18 Best Maternity Pants for All Body Types (2023)

Enjoying your pregnancy has a lot to do with making yourself as comfortable as possible during this special—and uncomfortable—and fleeting—phase of life. This is when comfortable maternity pants truly have their moment and are at their most indispensable.

But opting for comfy pants doesn’t mean you can’t look your best while wearing them. Read on for a look at the best maternity pants across a range of categories (and be sure check out our favorite maternity dresses too).

MAKE IT SPECIAL: 22 Babymoon Ideas for Expecting Couples

Best Maternity Work and Dress Pants 

Comfort and professional style come together with these chic maternity pants. They’re totally appropriate for time at the office or taking a meeting, but they’re also able to accommodate a growing bump with ease–and look good while doing it. You’ll be comfortable enough to focus on the job at hand, while still giving your body a break from anything too constricting. 

1. Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Suiting Straight Leg Maternity Pants

These straight-leg maternity pants by Motherhood Maternity strike the perfect balance between corporate and comfortable. Available in versatile black or charcoal gray, the polished pants pair well with a white button down or blazer and can be dressed up or down with flats or low heels. The soft and stretchy pants feel good and look good when collaborating with colleagues or traveling for business. And they’re a reliable go-to throughout your entire pregnancy.

2. A Pea in the Pod Curie Side Panel Slim Ankle Maternity Pant 

For a fresh summertime look when you’re expecting, these cropped, ankle-length pants cut a slim profile and pair beautifully with a flouncy top or bump-hugging tank. The side panel helps them grow as you do while still maintaining their classic, professional look.

BABY ON BOARD: The Complete Baby Packing List for Travel

Moms-to-be like their underbelly design and comfortable fit. Available in black or navy twill, the pants are machine washable for easy maintenance during a time when you already have enough on your plate.

Best Maternity Yoga Pants

Stretch or work out in ultimate comfort with these maternity exercise pants. You’ll want to find yoga pants or exercise leggings that provide support without feeling constrictive, and that feel comfortable no matter how many months along you are or which yoga pose you strike. The options below should do the trick.

3. Motherhood Maternity Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity Leggings 

These ultra-comfortable leggings that stretch in all the right places make pregnancy yoga or exercise as comfortable as it should be. The Secret Fit Belly panel can be pulled up high over your bump for added support as you grow or can be folded just below it if preferable. These leggings earn points for being super soft, breathable, and oh-so-comfy. They don’t fall down and that they easily adapt to growing bellies. 

WHAT TO WEAR: 10 Best Travel Leggings with Pockets, According to Reviews

4. Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Ankle Zip Legging with Crossover Panel  

Made with four-way stretch fabric with moisture-wicking properties, these active maternity leggings have a special crossover paneling designed to provide extra back support to pregnant women. For a flattering look for your next workout, they’re hard to beat. 

EXPECTING PARENTS: 7 Best All-Inclusive Babymoon Destinations

Lightweight and breathable, the leggings are designed with flatlock stitching to minimize chafing and won’t slip or ride up during your workout. And they’ll look and feel just as good when you’re running errands or grabbing brunch as they do when you’re breaking a sweat. 

5. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging

Yes, you read the magic word: pockets. These maternity yoga leggings have pockets on each side for holding your phone or a credit card while you’re taking a stroll or embarking on an easygoing hike. The over-the-belly waistband can be pulled up or folded down, allowing the leggings to adapt as your pregnancy progresses and your preferences change. 

Made of super-soft performance fabric, the leggings offer four-way stretch and UV protection. They’re also moisture-wicking and can be tossed in the washer and dryer between wears.

Best Maternity Scrub Pants

Pregnant hospital workers can still be comfortable while at work thanks to these maternity scrubs. Pockets help corral necessary supplies, and stretchy fabric and belly panels keep you moving freely and comfortably no matter what month you’ve reached. And when you can move around with ease, you can better focus on the people in your care.

6. Cherokee Workwear Professionals Women’s Maternity Soft Stretch Scrub Pants

Available in 17 different colors to ensure no day at the hospital or doctor’s office is the same, these maternity scrub pants by Cherokee are made of a poly-cotton and spandex mix and have a stretchy belly panel and cargo pockets, as well as a dedicated cell phone pocket.

ON-THE-GO STYLE: 7 Standout Travel Bags from Vera Bradley

They come in a wide range of sizes as well as petite and tall fits. The fabric is fade-resistant and machine-washable, making the hard-working pants easy to take care of during a time when you have lots of other things on your mind. 

7. Cherokee iflex Women’s Scrub Pant

Here’s a more slim-fitting option for maternity scrub pants by Cherokee that comes in 18 cheerful colors and has a yoga-inspired comfort knit waistband that’s shorter (from top to bottom) than the usual belly panel. Made from 94 percent polyester and six percent spandex, the Cherokee iflex scrubs also excel at keeping wrinkles at bay. 

SOUTH OF THE BORDER: 10 Most Romantic Mexico Resorts for Couples

Two cargo pockets, a coin pocket, and a hidden waistband pocket are good for stashing keys, your phone, and other must-haves. The lightweight, stretchy fabric offers durability and comfort to go along with the pants’ good looks.

8. Med Couture Women’s Maternity Scrub Pant

With side vents on the boot cut legs, these popular maternity scrub pants by Med Couture fit well with those comfy, big-profile hospital shoes made by brands like Crocs and Dansko. The knit waist panel provides support for your bump and the pants have a single cargo pocket on the side of one leg, as well as a rear pocket for a sleek, fitted look.

ALL ABOARD: 8 Best Bike Seats and Trailers for Babies

The pants’ performance fabric made of polyester and spandex offers stretch and helps keep you cool. And the sleek-fitting design looks just as good outside of the hospital or doctor’s office. 

Best Tall Maternity Pants

Tall women will rejoice in these height-friendly maternity pants. It can take some trial and error to find maternity pants that fit well for taller pregnant women, but these offer longer inseams for a more comfortable fit combined with function and fashion so you look and feel good.

9. Tapata Women’s Maternity Bootcut Dress Pants

Stretchy premium bootcut dress pants are equipped with a smooth over-bump knit panel for your tummy in these maternity pants that suit tall women well. You can choose from three different inseam lengths, depending on your height.

BABY BEACH TENTS: 10 Breezy Beach Tents That Are Super Easy to Set Up

Made of soft ponte fabric blended with spandex, the pants stretch with you whether you’re meeting with business clients or assembling your baby registry. Two side pockets hold essentials, and invisible, adjustable waistband extenders help the pants grow along with you.  

10. Motherhood Maternity Maia Secret Fit Belly Skinny Ankle Maternity Pants

The smooth stretch fabric that keeps its shape after washing and skinny fit through the leg and ankle of these ankle maternity pants by Motherhood make them a favorite for work, brunch, and more. Tall women, in particular, rave about the perfect fit. 

ISLAND GETAWAYS: 7 Best Jamaica Couples Resorts for Romance

Available in four neutral, wear-with-anything colors, the pants feature a seamless stretch belly panel and are machine washable. They don’t have pockets, though, so make sure you have a great bag to go with them. 

11. Foucome Women’s Maternity Leggings

These over-the-belly maternity leggings from Foucome are active yoga workout pants that offer comfortable, full coverage for a variety of body types. The poly-spandex blend gives gentle support without constriction, and the built-in belly band can help with round ligament and back pain. The soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric makes them a great option no matter the time of year.

BEACH VACATIONS: 10 Best Florida Beach Resorts for Families

Best Petite Maternity Pants

Say hello to the best maternity pants for petite mamas-to-be. When shopping for maternity pants for shorter women, look for pants that offer different inseam or length options for a better fit. Pants designed to hit at the ankle can also provide options that petite ladies won’t feel like they’re swimming in. 

12. Gap Maternity Inset Panel Cheeky Straight Jeans with Washwell

Available in short, regular, and long inseams, these ankle-length jeans from Gap are a good bet for petite women. And the ’90s-inspired fit ups the cool factor of the pants. The stretch jeans feature a button closure and zip fly and stretchy side panels to accommodate a growing belly. They’re soft, comfy, and machine washable, so you’ll likely find yourself reaching for them again and again.

SAIL AWAY: Booking Your First Cruise Vacation: 19 Tips for Getting it Right  

13. Over Belly Skinny Maternity Jeans—Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel

With a low back to keep you cool but a full supportive panel up front to reign in your growing belly, these dark wash skinny jeans, available at Target, can be dressed up or down. Petite buyers will like the jeans’ length, which works well for smaller frames. The belly panel can be worn pulled up or folded down, making the jeans a reliable wardrobe staple at all stages of pregnancy and even postpartum. 

ROMANTIC MEXICO: 10 Most Romantic Mexico Resorts for Couples

Best Plus-Size Maternity Pants

Stylish and stretchy, these plus-size maternity pants are a favorite for a reason. They offer good looks to go along with a comfortable fit for all kinds of body types, and work well throughout your entire pregnancy.

14. Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Secret Fit Belly Super Stretch Skinny Maternity Jeans

With a waistband that can be worn over or under the belly, these plus size jeans from Motherhood Maternity prove a trusty option throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Available in three colors, the plain weave denim skinny jeans can be dressed up and down for maximum versatility. Plus they’re machine washable, which is always a good thing for keeping life easy.

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED: 6 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Hawaii

15. Fabletics PureLuxe High-Waisted Maternity 7/8 Legging

Available in sizes from XXS to 4X, these maternity leggings from Fabletics work for pregnant women of any shape. The lightweight, super-soft fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and chafe-resistant, providing comfort no matter where the day takes you. 

WEEKEND ESCAPES: 8 Charming New England Fall Getaways for Families

The over-the-belly fit keeps the leggings from rolling down, and they offer support without feeling restrictive. They’ll quickly become a favorite, and a handy pocket for your phone or other necessities only adds to their appeal.

Best Cheap Maternity Pants

Affordable and fashionable, these maternity pants won’t break the bank. Which is always a plus, since pregnancy is a temporary period of time in a woman’s life. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find maternity clothes that will still leave you feeling happy. 

16. Ecavus Women’s Maternity Palazzo Lounge Pants 

With a waistband that can be folded over or pulled up over your belly, these palazzo lounge pants come in a range of colors and patterns. They fit particularly well in the later stages of pregnancy. The soft and stretchy fabric feels like pajamas for relaxing at home, but the pants can also be dressed up a little bit for other occasions. Two front pockets just make them even better. 

GIFT IDEAS: 11 Best Pregnancy Gifts for First-Time Moms

17. JUST MY SIZE Women’s Plus Size Eco Smart Sweatpants

While not technically maternity pants, these plus-size sweatpants do the trick when you’re expecting and want some extra room to breathe. They might be your most comfy pants yet, with a cord-free, ribbed waistband that makes them easy to pull on and off and a soft, fleecy inside. Do note that these pants don’t have pockets at all.

MADE IN THE USA: 19 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for Families

The machine-washable pants come in three versatile colors that should go well with the rest of your wardrobe. The heavier material makes them well suited for pregnancies during the colder months of the year. 

18. Liu & Qu Maternity Women’s Casual Pants Stretchy Comfortable Lounge Pants

Available in a variety of colors and several sizes, and at an affordable price, these popular maternity lounge pants are perfect for any stage of pregnancy. The jogger-style pants are made from a soft and elastic material, allowing for a bit of stretch around the belly. Did I mention they have pockets? 

DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS: 12 Foodie Hotels That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

The soft waistband and knit belly panel help relieve pressure, provide back and belly support, and allow the pants to grow along with you. They’re great for taking walks, running errands, or just relaxing as you prepare for your new arrival. 

What Are the Best Maternity Pants?

Different brands fit pregnant women differently, so deciding on the best maternity pants is going to be a personal decision. Our favorite brands—Motherhood Maternity, Ingrid & Isabel, Cherokee, Levi Strauss & Co., and others—receive high ratings from purchasers, and can steer you in the right direction.

FUN HOTELS FOR KIDS: 9 Fun Hotels with Incredibly Cool Kids Clubs

The best maternity pants should be comfortable, flattering, and able to grow with your expanding body. Remember that it’s not just your abdomen that gets larger during pregnancy; the hormone relaxin also loosens bands of connective tissue and causes the hips to widen to accommodate childbirth. 

When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Pants?

You can start wearing maternity pants as early in pregnancy as you like, but keep in mind that you may need to size up if you buy maternity clothing early. Some maternity pants have a special panel or enough give to stretch with an expanding belly, but others may have a more limited range.

FAMILY CAMPING: 10 Best Campgrounds and RV Parks for Families

In early pregnancy, even non-maternity leggings and soft pants can be loose and comfortable enough to accommodate the body’s early changes. The goal is to be able to be comfortable in your clothing. Certain aspects of pregnancy can be uncomfortable and you don’t need your clothes to contribute to the discomfort. 

What Kind of Pants Should I Wear When Pregnant?

Gone are the days when maternity clothing looked like tents to hide a changing body. Modern maternity clothing comes in as many variations as non-maternity clothing, with the benefit of designs that accommodate the changes of pregnancy.

Maternity pants and leggings utilize a number of different designs to create optimal stretch and comfort. Just as in non-pregnancy life, you may find certain styles more comfortable. Maternity pants, leggings, and jeans can have underbelly waistbands that sit comfortably under the growing belly. There are panels that create an area of stretch around the abdomen, and wide over-belly waistbands that are worn high and gently hug the baby bump.

BABIES AND TRAVEL: Guide to Travel for Breastfeeding Moms

There are also side panel pants, which offer stretch from the side while maintaining a normal look on the front and back of pants or jeans. Experiment a bit to see which type works best for you. And remember that you’ll get extra wear out of them; post-pregnancy, maternity pants continue to be helpful as your body slowly returns to some version of its previous state. 

There are all sorts of pants that come in maternity sizes. You can find maternity jeans, maternity leggings, maternity jeggings, maternity casual pants, maternity work pants, and even specialized pants like maternity scrubs, maternity yoga pants, and maternity breeches. 

Can You Hurt Your Baby by Wearing Tight Pants?

You will not hurt your baby wearing snug pants, but both pregnancy and tight pants (and especially the combination of tight pants and high heels) have been linked to a condition called Meralgia paresthetica that causes tingling, burning, or numbness in your thighs. If you are wearing tight pants during pregnancy and experience this discomfort, consult with your doctor and try shifting to softer, looser pants. 

More from FamilyVacationist: