13 Best Maternity Pants For Work + Casual Wear [Petite, Tall, Plus Size Options!]

There’s a lot to love about pregnancy but depending on who you ask shopping for maternity clothes might not be one of them. Shopping for maternity pants can feel particularly overwhelming when trying to figure out the best fit for your changing body, what fabrics will keep you cool through prenatal hot flashes, and what the best maternity pants for work are considering you'll be in them all day!

Discover the best maternity pants, and all the answers to your questions, like when is the right time to start buying maternity pants and whether your fashion choices will see you through postpartum as well below!

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Best Maternity Pants Overall: Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle Pant

What’s not to love about a pair of pants that’s available in a wide color range, a commendable size range, and are designed to work in a variety of settings?

Along with being affordable, we like that these offer full belly panel support so that you don’t have to worry about your pants shifting or the waistband rolling down throughout the day. These pants also feature front and back pockets with a stretch twill fabric.

Choose from an assortment of colors from traditional white, navy blue, black, and more fun colors like wine, blush, and yellow. Sizes range from XS through XL.

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Best Maternity Work Pants: Motherhood Maternity Straight Leg Work Pants

If you’re not a fan of skinny pants, you’ll appreciate that Motherhood Maternity also offers their secret fit belly style in a straight-leg pant. This synthetic blend pant has a bi-stretch design that moves with you and accommodates your growing belly. We think this is especially ideal for moms-to-be in professional work environments. 

The full belly panel offers comfort and support. And the straight-leg style is flattering with both flats and heels. We also love the front and back leg creases as well as the faux back welt pockets. Depending on where you shop, you can find these pants in three colors, navy, grey, and black, with a size range from XS through XL.

Best Maternity Dress Pants: Gap Maternity Skinny Ankle Pants

If you like the idea of a pair of maternity dress pants that are equal parts stylish and comfortable, you’ll like these skinny ankle pants from the Gap. We like that these show off a bit of skin with their slightly higher pants hem.

These maternity pants come in two styles for the waist. Option 1 is a side panel with an under-the-belly waistband. Option 2 offers a fully belly panel. The fabric is bi-stretch thanks to the five percent spandex content so that these pants will grow with you as you continue through your pregnancy. Available in black and navy, these cotton-blend pants have a commendable size range from zero through 18. 

Best Maternity Lounge Pants: Kindred Bravely Everyday Maternity Joggers/Lounge Pants

Let’s face it, as amazing as pregnancy is, it can also be uncomfortable at points. You'll want maternity pants that are lightweight and comfy.

These relaxed-fit maternity pants are super soft, made from a viscose blend with five percent spandex for added comfort. We like the fitted ankles that are flattering on most body types from tall, pettite, to curvy. The waistband features a comfortable elastic and the drawstring closure. Plus, pregnant moms will love that these maternity pants can be worn postpartum!

Choose from four colors and sizes small through 2XL. 

Best Maternity Scrub Pants: Cherokee Workwear Maternity Scrubs

Healthcare workers searching for pregnancy must haves on amazon will love these soft knit scrubs from Cherokee are perfect for pregnant healthcare workers and feature full panel support for a better fit. As with regular size scrubs, this maternity pant version features two mid-thigh side pockets and a back pocket. Note that these pants are made from a cotton blend with three percent spandex.

They are available in a whopping 17 colors (including traditional white, navy blue, black, and more fun colors like teal, olive, and every shade of blue under the sun!). Plus size and petite pregnant women will appreciate these maternity work pants come in a wide range of sizes, XS through 3XL, plus range of inseams for petite and tall women.

Best Maternity Yoga Pants: lululemon Align™ Pant

The lululemon Align Pant is arguably one of the best kept secrets in maternity pants in our opinion.

I had 3 pairs I wore weekly for years before getting pregnant with my first. Imagine my surprise when they fit through my entire pregnancy, and still fit perfectly postpartum. I've now worn those same 3 pairs my entire second pregnancy. That's over 6 years of weekly wear, including two pregnancies, and these pants are still in great shape! They did get some pilling after a few years, but I just use this tool to remove pilling from clothes easily/safely.

Best Maternity Jeans (Skinny): Indigo Blue Secret Fit Maternity Jeans

Jeans are such a staple for everyone’s wardrobe you’re more than likely going to need a few pairs to make it through your pregnancy. Motherhood Maternity offers a great range of basics, including this pair of skinny jeans with their beloved secret fit belly paneling.

We like that these pants are primarily available in three washes — medium, dark, and beech (light with ripped accents) — and with hems that can be rolled up for a fashion-forward effect. 

They also offer the elusive white maternity jeans that are perfect for summer! AND they even have a sustainable version of the jeans made from recycled plastic bottles!

While the front pockets are for show only, the back pockets are functional. These cotton-blend pants are available in sizes XS through 3XL along with petite and tall options. However, available washes will vary depending on your size/style selection. 

Best Maternity Jeans (Bootcut): Indigo Blue Stretch Bootcut Maternity Jeans

We get it, not everyone loves skinny jeans! So, if you prefer a jeans style that elongates your body and bump, these indigo bootcut jeans from Motherhood Maternity are a great choice. Just like with their skinny jeans, you’ll get their secret fit belly stretch panel for full coverage over your growing bump. 

You’ll like the demi-flare at the ankle and the fact that these are made with a cotton blend material designed to give you plenty of stretch. Along with their core sizing for XS through XL, you’ll also get plus size, petite, and tall sizes. And if you feel limited by the dark wash, depending on where you shop you can find the medium wash in select sizes.

Best Maternity Cargo Pants: Gap Maternity Full Panel Pants

Whether you’re running errands around town or heading to a casual get-together, these maternity cargo pants from The Gap are perfect.

You’ll love the relaxed fit of these pants and the fully functioning front slant and side patch pockets. These cargo maternity pants are available in two colors and a fairly large size range from zero to 18.

Best Maternity Pajama Pants: Bamboo Maternity & Postpartum Lounge Pants

When you’re pregnant, everything you wear should be comfortable. These loose and cozy bamboo maternity lounge pants from Kindred Bravely (discount code TCM20 for 20% off!) are perfect for bed — or lounging around the house. We like that they’re specifically designed to also transition with you into postpartum. Plus they have pockets!

The bamboo material means you’ll get a breathable pair of pants that are super soft to keep you comfortable. While they’re only available in black, you’ll get a size range from small through 2XL with a 31-inch inseam. Thanks to the five percent spandex content, you’ll get a stretchy pair of pants with a wide waistband that can easily be pulled over your belly or worn below it if you prefer.

Best Maternity Snow Pants: HISEA Ski Pants

In a perfect world, it would be easy to find the maternity version of every possible wardrobe item. In reality, this doesn’t always happen. If you’re further along in your pregnancy during the winter and are also fairly active with outdoor activities, you might want to invest in a pair of snow pants. 

We could not find a true pair of maternity snow pants, and we searched HIGH AND LOW. From all the reddit threads we read, it seems most women love have successfully sized up in this pick from Hisea. Other women said they also had a ton of success in ordering the men’s size to accommodate their bump without the feminine waistline.

Either way, these snow pants are easy to get into and are designed to be warm and waterproof! 3M insulate keeps you warm on even the coldest days while the unique fabric content ensures breathability. Choose from two colors in sizes small through 3XL.

Best Maternity Joggers: Mama Joggers by H&M

Keeping you and your bump comfortable throughout your pregnancy is a priority. And we love these fun pastel MAMA maternity joggers from H&M!

They are a lightweight organic cotton and recycled polyester blend that's breathable and so comfortable! The wide jersey panel provides extra comfort over your growing pregnant belly while the tapered legs with an elastic hem are super flattering.

Choose from four fun colors and sizes XS through 2XL. Note that you can also pick up the matching sweatshirts for a complete set if you prefer.

Best Khaki Maternity Pants: Gap + Old Navy [TIED]

Khakis a classic look and these khaki straight maternity pants from The Gap are a staple you'll want to wear on repeat! We love they that they skip the traditional beige khaki pant for trendier neutral hues like olive, navy, and even dark gray. Choose from three colors and sizes zero through 18.

The Gap’s maternity pants are made from stretch twill for added comfort and feature a faux fly. They also feature a cozy wide leg for added comfort, and a higher hem for a more modern approach. You’ll get a full belly panel and fully functional side and back pockets.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional khakis or plan to wear them for work, then the full-panel Old Navy Maternity Pants might be what you're looking for! These full-length pants feature a demi-flare bootcut that works with flats or heels. You’ll still get a full panel to support your belly. 

These maternity pants are available in two shades, three lengths, and sizes from zero to 20. You’ll still get a stretch twill that’s been soft-washed for added comfort too. Note that the front pockets are functional while the back pockets are decorative only.

FAQS About Maternity Pants:

When should I start wearing maternity pants?

Once you begin to notice that you’re having difficulty getting into your clothes; especially with buttoning or zipping up your pants, it’s time to start shopping for maternity pants.

Unless you’ve already been pregnant, there’s a common misconception that the minute you get that big fat positive confirmation that a baby’s on the way is the same time that you need to start overhauling your closet with maternity clothes. This isn’t the case. 

Whereas you might want to invest in a maternity bra fairly early in your pregnancy because that part of your body can change the fastest, your regular-sized pants will do just fine for a while.

How many weeks do you need maternity clothes?

If it's your first pregnancy, you'll likely start needing maternity clothes somewhere between 20-30 weeks; so you'd only need maternity pants for 10-20 weeks.

If you've already had a child, you'll notice your body changing sooner. Some women prefer to start wearing maternity clothes as early as 16 months with subsequent pregnancies.

What should I consider when shopping for maternity pants?

Just like when you shop for anything else in life, there are certain factors that you should keep in mind when you’re shopping for maternity clothing — especially pants. No two women are the same so what works for some individuals or is most important to them may not matter as much for you. But in general, the below are the key factors to remember while you’re shopping for maternity pants. 

Different Style Waistbands 

Maternity bottoms usually feature a few different types of waistbands depending on the type of pants you’re purchasing. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, the waistband is going to matter. The most common options with maternity tights and maternity leggings are no band, mid-belly band, and a full-belly band. 

No band is exactly as the name sounds, there’s no band and the waistline looks much like regular pants. This can be ideal for women who are earlier in their pregnancy who don’t need belly support. But for women further along, mid-belly and full-belly waistbands can give you some additional comfort and support. Plus, you’ll be less concerned that the waistband is shifting down throughout the day. 

But if you’re buying jeans or more structured pants, these styles usually feature either a full panel or side panels. Full panels are similar to full-belly bands with a waistband that completely covers your belly.

Side panel pants offer a smaller amount of stretch but feature a waistband that rests under your belly. While this is ideal for moms-to-be who dislike full-panel pants, these styles usually have faux pockets since the stretch panels are located on the sides which not every pregnant woman will love.

Material 

Think about the type of fabric you want for your maternity pants. Your most common options are going to be stretch blends, synthetic fibers, and natural fibers like cotton. It’s not uncommon to feel overheated when you’re pregnant so we always recommend opting for breathable fabrics like cotton or even synthetic fabrics which can aid in moisture-wicking. 

Also, think about how easily you can care for the materials. While 100% cotton is breathable and soft, it’s also more likely to wrinkle which can add one more step to your getting-ready routine. Likewise, depending on where you’re going or what you’re planning to do, some fabrics are more appropriate than others. 

Fit  

Just like with your pre-pregnancy clothes, think about how your clothing is going to fit you. But this time, go beyond whether it’s a fitted or relaxed fit pair of maternity pants. This time, think about how that fabric feels around your growing belly. Many women find that their bellies are itchier during pregnancy — which means that a pair of full panel maternity pants might be uncomfortable depending on the fabric or climate. 

Also think about how much stretch your maternity pants will have. Especially for moms-to-be who start shopping earlier in the second trimester, you don’t want to have to keep shopping for pants every few weeks. Look for pants that offer plenty of stretch so that they’ll last throughout your pregnancy regardless of how big your bump gets. 

Purpose

As we mentioned with materials, think about where you’re wearing these maternity pants and if the fit, waistband, and material make sense for that scenario. For example, should you be wearing a pair of athleisure style maternity leggings to the office if the work environment is more professional? And similarly, if you’re going to a prenatal yoga class, maybe it’s a good idea to get a pair of maternity yoga pants with a full panel for added belly support.

What are the most comfortable maternity pants?

Maternity pants that breathe and stretch are going to be the most comfortable overall.

With that said, the “most comfortable” maternity pants are going to vary from mom to mom depending on their taste and style preference. Here are a few of our favorites:

Generally we suggest looking for a good pair of stretch maternity pants like these or maternity yoga pants that provide support for your belly without feeling constrictive. And depending on the type of maternity pants you pick, they can seamlessly transition from the office to home. Bonus points if they transition with you to the postpartum period. 

Is it OK to wear high waisted pants while pregnant?

Not only is it okay, but if you pick the right pants, they can give you added support exactly where you need it.

As long as you’re picking maternity pants that have supportive panels designed specifically for a pregnant woman’s growing belly, there’s nothing wrong with wearing high-waisted pants when you’re pregnant. 

Is it safe to wear tight pants while pregnant? 

While it is safe and won’t hurt you or your baby, this might not be the most comfortable wardrobe choice you’ll ever make. Again, this is going to depend on each woman’s preference. But if you love skinny jeans, body-hugging leggings, and fitted pants, there’s no reason to stop wearing them just because you’re pregnant, you'll likely just prefer them in a stretchier fabric.

How many pairs of maternity pants do I need?

This largely depends on your day-to-day life and work environment. Most women will be set with a few pairs of maternity leggings and one or two pairs of maternity jeans. If you work in a more professional environment five days a week, you may want to get 3-5 pairs of maternity dress pants for work.

While it's a good idea to invest in several different pairs of maternity pants, ultimately, it’s going to depend on how much typically wear pants and want to do laundry.

How can I avoid buying maternity pants?

If the idea of buying maternity pants is a turn-off, there are other ways to make regular-sized clothing work for you once your belly begins to show. The first option is to get this maternity pants extender pack, which is essentially a band you can loop into your regular pants to give them added stretch, and then as your belly grows it has a full panel band you can wear on top of your regular pants’ waistband. These options allow you to discreetly leave your pants unbuttoned or half-zipped while still holding them securely in place. 

You can also opt for regular clothes that are maternity friendly. We love flowy loose dresses like these: (keep length in mind as they'll shorten as your bump grows + consider getting maternity tights to wear under them):

We also love these options that can last many women through all the trimesters and postpartum thanks to a stretchy waistband:

We do not suggest sizing up in regular clothing. A) it still means you're buying clothes, and b) you will likely end up with pants that fit in the waist but not in the thighs.

Final Thoughts:

Maternity fashion is so important. Beyond simply wanting to look good, you want to make sure that you’re comfortable throughout your pregnancy and that your clothing doesn’t make you feel self-conscious. A good pair of maternity pants should grow with your belly and ideally last into your postpartum period as well. 

What kind of maternity pants are best?

While every woman might have different preferences for “the best” pair of maternity pants, we think Motherhood Maternity Skinny Ankle Pant will be most women's favorites thanks to the wide color selection, comfortable fit, and the fact that these pants can transition between casual and professional wear making them the most versatile pant on the list.

We also love Indigo Blue Secret Fit Maternity Jeans jeans to round out your wardrobe and these lounge pants (cod TCM20 for 20% off!) for added comfort at home that'll stick with your even after baby arrives!

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