Everyone loves pants. They are versatile, comfortable, and cute. But now you are pregnant and that baby bump is growing, do you have to hang up all your stylish clothes?
There is no law that says that once you get pregnant, you are doomed to wade through life in shapeless, baggy clothing.
Maternity garments, even pants, come in all sorts of styles. From jeans to leggings, all it takes is a bit of effort and patience, and you are sure to find some great clothing.
In this article:
How to pick the best maternity pants
Sure there are a few extra things to keep in mind but don’t worry; it’s nothing too mind-blowing.
Material
Comfort is going to be absolutely key in any piece of clothing you buy during your pregnancy. You want to go for breathable, soft materials so look for cotton, modal, bamboo or a cotton mixed fabric. These fabrics also have plenty of give, so they will stretch to accommodate that baby bump.
Over vs. Under
Speaking of that baby bump, you can choose between three types of waists on maternity pants. One style pulls up over your belly, while the other has a waistband that will sit right below it. The third style, a fold-over waistband, can be worn above or below your bump. There isn’t a right or wrong choice here; it’s all about personal preference. Some styles of pants, however, can only be kept up comfortably with a belly band.
Editor’s Note: I always find that over-the-belly pants are more comfortable and much less restrictive. The panel keeps your pants from sagging or falling down, which is the last thing you want to worry about while pregnant!
Related: Top 3 Maternity Belts VS Top 3 Belly Bands of 2021
Stretch Panels
To avoid constantly having to buy new pants throughout your second and third trimesters, look for designs that incorporate stretch panels around your belly, hips, and butt.
Skip the Wrinkle-Free
Sure, wrinkle-free always sounds like a home run when it comes to clothing. However, that wrinkle-free finish involves the manufacturers adding chemicals, like formaldehyde, to the fabric. Since you are now dressing for two, it is better to be safe than sorry, so steer clear of these clothes.
As you can see, there’s nothing too ‘out there when it comes to shopping for maternity pants. So, let’s move on to some of our favorites.
Related: When to Start Wearing Maternity Clothes: a Timely Style Guide
Our favorite maternity pants
Best Maternity Leggings
Our opinion
Waist: Over the Belly
Material: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
Sure, the name will probably never fit into a catchy jingle, but these leggings are both comfortable and beneficial to your health. They provide back and belly support and wick away moisture. Unfortunately, they only come in black. The material is also a little thin, so while they’re perfect for warmer days, you might want to wear something a bit heavier if it is very chilly. On the bright side, the material is designed not to absorb any creams or moisturizer you are putting on, so you can reap all the benefits from your skin care regimen.
Best Maternity Jeans
Our opinion
Waist: Over the belly
Material:75% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 3% Elastane
The folks at Levi Strauss know a thing or two about a good pair of jeans, and the hallmark of their quality is present in these cute skinny jeans. You’ll forget about leaving your old pairs behind thanks to the flattering but comfortable slim fit of this pair, which features their Smooth Tummy Knit Panel. This adds comfort and light support and allows the stretchy denim pants to adapt to your changing body throughout your pregnancy.
Most Vibrant Maternity Pants
Our opinion
Waist: Over the belly
Material: 97% Polyester, 3 % Spandex
Comfortable enough to wear all day, unique enough for you to boast your personal style, and dressy enough to wear on your errands, these bell bottoms check both the fun and functional columns on a shopping list. They do tend to run long, and the material is a bit thin if you’re pregnant during the winter months. However, the waistband is stretchy while still offering belly support and you can choose between 8 colorful designs to add some color to your maternity pants wardrobe.
Best for Comfort
Our opinion
Waist: Fold-over
Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex
A nice aspect of this pant is that it is available in brighter colors, but it is not as loud as the above-reviewed pair. These pants tend to run a bit large, and they’re not something you could get away with wearing to the office, but the material is soft and gentle on skin. It’s also not so thin that you will freeze, nor so heavy that you will be uncomfortable.
Best Maternity Short
Our opinion
Waist: Fold-over
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex
Who wears short shorts? You do! Don’t worry, they’re not so short as to cause an embarrassing moment, but they give you that fantastic summer look that you might have thought you had to give up during your pregnancy. These cute shorts come with a fashionably distressed look, are super breathable, and can be tossed in the washer for a thorough clean whenever needed. The fabric is so stretchy that many moms rock this look for the duration of their pregnancy.
Best Maternity Short
Our opinion
Waist: Fold-over
Material: 95% Natural Cotton, 5% Spandex
These leggings are available in black only. We wish there were a bit more variety but, nevertheless, these pants offer a comfortable fit throughout your pregnancy. Despite being stretchy, you won’t have to worry about them becoming see-through. Better yet, they are machine washable and dryer friendly.
Best for Comfort
Our opinion
Waist: Fold-over
Material: 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
Available in five colors, these shorts are stretchy and soft. For a pair of shorts, they are a bit pricey, but you will be able to wear them throughout your pregnancy. They are very cute and also work wonders if you need something under your dresses to help with chafing. When the waist is rolled up, it offers adequate belly support, and this piece of clothing is machine washable and dryer safe.
Best Over The Bump
Our opinion
Waist: Over the Belly
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Available in classic black and grey, the belly band of this pant has plenty of give to accommodate that growing bump, but still offers a comfortable amount of support. The waistband can reach all the way up to your bra, so there’s no need to worry about unsightly clothing lines rising up from under your shirt. With material that will keep you warm, these pants are perfect for chillier days and are more than classy enough to wear while you’re out and about.
Best Maternity Jeans
Our opinion
Waist: Over the belly
Material: 62% Polyester, 33% Rayon, 5% Cotton
An affordable alternative to the traditional denim, these pants provide a comfortable fit and pockets. Yes, real, usable pockets. Ladies everywhere, rejoice! The material itself is soft and form-flattering. Some women have expressed disappointment at the belly band not stretching more to accommodate the tail end of their pregnancy, but the jeans have been met with an overall positive reception.
Best on the go
Our opinion
Waist: Over the belly
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Available in classic black and grey, the belly band of this pant has plenty of give to accommodate that growing bump, but still offers a comfortable amount of support. The waistband can reach all the way up to your bra, so there’s no need to worry about unsightly clothing lines rising up from under your shirt.
With material that will keep you warm, these pants are perfect for chillier days and are more than classy enough to wear while you’re out and about.
Best Yoga Shorts
Our opinion
Waist: Fold-over
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
These are a very comfortable option if you’re looking for shorts, especially if you’re planning to do some gentle prenatal yoga over the coming months. While their base color is black, you can choose between five different belly band colors to brighten up your outfit. These shorts are a bargain price, as well as being light and breathable, so you’ll stay cool and comfortable whether you are going on a jog or relaxing at home.
Conclusion
While you might be putting away some of your favorite clothes for a bit, there is no reason you can’t love your maternity wardrobe. Who knows, you might even find yourself wearing some of these clothes even after that baby bump is gone. Dare we say, what you can’t wear on a day to day basis post pregnancy, you might even find yourself missing? Just remember, don’t be afraid to flaunt that beautiful pregnant figure in comfortable, fashionable style.
