Like many pregnant women, I wore leggings for most of my pregnancy. During the first trimester, I was comfortable wearing my favorite pre-pregnancy clothes, but during the second trimester, I needed to step up to my maternity style. Perhaps you can chart your pregnancy progress by the number of hours per day you spend wearing your best maternity leggings. At 37 weeks, it was 24/7.
Maternity leggings come in enough styles to cover almost any occasion. Did you wear leggings on New Year’s Eve? Yes, these widely loved IUGA fleece-lined maternity leggings with pockets, black, sparkly shirt. Have you ever worn leggings to bed as pajamas and then walked your dog in them the next morning? Yes, you should consider Seraphine’s soft thermal maternity leggings.
When it comes to a comfortable fit, everyone is different. That’s why our team of pregnant editors tried 32 different styles to find the best maternity leggings for everyday activities. We considered each pair’s comfort, fit, durability, and overall value to create a list of our top picks. So whether you’re working out, getting dressed for an event, or just lounging around, you can choose the best maternity leggings to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Other maternity leggings we love
Our testing process
We tested a total of 32 pairs of maternity leggings from major brands. We asked our pregnant editors to wear the leggings during an initial four-week test period, and many ended up wearing their favorite pants throughout their pregnancy and beyond. During this time, they wore these leggings for all their daily tasks. I also had them take a brisk walk to see how the leggings performed during exercise. Here are the criteria each mom rated the leggings on:
- Durability: Testers wore and washed the leggings repeatedly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I looked for signs of fading, shrinkage, stretching, or pilling.
- comfortable: Fabric plays a big role in comfort, so testers evaluated its softness, breathability, and whether it causes excessive sweating. We also considered whether the leggings would allow a full range of movement without feeling restricted and whether we could sit for long periods of time while wearing them.
- fit: Testers considered whether the leggings fit without sagging or chafing. Beyond everyday wear, I set the timer for 60 seconds and performed a quick fit test by moving and bending to see if the waistband would shift. We also considered whether the leggings were meant for a specific period of pregnancy, the entire pregnancy, or during pregnancy and postpartum.
- value: Testers considered whether they would spend their own money on the product and whether they felt the list price was fair.
- Opacity: Let’s be honest: See-through leggings are the worst. Our testers checked the sheerness during various activities before washing and after several washes.
our experts
To find out what to look for in the best maternity leggings and answer your burning questions about leggings, we consulted the following experts.
- Sheetal J. Dedania, MD, Reiter, Hill & Johnson Physician Manager and Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Advantia, and mother of two children.
- Karla Van Beveran, MPT, BA ExSci, physical therapist with a focus on pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, and high performance sports, and mother of two.
- Kim Perry, certified prenatal and postnatal personal trainer and mother of four children
- Rachel Gonzaga, aka Instagram empowerment stylist and mother of two
Our expert opinion
“Patients can wear any type of leggings during pregnancy; they are uncomfortable enough during pregnancy; avoid anything that is too restrictive.”Dr. Sheetal J. Dedania
Factors to consider when buying maternity leggings
- material: Gonzaga says look for fabrics that provide comfort, softness, and breathability. During the summer, she prefers natural materials like cotton and bamboo blends for added breathability. For her own pregnancy workouts, she chose a blend of nylon and spandex. It “has excellent stretch, durability, and moisture wicking properties while maintaining its original shape,” she says.
- support: Some leggings are snug enough to gently support your tummy. Van Beveran suggests looking for something that supports you without feeling restrictive. “You should be able to breathe in and out fully without feeling restricted,” Van Beveren says. If you are experiencing pain, vaginal or rectal heaviness, or varicose veins, leggings will not help and you should consult your doctor or physical therapist. Our experts generally agreed that leggings are no substitute for a support belly band for lower back pain.
- stretch: High-quality leggings stretch with your body movements, whether you’re working out or lounging around the house. You should also stretch as your body changes during pregnancy. Ideally, you want maternity leggings that “grow with you,” says Perry.
- comfortable: Maternity leggings should be so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing them. “Instead of falling into the trap of only looking for style or post-baby use, think about what you need most right now,” says Gonzaga. She believes that comfort should be a priority.
- Postpartum use: Being able to wear maternity leggings even after pregnancy provides long-term value. Plus, your body still needs some TLC after pregnancy. “Postpartum, the abdominal flap often feels very comfortable,” says Perry. “It’s breathable so it reduces sweat after giving birth.”
Should I size up my leggings during pregnancy?
Although most brands recommend choosing your pre-pregnancy size, it’s best to always pay attention to the actual fit. If possible, check the brand’s size chart and return policy to ensure you can exchange for a suitable size if necessary. With rare exceptions, testers stuck to their pre-pregnancy size.
When should I start wearing maternity leggings?
There is no set time for switching to maternity leggings. It really depends on your own needs and comfort level. “Each person behaves differently and starts showing up at different times,” Van Beveren says. “As your calves grow, the extra fabric that maternity leggings provide is very comfortable and won’t feel constricting.”
How can I style leggings for different occasions?
Leggings are great for lounging around anytime, but with the right styling, they can also be dressed up for work, events, and nights out. Gonzaga recommends purchasing maternity leggings in at least three colors: black, navy, and faux denim. Here are her style tips for wearing leggings in different environments:
- For work: Pair black leggings with a long tailored blazer and white or floral blouse. “I also add ankle boots for a polished look,” says Gonzaga.
- For everyday wear: Try pairing leggings with an above-the-knee maternity dress or a structured cardigan. Complete your look with loafers or ballerina flats.
- For a dressier look: Pair leggings with a tunic-style shirt and belt, and add a statement necklace.
who are we
Jenna Flanigan is parents Focused on health and well-being. She strives to provide readers with the most reliable and helpful information to improve their daily lives, including explaining the latest medical research and providing details on the best maternity leggings. She spent most of her pregnancy in maternity leggings during work days, training, and walks with her dog.
