The Best Maternity Pants: How to look cute and stay comfortable with a baby bump!
I am officially in the 3rd trimester, and the bump is, how you say, bumpin! I am fully in the thick of maternity pants, and I’ve had a bunch of y’all asking for a maternity pants styling video, so this is for you! In this video I am sharing 7 of my favorite maternity bottoms, from jeans, to leather pants, to leggings! I’ve got some under belly options if you are earlier in your pregnancy, and then of course some over belly options for when you get to where I am and beyond!
I ordered a few different styles of maternity pants as early as my first trimester (even thought I definitely did not need them then) just to get familiar with the different styles out there. I found myself feeling pretty bloated in the first trimester, so while maternity pants were not required at that time, I did appreciate the underbelly styles from Paige, because the elastic in the front gave me from to breathe, while still having a traditional button & fly. Generally though, you will not need over belly maternity pants until your second & third trimester. Of course, everybody’s body and pregnancy goes differently, but this has been my experience so far. Also these are all great maternity pants for short and petite people like me (being 5’2”)
Maternity pants come in more styles than you might expect, and they’re designed to keep you comfortable while also making you feel cute through every trimester. Look for features that make life easier, like elastic waistbands, underbelly panels for early months, or over belly panels for maximum support as your bump grows. Some pants even have a crossover panel or extra-stretchy material that adapts as your belly changes, keeping you from having to constantly adjust or deal with any awkward slipping. And don’t sleep on the power of cozy! I love having a pair of knit sweater pants or soft, loungey bottoms on hand for those days when you just want to kick back and relax without anything digging in. Bonus: Many maternity pants work beautifully postpartum, giving you a little extra confidence and comfort as your body transitions.
If you are here just looking for a good recommendation on some comfy & cute over belly maternity pants, my #1 recommendation is the Walmart Maternity Jeggings from outfit 5. They wear like a tailored pant and are truly SO comfortable, while still being flattering. They are also only $16 which is huge plus, because the over belly styles really only work for a few months. There are lots of other cute pants in the video (including some Abercrombie Maternity Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pants), so be sure to check it out down below! As always, I have all of the pieces mentioned in the video listed out below in an easy to visualize format. If you choose to click any of the images below and make a purchase, I do receive a small commission, which helps support our growing family, and allows me to continue making these videos for y’all! Enjoy.
Outfit 1
These Paige Noella Maternity Straight Jeans are my top recommendation for an underbelly Maternity Jean Style! They’re super comfy, a great length if you’re 5’5 or under and they have a zipper and button closure! Paired with one of my favorite sweaters from Abercrombie - it perfectly covers the bump and comes in so many different cozy colors!
Outfit 2
Next up are another style from Paige! These are the Paige Denim Anessa Maternity- Rock Show Distressed jean. They’re more of a wide leg style, but I love how they look with sandals, sneakers, and mules! These are a great pair of spring and summer maternity jeans. They also have a zipper and button on them making them easy to get on and off and comfy for all day wear! Paired with this perfectly oversized cozy sweater from Revolve & this gorgeous leather Milo Classic bag from Sezane!
Outfit 3
Jacket: XS , Top: Medium , Jeans: 25 Short in Medium Wash
Now onto my favorite over the belly maternity jean styles! First up is this pair from Abercrombie! These are the Abercrombie & Fitch Maternity Ankle Straight Jeans in medium wash. I love that they come in short being 5’2” they are the perfect ankle length on me! I’ve got them paired with me new favorite leather sneakers from Sezane & my go to Lululemon Quilt bag!
Outfit 4
Sweater: size small, Jeans: 24
Now for the best pair of over the belly black maternity jeans!! These are the Madewell Maternity Over-The-Belly '90s Straight Jean in Belmere Wash and these are the jeans I probably get the most questions in my Instagram DMs about! They’re the perfect straight leg fit and really support the growing bump! One thing to note is that these don’t come in short so I just cut the bottoms of them. You can watch my “How I Cut My Jeans” youtube tutorial here!
Outfit 5
Blazer: Size XS Ash Brown, Sweater: XS in Beige, Pants: Small
NOW it is time for the star of the show!! These are the best maternity pants that I have tried by far and they are only $16. They’re a straight leg jegging which I know… isn’t that so 2012 lol! But hear me out the are THE BEST and MOST COMFORTABLE pair of maternity pants that I have tried! If I could only have one pair of maternity pants it would be these. Looking for a good long sweater to cover the bump? I love this ribbed one from Abercrombie :)
Outfit 6
Top: Small in rich maroon, Bottoms: 25 Short
If you’re looking for a “night out” maternity pant try these!! These are the Maternity Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pant which are pretty similar to the non maternity version! They’re more comfy though than the non maternity version which is a huge plus because who wants to be more uncomfortable during their pregnancy. Another great bump friendly top is this one from Aritzia! And the best part is that it isn’t a maternity piece so you can wear it post pregnancy!
Outfit 7
Vest: size 4 in Trench, Sweatshirt: Size 4 in Java, Bottoms: Small
For my maternity legging recommendation I love these flare leggings from Amazon! They are the perfect length for being on the shorter side! They also have pockets which is very convenient!
Postpartum and Breastfeeding Comfort Essentials
If you’re prepping for postpartum, a few extra comforts can go a long way. I recommend grabbing a set of non-toxic gel packs—they’re super versatile! Pop them in the fridge for cooling relief after birth, or use them warm to ease soreness if you’re breastfeeding. You can also pick up dedicated gel packs designed just for breastfeeding, which are perfect for soothing tender spots and helping with let-down. These little lifesavers are gentle, reusable, and easy to keep on hand for whenever you need a bit of extra support during recovery.
Curious about my Jewelry? Get 10% off your first Mejuri order by clicking on the images below!
Finding activewear that actually fits when you're petite is tricky, but luckily Lululemon seems to always have what I need! This haul has the perfect summer pieces for exercising or just running errands - petite approved (I’m 5’2). Plus this butter yellow color might be one of the best colors to wear in the summer!