JoJo skinny jeans but a size down worked for me!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ELM8) Our verdict A soft, silky panel. Something with stretch, but very, very smooth. Else it will itch like crazy on a sensitive, growing, belly, and anything bulky will show through. Gap’s are the best.

At the very bitter end of my pregnancy, the panel stopped being supportive and comfortable and became constricting and simply too tight. But I get HUGE. So this won’t happen to everyone. It may be tempting to just buy your usual style of jeans in a bigger size but this doesn’t generally work because, while your abdomen may be fast expanding, the rest of your body will remain the same or thereabouts. That said, your traditional denim high-waisted jeans may work until you hit about 20 weeks, at which point you’ll likely need to swap them for maternity jeans. I walked out in these jeans and my husband said, “Whoa! Easily your hottest pregnancy jeans EVER, Babe!”Sizes: 6 - 18 | Waistband: Either over bump or under bump | Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane What we love

I had really high hopes for these jeans – these were the only jeans I could find that had the ingenious tiny, front-only panel. Alas, these jeans fit more like jeggings, not jeans. Which was a problem because the fabric was only 2% stretch (jeggings are typically 20%). The result? They were darn near impossible to put on. I had to sit down and pull (and pull and pull) them over my size 5.5 feet. Ridiculous for a pregnant lady. However, once they were on they stayed put and looked amazing. So YES – I did wear these from time-to-time. You can live in maternity dresses and leggings, of course, but nothing’s quite so useful and go-with-everything as a great pair of jeans. In recent years the top retailers for maternity clothes have really stepped up their denim game, designing size-inclusive pieces with trend as well as comfort in mind, making now a better time than ever to shop for the best maternity jeans to accommodate a pre- (and post) natal figure in style. As many a Mumsnetter reports, you may even find yourself still reaching for your favourite pair long after you've shelved your pregnancy books and put away your prenatal vitamins. You can wear maternity jeans with a stretchy waistband that fit under your bump or maternity jeans with a wide stretchy panel - usually made from soft jersey fabric - that will fit over your growing bump. What is the difference between under bump and over bump maternity jeans?

Workout and Casual Pants

I wouldn’t. Be very wary of any maternity jean whose only fit device is a hidden elastic waistband. We are not toddlers. It’s hard enough finding a pair of jeans to flatter your figure when you’re not pregnant so it can get even more complicated once you have a pregnancy bump, which will expand on a daily basis. As you start your search for the best maternity jeans to wear, you'll have to decide if you want to relax in the stretch of jeggings or another style. Denim styles have changed significantly over the past few years. A straight-leg jean with a more rigid denim looks more modern, Holobinko says. However, the best maternity jeans fit your style and make you feel confident. With this guidance in mind, we researched more than 30 options on the market. When reviewing products, we carefully considered lifestyle, size range, material, washing instructions, and overall value. A flesh-toned panel. Flesh toned panels hide better under tight maternity tops. Joe’s Jeans has great nude-colored panels, but I found them too itchy. BabyCentre mums share their tips on finding the perfect jeansFinding just the right pair of jeans can be difficult, even more so in pregnancy! Our mums reveal what worked, and what didn't work, for them.

Below is a list of all of the styles I’ve tested. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all maternity jeans on the market. It’s just an overview of the various types, along with my notes as a frustrated (and huge) second-time mum. People start wearing maternity clothing at all different points in their pregnancy. (It’s typically not needed in the first trimester, though.) Buy something designed for your beautiful bump. It can be tempting to just buy your normal skinny jeans or bootcuts in a bigger size. However, you may regret choosing style over comfort after a 12-hour day in uncomfortably tight jeans.Maggie McGowan is the former Vice President of Design atHatch, with prior experience at Madewell and Michael Kors Collection. I can’t say enough good things about these jeans. The side panels give you just enough stretch as you grow, without sacrificing the fit in the bum. These jeans look amazing and fit well through your whole pregnancy. And well into the post-partum stage.

Fancy something a bit different? Coated stretch denim jeans can be dressed up with a nice top or dressed down with chunky sandals or trainers. They’re a bit sassier than your regular denims and are super flattering too. Everyone's body changes in different ways during pregnancy. Some people are "all belly" and don't gain significant weight in their thighs and butts; others expand all over. You might want a pair of jeans that is more supportive of your growing belly. Or, you might want a pair made with stretchier, more breathable material overall.

Why you should trust us

The dark blue panel on these jeans may show through when you wear a light-colored top; some parents wish the panel were a skin-toned shade instead. Worn by the likes of Kate Hudson and Kate Middleton, you’re in good company if you choose Seraphine maternity jeans (or any of their maternity clothes, for that matter). This fashion-forward pair and the best over-the-bump maternity jeans we’ve found is composed of soft, stretchy organic cotton denim with a soft-stretch jersey band for a snug, secure fit around your tum. Although a little on the pricey side, Mumsnet users rate them as comfy as the likes of the best pregnancy pillow and comfiest maternity leggings. Sizes: Waist 26 - 36; length 32 | Waistband: Over bump | Material: Stretch denim, coated finish, 100% organic cotton What we love Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content. I think side panels are great for the first stages of pregnancy and for wearing post partum (if you do actually put on jeans). I find full belly panel maternity jeans more comfortable and easier to keep up. I’m also willing to pay more for a great pair of full belly panel maternity jeans because I’ll wear them more of my pregnancy and I wear them during the time later stages of pregnancy when I struggle to really like clothes / the way my body looks in clothes. Fit: