Remember the days before mamahood? Shopping for denim was fairly simple–eventually. You probably spent the better part of a decade knowing what works for your body, learning which brands, cuts and sizes to choose. And then you had baby and all those learnings went right out the window.
Whether you’re trying to camouflage extra weight in your midsection or figuring out out how to flatter a brand new figure altogether, finding the right postpartum jeans can feel like a fools’ errand. After all, it’s a transitional phase, right?
Well, yes and no. Yes, chances are your body is going to shift and change a fair amount in the months after giving birth. But while getting back into the jeans you wore before is totally possible, it shouldn’t be the marker of success. Instead, you might want to treat yourself to a pair that makes you feel as fabulous as you are this very moment. Because nothing makes you feel like the sexiest version of yourself than a pair of jeans that hug just right.
So what should you look for? The best postpartum jeans offer enough stretch to keep them comfy but not so much they bag out a half an hour after putting them on. And blessed be–high rise is not only totally in, it’s also so postpartum friendly. (To the moms who had babies in the early 2000s, our condolences.)
We’ve hand-selected some of the best jeans for postpartum bodies from our favorite skinnies (sorry, Gen Z, you’re not taking them away!) to the brilliant Blanqi postpartum jeans with a built in belly band.
Give these flattering postpartum jeans a try and you’ll be the most confident mama around:
Our favorite postpartum jeans
Old Navy
• $50
Listen, we don’t understand the sorcery behind Old Navy’s brilliant FitsYou 3-Sizes-in-1 but we’re not going to question it either. Designed to fit a range of three sizes, they hug your fluctuating post-birth bod in all the right ways. The extra-high rise sits well above your belly button and since there’s plenty of stretch, it holds you in without an uncomfortable squeeze.
Madewell
• $128
One wander through the reviews and you’ll add these to cart faster than your baby wakes up when you put them down. They’re super flattering, stretchy and quite frankly, denim perfection. The slim straight silhouette is great if you’re completely over skinnies but not quite feeling the wide leg styles that feel too trendy to invest in. They’re the kind of jeans you fall in love with and buy in every wash. And while you can choose from four different lengths, we also love the way they look cuffed up at the bottom!
Lucky Brand
• $99
We’re secretly glad flares are on an upswing because the right pair can give you legs for days. Like the Stevie from Lucky Brand for example. Part of their Free Stretch collection, they’ve got plenty of give and a high enough rise to be super comfortable for hours. And that hem! We’re smitten.
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.
• $29.99
After 9ish blissfully button-free months, you may not be in a rush to get back to truly traditional jeans. The super comfy pull on skinnies from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. get rave reviews from postpartum mamas for their flattering fit that doesn’t dig, droop or create the dreaded muffin top look. And at $29.99 a pop, you may want to stock up on a few different washes!
Everlane
• $98
With a classy high waist and a relaxed but not overly baggy fit, it’s no surprise the Everlane Way High Jean is a best-seller. The silhouette is like traffic-stopping levels of flattering, lengthening your legs and nipping your waist at just the right spot. The denim itself is just the tiniest bit stretchy–great for sitting down without wondering why you ditched the leggings in the first place. They come in a variety of washes (and two inseam lengths), but I’m partial to the distressed version. The soft lines make them look like you’ve loved them well for ages and the gently frayed hem pairs perfectly with mules to sneakers.
Oliver Logan
• $92
The denim equivalent of your favorite sweatpants, Oliver Logan’s popular Crosby style is the only boyfriend style you need. The slouchy fit doesn’t sit too high or too low and there’s a dash of spandex to keep them comfy all day long. A raw hem allows you to easily wear them cuffed or not depending on the look you love. All you need is a crisp white tee and you’re total minimalist fashionista goals. And not only are their styles the perfect way to step outside your skinnies comfort zone, they’re sustainably manufactured with reclaimed fibers and super transparent about their processes. Want to know the exact environmental impact of each product? It’s there right on each product page.
Wit & Wisdom
• $88
The AbSolution jeans from Wit & Wisdom are an oft-repeated fave among postpartum mamas. A special fit system slims, shapes and lifts to show you off like the hot mama you are! Who can say no to that? They come in a variety of styles but may we suggest getting back in the boot cut game? We love the subtle flair that gives legs for days when paired with a sassy stiletto!
Blanqi
• $102
If you’re looking for a step between still wearing your maternity jeans and sliding back into a traditional pair, Blanqi’s Postpartum Support Skinny Jeans are exactly the thing. The clever design incorporates a zipper-less faux fly and a built-in belly band to hold you in and smooth you out while still allowing you to tuck in a top. As stylish as they are genius!
Madewell
• $128
My favorite jeans in my favorite wash. They’re the perfect style to break your skinnies habit and flatter the booty in miraculous ways. An 11 inch rise tucks everything in just right and the off-black wash is so endlessly wearable. I reach for them even more frequently than my blues!
A version of this story was published on August 14, 2019. It has been updated.
