Cover Image for Best maternity work pants reviewed for office style

Best maternity work pants reviewed for office style

Published:

Last Updated:

You’re pregnant! You can’t wait to tell everyone but… your boss can wait. For now, you need the best maternity work pants to keep you super comfortable while still retaining your style identity. Whether your workplace is casual or corporate, you’ve got so much to choose from in the pants section – YAY! If you’re not quite ready, you might be able to still wear some pants with a stretchy band under the bump, but you’ll most likely need to get a pair to get you through the second and third trimester if only for the comfort factor.

Let’s jump into the world of maternity work pants, exploring different styles, benefits, and how to select the best pair for your growing bump and changing body.

Understanding the variety in maternity pant styles

Maternity pants are designed to accommodate your growing belly, offering both comfort and style. From over-the-bump designs to adjustable waistbands, the variety in maternity pant styles ensures that there’s a perfect pair for every pregnant woman.

Whether you prefer a more fitted look or something more relaxed, maternity pants come in various styles, including straight-leg, bootcut, wide-leg, and skinny. They cater not just to comfort but also to your personal style, making it easier to dress for work without compromising on style.

Embrace elegance and comfort: Our curated selection of maternity work pants

Best over-the-belly trousers

These trousers redefine style for working moms, featuring a supportive over-the-belly band that offers unparalleled comfort while maintaining a professional look. The stretch fabric around the belly ensures a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy, making them an ideal choice for office wear.

Top rated skinny maternity jeans for casual chic

For the mamas who love a sleek, fitted look, these skinny maternity pants are a must-have. They provide a snug yet comfortable fit, adapting to your body’s changes while maintaining a stylish, contemporary look. Ideal for both casual and work settings, they’re a timeless addition to your maternity wardrobe. Plus we love the navy color.

Blue Vintage Wash Maternity Skinny Jeans
Credit: PinkBlush Maternity

Blue Vintage Wash Maternity Skinny Jeans

Best wide-leg maternity pants

Wide-leg maternity pants are the epitome of comfort and elegance. Their relaxed fit offers plenty of room for growth, while the stylish cut ensures you look as stunning as you feel. Perfect for the office, these pants can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Additionally, they are the perfect comfy option for the postpartum stage.

Best straight-leg maternity trousers

Straight-leg maternity trousers offer a classic silhouette that’s both flattering and functional. Designed to accommodate your growing belly, these pants provide a seamless transition from early to late pregnancy, ensuring you stay comfortable and stylish in the workplace.

Most stylish maternity palazzo pants

Maternity palazzo pants are breezy and elegant. With their flowing fabric and comfortable waistband, they’re perfect for days when you want to feel both chic and relaxed. These pants are a stylish choice for work, perfect for those hotter days when you don’t feel like showing too much skin but still want to enjoy the breeze.

Olive Smocked Waist Flowy Maternity Pants
Credit: PinkBlush Maternity

Olive Smocked Waist Flowy Maternity Pants

Most comfortable and stylish ankle-length maternity trousers

Ankle-length maternity trousers are a versatile staple for the working mamas. They offer a chic, modern look while providing the necessary comfort and support for your growing belly. Perfect for pairing with a variety of tops, they’re a great choice for any professional setting.

Maternity Work Pants Black
Credit: Boob Design

Maternity Work Pants Black

Mama Choice Badge

Most fab maternity chinos for casual Friday

Maternity chinos offer a casual yet polished look, perfect for a more relaxed office environment. They provide a comfortable fit around the waist and hips, while the soft fabric allows for easy movement throughout the day. A great choice for moms seeking a blend of style and practicality, they’re also a good choice for brunch out with friends or to take your other kids to the playground if you’re not a first-time mom.

Best maternity cargo pants for ultimate street style

For moms-to-be who need functionality without sacrificing style, maternity cargo pants are a fantastic option. They offer plenty of pockets for convenience, along with a comfortable fit that adapts to your changing shape. Ideal for days when you’re on the move, these pants combine practicality with a stylish edge.

Wide Cargo Pants Beige
Credit: Soon Maternity

Wide Cargo Pants Beige

Sexiest slim-fit maternity trousers

Slim-fit maternity trousers are designed to flatter your figure while providing the necessary support for your growing belly. Their sleek silhouette offers a sophisticated look, perfect for making a statement in the workplace. The stretch fabric ensures comfort throughout your pregnancy, allowing you to feel as good as you look.

Most stylish maternity capri pants

Maternity capri pants are a chic and comfortable choice for warmer days at the office. Their cropped length adds a touch of playfulness to your work attire, while the flexible waistband caters to your comfort needs throughout pregnancy. Pair them with a smart blouse for a perfect summer work outfit.

Best rated high-waisted maternity trousers

High-waisted maternity trousers are a stylish option that provides extra support around the midsection. They create a sleek, elongated silhouette, offering a sophisticated look suitable for any professional setting. The adjustable waist ensures a comfortable fit as your body changes.

Tapered Plum Maternity Pants
Credit: Seraphine

Tapered Plum Maternity Pants

Hottest maternity cigarette pants

Maternity cigarette pants are a great choice for a sleek, minimalist look. They offer a snug fit around the legs while providing enough room and support for the belly. These pants pair beautifully with formal shirts or blouses, creating an effortlessly chic look for the workplace.

Cigarette Style Black Maternity Pants
Credit: Seraphine

Cigarette Style Black Maternity Pants

Most alluring maternity flared pants

Maternity flared pants are a nod to retro style with a modern twist. They’re designed to give you a comfortable fit at the waist while flaring out towards the bottom, offering a stylish and flattering look. Ideal for those who want to add a bit of flair to their maternity work attire.

Flared Maternity Pants Black
Credit: Boob Design

Flared Maternity Pants Black

Breeziest maternity linen pants

Maternity linen pants are a breathable and stylish option for the working mom-to-be, especially during warmer months. Their lightweight fabric and relaxed fit ensure comfort and ease of movement, while their elegant design keeps you looking professional and chic.

Flattering pregnancy-friendly suit pants for corporate chic

Pregnancy-friendly suit pants are essential for those formal work occasions. Tailored to accommodate your growing belly without compromising on professional style, these pants pair seamlessly with maternity blazers, creating a polished and empowered look for the expectant executive.

Best neutral dress pants

Expectant moms’ dress pants are the go-to choice for a refined and sophisticated work look. They’re tailored to adapt to your changing body, providing comfort and elegance in equal measure. These pants are ideal for meetings, presentations, and everyday office wear.

Mama dress pants Beige
Credit: H&M

Mama dress pants Beige

Top trendy adjustable waistband work pants

Adjustable waistband work pants are a practical and stylish solution for the ever-changing pregnant body. They allow you to adjust the fit as your belly grows, ensuring comfort and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. These pants are ideal for adapting to your body’s changes while maintaining a professional appearance.

Foldover Waistband Stretch Cotton Maternity Pants Black
Credit: Accouchée

Foldover Waistband Stretch Cotton Maternity Pants Black

Best ever elastic-waist work pants for pregnant women

Elastic-waist work pants for pregnant women are all about comfort and ease of wear. Their elastic waistband adapts to your changing size, providing a snug and comfortable fit. These pants are ideal for busy workdays, ensuring you stay comfortable while looking professional.

Coolest low-rise maternity pants

Low-rise maternity pants sit comfortably below the belly, providing a relaxed and stylish option for the workplace. They’re perfect for those who prefer a less restrictive waistline, offering both comfort and a modern look throughout your pregnancy.

Wide Leg Black Maternity Pants
Credit: Seraphine

Wide Leg Black Maternity Pants

What are the different maternity pant styles?

Maternity pant styles vary widely to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of expectant mothers. From classic over-bump tailored trousers, which provide extra support for the growing belly, to stylish low-rise pants that sit comfortably under the belly, there’s a style for every stage of pregnancy. Other popular styles include mid-rise pants that offer a balance between support and freedom, pleated trousers for additional comfort, and side-panel pants for a discreet yet flexible fit. Each style is designed to ensure comfort and maintain a professional appearance throughout pregnancy.

What kind of pants are best for pregnancy?

The best pants for pregnancy are those that provide comfort, support, and flexibility, while also fitting well into a professional setting. Key features to look for include adjustable waistbands, stretchy fabrics, and supportive panels. Adjustable waistbands allow the pants to grow with you, ensuring a good fit throughout your pregnancy. Stretchy fabrics, such as bi-stretch materials, offer flexibility and move with your body, making them ideal for the changing shapes of pregnancy. Supportive panels, whether over-bump or side-panel, provide extra support and can help alleviate discomfort.

Ultimately, the best pants are those that suit your personal style and the specific needs of your body during pregnancy. Some women prefer over-bump styles for the additional support they offer, while others find under-bump or mid-rise styles more comfortable. The key is to choose pants that make you feel confident and comfortable, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about fit or comfort.

What’s the difference between maternity pants and regular pants?

Maternity pants are specifically designed to accommodate the physical changes of pregnancy, offering features that regular pants do not. One of the main differences is the inclusion of adjustable or elastic waistbands, which provide room for the growing belly. Additionally, maternity pants often have built-in support panels, either over the bump or on the sides, to offer extra support and comfort. The fabrics used in maternity pants are typically more stretchable and forgiving, allowing them to adapt to the changing shape of the body.

Regular pants, on the other hand, are not designed with pregnancy in mind. They lack the necessary flexibility and support, making them uncomfortable or impractical as the pregnancy progresses. While some women might initially size up in regular pants during early pregnancy, maternity pants are generally more suited to the later stages, providing the necessary comfort and support while maintaining a professional appearance.

How do maternity pant sizes work?

Maternity pant sizes are designed to accommodate the changes a woman’s body undergoes during pregnancy. Typically, maternity pants are sized similarly to regular pants, but with added features for comfort and adjustability. When choosing maternity pants, it’s generally advised to start with your pre-pregnancy size. Maternity wear is crafted to adapt to the typical weight gain and body changes of pregnancy, so your usual size should provide a good fit. However, every pregnancy is different, and some women may find they need a larger size as they progress, especially in the later stages.

Key features to look for in maternity pants include adjustable waistbands, elastic or drawstring closures, and stretchable fabrics. These features allow the pants to grow with you, ensuring comfort throughout your pregnancy. It’s also important to consider the style of the maternity pants – over-bump styles offer more support and might fit differently than under-bump styles. Trying on different styles and sizes can help you find the best fit for your body and personal comfort preference. Keep in mind that your size may change throughout your pregnancy, so flexibility in sizing is key for long-term wear.

How many pairs of maternity pants do you need?

The number of maternity pants needed varies based on individual lifestyle, work requirements, and personal preference. For those working in an office setting, having a few pairs of versatile, professional maternity pants is key. It’s generally a good idea to have at least three to five pairs, allowing for rotation throughout the workweek. This quantity provides enough variety to mix and match with different tops and blazers, creating diverse outfits without the constant need for laundry.

When selecting these pants, consider different styles and colors to maximize versatility. Including a mix of tailored trousers, pleated pants, and perhaps a pair of stylish capri or cropped pants for variety can keep your wardrobe fresh and adaptable. The goal is to have enough pants to feel comfortable and professional throughout the week, without the added stress of frequent wardrobe changes or laundry.

Why do maternity pants go over belly?

Maternity pants often feature an over-belly panel primarily for support and comfort. This panel helps distribute the weight of the growing belly, reducing pressure on the lower back and pelvis. It also provides a smooth, seamless look under tops, eliminating any potential discomfort from waistbands digging into the belly. The over-belly design can also offer a sense of security and snugness, which many women find comforting as their body changes.

Beyond support, these panels are made with stretchable, breathable fabrics that accommodate the belly’s growth throughout the various stages of pregnancy. They adapt to the body’s changes, ensuring a good fit without being too tight or restrictive. This design not only offers physical benefits but also contributes to a sleek and professional appearance, which is essential for work attire.

What week do you start wearing maternity pants?

The timing for starting to wear maternity pants varies for each woman, as every pregnancy is unique. Some women may find the need for maternity pants as early as the first trimester, around 12 weeks, especially if they experience early belly growth or discomfort with regular pants. Others may comfortably wear their regular pants with modifications, like belly bands or extenders, until later in the pregnancy.

It’s important to listen to your body and make the switch to maternity pants when you start feeling any discomfort or tightness in your regular pants. Maternity pants are designed to provide comfort and support as your body changes, so making the transition early can help ensure your comfort throughout your pregnancy.

What pants to wear 12 weeks pregnant?

At 12 weeks pregnant, many women are just beginning to notice changes in their body shape. During this stage, comfort is key. Low-rise maternity pants or pants with an adjustable waistband can be ideal choices. These styles provide some extra room and flexibility without the full support of over-bump designs, which may not yet be necessary.

Another option is to use belly bands or maternity extenders with regular pants, allowing you to keep wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes a bit longer while providing the needed comfort. As each pregnancy is different, the best approach is to choose pants that feel comfortable and accommodate your body’s changing shape, without being overly restrictive or loose.

What workwear hides baby bump?

For those looking to discreetly hide their baby bump in a professional setting, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, certain styles of workwear can be particularly effective. Empire waist dresses and tops, which flare out slightly from just under the bust, can camouflage the belly. Layering with blazers, cardigans, or structured jackets can also help in creating a more streamlined silhouette.

In terms of pants, opting for styles with higher waistbands or those designed with a side panel can provide a more subtle look compared to over-bump styles. Darker colors and vertical stripes in clothing can also help in creating an illusion of a slimmer profile, effectively hiding the baby bump. The key is to choose comfortable, well-fitting clothes that align with your personal style while offering the discretion you desire.

How should I dress smart for work when pregnant?

Dressing smart for work during pregnancy involves balancing comfort with professionalism. Opt for maternity work pants that mimic the look of regular trousers but with added stretch and support for your growing belly. Pair them with flowing blouses, tunics, or structured maternity tops that provide ample room without compromising style. Layering is also a key strategy; a maternity blazer or cardigan can add a professional touch while allowing for flexibility and comfort. Choose fabrics that are breathable and stretchable, like cotton blends or soft knits, to ensure comfort throughout the day. Footwear should be comfortable yet professional; low heels or stylish flats are ideal choices. Remember, accessories like scarves, jewelry, or a statement handbag can elevate your look and keep your style fresh and varied.

It’s important to invest in a few high-quality maternity pieces that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. These pieces should be versatile enough to be worn in various combinations, creating a capsule wardrobe that takes you through different stages of pregnancy. Consider the changing seasons and your workplace environment when selecting these items. The goal is to look polished and professional, while also feeling comfortable and confident as your body changes.

Share this article

Author

Maternity Editor and first time mama with lots of experience and tips. Lives life to the fullest! South American by nature, based in Melbourne Australia. Mum to Mila, my life and soul.