Best Maternity Jeans

Your ultimate guide to finding the most flattering jeans ever. Do not buy anything without consulting this list!

By Sasha Emmons

  • Pregnancy is the mother of all figure challenges, what with that opposite-of-hourglass bump you're rocking, so you need the most flattering jeans ever. We found them! After testing, re-testing, and talking to preggo-mamas with the very best taste, we've come up with our nine favorites. Our rules are simple: They have to look amazing, and they have to make a valiant effort to fight PPB (pregnancy plumber's butt), although let's face it -- in the last month all bets are off. Good news: You don't have to spend a lot to look chic. Many of our trendiest mamas confessed to being die-hard Old Navy and Gap fans. Here, our faves:

    Paige Premium Robertson Maternity Jean

    Why we love them: Paige is famous for making jeans with amazing fit. So pg-fashionistas rejoiced when their maternity line debuted. You get the same 10-pounds-thinner look of the original, except for the soft nylon mid-belly panel. Plus, Amanda Peet looked adorable stepping out in her Paiges when she was pregnant.

    Who they're good for: These babies will take designer denim addicts through their second and third trimesters.

    Check for retailers or buy online at paigepremiumdenim.com, $189.

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  • Bella Dahl Twill Maternity Pants

    Why we love them: White jeans are en pointe these days, and we love that we found a flattering pair in a not-always-preggo-flattering color! Plus, the contrast stitching makes these not-just-for-summer. We also appreciate the extra-thick mid-belly band that gives primo support.

    Who they're good for: The woman who wants to look just a little different will love these. These can be worn from just-showing until L&D day.

    Available at duematernity.com, $186.

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  • Maternal America Flower Applique Maternity Jeans

    Why we love them: You're totally working the earth mama look with that bump, so why not take it a step further with some flower child jeans, featuring super-supportive waistband? Cool bonus: applique on the lower leg will show when you cuff 'em, so you can wear these with heels in your feel-good second trimester and your all-about-flats third.

    Who they're good for: Free spirits will love to pull these on. Wear these throughout your pregnancy. If at first you don't have the belly to fill them out, belt loops help you hike them up.

    Available at duematernity.com, $135.

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  • Gap No Panel Trouser

    Why we love them: Some preggos just don't do panels. Or maybe you're not "out" yet and don't want anyone seeing that telltale stretchy material around the belly. These business casual trousers will keep your little secret, and they feature an interior adjustable waist too.

    Who they're good for: If you're in I'm-not-telling mode, these will hide the bun in your oven. These are great for first and second trimester (and the post-baby "fourth trimester" too) -- gravity may win the battle during your last few months.

    Available in Gap stores or at gap.com, $68.

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  • Habitual Dark Wash Jean

    Why we love them: Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, and Jennifer Garner favored the no-band style of these Belly Dance Maternity bestsellers, which hide an adjustable waist inside and feature a very low rise in front. Plus, the stitched-in cross logo on the back pockets makes these the hands-down winner for cutest butt.

    Who they're good for: US Weekly devotees will make like Angie in these blues. These will work throughout most of your pregnancy and also for the months afterward -- although you'll need to wear to-the-hip tops to counter the low rise as you get bigger.

    Available at bellydancematernity.com, $186.

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  • Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit

    Why we love them: These dead ringers for 7's employ a new belly panel design (patent pending), which feels as cozy as thick tights and is totally seamless (no annoying horizontal line across your tummy). Also, if you're light-skinned, they blend with your bump, which means white tees are a possibility again.

    Who they're good for: Bargain hunters will thank the preggo fashion gods for these. Our favorites for late-pregnancy saggy-butt issues.

    Available at Motherhood Maternity stores or motherhood.com, $45.

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  • Old Navy Roll-Over Jeans

    Why we love them: Sometimes you feel like a full panel, sometimes you don't. You can have it both ways with this style, which can be worn over the belly or folded under the bump. An easy fit through the thighs means you won't be stressing about squeezing into them as you get bigger.

    Who they're good for: Frugal fashionistas will get a kick out of these. Even better, they will work for the whole nine months.

    Available at Old Navy stores or at oldnavy.com, $36.50.

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  • Serfontaine Dark Denim Mezzanine Jean

    Why we love them: Channeling '80s Gloria Vanderbilt-style cool, these dark jeans also have a super-comfortable ribbed belly panel that runs just along the front of the jean.

    Who they're good for: Want to just buy one pair to take you through to the end? These are it -- you'll get wear out of these for your entire pregnancy.

    Available at bellydancematernity.com, $176.

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  • Secret Belly 7 for All Mankind Jean

    Why we love them: Sometimes when you're pregnant, you just want to feel normal (read: not pregnant) for a while. These just might do the trick. Like the pair from Motherhood, these feature a subtle flesh-colored panel.

    Who they're good for: Buying your first pair of designer denim ever? You deserve it -- and these are the pair to buy. The full-belly panel won't work in the early months, but these will be a godsend in those last few (long) months.

    Available at Pea in the Pod stores or apeainthepod.com, $185.

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