They say finding a soulmate is tough, and spotting Waldo is nearly impossible. But you know what’s even harder? Discovering a pair of flattering and comfortable jeans after becoming a mom. Yes, those infamous “mom jeans” have garnered their fair share of jokes, but let’s just call them “jeans” for simplicity.
For me, shopping for jeans has always been right up there with other dreaded activities, like cleaning up after a toddler. After having kids, however, cramming my post-baby body into a pair of new denim became a daunting task I couldn’t avoid. I truly cherish my body and the changes that motherhood has brought, but navigating the world of jeans shopping post-pregnancy feels like stepping into a horror movie—one where I’m stuck in a fitting room under harsh fluorescent lights, trying on dozens of pairs that seem to mock my new shape.
Recently, I took my third child with me on a mission to find jeans I could wear for the next decade. As I entered the store, my mind was flooded with a barrage of pressing questions:
1. Should I just stick with maternity jeans forever?
They are undeniably comfy, they fit well, and I like to convince myself that the elastic panel is doing me a favor. And hey, they prevent any awkward moments with unexpected skin exposure. Sure, they may sag a bit without a baby bump, but those pants have served me well during countless late-night snack sessions. Plus, I already own them!
2. What are the trendy moms wearing these days?
Having multiple children means years spent navigating the maternity section, and I can’t even recall the last time I bought regular jeans. Is it just me, or do the styles change every season? Thankfully, I discovered a store that offered a wide array of fits, from skinny to ultra-skinny, catering to my post-baby body in a way I didn’t know was possible.
3. What size am I even looking for?
After realizing that the sizes were European and not just a random number inflated to make me feel worse, I quickly Googled size conversions. Juggling a stroller with a stack of jeans in one arm and a giggling baby in the other, I headed to the fitting room. Spoiler alert: it felt like I had added several sizes to my usual fit. But as I always remind my daughter: “Size is just a number!” (In my case, it’s also an indicator of how much baby spit-up I’ve encountered this week!)
4. Is this store still for me, or have I aged out?
I made the mistake of entering Forever 21 with a stroller, and it felt like I was trying to fit into my high school prom dress again. American Eagle is just too young for my post-maternity style, and I’ve come to terms with my new shopping preferences. Enter Ann Taylor, who offers me high-waisted options that whisper sweet nothings about weekend chic and business casual dreams.
5. Will these jeans make my backside look good while surviving a parenting marathon?
Can these jeans withstand the chaos of baby food spills and toddler races? I need denim that allows me to read bedtime stories without feeling like I’m suffocating. How many washes will they endure when faced with inevitable spit-ups? And let’s be honest, are these jeans so cute I might accidentally find myself in a similar situation again soon? Jeans, your job is more than just coverage!
In the end, I managed to snag four pairs of jeans that may not be as cozy as my maternity options, but they definitely pass the “bounce a Gerber lid off my behind” test. I haven’t heard from my butt crack in weeks, and that’s a win in my book. After all, nothing is worse than shopping for jeans or dealing with returns.
For more insights and tips, check out this post on home insemination kits or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on your journey. Additionally, Rmany offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Finding the perfect jeans post-baby can feel overwhelming. From questioning whether to stick with maternity jeans to deciphering sizes and styles, it’s a journey filled with self-discovery and humor. Ultimately, embracing your new body and finding jeans that fit your lifestyle is key to feeling confident as a mom.