As soon as you find out you're pregnant, you go through your newborn checklist, schedule the maternity photo shoot and start thinking about names. One thing you should add to your list if you work and are going into an office is a pair of maternity work pants.
While many moms-to-be in the past few years got by with sweatpants and a blousy top while working from home, hybrid and full-time office workers who are pregnant will need a good pair of maternity work pants to rely on for several months. Here are some of the best, depending on your style, budget and preferences. Overnight Adult Diapers
Comfort is obviously the first priority when looking for maternity work pants, says Jasna Burza, a business, life and style coach and the author of Heeler in Heels. You'll also want to consider flexibility and support. Look for stretchy fabrics, elastic waistbands, adjustable features and breathable and lightweight fabrics.
"Choose pants made from stretchy material such as spandex or lycra, blended with cotton and other natural fibers," she says. "These fabrics provide flexibility and can accommodate a mother's changing body shape."
She also says that it's important to be mindful of length: "Check for pants with sufficient length to accommodate your changing body shape and to avoid them becoming too short as your belly grows."
Be sure to try on different styles and brands to find one that works for you, and Burza says that friends and family often give the best recommendations.
Old Navy is a powerhouse when it comes to inclusive sizing and comfortable maternity clothing. And yes, that includes maternity pants for work. These leggings are available in sizes 0 to 20 and are identical to the brand's killer Pixie pants, just with an elasticized waist for your growing belly. It has a faux fly, decorative welt pockets and diagonal hip pockets.
We love these two-way stretch maternity pants because they feel like real pants without the discomfort. Thank the cotton, rayon and spandex blend.
You might wear maternity dress pants for work for only a few months, finding it hard to justify a splurge. Foucome maternity work pants are a great budget-friendly option for those looking for comfort and style at a lower price point. Made from a blended fabric that won't wrinkle, they're soft and comfortable with plenty of stretch for movement.
The belly panel is breathable and the style is versatile. Wear them from the office to any sort of after-hours event with ease.
If you're looking for a quality cropped pair of maternity dress pants for work, then Seraphine's Tapered Maternity Pants should be at the top of your list. Featuring a slim fit with a pressed pleat, these cropped pants are made from suiting fabric and hit right at the ankle.
The bump panel is made from comfortable jersey, and the pant is available in fashion-forward colors like plum, in addition to staples like navy, black and gray. They're washable, too. Pop one on with a maternity jacket and you'll look sharp on your dressiest office days.
As far as black maternity work pants go, these are some of the best: they're made from stretchy ponte fabric and they have a nice, trendy wide leg with a flattering crop. There are also patch pockets, a faux button and fly and no traditional belly band if that's something you find uncomfortable.
Instead, there's a hidden elastic to keep you tucked in, supported and comfy in these handsome wide leg pants.
Black maternity work pants are a staple for a reason—just like regular black work pants, they hide a multitude of sins, including spills, dirt and the fact that you wash them less than you should. This bootcut pair is a hero staple item in a maternity wardrobe thanks to its Better Butter stretch fabric, built-in belly band and cotton blend, which all add up to major comfort.
The flare is nice without being too trendy, and the pants are machine washable.
Another black maternity work pant that has been tried and tested is Motherhood Maternity's Skinny Casual Dress Pant. These stylish pants have thousands of ratings on Amazon for a good reason. They're comfortable, work-appropriate and affordable. Available in XS to 3X and come in black, navy, khaki and gray—so take your pick.
These stretch twill pull-on pants with a hidden belly band fit like your favorite skinny jeans are machine washable. Dress them up or down, meaning you might need to get multiple pairs to get you through the week. Need a few pairs? Check out the brand's selection of maternity pants with side panels while you're at it.
Maternity pants for work include plus-size maternity pants, and there's no better one than Maurices Bengaline Skinny Dress Pants. Available in sizes 16 to 20W, these black pants are reliable, fashionable and comfortable. The skinny fit is flattering, and the over-the-bump panel keeps you secure and snug without digging into your growing stomach.
The expanded size range and super soft material will have you coming back to Maurice's for regular pants after baby is born. We suggest checking out this brand for a pair of maternity jeans as well.
If you're looking for a splurge option, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more elegant maternity brand than Hatch. Known for its luxurious basics, The Asher pant is a versatile pregnancy and postpartum straight leg pant that can take you from the office to weekend errands.
Choose from black and olive shades and featuring an elastic waistband you can wear over or under your bump and a tapered leg. Franky, these are so gorgeous and fun to wear that they make shopping for maternity pants a total pleasure.
Maternity work pants are made to be as comfortable as possible, but if you want to level it up to an all-organic option, then Pact's Maternity Split Hem Pants are a great option. The sophisticated jogger style pant is made from brushed moisture-wicking organic cotton, which saves water, and they're made in a fair-trade factory, too with a carbon offset.
The foldable waistband can be folded down or pulled up, depending on how you feel that day and your stage of pregnancy. We love these as post-pregnancy pants, too.
Spanx's leggings are world-famous for combining cozy comfort with high fashion and the brand doesn't skimp on its maternity leggings version, which is similar to the OG but with an elastic knit waistband to hold a belly. There are no irritating center seams and the faux fabric is luxurious and breathable, with just a little compression so you feel put together and pulled in.
This brand also makes some of our favorite swimsuits to hide tummy bulge after baby is born.
Work-from-home moms-to-be get to prioritize comfort, and these sweatpants from Amazon can help you live your best WFH life. They're available in XS to XXL and they come in neutral colors and this fashion-forward burgundy. Machine washable, these high-waisted elastic leggings are essential on days spent sitting in your home office.
They're stretchable and soft, perfect for lounging weekend activities in addition to any work-from-home days. Just throw on a blousy top and no one on the other side of the screen will be any wiser. If you love them, you can get two packs, too.
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