Frequently asked questions

• Do I need maternity pants?

  Yes, you do need maternity pants if you are pregnant in the cooler months. Most non-maternity pants become uncomfortable as the waistband sits at the bump rather than below it. Maternity pants are cut with an adjustable, stretch-panel, or over-the-bump waistband that accommodates the changing shape without pinching. One or two pairs of dedicated maternity pants usually replace most of your regular trouser wardrobe through pregnancy. The waistband adjustment is the single most important fit feature in maternity pants.

• What is the difference between maternity pants and regular pants?

  The difference between maternity pants and regular pants is in the waistband and the front rise. Maternity pants have an adjustable waistband: drawstring, elastic, button, or over-bump panel. They also have additional length and ease through the front, and often a slightly higher rise to accommodate a bump or sit below it. The legs and hips fit similarly to your usual size. Regular pants have a fixed waist that doesn't accommodate dramatic change. The adjustable waistband is what makes maternity pants work across the full pregnancy.

• What pants can I wear in the third trimester?

  The pants you can wear in the third trimester are ones with adjustable waistbands that sit comfortably above or below the bump, wide-leg or relaxed cuts that don't constrict, and soft fabrics with give. Wide-leg knits, adjustable tailored trousers, ribbed lounge pants, and loose poplin pants all work. Avoid skinny-cut pants in late pregnancy: they often become uncomfortable around the calves and thighs. The third trimester is when fabric softness and waistband adjustability matter most.

• How should maternity pants fit?

  Maternity pants should fit with the waistband sitting comfortably either above the bump (over-the-bump style) or below it (under-the-bump style), without pinching or sliding. The hips and legs should fit close to your usual size. Adjustable elements should let the pants keep fitting as you grow. Wide-leg cuts are usually the most forgiving across trimesters. The fit should be comfortable enough to sit at a desk for an hour without adjusting, which is the practical test most maternity pants need to pass.

• Can you wear maternity pants after birth?

  Yes, you can wear maternity pants after birth, particularly adjustable wide-leg trousers, ribbed lounge pants, and pieces with drawstring or elastic waistbands. These adjust to a postpartum body and continue to fit through recovery. Most of our maternity pants are designed to work across both maternity and postpartum chapters. The adjustable construction that fit you at 38 weeks pregnant will keep fitting six weeks after birth. Many maternity pants continue to fit through the first year postpartum and beyond, which extends their value substantially.