One Vogue Writer’s Ode to Non-Maternity Maternity Pants

Come January, there will be three pairs of shoes by the front door—two big, one miniature. A high chair will crown the dining table, a well-curated nursery will substitute the walk-in closet, and an infant bathtub will complete the bathroom, snug against striped washcloths and a plethora of various shampoos, his and hers. Everything is changing—and it must. But one thing I refuse to redirect, out of respect for my retired, former self, is my wardrobe. Maternity pants be damned; I’ve endured so far eight months without them.

When my husband and I found out we were pregnant in early April, it was easy-breezy, going through that first trimester. However, as the days passed and my stomach inflated (less Mylar balloon, more hot air balloon), it became harder and harder to ignore actual maternity pants, and stick to my tried-and-true trousers.

However, I’ve somehow remained faithful to that promise with a few easy fashion-girl tricks. For trousers, go low-rise; you’re going to want a waistband that hits under the belly, rather than in the middle of it. Trust me. The latter simply will not work, and, it’s incredibly uncomfortable for both your puffed body and your wiggling fetus. You know what’s even better? Pants with a drawstring waist! Why struggle with buttons (that you won’t be able to see once the belly is bigger), or zippers that catch (and ruin your day once stuck), or structured waistbands (that dig into your newly sized belly button). On exceptionally uncomfy days, I’ve depended on the voluminous and stretchy balloon pants. I send my greatest devotions to Alaïa for their initial venture into the trend that keeps on giving. Although I haven’t bought any maternity pants, I’ve made an exception for jeans—you’ll soon see why, ahead.

From pull-on pants and drawstring styles to low-rise silhouettes, these are the best maternity pants on the market, from a Vogue writer who’s in the third trimester (and enjoying a lot of macaroni and cheese).

The Pull-On Pants

Nonchalant and effortless are just two adjectives I’d use to portray the spirit of pull-on pants. The action itself may feel lazy, but the result is trouble-free, straightforward cool. There are more affordable options, from Donni and St. Agni, and investments to indulge in, from Khaite and Dries Van Noten, that can be worn season after season. I remember the first day I took off a pair of “crunchy pants” and slipped into one with no belt loops. I instinctively signed in relief.

The Balloon Pant

For fall and winter, styling the balloon pant will prove to be a thoughtless process—wear them with oversized knitwear, black ballet flats, or scarf coats. From high fashion to the high street, these mischievous yet refined pants have reshaped how we think about clothing, and silhouettes. Before slipping into my first pair, I thought they wouldn’t complement my new body. But on the opposite side of flattering, is liberation—this wasn’t a body for no reason, this was a new shape with a purpose. As summer turned into fall, I’ve worn them with everything from T-shirts to cashmere sweaters, cropped ladylike jackets, and now, lightweight coats.

The Low-Rise Trouser

At a certain point, squeezing your body and belly into high-rise trousers becomes impossible. Once that baby begins to kick and wiggle, the sensation of a fitted waistband shifts from a fleeting realization to a daunting, all-day discovery. Low-rise trousers are perfect for the belly, whether you want to expose it or keep it hidden away. You can even belt, or pin, them to keep them from sliding down. Editor’s note: go up a size, or two!

The (Actual) Maternity Jeans

My other friends working in fashion for a living have already briefed me: “Maternity jeans SUCK,” and “DON’T DO IT!” mentioning the obvious aesthetic and brand concerns. However, when it comes to wearing hard pants while pregnant, you’re going to need the real-deal maternity jeans. Please stop scowling at me! This is for the good of your baby! The options below are the least offensive, in my opinion, and look chic when styled. Make sure to keep the band covered—with either Olsen-adjacent oversized button-up shirting, heavy knits, or draped blouses.