They say finding true love is tough, and spotting Waldo is a challenge, but have you ever tried hunting for a pair of flattering jeans post-children? You know the kind—I’ll call them “jeans” to spare us the cringe of the term “mom jeans.”
The mere thought of jean shopping has always ranked just below dental work on my list of dreaded tasks. And then I became a mom. With the added joy of pregnancy came shifts in my body that made squeezing into jeans I once loved feel like an Olympic sport. I appreciate the beauty of my post-baby body, yet the struggle of finding the right fit while juggling a stroller can be overwhelmingly frustrating.
After months of adjusting to life with my third little one, I decided to brave the mall, determined to find as many pairs of jeans as I could—hopefully enough to last a decade. However, I was soon bombarded by a barrage of pressing questions:
- Can I just stick with maternity jeans forever? They are incredibly comfy, and I like to believe that the elastic waistband is somewhat flattering. I’m not interested in anyone’s opinion on this, especially when my postnatal emotions are in play. Maternity jeans ensure I won’t be giving unsolicited glimpses of skin, and they’re perfect for those moments of emotional eating. Plus, I already own them!
- What are the trendy moms wearing these days? With multiple kids, I’ve spent years in the maternity section. The last time I bought regular jeans was probably during my college days. It’s been so long that I’m pretty sure I can hear the echoes of my past self calling from the depths of a pair of low-rise jeans. What is even “in” now? Thankfully, stores like Lucky Brand have a wide array of fits, from skinny to ultra-skinny, making it easier for someone with a post-baby body to find something that works.
- What size am I really? Upon realizing that the sizes were European and drastically different from what I expected, I quickly googled conversions. Balancing a stroller while toting an absurd number of jeans, I headed to the fitting room. (Spoiler alert: I was way off and felt like I had gained two sizes.) But, as I tell my daughter, size is just a number! If you’re constantly covered in baby goo, it’s time to size up, regardless of the number on the label.
- Is this the store I used to shop at before my hips expanded? I tried to go into Forever 21 with a stroller and felt like I was in a different universe. The thought of shopping there again was laughable. American Eagle is practically a baby itself, and it’s time I accept my new shopping reality. I’ve now befriended Ann Taylor, who offers me stylish, high-waisted options that fit my new life perfectly.
- Will these jeans make my butt look good while handling the chaos of motherhood? Can they withstand the daily grind of cleaning up baby food and playing on the floor? Will they be so tight that I can’t read a bedtime story without feeling like I’m suffocating? How many washes will they endure after the inevitable spit-up? And will they be so appealing that I might accidentally find myself pregnant again? Jeans have responsibilities beyond just covering me!
I’m pleased to share that I left the store with four new pairs of jeans. While they may not match the comfort of maternity wear, they do the job and keep me feeling decent. After all, the only thing worse than shopping for jeans is having to make returns.
For those delving into motherhood, you can find excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination at WHO. If you’re interested in enhancing your journey, check out this fertility booster for men. And for a deeper dive into ovulation induction and IVF, this site is a great authority on the subject.
Summary
Shopping for jeans after becoming a mom brings a unique set of challenges, from sizing dilemmas to navigating the latest trends. Embracing the changes in one’s body and finding the right fit can be daunting, but ultimately rewarding. With a bit of determination and the right mindset, it is possible to find jeans that are both flattering and functional for the busy lifestyle of motherhood.