The 20 Best Maternity Shorts You Won’t Mind Living in All Summer Long

What to Expect moms agree that Old Navy’s maternity clothes check a lot of important boxes: Well-fitted, stylish and affordable. And these traits extend to its vast collection of maternity shorts. But of all the pairs to choose from — at Old Navy and other retailers — these comfy rollover shorts are the best. A blend of linen and rayon, the shorts are extremely lightweight and breathable, perfect for combatting the summer heat. I find this particular fabric combination is also very soft and gentle, which is great if you have sensitive pregnancy skin. 

That, and the loose-not-baggy cut also makes these shorts extremely versatile. You could dress them up with a button down, flats and accessories, or dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers. 

What stands out most, however, is the panel. The over-the-belly design provides additional support and, because it’s so slim, it's great for moms-to-be who don’t want the added material from a full-coverage waistband. Even better, those who prefer under-the-belly support will be happy to know this panel can be easily rolled down. And because the shorts are free from zippers and buttons, there’s no additional poking on your belly. 

The 3.5-inch inseam makes these mid-length shorts, but women who are tall or have long legs may find them a tad short. 

Time and time again, moms rave about budget-friendly and plus-size finds at Walmart. The Oh! Mamma maternity line has a little bit of everything — including these denim darlings. Sizing goes up to a 3X, and there are four washes to choose between. The under-the-belly waistband is so comfortable and stretchy that one mom shared she wore them well into her third trimester.

Many moms describe these Levi Strauss maternity jean shorts as “perfect.” The high praise can largely be attributed to the fact that they look just like Levi’s non-maternity shorts. The only difference is the over-the-belly panel, which moms-to-be say provides full coverage and support without being too tight. The cuffed hems add a bit of polish, so you can pair them with a nice top and cute shoes for a not-quite-casual night out.

Made primarily of cotton, these shorts are soft to the touch and won’t irritate your sensitive pregnancy skin. But there’s a touch of elastane in the fabric too, as one reviewer says, that “makes them stretchy in all the right places.” 

Others also note that the shorts run true to size, but some moms found it challenging to determine their “Goldilocks size” — one size was too big, while the next size down was too small.

I’m always a fan of bump-friendly denim that doesn’t scream “maternity wear,” which is what makes these VOCNI shorts so popular. Much of that is thanks to the under-the-belly waistband, which is wide enough to provide ample support without feeling restrictive, and offers a soft jersey feel. These feature a frayed hem and other subtle, distressed detailing that holds up well. The side slits also add a stylish flourish. 

Some moms-to-be in the What to Expect community loved these so much, they snagged up extras in every wash (light blue, indigo and black) to switch things up throughout their entire pregnancy. 

Luluemon may not have a designated maternity section, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of What to Expect community members from wearing the brand throughout their pregnancies. One of the more popular picks, particularly among those who exercise frequently, are these high-rise lined shorts. 

The loose fit of the leg prevents chafing and allows for more airflow to keep you cool as you work up a sweat. Meanwhile, the drawcord and fitted (but not tight) waistband keep the shorts in place as you move. In fact, it is that waistband that makes these shorts popular among moms-to-be: It’s extra wide compared to other running shorts, providing the extra coverage and support many moms-to-be want.  

The shorts also have a built-in liner to further prevent chafing and keep you dry down there. And, if you plan on wearing these shorts on a run, there’s a zipped back pocket to store your keys and ID. 

The shorts are available in two lengths, 2.5 inches and 4 inches, so pick the one that you find most comfortable. Also, the color options will vary for each inseam option.

At $68, the price is higher than many other workout maternity shorts. But if you search Lululemon’s We Made Too Much section, you’ll often find these shorts for $39, though the lengths and colors available may vary.

If I had to pick just one pair of maternity shorts to recommend, it’s these Beyond Yoga biker shorts. A part of the brands’ Beyond the Bump line, fellow moms agree that these are comfortable and breathable. Aside from feeling sticky and sweaty, my least favorite thing about summertime is that I can’t wear a jacket to hold my essentials. But these shorts have side-panel pockets big enough to stash my phone and car keys while walking, running errands or heading to a doctor’s appointment.  

Bonus: I wore these for several months postpartum, too, since the stretchy Spacedye material (powered by 13% elastane) never actually stretched out. Unlike many activewear pieces I’ve tried, these maternity shorts are low maintenance when it comes to care, as Spacedye is specifically designed to go in the washer and dryer.

Biker shorts aren’t for everyone, and several moms shared their simply not into them. These are also pricier than most, but I promise they’re well worth the splurge — case in point: I still wear them from time to time, even though my son is now a 1-year-old!

When I think of running shorts, Nike’s classic Tempos immediately come to mind — but any runner knows that this style is the opposite of bump-adaptable. I hung up my running shoes when I was pregnant, but many What to Expect moms shared that they turned to these over-the-belly shorts by POSHGLAM (the same brand moms love for affordable maternity jeans!) while logging miles.

Top features that make them a hit: a breathable mesh liner, supportive high-rise waistband and a hidden pocket for carrying a phone, credit card or keys. And sure, these are specifically designed for working out, but they’re certainly comfy enough to don while lounging on the sofa.

Summer months call for light and bright clothing, which is why I recommend grabbing a pair of white shorts to complete your list of maternity must-haves. Old Navy wins again with this full-panel style. Featuring a 5-inch inseam, the longer length makes it versatile enough to wear to your next pool party or even a work meeting. One mom-to-be did share, however, that the waistband felt tight by the time she hit 20 weeks; you can avoid that by sizing up or planning to wear them earlier on in your pregnancy.

A purveyor of maternity clothes, I snagged several work-appropriate tops that I needed for Zoom meetings from PinkBlush, and am happy to report they offer a wide range of bump-friendly shorts, too. Take this comfy ruched pair, for example, which comes in four neutral color choices, including a best-selling black. 

Most moms were relieved to find that these were true to size, however, a few noted that they ran small (depending on your preferred fit). Others didn’t like how they rode up, and many said they’re better for lounging at home as opposed to wearing them out and about. Either way, PinkBlush wins extra points for being reasonably priced at $50 or less and the brand frequently hosts sales, so be sure to keep an eye out on the site. 

If you’re not keen on over-the-bump maternity short styles, look no further than these Maacie maternity shorts. The panel’s V-shape low-rise design keeps your belly from being covered in fabric, while still providing the same support as a traditional belly panel. Not to mention these shorts are relatively stylish, so you can easily keep wearing them after baby has arrived.  

With no zipper or front button, these shorts are easy to get on and off — a true blessing during the final months of pregnancy. But moms-to-be especially love the waist band, which can be tightened or loosened and secured with a loop-and-button system. This gives the shorts some longevity and, again, makes it possible to wear them postpartum. 

Some moms-to-be found the shorts ran a little big, but note that they also shrank after washing. You’ll likely be fine with your regular size, but you should consult the brand’s sizing chart just in case. 

Despite what the name suggests, these Isabel Maternity shorts have side panels. Located above the non-functional front pockets, the panels are made from a super stretchy spandex that helps your pants grow with your body. The waist, however, sits under the belly so you don’t have to worry about a button or zipper putting extra pressure on your stomach. 

In addition to their stretch and support, these shorts receive rave reviews for the fit. Moms-to-be like that they hit mid-thigh and that the leg opening doesn’t cling to your body. In fact, the shorts are a little roomy and don’t shrink in the wash, so many moms-to-be recommend sticking to your pre-pregnancy size. They are reasonably priced at $25, so you can purchase a dark wash and light wash pair for some variety. 

Some moms-to-be prefer the length of a Bermuda short, but finding a pair can be difficult. The straight-leg design often means Bermuda shorts fit in the leg but are too loose or tight in the waist. But many moms-to-be find Hybrid & Company’s maternity Bermuda shorts to fit pretty perfectly. This is due, in part, to the U-shaped waist that hits below the belly, so you don’t have to worry about stretching denim over the waist. 

Moms-to-be say that the over-the-bump panel not only provides enough support, but it also stays up throughout the day. They also appreciate that the shorts are free from zippers or buttons, so you can quite literally slip into them.  

Keep in mind that some said the sizing can be off, and many chose to size up.

These soft shorts from Motherhood Maternity are the perfect loungewear for moms-to-be. Available in black, gray or navy, these shorts feature an elastic drawstring waistband that sits under your baby bump. The French terry fabric is incredibly comfy and lightweight, so you won’t worry about getting too hot down there. Because of the simple design, you can wear them to run errands without people thinking you stepped out of the house in pajamas. (But if you do, we won’t judge!). They’re versatile, highly rated and more affordable than lots of other options on the market — a trifecta for maternity wear!

Pregnancy sleep isn’t known for being the coziest experience, but these shorts have made catching Zzzs a bit more enjoyable — especially during those hot summer months. With a similar design to Old Navy’s pajama shorts, I found these to be incredibly lightweight and ultra-soft. The panel is also adjustable, so you can fold it below or over your bump. Just keep in mind that some moms warn that they are significantly shorter than expected. But as PJs, that shouldn’t pose a problem!

These bamboo maternity shorts deliver the quality comfort that moms-to-be deserve. (And, quite frankly, need.) The bamboo material is lightweight, yet still super durable, and helps to keep you cool throughout your pregnancy. And, it helps that it’s so soft you won’t want to wear any other fabric. 

The shorts also feature an adjustable drawstring waistband to help you get the perfect fit through pregnancy and postpartum. Plus, there are pockets: One parent says that the pockets are large enough to hold a phone and baby monitor, with space for a pacifier or wallet and keys.

Though the shorts are part of a set, the maternity- and nursing-friendly top is sold separately. 

Although expensive, I have ZERO regrets about buying these PAIGE denim shorts. I loved the side panel design of the Asher — it hugged my bump without sliding down or riding too low. Plus, these feature a slightly longer inseam and roomy cut that refuses to cling to your thighs. And while I promise these are well worth the splurge (a quality, cotton material that’s held up well after routine washing), a few moms-to-be have also successfully scooped up discounted, gently used pairs from places like Poshmark, too.

Biker shorts are a maternity must-have and at $25 for a three-pack, you won’t have to worry about buyer’s remorse. Choose between the classic black or mix it up with a variety by adding gray, navy, green or red to your wardrobe. To sweeten the deal, these also come with pockets, so you don’t have to bring a bag or jacket along to hold your essentials. 

Psst: On cooler mornings, you can throw a crewneck sweatshirt on top to achieve the ultimate Princess Diana-inspired ensemble.

To say the What to Expect community is obsessed with these fitglam shorts featuring side ruching and an over-the-belly waistband would be an understatement. Moms love that these hug your bump and grow with you throughout pregnancy. Plus, you can also purchase them individually, or in packs of two or three if you need to stock up on more.

You may need to size down, however, as some reviewers shared that they were bigger than expected. And just note that while they’re stretchy and super comfortable, these won’t give you the proper support for a trip to the gym, despite the workout-friendly label.

If you prefer a tighter workout short or just want something to wear under your maternity dress, the Lululemon Align High-Rise Short is a perfect pick — mostly because of the incredible fabric. These shorts are made of the same ultra-comfy material as the brand’s Align leggings, which consists of a buttery-smooth lightweight Nulu fabric that’s designed to offer a “next-to-nothing feeling,” according to Lululemon.

Even though they aren’t specifically designed for pregnancy, many moms in the What to Expect community say the shorts support their bumps without being too tight. They are available in 4-, 6- and 8-inch inseams, so you can find a pair that’s the right length for you. 

It’s important to note that the price point is higher than other maternity bike shorts. However, you can also search the We Made Too Much section and can often snag the Align High-Rise Short for $39 instead of $64. 

I owned a romper pre-pregnancy that I started wearing each time I wanted to take a progress photo of my bump. It worked for the first trimester, but by the time I reached week 13, I needed something a bit stretchier. Enter the Alexa Maternity Romper from Bumpsuit. Yes, it’s one of the pricier maternity items on the market, but it’s by far the most comfortable item I wore (all the way through week 40!) and I’ve been able to wear it postpartum, too. 

Bumpsuit’s buttery-soft material is made with just enough spandex to provide a four-way stretch that accommodates growing bump. I love the romper so much that I purchased the Cloud pants and matching top to wear home from the hospital. It’s an investment you can count on through your fourth trimester and beyond.

Dreaming of warm weather, sand under your toes and lots of sunscreen? These maternity swim shorts from Mermaid Maternity are perfect for anyone who wants a little extra coverage from the sun on beach day. Moms-to-be love the full-panel waistband, which provides support without being too tight on the belly. The waistband is also versatile — it can be folded over or under your belly depending on what feels comfortable. The shorts are also made with a stretchy lycra fabric that’s designed to resist the negative effects of chlorine up to 10 times longer than standard spandex, meaning they’ll probably last you for multiple seasons.

Victoria Graham and Leah Rocketto originally contributed to this article.