Being plus-size and pregnant comes with its own set of challenges. I’m not talking about the “medical risks” (those are debatable) — I’m talking about the societal pressures and infringements placed upon us. My experience as a size 18 plus-size pregnant woman has been a fairly positive one — I’m one of the few women who can say she hasn’t been shamed at the doctor or mistreated by her peers. But one struggle I do have? Three words: Maternity. Clothes. Shopping.
As someone who loves being able to express herself through fashion, I felt like pregnancy threw me for a huge loop. While I am “lucky” enough to fit into the XL sizes (which are still considered straight sizes) at shops like Motherhood, when it comes to bottoms and this growing belly, it has been a CHALLENGE.
One item in particular I’ve come to miss over the last nine-ish months? Jeans. Don’t get me wrong, I praise the fashion gods every day for making leggings acceptable outwear. But when our closets become limited, and we’re feeling less-than-attractive, and we’re desperately trying to feel a little human, “real” pants can be a game changer.
Jeans are a struggle for plus-size women as it is — often times we deal with issues like bigger waistbands and disproportionately-too-tight thighs, sizing, and all around lack of variety. Maternity jeans proved to be no different. But what was exponentially worse was the fact that I couldn’t go to a store to try many of them on as almost all of the maternity options for plus-size women are offered exclusively online. Not to mention — they can get pretty dang expensive!
So to help make things easier for plus-size mamas-to-be who might be interested in investing in a decent pair of maternity jeans, I put five popular brands to the test during my 36th week of pregnancy, looking at different cuts across price points, assessing them on fit, style, support, and comfort.
Leah Cooper/CafeMom
Maternity Premium Full Panel Rockstar Jeans ($45, Old Navy)
If they ever decide to connect the jean to the band instead of layering it, I’d buy these jeans in a heartbeat. Otherwise, I’d steer clear for comfort’s sake.
Maternity Crossover Panel Skinny Jeans – Isabel Maternity ($30, Target)
Sitting down in these bad boys was also a problem. Where the belly band seams with the jean is extremely uncomfortable and digs right into the lower belly. I felt like the moment I sat down I was clawing at the fabric to pull it up comfortably.
While Target does offer other side-panel styles, when it comes to this type of banded jean I’d stay far away.
Navy Blue Distressed Plus Maternity Jean ($68, PinkBlush)
Overall, I’d say once sizing is figured (and anticipate going up a bit), this is a great option for mamas-to-be who want to look trendy.
The Good American line goes up to a pretty inclusive size 24, so I preemptively sized up to a 20, figuring a Kardashian’s clothing line would inevitably run small, and awaited my opportunity to bash these super expensive jeans.
The Honeymoon Mid-Rise Raw Stagger ($159, Good American)
WHILE NINE MONTHS PREGNANT.
Realistically, the ONLY thing that would hold me back from buying these is the steep price tag. But then again, being pregnant is a perfectly good reason to treat yo’self, and if purchased in early pregnancy, they may actually be worth the investment.
Plus Size Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans ($50, Motherhood)
While some might think $50 is too much to spend on jeans, I honestly believe they are worth the investment. They are comfortable, plainly stylish, and will be in it for the long haul.
What more could anyone want from her plus-size maternity jeans?
