The journey of pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges and one of the biggest being finding comfortable clothing that caters to a growing baby bump. Maternity leggings provide a comfortable solution to this problem and are an indispensable addition to any pregnant or postpartum wardrobe. The soft, flexible fabric of these cozy bottoms makes them ideal for a developing bump, and come in a variety of styles and designs to suit your personal preference.
The options available in terms of materials used for maternity leggings are vast and cater to a range of activities and occasions. From compression-style leggings that provide a calming and silky feel to chic suede or faux-leather options that are perfect for a night out or work, there is a pair of maternity leggings for everyone.
The right maternity leggings can make it possible for expectant mothers who enjoy working out to engage in several heart-pumping exercise options, including yoga, Pilates, jogging, or cycling.
Whether you’re looking for something to wear while lounging at home or working out, we have you covered.
Our Top Picks
- Best Maternity Leggings For Everyday: Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Leggings
- Best Affordable Maternity Leggings: Leggings Depot Women’s Maternity Leggings
- Best Over-The-Bump Maternity Leggings: BLANQI Maternity Leggings
- Best Under-The-Belly Maternity Leggings: Motherhood Maternity Under Belly Full Length Leggings
- Best Maternity Jeggings: Motherhood Maternity Ankle Denim Jegging
- Best Maternity Leggings For Working Out: Kindred Bravely Louisa Maternity Leggings
- Best Compression Maternity Leggings: Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings
- Best Maternity Leggings With Pockets: JOYSPELS Maternity Leggings
- Best Yoga Maternity Leggings: LULULEMON Align Hi-Rise Pant
- Best Maternity Leggings Not See Through: Purplepig Maternity Leggings
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Maternity Leggings Picks
Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Leggings – Best Maternity Leggings For Everyday
- Neutral and easy to dress up or down
- Length is fairly good for tall moms
- Not too warm or constricting
- Comfortable all-day
- It’s thin
These leggings are an exceptional value, priced at less than $20, and offer tremendous versatility with their flexible panel that can be worn either over or under the belly. The panel is made of soft and elastic materials, ensuring a comfortable fit that won’t limit your movements, even as your body changes.
In addition to their versatility, the leggings are also designed for breathability and comfort, making them ideal for warmer months. The cotton provides a comfortable, lightweight texture, while the spandex adds just enough elasticity to keep the leggings in place.
However, it’s worth noting that cotton is not the best choice for sweat-inducing workouts, as it does not wick away moisture well. This means that these leggings are best suited for layering beneath longer shirts or skirts, rather than as standalone workout wear. They also may not be as opaque as other materials.
Leggings Depot Women’s Maternity Leggings – Best Affordable Maternity Leggings
- Very comfortable
- The material is super soft
- The belly band portion is super flexible
- The elastic built into the fabric is wonderful for a great stretch without too much tightness
- The fit of these is a little smaller in the waist than expected but the fabric’s comfort/stretch makes up for it
These affordable leggings are made of high-quality polyester spandex providing not only comfort but also support and compression for your back and abdomen.
One of the standout features of these leggings is their high-waist design, which offers additional support to reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy. The high-waist design also makes these leggings ideal for use both during and after pregnancy, as they are durable enough to last throughout the entire process.
Plus, the lightweight, breathable, and flexible fabric allows for complete freedom of movement, making these leggings ideal for any activity, whether it be a yoga class, a walk around the park, or just a casual day running errands.
BLANQI Maternity Leggings – Best Over-The-Bump Maternity Leggings
- Great for tall women
- Not see through
- Very supportive
- True to size
- Recommended to hand wash only
Carefully designed with a full-coverage, over-the-belly support, these leggings are capable of lifting and redistributing baby weight with ease.
One of the standout features of these leggings is their ability to expand with you as you progress through your pregnancy, providing progressively more support as you need it. This means that you won’t need to keep buying new leggings as your body changes, making them a great investment for expectant mothers.
These leggings also come equipped with an x-shaped back support that helps to relieve lower back discomfort, which is a common issue for expectant mothers. Plus, the built-in anchor in these leggings also helps to redistribute weight for even greater comfort.
Motherhood Maternity Under Belly Full Length Leggings – Best Under-The-Belly Maternity Leggings
- It is comfortable for pregnancy
- Decently soft
- Quality is good
- They aren’t too tight around the waist
- Thin material
These versatile under-belly leggings come with a self-enclosed elastic criss-cross waistband providing the ideal amount of flexibility. Whether you’re wearing them post-pregnancy or expanding with your bump, this waistband will keep you comfortable all day long. They come with a 27.5-inch inseam.
The stretchy and supple material used in these leggings provides all-day comfort and a feminine fit. This material is also ideal for layering, allowing you to dress them up with a nice tunic top or wear them while relaxing around the home.
Motherhood Maternity Ankle Denim Jegging – Best Maternity Jeggings
- Super stretchy for your growing belly
- The belly band stays up all-day
- Looks good
- Fits very well
- The pockets in the front are sewn, not actual pockets
Contrary to popular belief, “jeggings” can be a stylish choice for expectant mothers. These pregnant denim leggings are designed to offer a sleek and sophisticated look, thanks to their dark color and flexible material.
And like regular jeans, they also feature a useful back pocket. But don’t let the jean-like appearance fool you. These leggings are made of a soft and comfortable material that is much gentler on the skin compared to traditional denim.
And while they may look like jeans, they offer a level of comfort and flexibility that traditional denim simply can’t match. Plus, the belly panel extends over the bump.
Kindred Bravely Louisa Maternity Leggings – Best Maternity Leggings For Working Out
- They are thick and very flattering
- Good compression
- True to size
- The belly band is stretchy & comes up high
- Expensive
These leggings can be worn below or over the bump, providing additional support as needed. This makes them ideal for use throughout pregnancy, and even during the breastfeeding stage.
Made with durability in mind, they are built to endure from the first trimester through the days of breastfeeding. They are available with or without pockets, offering options if you need extra storage space. Plus, the leggings are designed with minimal compression, providing a snug and comfortable fit that will stay in place while you’re working out.
Terramed Just Think Comfort Maternity Leggings – Best Compression Maternity Leggings
- The full panel is specially contoured to fit a pregnant belly, and it does not stop halfway up the belly as others do
- There are no seams that cut in or constrict
- These are not baggy or saggy near the crotch, knees, or ankles
- Great, stretchy material
- The material seems to attract fuzzies, but nothing a lint roller wouldn’t take care of
With a soft and elastic pouch that stretches to accommodate size changes, these maternity support leggings offer both functional and stylish benefits.
The special support band can be worn either under or over the belly, providing a snug and comfortable fit. It also stretches along with your growing belly, ensuring that you remain comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy. Additionally, the compression band helps to keep the leggings in place and provides extra support when worn over the belly.
When paired with a long tunic, skirt, or dress, these opaque black pregnancy leggings will add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe.
JOYSPELS Maternity Leggings – Best Maternity Leggings With Pockets
- Very soft
- True to size
- The side pocket is super nice
- Great stretchiness
- The material is a little thin
The material used to make these leggings is a breathable cotton blend with a four-way stretch, ensuring maximum comfort and ease of movement for all-day wear. They have a flexible waistband that can be worn above or below the belly to offer the right amount of support and compression.
The absence of see-through fabric makes them perfect for yoga and workout activities, while the two large pockets give you a convenient place to store your phone, keys, or wallet.
LULULEMON Align Hi-Rise Pant – Best Yoga Maternity Leggings
- Great for yoga or working out
- Comfortable
- Great fit
- Extremely high-quality material
- Relatively pricey
Although not marketed as maternity wear, these leggings have been designed with yoga in mind, crafted from the lightweight Nulu fabric that’s known for its softness.
They also feature a high-rise style, which provides ample support for your growing baby bump without feeling restrictive. This style is not only supportive, but it is also stretchy enough to accommodate your changing body throughout your pregnancy.
The high-rise style also offers practicality, with a hidden waistband pocket that can hold your essentials like a card or key.
Purplepig Maternity Leggings – Best Maternity Leggings Not See Through
- Affordable
- Non-see through
- Very stretchy
- They look great
- Tend to slide down after walking long distances
Made from a soft and comfortable fabric, these silky training leggings provide optimal comfort and security during your pregnancy.
The high-waisted design provides excellent support for your back and shape, while the 3D butt-raising design gently lifts and shapes your thighs and butt, maintaining the natural contours of your body. The lightweight and airy maternity tights are completely opaque, ensuring your privacy and protection.
Made from moisture-wicking fabrics, these pregnancy leggings are ideal for all seasons, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. The stretchy fabric of the maternity exercise leggings is perfect for accommodating the growing belly at every stage of pregnancy, both during and after.
How To Choose The Best Maternity Leggings?
- Material: During pregnancy, especially during warm weather, it’s best to avoid materials that are excessively thick and may cause overheating or increased perspiration, such as polyester or nylon. Instead, opt for materials that are breathable and flexible, like cotton blends, spandex, or elastane. These materials will help keep you comfortable no matter what activity you are engaging in.
- Compression: The compression feature helps to alleviate swelling and provides a sense of comfort and ease (1). Additionally, compression clothing, including leggings and shorts, has been known to relieve pelvic and low back pain, two common discomforts during pregnancy that can impact daily activities.
- Stretch: It’s important to have maternity leggings that can accommodate your expanding belly and offer enough flexibility. This can help ensure comfort throughout the different stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Opt for maternity leggings with seamless waistbands to avoid any discomfort or irritation caused by rough or catching material. Poor blood circulation and yeast infections are among the issues that can be caused by clothing that’s too tight (2).
- Pockets: Some don’t have pockets at all, while others have deep side pockets large enough to hold a phone. There are also some with small waist pockets that are ideal for storing small items like keys or credit cards. The type of pockets you prefer is a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth noting that leggings with side pockets tend to be more costly.
- Style: Two main styles of maternity leggings provide support for your growing belly: over-the-belly and under-the-belly. Overbelly leggings feature a waistband that fully wraps around the bump, while underbelly leggings fit snugly underneath the bump. Both styles provide the comfort and support needed during pregnancy, and the choice between the two depends on personal preference.
Types Of Maternity Leggings
- Over-The-Bump Maternity Leggings: These types of maternity leggings are truly unique, featuring a tall waistband with a spacious and stretchy belly panel, making them especially ideal for use during the final stages of pregnancy. The complete coverage design helps support your growing bump, ensuring you stay comfortable and confident even as you near your due date.
- Under-The-Bump Maternity Leggings: These leggings offer a low-rise option for expectant mothers as they feature a flexible waistband that sits underneath the belly rather than having extra fabric to hold the growing bump. It all comes down to individual preference as some mothers-to-be love these low-rise leggings, while others find the over-the-bump style more comfortable and supportive.
- Non-Maternity Leggings: Regular leggings are a popular choice due to their flexible and comfortable design. As your bump grows, it’s recommended to opt for a larger size to ensure the perfect fit. The stretchiness of leggings provides ample support to expectant mothers and helps them to feel comfortable throughout the day.
Can I Wear Regular Leggings During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can wear regular leggings during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to opt for leggings that are made of soft, stretchy, and comfortable fabric as your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy and you want to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the day. Look for leggings that have a high waistband, as they will help support your growing belly. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing maternity leggings by the third trimester, which are designed specifically to accommodate a growing belly and provide extra support.
How Do You Know What Size Maternity Leggings To Get?
When it comes to finding the right size maternity leggings, it is important to start by consulting the manufacturer’s size chart. The size chart will take into account your pre-pregnancy size and your current pregnancy stage to determine the right size for you. It is also important to consider your current measurements and the size you feel most comfortable in.
As your body changes throughout your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to have a few different sizes on hand. This will allow you to adjust as needed and ensure that you are always comfortable in your maternity leggings. Some women find that ordering up a size is a good idea, as maternity leggings are unlikely to be too big and will simply provide more comfort.
Do Compression Leggings Help With Swelling?
Compression leggings may help with swelling during pregnancy, as they provide gentle pressure that can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs and ankles. This is because compression garments are designed to increase blood flow and reduce fluid build-up in the legs, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
It’s important to choose the right level of compression, as too much pressure can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful. If you have any concerns about swelling during your pregnancy, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using compression leggings.
It’s also important to remember that compression leggings are not a cure-all for swelling. Staying active, elevating your legs, and staying hydrated can also help reduce swelling during pregnancy.
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Leggings?
When to start wearing maternity leggings can vary from woman to woman, depending on your personal preference and comfort level. Some women prefer to start wearing maternity leggings as soon as they begin to feel uncomfortable in their regular clothes which are usually around the 4-5 months mark, while others wait until later in their pregnancy (3).
As a general rule, you may start wearing maternity leggings when you feel like your regular leggings are no longer fitting comfortably around your waist and belly. This can happen in the first trimester for some women, or later in pregnancy for others.
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