jeans are supposed to be similar to the boyfriend style, but more fitted!)
Loft Full Panel Girlfriend Jean
Maybe I didn’t order the right size, but I typically wear a 6 in Loft bottoms pre-pregnancy. These just ended up looking like regular cropped jeans, which I didn’t love. The fit was fine and they were a nice weight. I just didn’t love the cut on me!
SIZE: 6, STRETCH-FACTOR: Some stretch, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Meh
Alrighty, y’all. Let’s go on to the designer options. These are all options I ordered from Shopbop and A Pea in the Pod. Nordstrom also carries some designer styles as well.
First up is one of the more affordable designer options from Articles of Society!
Articles of Society Skinny Leg Maternity Jean
I own one pair of Articles of Society non-maternity jeans and I love their comfort, stretch, and softness. These maternity ones were no different. I looooved how soft they were. Because of the other pair I own, I suspected that these were going to stretch out with wear. I didn’t end up keeping them because that would have required an online exchange. I’d recommend sizing down!
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: YES! Size down!
Another less expensive designer option are from A Pea in the Pod’s own line: Luxe Essentials Denim.
Luxe Essentials Denim Secret Fit Belly Skinny Ankle Maternity Jeans
These ankle jeans fit nicely with a nice light weight. Buuut I didn’t love the ankle cut with peg leg opening. It is a bit straighter rather than fitted through the ankle. It sounds picky, I know. But since I tried on so many pairs, I I knew exactly what I was looking for! Otherwise fit was comfortable! If you want premium denim at a less expensive price, check out this brand.
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Meh
If you read my complaint from the last pair, I’ll bet you can guess how I feel about these. 😉 I think I might have felt better about a pair a size down, but these just felt way too straight for skinny jeans. I was not a fan of the cut at all!
SIZE: 29 (consider sizing down!), STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Disliked
Paige Skyline Ankle Peg Maternity Jeans
These jeans are named “peg”, so the cut didn’t surprise me. If you want a peg leg jean, these were my favorite. The rest of the leg was more fitted and flattering. They just weren’t what I was looking for, so I sent them back.
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: YES for peg leg cut
And now, let’s switch gears to some black denim options!
Paige Transcend Verdugo Ultra Skinny Maternity Jeans
When it comes to designer jeans, Paige has my heart. These were just what I was looking for. The stretch was nice, I loved the fit, and they were so comfortable. I actually own a pair of these exact maternity jeans (Paige Verdugo) in a blue denim wash. They’re clearly a fav. I didn’t end of keeping these though, but it was a tough, tough decision between these and the next pair. I loved them equally!
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes! FAVS!
Everything was right on point with these J Brand jeans: the cut, the comfort, the fit. They were all spot on. I ended up keeping these over the Paige because I thought they were just a touch softer. But really, you can’t go wrong with either of the two. After wearing them for a while, I will say that they did stretch out for me a bit. I would recommend trying a size down for a slightly snugger fit!
SIZE: 29 (I wish I had gotten the 28!), STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Keepers!
Mother Secret Fit Belly Looker Ankle Maternity Jeans
Man, these jeans were so cool. I looooved them. The distressed and raw hem ankle were perfect. They were comfortable and fit great too. I ultimately sent them back because I already had so many pairs, but I would definitely recommend these for those ladies who want to stay on-trend during pregnancy!!
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Yes! The perfect trendy jean!
And speaking of trendy jeans…
Citizens of Humanity Avedon Skinny Maternity Ankle Jean
Since I was pregnant during the Spring and Summer again, I really wanted a lighter wash distressed jean. I loved the distressing on the knees and back pocket. These have stretch but are a little stiffer than some of the other options. And despite sizing up, I still wonder if they would make it all the way through the end of my pregnancy. Some side panel styles can hold up to a 30+ week belly, but I don’t know if these are them! I did end up keeping them because I really loved the wash, cut, and distressing. If you love them too, maybe try a size up and two sizes up and see how they fit!
SIZE: 30 (size up!), STRETCH FACTOR: some stretch, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Keepers, but size up!
I just had no luck with the DL1961 maternity jeans! (The other pair I tried were a white version above!) I’m slightly on the taller side (5’7″), and I hated where the distressing hit. It was above my knee, which just seemed really unnatural to me. If you’re on the shorter end, they may work! The other complaint I had was the leg opening. You see how it flares out, almost making a baby bell shape? No bueno. These went back without hesitation.
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: Disliked
7 For All Mankind Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jean
If you’re looking for a basic distressed knee jean, these are for you. They were one of my absolute favs, and let me tell you: I wore these suckers several times a week. They were winners fo’ sho’! 😉 I loved the length, the cut, the distressing, and the stretch. They hit all the marks and have an over-the-belly panel, making them perfect for later in pregnancy too! Winner winner!
SIZE: 29, STRETCH-FACTOR: Very stretchy, ULTIMATE IMPRESSION: YEEEES!
Soooo, that’s it, y’all. Want a quick recap of each pair I kept? These 7 For All Mankind Jeans were perfect. I also kept these trendier Citizens of Humanity Jeans (but please don’t forget to size up!)! These J Brand jeans were winners (but I did wish I had sized down!)! And I also kept these white ones!
If you want more maternity clothing tips, you HAVE to check out my maternity wardrobe series:
- How to Build a Maternity Wardrobe, Part 1: How to Asses You Current Closet
- Part 2: How to Find the Holes in your Wardrobe + Create a Plan
- Part 3: Best Advice for Shopping
- Part 4: How to Remix Your Wardrobe
And if you want maternity outfit inspiration, see all my maternity outfits here!
Such a useful post!
Xx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
http://www.floortjeloves.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253
Do you mind me asking what your pre-pregnancy size was?
Thank you!