maternity jeans style guide

Maternity Jean Guide

What are Maternity Jeans?

Maternity jeans are just like regular jeans but with panels and waistbands designed to accommodate a baby bump.

How Do Maternity Jeans work?

There are 3 main types of methods that maternity jeans use to keep the jeans up: under belly waistband, over bump waistband and side stretch panels.

UNDER BELLY WAISTBAND

These jeans have an elastic waistband at the top of the jeans. The waistband sits underbelly as you get bigger. It is usually not noticeable under tops.

SIDE STRETCH PANELS

These jeans have side stretch panels that expand with your tummy - from the back they look just like your regular jeans. Great for ladies who can't take a lot of pressure on their belly.

OVER BELLY WAISTBAND

These jeans have an over belly soft fabric waistband. Ideal for those who are not used to wearing low-cut hipster jeans.

The under bump style provides firm support. TIP: if you don't like any pressure on your belly then choose jeans with side stretch panels. Some jeans have the elastic panel all around and this ensures a supportive fit at the rear and not needing to hitch the jeans up every time you get up and down.

Side panel styles are the closest thing to your regular jeans as the panels are quite discreet and blend in with the design. These styles tend to sit much lower on the hips and rear and the side panels stretch comfortably and make the jeans easy to take on and off.

Over bump styles are preferred by those wanting a bit more belly support and like something snug over the belly. Ideal for those who prefer jeans to sit higher at the rear and are great to wear post pregnancy to hold your tummy in.

Some maternity jeans also have a hidden elastic button adjustor which you can loosen as your belly grows.

Can't I wear Normal Jeans?

During early pregnancy, many women wear their regular jeans with a clever device like a tummy tie or belly belt covered by a belly band. Though once the belly pops, the comfort of maternity jeans proves to be too much of a lure.

If you do buy regular jeans in larger sizes to fit your belly, you can find that they are too big and baggy elsewhere. If you usually wear low rise hipster jeans, you may find that you can wear these for longer if they sit under your belly.

When Is the Best TIme to Buy Maternity Jeans?

Each pregnancy is individual and unique and it really depends on comfort. Generally, those who have previously given birth will start to show earlier and stop fitting into their regular clothes.

What Size Maternity Jean SHould I buy?

We recommend staying with your pre-pregnancy size (unless indicated on the product size chart).

If you choose the larger size you may find them too big in the bottom and thighs, and will be hitching them up all the time. The jeans may feel a little snug at first but remember that the denim will give with each wear and wash.

As a rough guide, I am generally an Australian size 10 in clothing. In maternity jeans, I fit: Mavi size 26, Seraphine size XS, Soon size XS, Maternal America XS, Queen mum size S, Ripe size XS, Esprit size S, Noppies size S and Supermom size S.

How Should Maternity JeanS Fit?

The fit of your maternity jeans should feel firm but comfortable. There should be no feeling of pressure on your belly but feel secure and not fall down. Most maternity jeans have a greater component of stretch in their fabric compared to regular jeans so generally they also feel more comfortable!

How Do I compare Maternity Jeans?

Compare belly buttons! If you compare belly buttons then you can see where they will sit on your body and how low they sit at the back. If you are not used to low waisted hipster styles then choose the jeans with the all round belly band or over bump styles.

Important Tip

To retain the longevity of any maternity jeans. please remember to pull them up by the denim only and not by the stretch panels or fabric waistband which is delicate. This can cause the stitching to break and the panels to come away.