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The Best Maternity Leggings for Comfort and Style, According to Our Pregnant Editors

A pair of comfy, stylish leggings make every trimester better.

A person sits while wearing the Old Navy Maternity Full-Panel PowerSoft ⅞ Leggings

Parents

Like many pregnant people, I spent approximately all of my pregnancy in leggings. In the first trimester, I comfortably wore my pre-pregnancy favorites, but by the second trimester, I needed to bump up to maternity styles. I could probably chart the progression of my pregnancy by the number of hours per day I spent in the best maternity leggings: at 37 weeks, it was 24/7.

Maternity leggings come in enough styles to cover virtually any occasion. Did I wear leggings on New Year’s Eve? Yes, these widely loved IUGA fleece-lined, pocketed maternity leggings in black, with a sparkly shirt. Did I wear leggings as pajamas to bed and then walk my dog the next morning while still wearing them? Yes, shout out the soft Seraphine thermal maternity leggings.

When it comes to a comfy fit, everyone is unique. That’s why the pregnant editors on our team tried 32 different styles to find the best maternity leggings for any daily activity. We considered each pair's comfort, fit, durability, and overall value to create our list of top picks. So, whether you’re working out, dressing for an event, or just lounging, you can choose the best maternity leggings to keep you as comfy as possible.

Why We Like It

Soft and silky, completely opaque, and with pockets big enough to fit a phone? Yes, yes, and yes. Old Navy's maternity leggings check all the boxes. They earned the top spot on our list because they offer the perfect trifecta of exceptional comfort, versatility, and value. 

These leggings fit well without sagging, rolling, or bunching, and they're stretchy enough to fit a third-trimester bump while being flexible to accommodate smaller bellies. Our tester found the leggings comfortable for everything she did on a typical day, from running errands to working to playing with her toddler, and she planned to continue wearing them postpartum. At $45, they're one of the most affordable options on our list—and that's not factoring in Old Navy's regular sales. Plus, our tester liked the 7/8 ankle-length fit and found it easy to dress these leggings up with a button down shirt for days at the office.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I love these leggings. I love the pockets, the fabric, the fit, and the color. In typical Old Navy fashion, it's nice that these come in quite so many colors, so people can express themselves.”—Cecily, third trimester.

But Take Note

Depending on their body type, some pregnant people may find that these leggings run small or roll down, but our tester didn’t have one bad thing to say.

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-XXL
  • Material: 79% nylon, 21% spandex 
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Why We Like It

These leggings provide the breathability you need for exercise or to survive hot weather while offering the comfort and style of everyday leggings. After wearing them to yoga class, our tester continued to wear them all day long—through errands, walks, house chores, and lounging—without needing or wanting to take them off. The belly band gave excellent support and coverage and never slipped down. 

Our tester raved that these were the most comfortable yoga leggings she'd ever owned, including pre-pregnancy, ranking them above brands like Lululemon and Athletica. She felt the fabric molded to her body perfectly, which might reflect the manufacturer's claim that this style has four-way stretch that moves with you. Plus, with pockets and UV protection, these leggings are a great choice for outdoor workouts.

What Expecting Parents Say

“These leggings fit like a glove in the best way possible. Once they're on, they never budge.”—Claire, third trimester

But Take Note

According to our tester, these leggings may start to pill slightly around the seams after six months. Also, faint panty lines are noticeable, though the color and pattern of your underwear won’t show.

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-XL
  • Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
  • Over or Underbelly: Both

Why We Like It

These stylish leggings’ fabric is downright luxurious. Our tester says they’re like "Lululemon of the old days," with fabric that's thick, supportive, breathable, and comfortable. These leggings are designed to last from early pregnancy through your bump's largest days to postpartum, with a fold-down waistband to give you options. Our tester enjoyed the under-the-belly option even in her third trimester. She also says that because these leggings are so stylish, she finds herself wearing them more often.

A quirky plus for dog owners: These leggings didn't pick up as much of our tester's dog's hair as other pairs.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I feel supported in all the right places. They are also super stylish. I'm squarely a millennial but these make me feel like a ‘cool gen-z-er.’”—Alison, third trimester

But Take Note

The lack of pockets is a big fail, especially since this pair is almost double the price of our top pick.

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-XL 
  • Material: 77% polyester, 23% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Both

Why We Like It

Seraphine is a reliable staple brand that I loved during my pregnancy, and these leggings are no exception. They’re opaque, with pockets, and have a structured panel at the back to provide additional back support. Our tester even planned to continue wearing them postpartum for extra support while carrying her baby. 

These leggings are also a favorite of Rachele Gonzaga, a personal stylist and mother of two in London, who offered her expertise for this article. The Seraphine store in her neighborhood was a “lifesaver” when it came to finding legging options “thick enough to guarantee a polished look at work,” says Gonzaga. She wore these during her two pregnancies and describes them as “fabulous.”

What Expectant Parents Say

“The leggings definitely stayed put, especially with the stiff back portion. I like the pockets, and it's nice having the extra back and bump support.”—Cecily, third trimester

But Take Note

Though our tester liked the extra support, don’t expect a miracle—the difference in back support was modest. Since these leggings are stiffer, they aren’t the best for lounging.

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-XL 
  • Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Why We Like It

These Torrid leggings offer a winning blend of comfort, opacity, and affordability. They're among the lowest-priced options on our list, and our tester found them comfy enough to live in for the whole last month of her pregnancy. They held up well through daily activities, from grocery runs and cooking to exercise and toddler playtime. 

Too few pregnancy brands offer inclusive sizing, and Torrid is helping to fill that gap with sizes ranging from 10 to 6X (30). The stretch waist grows with your bump, while the tapered leg adds style.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I appreciated that my entire belly was covered and they didn't fit like high water pants. The win for this product is comfort.”—Phedra, third trimester

But Take Note

Repeated washing may fade and shrink the fabric a bit, changing the fit. Our tester would have appreciated a tall size option, since she found the leggings sat a bit too low. She also wished the leggings had a bit more compression and support.

The Details:

  • Size Range: 10-30
  • Material: Cotton and spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Why We Like It

These ultra-soft, supportive leggings are made with a mid-weight modal-spandex blend that Storq says makes them more like thick tights. Even so, the simple style works well with a variety of tops, from sleeveless to sweaters. They stand up well to multiple washes—without thinning or pilling—as long as you use a gentle cold cycle and hang to dry. According to our tester, these leggings felt brand new every time she put them on, and they were the first pair she reached for after laundry day. 

To truly put these leggings through their paces, our tester wore them the week she moved into her new home. Even with bending, packing, and carrying heavy boxes, the leggings didn't budge. We also love that these leggings come in a wide range of sizes, from petite to 4XL, making them a more inclusive option. Plus, they’re designed to be C-section friendly.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I can confidently say these are worth the price. They're going to carry me through the end of my second trimester and all of my third trimester, and I reach for them constantly.”—Marisa, third trimester

But Take Note

Though our tester liked the opacity of these leggings, Storq says they are not opaque on all folks. 

The Details:

  • Size Range: P-4XL
  • Material: 92% modal, 8% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Why We Like It

Although they’re not marketed as maternity leggings, the Lululemon Aligns garner serious praise from people who wore them through pregnancy—including OB/GYN Sheetal J. Dedania, MD. With their solid, opaque coverage and comfy fit, she found them perfect for both pregnancy and postpartum. “They have a buttery soft feel, and they stay in place without riding up,” she says. 

Although these leggings are on the pricey side, our tester felt they offered great value and made a perfect gift for anyone who wants to live in leggings 24/7. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, some of which go on sale for deep discounts.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I'm thrilled with the fit. They're true to size, even with my rapidly growing belly.”—Rachel, third trimester

But Take Note

Different body types need different leggings. Kim Perry, a postpartum personal trainer and mom of four, couldn’t continue wearing her Aligns during her later pregnancy. 

The Details:

  • Size Range: 0-14
  • Material: 81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane
  • Over or Underbelly: Mid-belly (non-maternity)

Why We Like It

Gap's maternity leggings have a double-layer waistband that can be worn over the bump or folded down. Our tester found it sat at the perfect height, not completely covering her bump but not low enough to roll unexpectedly. She wore them all day long—on walks, errands, and doctor appointments—with no discomfort, rubbing, or sagging. 

You may need to size up in these leggings to find the right fit, especially if you tend to find clothes tighter in the hips, thighs, and butt. Fortunately, these leggings shouldn't shrink as long as you hang them to dry, as our tester did. She also found the leggings kept their brand-new feel even after multiple washes.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I like that these seem to grow with you through pregnancy, and I think they'll be great for postpartum moms as well.”—Laura, third trimester

But Take Note

In the heather grey color, these leggings are not truly opaque. Our tester wore skin-colored underwear to compensate. Additionally, they tend to run a little bit small, so you may need to size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit. 

The Details:

  • Size Range: XXS-XXL
  • Material: 90% cotton, 10% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Both

Why We Like It

If you're skeptical that you can find high-quality maternity wear for $18, these H&M leggings are here to make you believe. Our tester says she could tell from the thick, stretchy fabric that this pair would be durable. Around the waist and belly, the opaque fabric is double-layered, so it holds up well to movement without sagging or rolling. Even after washing, the leggings stayed black and damage-free. 

Gonzaga also wore these leggings during her pregnancies, and she loves that they are cotton-based, not synthetic. “These worked well for summer,” she says.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I liked how thick and stretchy these leggings are. You can wear them anywhere without worrying about people seeing through them.”—Julia, third trimester

But Take Note

Our tester didn’t find these leggings soft enough for lounging. She classified them as “outside leggings that you can wear on your errands.”

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-2XL
  • Material: 55% cotton, 40% rayon, 5% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Both

Why We Like It

These versatile, seamless leggings can easily be dressed up or down, whether you pair them with a dress for date night or lounge in a sweatshirt on the couch. They're designed with a wide waistband and reinforced lower back for extra support. 

Our tester found them extremely comfortable and soft, with the ideal amount of stretch and compression. She also notes that the fit is perfect, and she loves that she can do anything, from chasing her kid to relaxing on the couch, without compromising on style or comfort.

What Expectant Parents Say

“The fabric is soft and hugged my body well. No restriction in motion.”—Lauren, second trimester

But Take Note

These leggings are mostly opaque, but our tester had to be careful not to wear brightly colored underwear. She also noticed a bit of pilling around the ankles after four weeks of regular washing. 

The Details:

  • Size Range: S to XXXL
  • Material: 90% polyamide, 10% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Why We Like It

These leggings are so soft, cozy, and stretchy that our tester says she can imagine sleeping in them. Although the fabric isn't overly thick, the leggings are completely opaque, so you can wear them out and about without worry. The fit leans toward stretchy over compression, and these leggings work well for most routine activities. Plus, the fabric holds up well to multiple washes.

What Expectant Parents Say

“I'm impressed at how good these leggings are at covering underwear lines and blocking any see-through color.”—Rachel, third trimester

But Take Note

If you’re looking for workout leggings, these may be too stretchy. Our tester says they sagged and chafed after a brisk outdoor walk. 

The Details:

  • Size Range: XS-XL
  • Material: 80% bamboo, 20% spandex
  • Over or Underbelly: Overbelly

Other Maternity Leggings We Like

Our Testing Process 

In total, we tested 32 pairs of maternity leggings from leading brands. We asked our pregnant editors to wear the leggings during an initial four-week testing period—but many wore their most-loved pair for their entire pregnancies and beyond. During this time, they wore these leggings for all of their everyday tasks. We also asked them to go on brisk walks to see how the leggings performed during movement. Here’s what each mom evaluated the leggings based on:

  • Durability: Testers wore and washed the leggings repeatedly using the manufacturer's instructions. They looked for signs of fading, shrinking, stretching, and pilling. 
  • Comfort: Fabric plays a major role in comfort so testers assessed its softness, breathability, and whether it caused excess sweating. They also considered if the leggings allowed a full range of motion without feeling restrictive and if they could sit in the leggings for an extended time. 
  • Fit: Testers considered if the leggings fit without sagging or chafing. Beyond daily wear, they did a quick fit test by setting a timer for 60 seconds, moving and bending, and then checked if the waistband shifted. They also considered whether the leggings were for a specific trimester, all pregnancy, or pregnancy and postpartum. 
  • Value: Testers considered whether they would spend their own money on the product and if they felt the list price was fair. 
  • Opacity: Let’s be real, see-through leggings are the worst. Our testers checked for sheerness in a range of activities, before washing, and after a few washes.

Our Experts

To find out what to look for in the best maternity leggings and to answer your burning leggings questions, we turned to these experts:

  • Sheetal J. Dedania, MD, physician manager and OB-GYN at Reiter, Hill & Johnson of Advantia and mother of two
  • Karla Van Beveran, MPT, BA ExSci, a physical therapist with a focus on pelvic floor health, postpartum recovery, and high-performance sports, and a mother of two
  • Kim Perry, a certified pre/postnatal personal trainer and mother of four kids
  • Rachele Gonzaga, aka The Empowerment Stylist on Instagram and a mother of two

What Our Experts Say

“Patients may wear any type of leggings during pregnancy. Pregnancy is uncomfortable enough; let’s avoid anything too restrictive.”—Sheetal J. Dedania, MD

Factors to Consider When Buying Maternity Leggings

  • Material: Look for fabrics that offer comfort, softness, and breathability, says Gonzaga. She favors natural fabrics like cotton or a bamboo blend for breathability in summer months. For workouts during her own pregnancy, she opted for a nylon-spandex blend, which she says provides, “excellent stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking properties while keeping its original shape.”
  • Support: Some leggings are snug enough to provide gentle support for your belly. Van Beveran suggests looking for something that’s supportive without feeling restrictive. “You should still be able to take a full breath in/out without feeling limited,” says Van Beveran. If you’re experiencing pain, vaginal or rectal heaviness, or varicose veins, then leggings won’t help, and you should consult a doctor or physical therapist. Our experts agreed that leggings generally can’t replace a supportive belly band for back pain. 
  • Stretch: Good quality leggings stretch to move with your body, whether you’re working out or lounging at home. They should also stretch to accommodate how your body changes during pregnancy. Ideally, you want maternity leggings that “grow with the bump,” Perry says. 
  • Comfort: Maternity leggings should feel comfortable enough that you forget you’re wearing them. “Don’t get into the trap of just looking for style or postpartum use, think about what you need the most right now,” says Gonzaga. She thinks comfort should be a priority.
  • Postpartum Use: Being able to wear maternity leggings beyond pregnancy adds long-term value. Plus, your body still needs some TLC after pregnancy. “The belly flap often feels very comfortable postpartum,” Perry says. “The breathability helps with postpartum sweats.”

Should You Size Up in Leggings While Pregnant?

Most brands recommend you choose your pre-pregnancy size, but it’s always a good idea to pay attention to the actual fit. If possible, check out the brand's sizing chart and return policy to ensure you can exchange for the right size if needed. With rare exceptions, our testers stuck to their pre-pregnancy size.

When Should You Start Wearing Maternity Leggings?

There’s no set time that you need to switch to maternity leggings. It really depends on your own needs and comfort level. “Every person will carry in a different way and start showing at a different time,” says Van Beveran. “As the bump grows, the extra fabric that a maternity legging offers can be quite comfortable and not restricting.”

How Can You Style Leggings for Different Occasions?

Leggings are always great for lounging, but with the right styling, you can dress them up for work, events, and nights out. Gonzaga suggests buying good maternity leggings in at least three colors: black, navy, and faux denim. Here are her style tips for wearing leggings in different settings: 

  • For work: Pair black leggings with a long, tailored blazer and a white or floral blouse. “I would also add ankle boots for a polished look,” Gonzaga says.
  • For daily wear: Try wearing leggings with an above-the-knee maternity dress and a structured cardigan. You can complete the look with loafers or ballerina flats. 
  • For a dressier look: Combine leggings with a tunic-style shirt and belt, and add a statement necklace. 

Who We Are

Jenna Flannigan is a writer for Parents focusing on health and wellbeing. She strives to give readers the most reliable and helpful information to improve their daily lives, whether that means explaining a recent medical study or providing a breakdown of the very best maternity leggings. She lived in maternity leggings for most of her pregnancy, through workdays, workouts, and walks with her dog.

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