Our edit of the best maternity trousers proves you really don’t have to live in black leggings for 9 months

Pregnancy brings with it a whole host of joys: heartburn, insomnia and…. the struggle to find flattering maternity clothes. However, as a new mum with a penchant for wearing anything but leggings, I've done my fair share of internet trawling to pin down the very best maternity clothes.

Even though maternity clothing has come a long way in recent years, trying to find the best maternity trousers to add to your wardrobe is no mean feat. Yes, it's easy enough to slip into another fail-safe pair of black maternity leggings but actually, there's a whole host of chic and flattering maternity trousers around - you just have to know where to look for them. If you've stocked up on your maternity jeans, maternity knickers and have more maternity dresses than weeks of pregnancy left, it's time to invest in some maternity trousers.

Initially, stylish trousers – that weren’t shapeless and black - seemed like my weekend glass(es) of champagne or midweek sushi – something I’d have to forgo. But fortunately, with a little perseverance I managed to find a few perfect pairs.

To help you out, I’ve curated an edit of the very best maternity trousers, including everything from a pair of under the bump jacquard flare trousers perfect for a babymoon, to kick flare trousers ideal for running errands day-to-day - ultimately, our edit proves maternity wear doesn’t have to be basic.

Trousers designed for mums-to-be tend to fall into two styles – they’re either designed with a thick band, usually made from a jersey fabric that covers (and stretches over) your stomach, or they’re cut to sit below the bump with an elasticated waistband. Comfort preferences aside, maternity trousers with a band will look best teamed with a a long-line top or jumper to cover it, while those that sit below the bump will look great with a (stretchy) bodysuit or fitted top.