The Best And Stylish Alternatives Of Standing Jeans Every Mom Should Try

Throughout my pregnancy, I set a goal for myself to purchase just a single item of maternity clothing. I adhered to that strategy and am pleased to share that I successfully made a surprisingly large portion of my wardrobe functional, even as I approached the final trimester. To make things even better—none of my outfits have lost their shape and remain wearable even now. The sole item I couldn’t make fit was jeans. Fortunately, that one pair of leggings carried me through my pregnancy comfortably (the support band is revolutionary once the baby starts growing). However, after wearing those leggings day in and day out for months, I was eager to slip back into my jeans.

As any parent knows, it takes some time to fit back into your pre-pregnancy pants. I waited in anticipation for the day I could effortlessly don a pair of jeans once more. Which is why I should have been ecstatic when that moment finally arrived. This was the day I had longed for nearly a year. Yet suddenly, I realized I had developed a distaste for rigid, constricting denim. I craved flexibility and ease of movement more than ever.

One day, I decided to leave the baby with dad and ventured to Nordstrom. It was a denim enthusiast’s paradise. With back-to-school shopping in full swing, a vast array of denim awaited my exploration. There were so many styles available that the air was saturated with the scent of denim. Unfortunately, I felt too inundated to sort through what seemed like countless designs. So instead, I opted to try on some incredibly stretchy SKIMS pieces (a brand I depended on significantly while pregnant).

As my quest for the ideal jeans persisted, I returned home and got to work. Before embarking on the tedious task of trying on jeans, I decided to do some research. I hadn’t purchased new jeans in quite some time and intended to broaden my search beyond my usual favorites. I scoured every major online retailer to uncover jeans with the best reviews—specifically seeking the most comfortable options.

How I selected the most comfortable jeans

I exclusively considered jeans that featured detailed customer feedback—not merely star ratings. I wanted the insider knowledge. My search particularly concentrated on reviews that included terms such as comfortable, stretch, bend, and movement. Many online retailers provide filters to search reviews by specific keywords, which can assist you in finding the insights you truly need. For instance, if I was examining white T-shirts, I would look for reviews mentioning how the shirt launders or if it is overly sheer. For jeans, I focused on anything that could assure me I could comfortably wear those jeans throughout an entire day.

Whenever feasible, I also arranged the retailer’s denim selection not from my typical choice of “low to high,” but rather by “highest ratings.” This isn’t to imply that jeans lacking reviews won’t be of good quality. However, as a busy parent, I prefer not to waste time when kind fellow shoppers have already done so much of the legwork for me.

What to consider in the most comfortable jeans

• Fabric composition: Locating a shirt or dress that is entirely cotton is an absolute victory, but with denim, a touch of polyester or elastane in the mix can provide some stretch. This isn’t obligatory—I discovered some fantastic 100 percent cotton jeans that reviewers insisted were quite stretchy. Yet it can simplify the shopping experience.
• Buttons: I appreciate a playful use of buttons—in theory. In actuality, I prefer not to have a series of stiff buttons running up my midsection. Keeping it straightforward can facilitate bending, squatting, and sitting in your jeans.
• Silhouette: As a millennial, skinny jeans will always have a cherished spot in my heart. However, I have never considered them the most comfortable style of denim. If you’re still yearning for a sleek silhouette, try cigarette jeans that won’t cling to your leg, yet still maintain a streamlined appearance. Alternatively, opt for a bolder, wider leg for even greater ease of mobility.

The most comfortable jeans to shop now

Now, without further delay, after extensive hours of researching the internet for the most comfortable jeans, here are my top selections.

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Cropped Lightweight Jeans

My teenage self wouldn’t believe me if I revealed how much I enjoy wearing “mom” jeans. My theory regarding the Levi’s 501 cut is that if they were suitable for my mom 30 years ago, they ought to function well for me today. This style also happens to be one of the leading choices at Nordstrom that stays under the $100 price range. This jean is predominantly cotton but includes 23 percent Lyocell. This semi-synthetic fiber derived from wood pulp is celebrated for its softness, breathability, and stretchiness.

The Levi’s website hosts a considerable number of reviews about these jeans. This feedback convinced me: “These jeans are incredibly soft and comfortable and exceptionally well constructed. I inspected every inch of the stitching, and not a single thread is loose. Yes, they are $100, but they are worth every penny, as you can style them up or down, making them a staple for anyone’s wardrobe.”

Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans

When it comes to jeans, discovering the perfect fit can significantly impact how you feel in them (both physically and mentally). As a new mom, I lack the time to visit the tailor each time I acquire a new pair of pants (short girl problems). I appreciate that the Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans are available in petite, plus, standard, tall, and extended sizes.

The brand characterizes the fabric as, “vintage-inspired stretch denim that hugs the body and snaps back like a pro (meaning no 3pm sagging).” The fun pockets caught my attention, but this review affirmed these jeans were a great choice. “These jeans are soft and comfy and can be dressed up or down. A fantastic addition to your wardrobe as we transition into warmer weather.”

J.Crew Mid-Rise Relaxed Demi-Boot Jean

I firmly believe that white jeans can be worn throughout the year (there’s no persuading me that white jeans paired with a gray sweater aren’t the ideal autumn ensemble), hence I had to feature a white option. Similar to Madewell, numerous J.Crew jeans are accessible in various styles (petite, classic, and tall for this particular pair).

As much as high-rise jeans enhance one’s figure, they may also feel constricting around the waist and don’t accommodate even the slightest bit of bloating. This evaluation filled me with hope that these jeans might be a perfect choice for me. “These have become my favorite jeans. I initially thought I would exclusively wear high-rise, but I adore the rise on these. The denim is substantial but not inflexible. They have a relaxed style and offer great comfort while being very stylish. I receive compliments every time I don them. I would purchase these in every shade if they offered anything beyond just white.”

Everlane The Way-High Jean

With three inseam options and ten different washes, it’s unsurprising that the Everlane The Way-High Jean has garnered numerous positive reviews. With more than 1,600 evaluations (952 of which are five stars), this particular review caught my attention. “Feeling like a stylish mom! White jeans four months after giving birth? Yes, apparently! These provide enough structure to flatter the post-baby figure and ample stretch for playing with baby. While it remains to be seen if they can withstand baby stains, I absolutely love how these make me feel!”

AG Farrah Boot Crop Jean

AG is a brand I’m relatively new to, but it grabbed my attention due to its jeans consistently scoring high on the Nordstrom site. The downside is that those exceptional rankings come with an equally steep price tag. Having been raised during the era of designer denim, exorbitant jean prices shouldn’t shock me.

What are the reviewers saying about these expensive bottoms? The feedback is quite impressive. According to one very detailed reviewer (thank you, friend!), these jeans are worth the investment. “I own multiple pairs of AG Jeans because each time I try a pair on, I’m like… YUP. They are soft, stretchy, and have a great length. I am 5’3 and weigh 123 lbs. I chose a size 27. Perhaps I could have opted for a 26 due to the stretch, but it’s not a significant enough concern to change!”

Abercrombie High Rise Taper Jean

Given my early 2000s background, it’s hardly shocking that I can’t determine where to discover the finest denim without at least trying Abercrombie. The label has undergone a complete transformation over recent years. Numerous friends of mine swear by their jeans, compelling me to check them out, and I stumbled upon a cherished pair on discount. You can select from five different washes and three length options. The cut is quite contemporary and may be excessively loose for some, yet it’s undeniable that they appear comfortable to move around in.

If you’re hesitant about a more relaxed fit, let this testimonial put your mind at ease: “I adore these jeans! They’re perfectly oversized without being overly baggy. I’m a petite gal (5’1) and I got a size 24 regular. They’re long on me, but I love that I can pair them with boots or heels or roll them up to wear with sandals.”

Target Wild Fable Low-Rise Seamed Flare Jeans

With sizes spanning from 00 to 30, you’re bound to find your ideal fit with these Target jeans, and since they’re exceedingly economical, you don’t have much to risk by trying them out. Particularly, you’ll only spend $13.75 if they don’t turn out to be as useful as you anticipated.

A combination of cotton, polyester, and spandex offers this jean a lot of flexibility. They’re low-rise, which I understand isn’t always a preferred style, but consider this. I found myself wishing for a pair of low-rise jeans during my first trimester of pregnancy. Long before I gained any pregnancy weight, I dealt with significant bloating, and a low-rise pant would have been far more comfortable.

I truly appreciate this reviewer’s candidness about her fit challenges: “These jeans are comfortably stretchy (without giving that stretched out or unflattering appearance), true to size, and boast a distinct design. I had some concerns regarding how flattering/unflattering the design would be and if the size would be appropriate as I… sometimes wear a size 10, sometimes a 12, and in some instances still fit into an 8, or I alternate between M and L in bottoms based on the fit. … The size 10 suited me well. I wouldn’t classify these as ultra low-rise like some jeans from the 2000s, but they are lower than mid-rise options nowadays and sit below my belly button. I often feel indifferent in pants, but these feel stylish and cozy. Choose your regular ‘standard’ size.”