Best maternity jeans 2023: 10 tried and tested options

Consider your search for the best maternity jeans over — we’ve tried and tested a range of 2023’s best bump-friendly styles and found options for all. 

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is no mean feat. If you’re anything like us, once you’ve found your favourite pair of jeans, you tend to cling to them at all costs. But when you’re pregnant, sometimes, these much-loved wardrobe must-haves just won’t cut the mustard. 

You might try to attach the button with an old hair bobble, but this trick just isn’t practical if you’re looking to venture outside of the house for longer than five minutes. But luckily, there’s a long (and seemingly neverending) array of maternity jeans available that are comfy, cute and won’t compromise on style. 

Today, just like the best maternity leggings, maternity jeans give you a little more room for expansion. Think: elasticated panels, super soft cotton that come with a little more stretch and over-the-bump designs that hug your growing body. So it’s fair to say that the denim-shaped hole in your wardrobe will be filled in no time as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the best maternity jeans.

Speaking to our group of new-mums-to-be, we asked what they were looking for in their ideal pair of maternity jeans, and then sought to find which collections ticked all of these boxes. We let our pregnant volunteers test each pair out for a whole day, going about their usual errands to see what's worth investing in. 

The best maternity jeans to buy 2023

1. New Look Waist Enhance Tori Mom Jeans 

Best maternity jeans on a budget 

RRP: £29.99 | Sizes: 8-20 | Leg lengths: One length

When it comes to great value clothing, New Look rarely fails us and its maternity jeans didn’t either. One of the cheapest options on the high street, the tapered mom shape has a more casual feel and will become your most reliable, everyday pair of jeans.

“The denim was good quality for the price and I felt nice and secure in the over-the-bump band,” says mum-to-be Amy Leeming who is five months pregnant. They are quite roomy so there will definitely be fabric for growth which is always a plus, although they could feel a little big for those in the earlier stages of pregnancy. For the price, these would be a handy purchase to help you feel put-together if your money has gone towards nappies and a new pram.”

There is no button on this pair that streamlined the waistband, although some women might prefer a more authentic feel if this was added. Super comfortable, this pair is perfect if you’re looking for good quality jeans that won’t break the bank. The style comes in two washes, a mid-blue as well as a light blue wash perfect for summer.

VIEW NOW - £29.99 | NEW LOOK

2. Yours Bump It Up Maternity Curve Light Blue Ripped Stretch AVA Jeans with Comfort Panel 

Best plus-size maternity jeans

RRP: £33.99 | Sizes: 16-32 | Leg lengths: One length

We couldn’t complete a maternity jeans round-up without mentioning Yours for its size-inclusive clothing. We have praised the brand for creating trend-led products for curvy women before, and we're thrilled to see it offers maternity jeans up to a size 32. Most of the styles available are skinny or straight leg, with comfortable over the bump bands.

Jenny Chilston, who is six months pregnant, says: “The shape was flattering and the pockets on the bum certainly helped it look perkier! The fabric felt a little thinner than some of my usual jeans, but they are a great price.”

There’s certainly a market for plus-size maternity wear and Yours holds the top spot in our eyes.

VIEW NOW - £33.99 | YOURS

3. River Island Dark Blue Skinny Maternity Jeans 

Best petite maternity jeans 

RRP: £43 | Sizes: 6-18 | Leg lengths: Regular, Short, Long

River Island has long been a favourable denim destination on the high street for good value, well-fitting jeans and its maternity offering is impressive. With multiple shades of denim in different cuts, the bump-friendly styles are a seamless continuation of the core products.  For the vertically challenged, the short length is 30inches, but most styles are ankle grazers so suit shorter legs pretty well.

“I find it really hard to find jeans that don’t bunch up at the bottom, but these were a perfect cut,” says Sarah Tagliarini, who is four months pregnant with her second baby. “The band was secure and I loved the fit and shape.The mid-rise did sit slightly lower at the back which might be too low for later in my pregnancy, but right now they were a great pair for me.”

This pair had a higher cotton content so were a sturdier denim, although they do have pairs with more elastane for extra stretch.

VIEW NOW - £43 | RIVER ISLAND

4. Long Tall Sally Maternity Slim Leg Jeans 

Best tall maternity jeans 

RRP: £35 | Sizes: 8-26/28 | Leg length: 36

For the long-limbed among us, buying regular jeans that don’t look as though they’ve had an argument with your ankles is no mean feat. That’s why Long Tall Sally has been the go-to for years to bag bottoms that really fit, so we just had to try out the maternity jeans on offer. And we are chuffed we did. While some stores do offer longer leg lengths, Long Tall Sally’s mission statement is that they don’t just add inches onto the bottom, they design pieces that are made with proportions in mind. As a result, this pair fits like a glove. 

“It felt like I wasn’t even wearing jeans, these were so comfortable. I’ve lived in them since I got them,” says eight months pregnant, Alice Park. “The over-the-bump band sat perfectly over my longer torso, they looked fab on the bum and the crotch is longer so there was no need to hoist them up throughout the day which is something that usually drives me mad.”

With a 36 inch inside leg, Long Tall Sally’s maternity jeans are the perfect fit for the lucky long-legged women out there. 

VIEW NOW - £35 | LONG TALL SALLY

5. Isabella Oliver Over the Bump Organic Maternity Boyfriend Jeans 

Best over the bump maternity jeans 

RRP: £69 | Sizes: 4-12 | Leg lengths: One length

The pregnant fashion insider’s label of choice, Isabella Oliver is a London-based sustainable maternity brand that you need to have on your radar. With multiple five-star reviews from customers raving about the comfort, fit and quality of the jeans, we had to give them a whirl - and we can see why. The stretchy band sits at the right point of the bump helping mums-to-be feel super supported. “It was like a hug for the bump!” says Sarah Tagliarini.

The best part is that the rear of the band is thicker for added back support which is perfect for any woman who might be struggling with lower back pain. And unlike many brands, Isabella Oliver’s maternity jeans come in a range of cuts, not just the ubiquitous skinny - the boyfriend fit is more relaxed, making it a great alternative ideal for weekend strolling. There is less give in the denim which we liked so they feel like proper jeans, as all the stretchy magic lies in the band. 

VIEW NOW - £69 | ISABELLA OLIVER

6. Lily & Ribbon Sophia Stone Wash Maternity Jeans

Best maternity jeans for pregnancy and beyond 

RRP: £54.99 | Sizes: 6-26 | Leg lengths: 30-34

Award-winning maternity brand Lily & Ribbon was founded by mum-of-two Tanya Patel when she was left feeling frumpy in maternity wear. Every item on the site has been tried and tested by new mums to create clothes that are as fashionable as they are functional and we think these jeans tick every box.

“The fit was perfect and made with good quality denim with just the right amount of stretch,” says Amy Leeming. “The over the bump band was so soft, super secure and felt like a second skin, while an extra button at the waistband meant I could pull them easily over my hips. I’ll be able to get on the floor to play with the baby with ease later on, too.”

The band didn’t go baggy or loose after washing and would definitely grow with you which is why we are crowning this pair great for taking you through all stages of pregnancy and beyond. Available in four colourways, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect pair to suit your growing maternity wardrobe.

VIEW NOW - £54.99 | LILY & RIBBON

7. Seraphine Organic Cotton Over Bump Black Maternity Jeans 

Best maternity skinny jeans 

RRP: £59 | Sizes: 6-20 | Leg lengths: Regular, Petite, Long

If a pair of jeans are good enough for the Duchess of Cambridge, then they are good enough for us!  As soon as Kate was spotted in this pair when she was pregnant with Prince Louis in 2018, they sold out immediately and with good reason. With a good amount of stretch in the sculpt and shape fit, we found them comfortable while streamlining our bottom half nicely. 

“As soon as I put these on, I felt put together, which is a dream on the days I’m lacking energy or feeling out of sorts,” says Sarah Tagliarini. 

The over the bump band was a snug fit, although it comes up quite high on the torso so would be better suited to women who aren’t petite. That being said, it provides excellent coverage for larger bumps. Now available in three different lengths, these are a pregnancy wardrobe-must. They might be Duchess-approved, but they are also Good to Know approved. What are you waiting for? 

VIEW NOW - £59 | SERAPHINE

8. H&M MAMA Mom Ankle Jeans 

Best maternity mom jeans

RRP: £34.99 | Sizes: S-XXL | Leg lengths: One size

With your body changing, it’s natural to feel a little awkward with your style when pregnant, but H&M has a great maternity range that offers trend-led pieces with extra room for a bump.

“There have been times when I’ve felt unfashionable or frumpy while pregnant, but this mom pair of jeans helped me feel like my pre-pregnancy self,” says Amy Leeming. “They felt more modern and trendy.”

While the relaxed, tapered fit is more casual, the shape hugged the hips, stayed put throughout the day without loosening and the over-the-bump band was comfortable. The black wash and ripped knees are definitely a style for all of the rock chick mamas-to-be out there but they’re also available in three blue washes for a more conservative option!

VIEW NOW - £34.99 | H&M

9. M&S Maternity Boyfriend Jeans 

Best maternity boyfriend jeans 

RRP: £45 | Sizes: 6-24 |Leg lengths: Short, Regular, Long

Marks and Spencer is a high street hero for many of us, so it makes sense to head to the fashion stalwart for one of the most important items in your maternity wardrobe. If you’re more into a loose-leg boyfriend jeans than typical maternity skinny jeans, then we’ve found the perfect pair for you.

“I love this pair, as unlike a lot of maternity jeans out there, they felt like ‘proper’ jeans with less stretch in the fabric and they even had real front pockets which was a novelty as most maternity pairs don’t have them. However, if you’re carrying particularly low the lack of give in the fabric means they might not be as comfortable. The real denim also meant that I had to size up by one size to find the perfect fit but now that I have, I’ll be wearing these for the rest of my pregnancy!

The low cut front also means that you might need a longer top with this pair but the cut on the bum and up the back is excellent.” Say Gemma Tyler, who is six months pregnant.

VIEW NOW - £45 | M&S

10. Next Maternity Shape Enhancing Support Slim Jeans 

Best slim cut maternity jeans

RRP: £36 | Sizes: 6-16 | Leg lengths: Regular, Long

Unlike many of the jeans in this tried and tested, Next’s Shape Enhancing Support Slim Jeans had elasticated side panels, meaning they fit more like a normal pair of your favourite denim. 

“It was strange to put on a pair of jeans without the over or under bump panel but once they were on, I loved how they look! They felt supportive without being restrictive but are probably more suited to earlier stages of pregnancy than a large bump down the line.

The dark denim also made me feel very smart – I would wear these with a blazer for work.” Says Kate Saunders, who is four months pregnant.

We also love the double button detail on the waist, which sits across the bump and creates the slimming illusion of a smaller waist. Next’s sizing can be on the generous side so try sizing down.

VIEW NOW - £36 | NEXT

11. Spanx Mama Ankle Jean-ish Leggings 

Best maternity jeggings 

RRP: £96 | Sizes: XS-XL | Leg lengths: One length

When it comes to smoothing shapewear, Spanx is one of the leaders of the pack, but how would this notorious brand fare with maternity wear? They get top marks froms us! Rather than jeggings, Spanx call their specialised bottoms ‘jean-ish’, which we love, as the jeans-leggings hybrid are super comfortable and supportive. There’s no need to worry about the pair being too tight or restrictive, the Magic Mama band that sits over the bump, made from nylon and elastane, is a seam-free lighter material that feels breathable as well as being secure. With the higher price point, they are more of an investment but were one of our favourite pairs for taking you past birth, too.

“I absolutely loved this pair. I’m not usually one to spend a lot of money on jeans, but these are worth every penny,” says Alice Park. “I wore them to my baby shower where I definitely ate enough cake for two and felt like I could breathe easy. They weren’t too tight, just the perfect fit that I don’t want to take off.” Available in black, blue and white, the band will grow with you and you’ll live in this pair once your little one is born.

VIEW NOW - £96 | VERY

What to consider when choosing the best maternity jeans 

Choosing jeans can be a minefield at the best of times, let alone when your pregnant body is constantly changing. Remember it’s an individual process and there is no one-size-fits-all process - literally! Chelsey Oliver, Creative Director of maternity brand Seraphine, advises to make the move when your regular jeans become uncomfortable, which might happen sooner than you first think. She says: “The sooner you switch, the more wear you’ll get out of your maternity jeans and the better value your purchase becomes.” 

Sizing - Whatever size you were wearing pre-pregnancy, start here. Maternity jeans come in the same sizes as regular collections and should theoretically fit similarly in the leg and are made to cater for a bump. If you’re trying a new cut of jeans, then you might need to size up or down depending on the fit. Most jeans will grow with you, but we recommend buying two pairs so that you can switch between them as your body changes throughout pregnancy.

Under the bump vs. over the bump  - This is really down to personal preference. Under the bump styles often have elasticated jersey panels around the waistband which some women find useful during the early stages of pregnancy as they are less restrictive. Over the bump jeans include a large elasticated panel that fits over your bump with the denim starting underneath which is often considered more supportive, although can be hotter as there is an extra layer of material. “As a rule of thumb, if you love the secure feeling of high-waisted styles, you may prefer over the bump”, explains Chelsey. “If you usually prefer a low-rise or hipster style then under the bump may be better for you.” 

Fit - All of the brands we researched made maternity jeans in a skinny cut and many reported this fit regularly features in their top sellers. Our feedback was that the skinny style streamlined the bottom half and the tighter fit felt secure. However, maternity wear has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and you can find most of the jean shapes you’d usually buy available in a bump-friendly version. There’s no reason they should feel different on the leg and the waistband should be tight enough to prevent you from hoisting them up while remaining comfortable. Concerned about wearing tight clothing? Don’t panic. The key is ensuring you are comfortable, tighter clothing on the bump won’t harm your baby who is protected by your body. Ideally you want your jeans to feel snug but not uncomfortably digging into your skin.

Comfort - Goodbye stiff, rough denim. Hello soft cotton. Most maternity jeans are made using cotton with a higher percentage of elastane to give extra stretch and flexibility. If you’re after a more sturdy denim, check out the percentage fabrics on the site and opt for pairs with less elastane. 

Value for money - There are some great high street maternity jeans that won’t make too much of a dent in your maternity pay, as well as some more specific styles that can cost a little more. The amount you spend is entirely depending on your personal circumstances, but don’t immediately think you’ll only be wearing them for a couple of months. Chelsey encourages mums to consider wearing them after birth, too." Most mums find that their maternity jeans are still the most comfortable options”, she says. “They help you feel supported, while also smoothing and streamlining your shape for that extra confidence boost.” So you denims could be one of your best fashion investments.

Best place to shop for maternity jeans 

Some of our favourite brands for the best maternity jeans are:

• Seraphine - celebrity-approved maternity specialists 
• H&M - fashion-forward retailer with denim in lots of different shapes 
• Spanx - high-end shapewear specialists with jeggings offering
• New Look - great value maternity jeans
• Isabella Oliver - ethical maternity brand