The Best Maternity Leggings to Complete Your Pregnancy Wardrobe
April 6, 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:
Types of maternity leggings
Where to buy the best maternity leggings
The best maternity leggings for you
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?
What we love:
- Zeltek moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly
- Flatlock seams reduces chafing
- Affordable price tag
What to consider:
- Available exclusively at Nordstrom
- Some customers report that the leggings slide down and sag at the crotch
Buy it: Zella Live-In Maternity Ankle Leggings, $69, Nordstrom.com
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.
What we love:
- True to your pre-pregnancy size
- Exceptionally soft fabric has built-in UV protection
- This pair has two pockets
What to consider:
- Leggings are not totally opaque
Buy it: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging, $110, BeyondYoga.com
Best faux leather maternity leggings
There’s no reason you can’t still look smokin’ hot with a baby on board. These faux-leather maternity leggings may look restrictive, but they’ve got a soft, stretchy nylon belly band that won’t squeeze your bump. In fact, the brand’s signature “Mama Magic” waistband means you can wear these maternity leggings right through your pregnancy and beyond. Better yet, these maternity leggings are center-seam free (bye-bye camel toe) and the faux-leather fabric is smoothing and supportive. How fabulous!
What we love:
- Available in sizes XS to 3X
- Supportive over-bump waistband
- Structured fabric smoothes legs and thighs
What to consider:
- Cold wash only
Buy it: SPANX Mama Faux Leather Leggings, $110, SPANX.com
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.
What we love:
- 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
What to consider:
- Waistband runs small
- Shorter length may not suit taller people
- Visible gusset
Buy it: Motherhood Maternity Fleece Over the Belly Maternity Leggings, $38, MotherhoodMaternity.com
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 flared pairs to cropped capris. 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.
What we love:
- Super-soft, plush fabric
- Wide, foldover waistband
- Suitable for pregnancy and postpartum stage
What to consider:
- Leggings lack stretch
Buy it: H&M MAMA Before & After Soft Leggings, $25, HM.com
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.
What we love:
- Leggings are totally opaque
- Flexible foldover waist
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Suitable for pregnancy and postpartum stage
What to consider:
- This pair is not moisture-wicking
Buy it: Seraphine Camo Print Bump to Postpartum Active Leggings, $79, Seraphine.com
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.
What we love:
- Available in petite and plus-sizes (XS to 4X)
- Buttery-soft fabric
- Longer length is great for taller people
What to consider:
- Leggings are not totally opaque
- Non-compressive material
Buy it: Storq Signature Leggings, $68, Storq.com
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—Old Navy has workout gear in a range of inclusive fits and sizes. This pair of leggings has a 25” inseam and a shorter leg length that falls just above the ankle. Aside from the petite-friendly fit, these leggings are designed with a four-way stretch fabric that offers light compression for achy limbs. They come in tons of cute colors, including this cool celestial print. Oh, and did we mention these pregnancy leggings have pockets too?
What we love:
- Tag-free with flatlock seams to reduce irritation
- Moisture-wicking material
- Side pockets at the hips
What to consider:
- Smaller fit—some customers recommend sizing up
Buy it: Old Navy Maternity Full-Panel PowerSoft Side-Pocket 7/8-Length Leggings, $43, OldNavy.com
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. They’re made from a soft jersey with a wide, elasticated belly band for added support. Better yet, the side-zip detail makes these leggings perfect work attire.
What we love:
- Extra-long 36” inseam
- Over-bump support band
- Zip detail on the cuffs
What to consider:
- Not suitable for exercise
Buy it: Long Tall Sally Maternity Black Zip Side Leggings, $43, LongTallSally.com
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.
What we love:
- Crossover under-bump waistband
- Breathable cotton material
- Affordable price tag
What to consider:
- Wear with a long top for full belly coverage
Buy it: Bumpstart Under Belly Maternity Leggings 2-Pack, $35, MotherhoodMaternity.com
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.
What we love:
- Super-soft material
- UPF 50+ protection
- Available in two lengths (28.5” and 23” inseam)
What to consider:
- Some customers report that the fabric pills at the crotch
- Cold wash only
Buy it: Girlfriend Collective Plum Seamless Maternity Legging, $88, GirlfriendCollective.com
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.
What we love:
- Super-stretchy over bump band
- Compression material smoothes and supports
- Seamless construction to prevent chafing
What to consider:
- Some customers report that the fabric pills and snags with regular wear
- Small fit
- Cold wash only
Buy it: Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings, $74, Nordstrom.com
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.
What we love:
- Fit true to size
- Seamless over-belly band can be worn up or rolled down
What to consider:
- Wash before use to prevent dye transfer
Buy it: SPANX Mama Maternity Jean-ish Ankle Leggings, $110, Bloomingdales.com
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!
What we love:
- Spandex blend fabric is super-stretchy
- Cropped style is available with or without pockets
- Designed to fit during pregnancy and postpartum stage
What to consider:
- Material is slightly shiny
- Leggings may not be totally opaque on all people
Buy it: Kindred Bravely Martina Maternity & Postpartum Support Crop Leggings, $90, KindredBravely.com
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.
What we love:
- Super-soft material
- Stretchy high waistband
- Available in three different lengths
- 30+ prints and patterns
What to consider:
- Not designed specifically for pregnancy
- Cold wash only
Buy it: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25", $98, Lululemon.com
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