On test

Mamas & Papas Boot Cut Jeans Score:28/30     Funmum Maternity Jeans Score:24/30 Jo Jo Maman Bebe Bootleg Jeans Score:23/30     Crave Maternity Pull-on Jeans Score:23/30 Seraphine Maternity Jeans Score:23.5/30

Consumer Editor says...

Lara Thomas and Finn, Consumer Editor and Product Tester!

Maternity jeans are a must-have for any style-conscious mum to be and form a key part of the pregnancy wardrobe. Modern jeans are designed with stretchy fabrics and strategically placed clasps and buttons that adjust to your growing bump - a great way to ensure longevity and value for money throughout pregnancy.

Maternity jeans are made in standard sizes so you need to order the size you were before becoming pregnant. If in doubt, try different sizes on or - if ordering online - measure your bump and thighs so you can inform the customer services person on the other end of the telephone. They will be able to advise you on the best size and most companies will be happy for you to exchange them if they turn out to be too big or small. There are various shapes, styles and cuts on offer and you will be able to choose jeans that sit on, under or below your bump.

To help you decide on the best jeans for you, our panel of pregnant mums have spent two months putting five of the latest styles through their paces.

Review highlights

Our panel found that comfort was the most important factor when it came to choosing the right jeans: 'a pair that sits comfortably around your growing tummy with stretchy, soft fabric should be at the top of the list' - 'uncomfortable jeans are a total waste of money and you'll end up wanting to throw them in the nearest dustbin, even if they look good'.

The Mamas & Papas jeans were awarded 'Best Buy' as our panel felt they were 'a great value pair of jeans that fit well for all stages of pregnancy - an absolute essential!' Other jeans scoring high in the style stakes were Seraphine jeans: 'Super-trendy, super-quality and great for smaller bumps', Jo Jo Maman Bebe: 'practical, comfy and fashionable' and Funmum Bootcut jeans: '100% comfortable and stylish too'.

On the downside, our panel found that some jeans 'rolled down over the bump when sitting or moving around' - 'annoying at first and unbearable after a days wear!'. 'The best thing to do is find a pair that suits your exact shape and size - no mean feat but worth it in the long term'. The parent panel reviews will give you further information on the jeans, but if you want to see how they compared under different criteria, make sure you read the Test Overview.

Meet our panel of parents

This month's panel are from various parts of the UK and are at various stages of pregnancy. Since completing the test, two of our mums have gone on to have their babies! Sue is mum to baby Mitchell and Joanne welcomed Phoebe Summer Lily into the world just 2 weeks ago. Congratulations to both of them.

• Joanne, 36 weeks pregnant
• Jenni, 28 weeks pregnant
• Lindsay, 16 weeks pregnant
• Mary, 18 weeks pregnant
• Nicky, 22 weeks pregnant
• Sue, 34 weeks pregnant

The panel hard at work

Where to next:

• Read the test overview to find the right jeans for your baby
• Read our parent panel reviews:
  
  • Crave Maternity Pull-on Jeans
  • Funmum Maternity Jeans
  • Jo Jo Maman Bebe Bootleg Jeans
  • Mamas & Papas Boot Cut Jeans
  • Seraphine Maternity Jeans
• Read our features on maternity wear
• Become a parent panel member
• Add a review and you could win a prize!
• Talk to other mums in our pregnancy discussion forums
• See all our Big tests - buggies, beach pods, lightweight strollers, safety gates and lots more!