In Search of the Perfect Maternity Jean

In Search of the Perfect Maternity Jean You’ve spent years searching for the perfect pair of jeans. Then, when finally you find them, you fall pregnant and have to start all over again! Still, in the grand scheme this isn’t a hardship, and the great news is that there is a wealth of different styles of maternity jean out there nowadays. So while you have to compromise on lots of things (especially if stinky cheese and red wine is your bag), you won’t have to compromise your image.

Bump

Maternity jeans will either sit under or over your bump. This is the key feature that many mums-to-be base their decision on. So, what are the pros and cons?

Under Bump

These jeans may simply have an elasticated low rise waist to sit under your bump, or alternatively the front pockets may be replaced with wide sections of elastic to stretch with your expanding waistline. Many women prefer these styles for early stages of pregnancy as it feels more elegant and discreet. 

Over Bump

Attached to the low rise jeans waistband is a super wide section of stretch jersey that will cover your bump completely. Some women prefer this as it means there is no chance of flashing flesh. It feels snug and secure, with an added sense of layering.

Leg Style

Think about silhouette when it comes to leg style. But also don’t forget comfort and the practicalities of getting in and out of your clothes!

Skinny

A lot of maternity jeans are skinny cut. Obviously your bump will protrude increasingly, so some women can start to feel frumpy with leg styles that don’t balance this out. This is a classically flattering cut that can provide a much needed boost for your confidence. 

Flare

A discreet kick flare or boot cut can be more practical and comfortable for your maternity jeans. Our bodies retain more water during pregnancy, leaving us feeling a bit swollen. As a result, skinny jeans can begin to feel constricting over the course of a day, so they’re not always the best option!

Seasonal

Being heavily pregnant in the Summer can be a very different experience to the Winter. You’re likely to feel more sensitive to the temperature, which affects how desirable your jeans are to you!

Cropped

Letting the air get to your ankles can be a blessed relief during warmer months. Cropped jeans are also that bit easier to move around in and take on and off.

Ripped

Rips and large cut outs are super trendy, and maternity jeans have followed suit. If you’re worried about feeling the draught in Winter, layer with a pair of bright maternity tights for cosy style.

Top Tips

• Try different waistband styles. Your preference may drift from one to the other as your pregnancy progresses. It’s OK to own both types – you’ll get extra wear from them postpartum. 
• As women, we love to share. So if one of your mates has preceded you in becoming a Mum, she may have some maternity jeans to pass on. When these clothes are designed for a pretty finite part of life, sharing means you’ll have more style options and stay sustainable!
• Think about how easy it will be to go to the bathroom. If the jeans are a faff to get out of, this will eventually drive you up the wall as you begin to need to pee more and more!
• Your body temperature is likely to start going a bit haywire. Which is fair enough when it’s busy growing a whole new human. So watch out for excessively thick denims that might lead to some sweltering moments!
• No one wants to hear this, but… your tum isn’t the only thing that ends up expanding. Many women experience swollen feet during the latter months of pregnancy. They may even go up half a shoe size and never shrink back! So when you’re perusing those skinniest of skinny jeans, take a moment to consider how stressful they may be to get off and on!