The Best Maternity Leggings to Complete Your Pregnancy Wardrobe

December 18, 2022
The athleisure trend continues to reign supreme in the fashion world, much to the delight of pregnant women everywhere. The ongoing need for comfy yet cute clothing, has made stretchy maternity leggings (that are still super-chic) more accessible than ever. Leggings are a must-have item for moms-to-be who like to work up a sweat. But they’re not just for the gym; leggings are the ideal work-from-home uniform and a great alternative to maternity jeans on days when you need a little extra stretch.
Ready to get your browse on? Check out our top tips on how to find the perfect pair—plus, a few of the best maternity leggings to scoop up right now.
In this article:
Best Overall Maternity Leggings
Best Maternity Leggings with Pockets
Best Faux Leather Maternity Leggings
Best Fleece Lined Maternity Leggings
Best Affordable Maternity Leggings
Best Athletic Maternity Leggings
Best Plus-Size Maternity Leggings
Best Petite Maternity Leggings
Best Tall Maternity Leggings
Best Under-Belly Maternity Leggings
Best Over-Belly Maternity Leggings
Best Maternity Support Leggings
Best Maternity Jeggings
Best Cropped Maternity Leggings
Best Yoga Maternity Leggings
Before you invest in a pair of maternity leggings, think about your comfort needs and preferences. There are two main types of pregnancy leggings on the market:
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Under-the-bump maternity leggings: These maternity leggings are low-waisted and rest just under your baby bump. Under-the-bump leggings have a super stretchy waistband that offers moms-to-be gentle support. This style is a good option earlier on in pregnancy, when your belly isn’t big enough to fill out an over-the-bump style.
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Over-the-bump maternity leggings: This style has a built-in panel that’ll stretch to accommodate your growing belly. Over-the-bump maternity leggings are super-versatile, as the belly panel can be folded down during early pregnancy (and postpartum) or pulled up for maximum support in the final trimester.
Not sure where to start your search? Many athleisure brands now offer maternity-friendly styles—here are our top three favorite places to buy the best pregnancy leggings.
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Beyond Yoga: Voted the top maternity workout brand in the 2022 Best of Pregnancy awards, Beyond Yoga has a great range of pregnancy-friendly leggings, tops and shorts. Additionally, the brand’s signature Spacedye fabric is moisture-wicking and super-soft with four-way stretch and UV protection. And we love that Beyond Yoga also has a nursing-friendly collection for the fourth trimester and beyond.
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Girlfriend Collective: The maternity collection at Girlfriend Collective may be small, but it packs a serious punch. Mix-and-match seamless maternity leggings and biker shorts with the brand’s stretchy sports bras and long-sleeve tee. Made from recycled performance jersey, each item is incredibly soft and stretchy (not to mention stylish!).
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Nordstrom: Not ready to commit to one brand? Head straight to Nordstrom. This online department store carries tons of great brands offering maternity athletic gear, from Ingrid & Isabel and Belabumbum to Nike.
While shopping, keep your lifestyle in mind. If you’re looking for styles that can be incorporated into your work wardrobe, consider maternity jeggings or a classic black pair. Gym bunnies should keep an eye out for supportive workout leggings made from moisture-wicking fabric. Want a pair that does it all? No sweat—there are plenty of high-performance maternity leggings that are super-stylish to boot!
No matter where you plan on wearing them, the best pregnancy leggings are made from breathable materials with plenty of stretch to accommodate your growing bump. From boldly printed pants with shapely cuts to affordable options in super-soft fabrics, here are some of the best maternity leggings available.
Best Overall Maternity Leggings
Zella maternity leggings really are the best in the business. Why? The classic black pair has a stretchy over-bump panel for optimal support, and the thick fabric offers gentle compression for your lower body. Perfect for lounging or hitting the gym, the moisture-wicking material is super-soft and dries fast after a sweaty workout. And moms love the flatlock seams that don’t rub them the wrong way—literally. Is it any wonder this pair won a Best of Pregnancy award in 2022?
- Zeltek moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly
- Flatlock seams reduces chafing
- Affordable price tag
- Available exclusively at Nordstrom
- Some customers report that the leggings slide down and sag at the crotch
Best Maternity Leggings with Pockets
If you’re looking for your next go-to pair of maternity leggings, check out this style by Beyond Yoga. The leggings are made from buttery soft performance fabric that’s supportive and durable enough to work out in. The pair wicks moisture away to keep you cool and offers a four-way stretch to keep you comfy. The midi length hits just above the ankles, and the over-belly waistband can be folded up during pregnancy or down postpartum. Ready for the best part? This pair boasts a deep pocket on each side to keep your phone, keys or whatever you need, close at hand.
- True to your pre-pregnancy size
- Exceptionally soft fabric has built-in UV protection
- This pair has two pockets
- Leggings are not totally opaque
Best Faux Leather Maternity Leggings
There’s no reason you can’t still look smokin’ hot with a baby on board. These high-gloss, faux-leather maternity leggings may look restrictive, but they’ve got a soft, stretchy belly band that won’t squeeze your bump. They even feature a low-back crossover to keep you cool whether you’re out and about or lounging. You’ll be reaching for these maternity leggings right through your pregnancy and beyond.
- Can be dressed up or down
- Supportive over-bump waistband that won’t slide down
- Some reviewers say the fabric is slightly thinner than expected
Best Fleece Lined Maternity Leggings
A must-have for any winter pregnancy wardrobe? A pair of cozy fleece-lined maternity leggings—you never know when you’ll need to brave a snowstorm. This thick pair comes in two colors and features a breathable cotton gusset, an over-belly panel as well as a stretchy waistband that won’t dig-in. When the weather turns cold, you’ll never want to take these off.
- Cozy fleece lining keeps you warm without adding bulk
- This pair can be worn on their own or as a base layer in winter
- Seamless construction
- Waistband runs small
- Shorter length may not suit taller people
- Visible gusset
Best Affordable Maternity Leggings
Since you’re only going to wear your maternity clothes for a finite amount of time, you may not want to blow your budget on basic pieces that cost a pretty penny. Check out the maternity leggings at H&M. The store sells everything from “Treggings," (denim-look leggings) and glittery pairs to cozy ribbed designs. But our favorite go-to is this gray style. Made from a super-soft brushed jersey, they’re so affordable, you can stock up on several pairs at once. The best part? These maternity leggings have a comfy and stretchy foldover waistband.
- Wide, foldover waistband
- Suitable for pregnancy and postpartum stage
- Leggings lack stretch
Best Athletic Maternity Leggings
High-performance maternity leggings are a must-have for active mamas. And this figure-sculpting camo-print pair from Seraphine really goes the distance. Made from recycled polyester, the super-stretchy leggings are totally opaque and squat-proof. Plus, the stretchy belly band can be worn over your bump for more support during pregnancy or folded down for postpartum wear. Stylish workout gear that can be worn during every stage of pregnancy? Yes, please.
- Leggings are totally opaque
- Flexible foldover waist
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Suitable for pregnancy and postpartum stage
- This pair is not moisture-wicking
Best Plus-Size Maternity Leggings
Storq is one of the best places to pick up maternity basics in every size. These plus-size maternity leggings come in four colors, making them a fantastic capsule piece for your plus-size pregnancy wardrobe. Crafted from a silky soft spandex-jersey blend, the leggings feature a stretchy panel for a great fit as your bump grows. Wear the panel over or under the belly, and revel in the fact that Storq’s leggings have few exposed seams, which can help cut down on that annoying pregnancy itchiness. One possible downside is that this pair is not totally opaque on everyone, meaning you may want to wear them underneath a long top for added coverage.
- Available in petite and plus-sizes (XS to 4X)
- Buttery-soft fabric
- Longer length is great for taller people
- Leggings are not totally opaque
- Non-compressive material
Best Petite Maternity Leggings
If you’re a mom-to-be with a smaller stature, it can be tough to find great pregnancy leggings that aren’t too long. Good news—Nike offers workout gear in a range of inclusive fits and sizes. This pair of maternity leggings is available in a short leg length that falls just above the ankle and features a versatile, foldover waistband for your comfort. Aside from the petite-friendly fit, these leggings are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for any activity you have planned. Plus, they come in tons of cute colors, including this vibrant purple.
- Available in a variety of fun colors
- Made from sustainable materials
- Inclusive sizing options
- No pockets
Best Tall Maternity Leggings
Taller mamas are all too familiar with the struggle to find the perfect pair of maternity leggings, since regular-length pants end up looking more like capris. Your salvation: These pregnancy leggings from Long Tall Sally. The wardrobe staple is made from a comfy cotton blend and features a wide, elasticated belly band for added support. Better yet, the denim look and pocket details make these leggings perfect work attire. Looking for a pair you can lounge in? You’re in luck—the brand also makes classic cotton maternity leggings.
- Extra-long 36” inseam
- Over-bump support band
- Zip detail on the cuffs
- Not suitable for exercise
Best Under-Belly Maternity Leggings
Searching for affordable under-belly maternity leggings? This two-pack of pregnancy leggings from Bumpstart will save the day. Made from a soft cotton-spandex mix, these leggings are uber-comfortable. The best part? They have a genius crossover waistband that’s lower in the front so it sits comfortably under your bump but won’t slip down in the back.
- Crossover under-bump waistband
- Breathable cotton material
- Affordable price tag
- Wear with a long top for full belly coverage
Best Over-Belly Maternity Leggings
We’re big fans of Girlfriend Collective, an eco-friendly company that makes their activewear from recycled water bottles and fishing nets. The brand’s over-the-belly maternity workout leggings come in a wide range of sizes (XXS to 6XL), plus a few trendy colors. They offer all the support and comfort you crave, courtesy of a compressive fit and boast a moisture-wicking fabric. Better yet, the super-soft maternity leggings offer UPF 50+ sun protection. Bonus: The seamless style is available as biker shorts too.
- Super-soft material
- UPF 50+ protection
- Available in two lengths (28.5” and 23” inseam)
- Some customers report that the fabric pills at the crotch
- Cold wash only
Best Maternity Support Leggings
If pregnancy has led to varicose veins and swollen ankles, these maternity compression leggings may offer some relief. BLANQI maternity leggings offer full over-the-belly support with a built-in anchor to lift and redistribute your baby bump weight, as well as light compression to help combat swelling. Thanks to the stretchy expandable panel, these pants can take you through all three trimesters. Love the feel of this pair? Try the cropped style on for size too.
- Super-stretchy over bump band
- Compression material smoothes and supports
- Seamless construction to prevent chafing
- Some customers report that the fabric pills and snags with regular wear
- Small fit
- Cold wash only
Best Maternity Jeggings
Love the look of skinny jeans but need more than a little give? Opt for SPANX’s super-stretchy maternity jeggings. The smoothing fabric and over-the-bump band are designed to make you feel fully supported but definitely not squeezed. This pair offers the comfort of leggings with the refinement of classic denim.
- Fit true to size
- Seamless over-belly band can be worn up or rolled down
- Wash before use to prevent dye transfer
Best Cropped Maternity Leggings
Looking for a stylish pair of cropped maternity leggings? Turn to Kindred Bravely. Designed to suit people at every stage of pregnancy, this genius pair will never sag or lose its shape. The ultra-high waistband reaches just under your bust for added coverage, but it can easily be rolled down for extra support postpartum. Plus, the pocket-style comes with (you’ve guessed it) pockets!
- Spandex blend fabric is super-stretchy
- Cropped style is available with or without pockets
- Designed to fit during pregnancy and postpartum stage
- Material is slightly shiny
- Leggings may not be totally opaque on all people
Best Yoga Maternity Leggings
Okay, so this next pair is not technically made for pregnancy. But Lululemon’s Align pants are too good to leave off the list. Designed specifically for yoga, these leggings are the softest in the game thanks to the weightless Nulu fabric. Plus, the high-rise cut has enough stretch to cover and support your baby bump without feeling restrictive. There’s even a hidden pocket in the waistband that fits a card or key. A favorite of seasoned yogis, these leggings will not disappoint.
- Super-soft material
- Stretchy high waistband
- Available in three different lengths
- 30+ prints and patterns
- Not designed specifically for pregnancy
- Cold wash only
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