When should I start wearing maternity pants?

There is no magical date you need to wait to reach before transitioning to maternity wear. Start wearing maternity pants as soon as your regular pants begin to feel a little snug. Every pregnancy is different and every stomach will "pop" at a different point. This means you might feel more comfortable in maternity pants as early as a few weeks into a pregnancy, or not for several months. Even if you don’t feel like you need maternity pants just yet, it's a good idea to have a pair or two hanging in your closet ready for when you do. You don't want to get caught out with nothing to wear after an overnight growth spurt.

How many pairs of maternity pants do I need?

How many pairs of maternity pants you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you work in an office with a dress code, you will need at least one pair of dress pants. If you enjoy exercise, you will need a pair that you can work out in. You will almost certainly need a pair of pants that you can relax in or wear over the weekend, like a comfy pair of joggers or jeans. However, it could be that one pair of pants can transcend different activities. For example, your workout pants might be your go-to option to relax in too. Or the pants that you wear to the office could be the smart-casual option you need to meet with friends—or you may prefer maternity dresses for these occasions. Start small and build on your wardrobe if and when the need arises. Buying multiple pairs of pants for just a few months of a pregnancy can feel excessive. However, your body changes a lot during those nine months and you still need to be able to get dressed and feel comfortable and ready for your day.

Can I go up a pant size instead of buying maternity pants?

You could decide to go up a pant size instead of buying maternity pants, especially early on in your pregnancy. However, as your pregnancy progresses, you might find that you need to size up quite a few times as your belly grows. This could ultimately make it an expensive and time-consuming option. Plus, maternity pants are specifically designed to accommodate and support a growing bump. Going up a size in non-maternity pants (or other clothing) means that your new pants will be larger around the waist, but they will also be larger everywhere else. So they are not likely to give you the overall fit that your body needs during pregnancy.

The 8 Best Maternity Pants of 2022

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At some point in every pregnancy, the day comes where you stop trying to squeeze into your regular size pants and transition into maternity pants. And chances are high that when it happens, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do it. Maternity pants are designed specifically to complement and support a pregnant person's changing body, and there are actually some fashion-forward options out there so you don't have to sacrifice your personal style to get the support you need.

When searching for your perfect pair, prioritize comfort to accommodate your changing body, your preferred belly panel type, and ideal style from joggers to leggings.

Here, the maternity pants that you'll want to wear for nine months and even longer.

Our Top Picks

Best Leggings:

Luxe Essentials Secret Fit Maternity Leggings at Buybuy BABY

Designed not to be see-through, offers under-belly support and pulls up over the belly for all-day snugness.

Best Joggers:

Ingrid & Isabel Cozy Knit Maternity Jogger at Nordstrom

A roomier pick that's ideal for errands or lounging, these joggers feature a drawstring waistband and front pockets.

Best Jeans:

Madewell Maternity Skinny Jeans at Nordstrom

Complete with an over-the-belly waistband, made to grow with your changing body without the risk of sagging.

Best Slacks:

Hatch The Stiletto Pant at Hatchcollection.com

Perfect for dressier occasions, these hit at the ankles, have a slim fit, and will grow with you thanks to the elastic waistband.

Best Faux Leather:

Spanx Mama Faux Leather Leggings at Nordstrom

Designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy, and even when leaving the hospital.

Best Over Belly:

Old Navy Maternity Ponte-Knit Pants at Gap.com

Made to support and grow with you throughout your pregnancy, the over-the-belly waistband is ideal for later trimesters.

Best Under-Belly:

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Baby Bump Skinny Jeans at Amazon

Though they appear as traditional jeans from the back, the under-the-belly design grows with the body and won't lose its shape.

Best Overalls:

Storq Anytime Overalls at Storq.com

The one-piece is made of soft cotton and has front pockets and adjustable straps to help ensure the perfect fit.

Luxe Essentials Secret Fit Ultra Soft Maternity Leggings

Pros

Over- and under-belly support
Three color options

Cons

No sizes offered above a large
Pilling may form quickly for some

You can’t get through pregnancy without some leggings, and this pair will certainly keep you cozy. Made from a jersey knit rayon/spandex blend, this style pulls up over the belly to ensure they stay put all day long. You don’t have to worry about them being see-through because they’re specifically designed not to be, and they even offer some under-belly support. You can get these pants in black, grey, navy, or charcoal and sizes XS to L.

Ingrid & Isabel Cozy Knit Maternity Jogger

Pros

Elastic/drawstring waistband
Large front pockets
Elastic at the ankles

Cons

Costly
Elastic waistband does not appear to be sewn into place (may turn)

For running errands or lounging around the house, these joggers are super soft with fleece fabric and comfortably stay put thanks to the drawstring waistband. They have functional pockets on the front and cozy ankle cuffs for style. These joggers are available in sizes XS-XL and are safe for the washing machine (but need to be line-dried).

madewell-maternity-over-the-belly-skinny-jeans-in-danny-wash

Pros

Over-the-belly waistband
Stretchy
Faux fly

Cons

No front pockets
Not true to size for some (run large)

Jeans that are stylish, comfortable, and stretchy: What more could a pregnant person ask for? These maternity jeans have an over-the-belly waistband and are made to grow with your changing body without the risk of sagging throughout the day. They have a fitted skinny leg design, a 28.5-inch inseam, and are available in sizes ranging from 23 to 33. One note, these jeans do run large so you may want to size down.

Pros

Stretchy
Elastic waistband

Cons

Four size options available
Only one color offered

Unfortunately, being pregnant won’t get you out of having to show up to the office or dress up occasionally, but it will be a little more bearable in these pants. The black slacks hit at the ankles, have a slim fit, and will grow right along with you thanks to the elastic waistband and back zipper. These pants are also lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for warmer seasons, and they’re available in maternity sizes 0 to 3.

Pros

Eight sizes offered
Over-the-belly waistband

Cons

Must be line dried after washing

Whether it’s your first pregnancy, your last, or you’re carrying multiples, you will look amazing in these faux leather leggings. Made by the famous shapewear company, these leggings have a “magic” over the belly waistband that is designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy (so you can even leave the hospital wearing them). The pants’ faux leather fabric is not only super comfortable but it’s also made to smooth and support your lower half while you wear the leggings. These amazing pants are available in sizes XS to 3X and they’re safe for the washing machine (but need to be line dried). For the best fit, reviewers recommend either sizing down one or purchasing your pre-pregnancy size.

Old Navy Maternity Stevie Full-Panel Ponte-Knit Pants

Pros

Full panel elasticized waistband
Budget-friendly

Cons

May be tight for some in hips/legs

Available in black or brown, and in sizes XS through XXL, these maternity pants are made from a super soft, stretchy, and comfortable knit fabric that will support and grow with you throughout your pregnancy. They have an over-the-belly waistband, making them essential for your second and third trimesters, and have a seam along the front of the legs for a little extra style and shape.

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women's Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans

Pros

Available in three different colors
Made from stretchy cotton
Cooling technology in waistband

Cons

No front pockets
Sizing can be confusing for some

Finding a good pair of under-the-belly maternity pants can be tough, but these skinny jeans definitely fit the bill. They slide on and have an elastic waistband on the front of the pants, but the traditional jeans look on the back. The jeans are made primarily from stretchy cotton that will grow with their body and won’t lose shape throughout the day. These jeans are available in size XS to XL and are machine washer and dryer safe.

Pros

Adjustable straps
Front pockets
Nursing-friendly

Cons

Design can be inconvenient for bathroom breaks
Costly

The next best thing to a flowy maternity dress? Maternity overalls. You can pick these ones up in black, olive, or shell color and in sizes XS to 3X. Made from soft, stretchy jersey cotton, this stylish set has front pockets and adjustable straps on the back to help give you a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy. Even better? They’re nursing friendly, so you can wear them even after you’ve had the baby.

Final Verdict

The best maternity pants for you will depend on your personal style, but if you’re looking for a pair that will go with just about anything, you can’t go wrong with the Madewell Maternity Over-the-Belly Skinny Jeans or the Luxe Essentials Secret Fit Ultra Soft Maternity Leggings.

What to Look for in Maternity Pants

Comfort

Because your body is quickly changing, you want to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the day. Check out maternity pants that aren’t too tight and give you some breathing room, along with some support for your growing bump.

Stretchy material will be your best friend when it comes to comfort. In the long run, you’ll save money purchasing pants with a stretchy material because they’ll expand with you. You'll be able to wear them comfortably throughout your pregnancy.

Belly Panel Type

You’ll notice while shopping there are three main types of belly panels on maternity pants: over the belly, side panel, and under the belly. Each type of belly panel provides support in its own way, but it’s up to you on what you will feel most comfortable wearing.

Over the belly: This panel style is ideal for those who want overall belly support, and it's great for that postpartum fourth trimester too.
Side panel: Pants with this panel style will fit as close to regular pants as possible. On each side of the waistband, you’ll find a stretchy fabric so while it will look like you’re wearing regular pants, you’re actually quite comfortable thanks to the stretchy panel.
Under the belly: This panel style is if you’re looking for firm support underneath your belly, or prefer not to have any extra material covering your bump.

Style

Just because you’re shopping for maternity pants doesn’t mean you have to forget about style. Maternity pants are made in all types of styles so you can find a pair that works with your body but also provides the look you prefer.

From joggers to jeans to leggings and dress slacks, you’ll find most regular pants come in a maternity version. They typically have a belly panel of some type or are extra stretchy to accommodate a changing body. Try on maternity pants before you buy, if possible, to ensure everything fits correctly and the style will work where you need it, whether at the gym, the office, or a special event.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start wearing maternity pants?

There is no magical date you need to wait to reach before transitioning to maternity wear. Start wearing maternity pants as soon as your regular pants begin to feel a little snug. Every pregnancy is different and every stomach will "pop" at a different point. This means you might feel more comfortable in maternity pants as early as a few weeks into a pregnancy, or not for several months.
Even if you don’t feel like you need maternity pants just yet, it's a good idea to have a pair or two hanging in your closet ready for when you do. You don't want to get caught out with nothing to wear after an overnight growth spurt.
How many pairs of maternity pants do I need?

How many pairs of maternity pants you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you work in an office with a dress code, you will need at least one pair of dress pants. If you enjoy exercise, you will need a pair that you can work out in. You will almost certainly need a pair of pants that you can relax in or wear over the weekend, like a comfy pair of joggers or jeans.
However, it could be that one pair of pants can transcend different activities. For example, your workout pants might be your go-to option to relax in too. Or the pants that you wear to the office could be the smart-casual option you need to meet with friends—or you may prefer maternity dresses for these occasions. Start small and build on your wardrobe if and when the need arises.
Buying multiple pairs of pants for just a few months of a pregnancy can feel excessive. However, your body changes a lot during those nine months and you still need to be able to get dressed and feel comfortable and ready for your day.
Can I go up a pant size instead of buying maternity pants?

You could decide to go up a pant size instead of buying maternity pants, especially early on in your pregnancy. However, as your pregnancy progresses, you might find that you need to size up quite a few times as your belly grows. This could ultimately make it an expensive and time-consuming option.
Plus, maternity pants are specifically designed to accommodate and support a growing bump. Going up a size in non-maternity pants (or other clothing) means that your new pants will be larger around the waist, but they will also be larger everywhere else. So they are not likely to give you the overall fit that your body needs during pregnancy.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

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