If I had to pick one maternity clothing item to purchase, it would be a good pair of jeans! I am such a jeans gal especially in the fall/winter so finding a pair of maternity jeans was a must for me. I went through a LOT of pairs to find a pair I wanted to keep so I'm sharing a review today in hopes that it helps someone else in the same boat as me.

A few notes before I jump in... I prefer my jeans to hit at the ankle rather than be full length. I like the look more when I pair my jeans with booties or sneakers (it's a personal preference) so I was looking for a pair that was the right length on my 5'4 frame. Also, I typically wear a size 25 jeans so for most of these jeans, I ordered my usual jean size in the maternity version. 



Articles of Society - Sarah Skinny Maternity Jeans 

Color: Crystal w/ distressing (medium wash) 

Style: Over the Bump

Size: 25 

Review: So these actually fit pretty good (when I order jeans online, I always get nervous since fit can be so risky). I was happy with the fit in the legs & the belly but my personal preference is jeans that hit at the ankle so these were a smidgen too long on me. They came right to the top of my foot. These are great and would have been kept me if I was looking a full length pair of distressed jeans (inseam is 29"). 

Verdict: Return



Articles of Society - Maternity Skinny Jeans 

Color: Carson City (very dark blue)

Style: Over the Bump

Size: 25 

Review: Same brand as above. This pair was the shorter inseam (27") that I was looking for but didn't fit as great down the leg. They were more of a slim fit from the mid thigh to the ankle, rather than a tight, skinny fit. This pair may be better for someone with athletic legs. On the bright side, this pair of denim was super soft & the belly panel was very comfy.

Verdict: Return

Articles of Society - Maternity Skinny Pants 

Color: Black 

Style: Over the Bump

Size: 25 

Review: Similar to the other AOS jeans in terms of comfort, but this pair was too long for me; it says inseam is 28" on the website, but there is NO WAY (see the bunches of fabric at my ankle???). I am 5'4 and would recommend these for someone who is at least 5'6 to avoid the bunching at the ankles.

Verdict: Return


Articles of Society - Maternity Distressed Skinny Jeans 

Color: Black w/ distressing

Style: Over the Bump

Size: 25 

Review: The last AOS pair of jeans that I ordered & I finally found what I'm wanting in a pair of maternity jeans! This pair has a 28" inseam (hit at my ankle), was super soft denim, comfortable over the belly and was pretty tapered down the leg. I also liked the distressed knees on this pair since it adds a little casualness & edginess to any outfit I wear them with.

Verdict: Keep!


Madewell - Maternity Skinny Jeans

Color: Black Sea (looks more like a dark gray in person)

Style: Over the Bump but lower back panel

Size: 24 

Review: People rave about Madewell jeans and TBH, I had never tried them but decided to give a maternity pair a try. Unfortunately, these were one of my least favorite pairs, mostly due to the fabric that goes over the bump & up the back. The back panel was much lower than the belly panel and I found it to be bothersome and uncomfortable. The legs of the jeans also weren't my favorite fit; these weren't short enough or tapered enough for me from the knee down. 

Verdict: Return

Madewell - Maternity Full Belly Jeans

Color: Orland Wash (dark blue wash)

Style: Over the Bump with denim back panel

Size: 25

Review: I liked this pair of Madewell jeans SO much better! They had a full panel over the belly with a denim panel in the back which was different but I was OK with when I initially put them on. The legs & butt fit great and they were just a little long, but I wanted them to work so I decided I would just cuff the hem to make it slightly more cropped. These were SO close to being keepers until I sat down and the belly panel elastic starting digging into my ribs. It was so tight on me! I think it's because it's only a half stretch panel and the back is denim which didn't stretch. I'm not sure if it would stretch out over time but I recommend these jeans if you are mostly standing.

Verdict: Return



DL1961 - Emma Power Legging Jeans

Color: Strobe (medium wash) & Flatiron (dark blue wash)

Style: Side Panels

Size: 24 & 25

Review: So because I wasn't sure what size I was in DL1961 (I've worn 24 & 25 pre pregnancy), I ordered the Emma jeans in a 24 and 25. Weirdly, both pairs fit VERY similarly in the waist & butt. The legs on both pairs , however, was the worst fitting of the bunch; they barely felt like a slim fit, and almost looked more like a straight leg on me.  They were also supposed to be ankle length but on me, they weren't.

Verdict: Return


After all that, I only ended up keeping 1 pair of jeans, but I'm really happy with them and have been wearing them every week since purchasing! Finding maternity jeans was such a journey and a lot of a trial and error but hopefully you found this post to be helpful!

XO

Michelle Paige