Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and our bodies go through many transformations during the postpartum period. The physical changes can be challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to finding comfortable and supportive clothing.
Postpartum leggings are designed to address these concerns and provide the support that new mothers need. With features like high waists, compression fabrics, and tummy control, postpartum leggings offer an all-around flattering and comfortable fit. In this article, we will review some of the best postpartum leggings on the market and help you choose the right one for you.
Our Top Picks
- Best Postpartum Leggings Overall: Kindred Bravely Louisa Postpartum Leggings
- Most Affordable Postpartum Leggings: Homma Compression Leggings
- Best Postpartum Compression Leggings: Motherhood Maternity Women’s Mama Prima Leggings
- Best Postpartum Leggings With Pockets: Colorfulkoala High Waisted Postpartum Leggings
- Best High Waist Postpartum Leggings: BLANQI High Waist Postpartum Leggings
- Best Postpartum Yoga Leggings: Hi Clasmix Yoga Leggings
- Best Postpartum Leggings For Plus Size: KQUZO Plus Size High Waist Leggings
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Postpartum Leggings Picks
Kindred Bravely Louisa Postpartum Leggings – Best Postpartum Leggings Overall
- They are thick and very flattering
- Great compression
- Very high quality
- Comfortable
- A little see through
Made with a blend of 85% polyester and 15% spandex, these leggings are soft on the skin and perfect for most women.
They are available in two styles – Pocket and Classic. The Pocket Style features extra-large pockets that can easily fit your mobile phone, keys, and other essentials, making it convenient for you to carry your essentials while on the go. On the other hand, the Classic Style provides a clean, refined appearance, ideal for more formal occasions.
Plus, the ultra-soft and durable fabric is specifically designed to gently contour your body.
Homma Compression Leggings – Most Affordable Postpartum Leggings
- Thick fabric
- Very compressive around the tummy
- Slimming, side-lined with woven stitches to help your legs breathe
- The control part is nice through the high waist and to a little below the hip bones
- Not squat proof
These leggings are made from a special Homma Firm-Control fabric, a blend of 88% nylon and 12% spandex, that provides excellent stretch and support.
The high waist design of these leggings, along with the thick stay-put band, offers abdominal compression, providing you with a flattering and body-contouring silhouette. And the strong compression and tight fit of these leggings ensure that they stay in place all day, without any chafing or seams digging into your skin.
In addition, the stretchable and quick-drying fabric wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and dry, even during intense physical activities. Plus, the four-way stretch and recovery of the fabric also ensure that these leggings maintain their shape and compression, even after multiple wears and washes.
Motherhood Maternity Women’s Mama Prima Leggings – Best Postpartum Compression Leggings
- Decent low-compression thighs
- They are very comfortable
- They look nice
- Great support
- Slightly see through
These leggings are made from a blend of 88% cotton and 12% spandex, providing a soft and comfortable feel against your skin.
The mid-rise belly design of these leggings, combined with the power mesh backing, provides compression support to your postpartum belly, helping you to recuperate and heal. This design is perfect for relaxing at home, but these leggings can also be dressed up with a lovely tunic top, making them a versatile addition to your postpartum wardrobe.
Colorfulkoala High Waisted Postpartum Leggings – Best Postpartum Leggings With Pockets
- Material is buttery soft
- Medium level compression
- Great side pockets
- Squat-proof
- The material is thin
These leggings are made from a blend of 75% polyester and 25% spandex, providing a four-way stretch that is both gentle and buttery soft to the touch.
The seamless waistband of these leggings provides good stomach control, keeping your tummy in place without the need for an elastic band built into the fabric. This design ensures that you feel comfortable and confident, no matter what you’re doing.
For added convenience, these leggings feature side pockets that are perfect for storing your essentials, like your phone, cards, and keys. Plus, the back’s V-contour seam and form-fitting shape of these leggings precisely sculpt your silhouette.
BLANQI High Waist Postpartum Leggings – Best High Waist Postpartum Leggings
- These leggings are opaque
- Breathable
- Great coverage
- Great support
- Light compression
The BLANQI Highwaist Postpartum Leggings are made from a blend of 94% nylon and 6% spandex.
The high waist of these leggings provides coverage, making them ideal for those who have undergone a C-section delivery. This design helps to conceal the tummy and provides a gentle and supportive barrier, ensuring that sensitive postpartum skin is protected and comfortable.
One thing to note is that these leggings are not shapewear but instead offer soft support to calm sensitive postpartum tummies and C-section scars. The ultra-soft, moisture-wicking microfiber provides frictionless, seam-free comfort, ensuring that there is no tightening or rubbing.
Hi Clasmix Yoga Leggings – Best Postpartum Yoga Leggings
- Very soft
- Extremely stretchy
- High waisted
- Comfortable
- They don’t compress your stomach
These postpartum yoga leggings are a must-have for anyone who wants to maintain a relaxed, yet stylish look. With their form-hugging design and elasticized fit, these leggings are perfect for anyone who is looking for a comfortable and supportive wardrobe.
The balance of softness and stretchiness provided by the 92% polyester and 8% spandex blend ensures that you can move freely, no matter what you’re doing.
KQUZO Plus Size High Waist Leggings – Best Postpartum Leggings For Plus Size
- Stretchy
- They are not sheer
- Soft
- Fits well for plus size
- They have no compression
Made from a powerful combination of 15% spandex and 85% polyester, these leggings are designed to provide maximum compression while still allowing for complete freedom of movement. This material makes them perfect for plus-size moms.
The high-rise waistband is made from a soft, skin-friendly, anti-UV, and anti-pilling fabric that provides ultimate comfort and support. Additionally, the chafe-free seams ensure that you won’t experience any irritation or discomfort while wearing these pants. Plus, it comes with a handy pocket for when you need it.
How To Choose The Best Postpartum Leggings?
- Comfort: Look for leggings made with soft, breathable materials that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
- Compression: Leggings with compression provide extra support for your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, especially on days when you are active and on the go. They work in a similar way to compression stockings which provide support to the ankles, feet, and legs while also improving blood circulation in the area (1).
- This added support can greatly benefit your body during recovery. However, there are also days when comfort is the priority. On these days, traditional leggings without compression can be a great option, especially if you will be less active.
- Fit: Make sure the leggings have a good fit and don’t roll down or dig into your skin. Look for leggings with a stretchy waistband that will fit comfortably around your waist.
- Material: Look for leggings made with moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials that will keep you comfortable and dry.
- Size: When it comes to finding the perfect fit for your postpartum body, it is recommended to size up when buying non-maternity leggings, as your bump will gradually shrink over time and you will want to ensure that you have enough room for comfort. However, for postpartum leggings, it is best to stick with your regular size, as these are designed to provide the right amount of support and comfort specifically for postpartum bodies.
What Are Postpartum Leggings?
It is common to have a swollen belly for approximately six weeks after giving birth (and it may take longer for some women) because the uterus remains swollen during this time (2).
Postpartum leggings are leggings specifically designed to support and comfort a woman’s body after giving birth. They typically feature features such as high waistbands, compression fabrics, and tummy control to help support weakened abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. They may also be made of soft, breathable materials to provide comfort during recovery.
Can You Wear Leggings After Giving Birth?
New mothers may find postpartum leggings to be a comforting and supportive choice during their recovery. During the first one to two weeks after birth, maternity compression leggings can offer the necessary compression to promote healing. As recovery continues, it’s advisable to switch to postpartum support leggings to support the pelvic floor muscles.
Are Postpartum Leggings Necessary?
Postpartum leggings are not necessary for every woman after pregnancy, but they can provide additional comfort and support for women who experience physical changes during this period. The need for postpartum leggings depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
Women who have had a C-section, for example, may find the high waist and compression features of postpartum leggings helpful for recovery and comfort. Others may prefer regular leggings or clothing that accommodates their changing body shape.
Do Compression Leggings Help Postpartum?
Yes, compression leggings can help postpartum by providing support to the pelvic floor and weakened abdominal muscles. They also help with shaping and reducing the appearance of the postpartum belly.
How Long Should You Wear Postpartum Leggings?
The length of time you should wear postpartum leggings depends on several factors such as your postpartum recovery process, doctor’s recommendations, and personal comfort. Typically, it is recommended to wear postpartum leggings for a few weeks to a few months after childbirth to help support your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles as they heal and regain strength.
How Long Does It Take For Stomach To Shrink After Pregnancy?
It takes time for the abdominal muscles and skin to return to their pre-pregnancy state after giving birth. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or more for the stomach to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size and shape, depending on factors such as the person’s body type, delivery method, and level of physical activity (3). Additionally, it’s important to remember that every person and pregnancy is unique, and the time it takes for the stomach to shrink back after birth can vary greatly.
How Are Postpartum Leggings Different From Maternity Leggings?
Postpartum leggings are designed specifically for women after childbirth, while maternity leggings are designed for use during pregnancy.
Postpartum leggings typically have a higher waistband to provide support for the abdominal muscles and may also have compression features to help the body regain its shape after childbirth.
On the other hand, maternity leggings are designed to be stretchy and accommodate a growing belly. Both types of leggings serve different purposes, and women may choose to wear either type or both depending on their individual needs and preferences.
