Everything You Need to Know About Maternity Jeans

I had some posts I planned to share after Ivy was born discussing maternity clothing/style. When she came early, everything got a little off. I thought I’d still go ahead and share this one. Let me know if you have anything specific you’d like to know about maternity dressing or anything I can help with.

One of the first things not to fit me while pregnant was my jeans. The options: try a belly band, use the rubber band trick, and/or buy new maternity jeans. Well, I tried both the belly band and the rubber band trick and found them both really frustrating. They involve extra steps when you need to go to the bathroom (which was more often than normal!), and both involved pants that really didn’t fit me well/slid down. Everyone carries differently. These may work well for you! For me, it was time to purchase some maternity jeans. I felt clueless amidst the sea of options, so today I am sharing everything you need to know about maternity jeans.

I have been fortunate enough to work with brands through the blog affording me more maternity denim than I think most people purchase. This was been a blessing for me, and I think it has taught be a lot. I thought I’d pass what I learned along the way.

Everything You Need to Know About Maternity Jeans: The Fit

1. Demi Panel – This is a short, elastic band that essentially replaces the top of normal jeans. It takes the place of the button and belt loops. For me, these worked really well in the beginning because they added some give. As I got farther along, they dug in and folded over when I sat down. I was fortunate enough to get one pair for $2 when our Gap maternity was closing and borrow another pair from a friend. They got me through from when my jeans didn’t fit to the full panel stage (see below).
2. Full Panel – This is also a stretchy band that replaces the top of normal jeans, but instead of being short it goes all the way over your belly. In the beginning, this panel was too much. Without a belly to hold it up, it just slid down. Once I got farther along (say 22+ weeks), these were ideal. Soooo comfy.
3. Inset Panel – This is a stretchy panel that takes the place of the pocket area only on normal jeans. It allows the give you need and still keeps the jeans looking more normal (you don’t lose the button). I personally did not like this option. I found them less comfortable and experienced some of the same issues I did with the demi as I got father along.

Everything You Need to Know About Maternity Jeans: Where to Shop

1. A Pea in the Pod – This is without a doubt my favorite maternity shop for everything, especially denim. They carry so many brands, styles, and options. They have the designer brands, but they also carry their own, more affordable line, called Luxe Essentials which I really liked.
2. Gap – Gap has really awesome, affordable maternity denim. I tend to really like regular Gap denim, and their maternity denim translates to their regular sizing and fit. It makes it easy because most people are familiar with Gap denim. Just order your normal size!
3. Asos – I love Asos for maternity pieces in general. They offer modern, trendy pieces and the denim is no different. I did find that most of their denim is the demi panel.
4. Madewell – I didn’t know Madewell offered maternity denim until I did a post with them! I loved the cropped flare I received. All their options are the inset panel, so it wasn’t quite as comfy (again just a personal opinion).
5. Shopbop – Similar to A Pea in the Pod, Shopbop offers designer maternity denim. They have a really good selection of trendy, nice denim. While I didn’t personally order from them, I tried some of the same jeans through A Pea in the Pod.
6. J.Crew – J.Crew offered select denim and pants in maternity. I never personally had any, but I bet it is great!
7. Topshop – I think a lot of people love regular Topshop denim. They offer some great maternity options. I did not personally own any.
8. Nordstrom – Nordstrom has a good selection of denim a little nicer than Gap and Asos while also carrying designer denim.
9. H & M – I never personally owned any H & M denim, but they have a good selection at reasonable prices.

Everything You Need to Know About Maternity Denim – My Personal Favorite Pairs