The 9 Best Maternity Sweatpants for Lounging, Running Errands and More
When you’re pregnant, nothing beats the comfort of maternity sweatpants and your favorite hoodie. After all, your body is constantly changing, your skin is super sensitive and there are a million things on your mind other than figuring out an outfit for the day. Rather than reaching for pre-pregnancy sweats or staying in your pajamas, stock up on maternity loungewear to keep cozy and feel your best.
The good news? There’s a wide selection of cool pregnancy sweatpants available so it’s easy to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. Keep reading for a roundup of our favorite maternity sweatpants to rock during all three trimesters and beyond.
We know that picking out clothes during pregnancy isn’t always a breeze. To streamline your search for comfy, cozy maternity loungewear, we did the bulk of the research, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. When creating this article:
- We researched what was being said about maternity sweatpants in The Bump community and forums to learn what parents looked for as they shopped and what qualities they appreciated when using these styles.
- We surveyed almost 350 members of The Bump community about the maternity brands they used, asking them to rate specific styles based on their firsthand experience.
- To see how these sweats have worked for moms-to-be, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what pregnant women nationwide looked for in maternity loungewear.
- When choosing which sweatpants to feature in our roundup, we considered several factors, such as size options, material, waist style and inseam length, to name a few.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best maternity sweatpants
- Stretchy, breathable material
- Two inseam length options
- Some moms say the material stains easily
Stretchy, super-soft and highly adjustable, these maternity joggers from Kindred Bravely check all of the boxes on our list—and then some. Moms-to-be love the viscose-blend fabric, which feels silky soft against sensitive skin, while also being lightweight and breathable, and the lounge pants can be worn mid- or high-waisted, depending on your preferences, thanks to the adjustable drawstring waistband. You’ll also appreciate the deep side pockets—an essential for expectant and new moms alike. What’s more, the comfy yet practical style has elasticized ankle cuffs, so you can easily wear them with your go-to sneakers, fluffy slippers or anything in between.
These maternity sweatpants are sure to be a staple in your closet for the next nine+ months. In fact, they’re a great option for the fourth trimester as well. According to peyts228, a parent from The Bump community forums, “they transitioned well to postpartum, and they are still in good shape 2 years later!” Best of all, you can use code KBBMP15 when checking out for 15 percent off of your order.
Sizes: XS to 2X | Material: 95% viscose/5% spandex | Inseam length: 27" to 30" | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our community says:
I really like Kindred Bravely's maternity joggers! I still wear mine from my first pregnancy. – peyts228, The Bump forum member
Big fan of Kindred Bravely. Lots of their stuff doubles as nursing clothes as well which is great. – and_peggy, The Bump forum member
Best over-the-belly maternity sweatpants
- High-rise over-the-belly panel
- Moisture-wicking material
- Offers UV protection
- High price point
- Limited color options
If you feel your best when your bump has a bit of extra support and coverage, opt for over-the-belly maternity sweatpants—like these from Beyond Yoga. The Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger has a high-rise silhouette and is made from a four-way stretch material. This way, you can count on them to adapt to your changing shape throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The result, according to the moms in our community, is extreme comfort that one woman described as “fantastic.” The ultra-soft fabric is moisture-wicking to keep you feeling fresh; you could even wear them for a light workout. And if that’s not enough, the fabric offers UV protection, and the modern style has a tapered silhouette that’s slim in the legs and gathers at the ankles for a relaxed yet polished look.
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Inseam length: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
One of my favorites—SO soft and comfortable. They have over-the-bump ones that really are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend! – Rebecca T., Mom of one
I like the comfort and feel [of Beyond Yoga's clothing]. I don’t want anything that feels restricting or scratchy, so comfort is huge to me. – Elena*, Expectant mom
Best wide-leg maternity sweatpants
- Flowing, wide-leg silhouette
- Adjustable, wide waistband
- Stretchy, breathable material
- Limited color options
- May be too long for petite moms
Wide-leg sweatpants are trending, and it’s easy to see why. The baggy yet structured pants offer the same comfort as standard sweats or joggers but have a slightly more elevated, stylish silhouette. For those reasons, we’re fans of the Kindred Bravely Bamboo Wide Leg Maternity & Postpartum Lounge Pant. The full-length, wide-leg lounge pants have a flowing fit topped off with a wide, gentle waistband that can be worn below or above your bump. Moms in our community had particular praise for the quality and comfort—they’re made from a silky soft bamboo-viscose blend that’s temperature-regulating, making them a great choice for moms-to-be who run hot. Dress them up or down, and wear them at home, on the go or even as sleepwear. These versatile maternity sweatpants can really do it all!
Sizes: S to 1X | Material: 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | Inseam length: 28" | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our community says:
Very comfortable, and well-made! – Rebecca T., Mom of one
Best low-rise maternity sweatpants
- Low-rise, bump-friendly fit
- Cozy midweight cotton
- On-trend color options
- Some sizes and colors sell out quickly
- Non-maternity style
Don’t feel limited to maternity-specific loungewear during your pregnancy. After all, sweatpants are baggy and stretchy, and most non-maternity pairs will most likely accommodate your bump comfortably. Rebecca, a mom of one, told us, “I wore both maternity and non-maternity styles. [I found that] a lot of maternity stuff had outdated styles, so I wanted to stay in non-maternity to look cute!”
If you find yourself in the same boat, try out Aritizia’s Cozy Fleece Mega Lo-Rise Sweatpant. The low-rise fit can sit under your bump—plus, it’ll be extra comfy during the fourth trimester as your body (and, in particular, your abdomen) heals. Simply use the infinity loop drawstring to adjust the waist as you’d like, whether that’s super low or closer to your belly button. I’ve owned these sweatpants for a couple of years, and they barely show any signs of wear. I’m a big fan of the midweight cotton material and the plush, fleece-lined interior. They’ll definitely be in my closet for years to come!
Sizes: 2XS to XL | Material: 78% cotton/22% polyester | Inseam length: 28" | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best petite maternity sweatpants
- Inclusive size options
- Shortest inseam on our list
- Sustainable materials
- Size up for an oversized fit
Petite moms may find it tricky to find their dream pair of maternity sweatpants—but Storq is a brand that's up to the challenge. Measuring 23 inches, the inseam on these sweats is the shortest on our list, making them a great choice for moms-to-be who are short or prefer cropped styles. Taking inclusive sizing a step further, they’re available in XS to 4XL, so almost everyone is sure to find their perfect fit. Sarah, a mom-to-be and Bump survey respondent, told us Storq’s maternity clothes are “so soft and stretchy,” and she’s not wrong—the super-stretchy waistband can be pulled up high on your belly or tucked below your bump. The fleece-lined lounge pants are also made entirely from sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester, for added peace of mind.
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Material: 70% cotton/30% polyester | Inseam length: 23" | Care instructions: Machine or hand wash cold, tumble dry low or lay flat to dry
Best foldover maternity sweatpants
- Wide, foldover waistband
- Moms say they’ve worn them for multiple pregnancies
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Only one color option
- Non-maternity style
Even though these aren’t maternity joggers, pregnant women swear they’re some of the most comfortable sweats around for all three trimesters and beyond. Unlike other options on our list that have a waistband that can be pulled up or down, this style has a true foldover waistband. This means it has extra fabric that can be worn over your bump or folded over itself to create mid- or low-rise style. Moms love the fit of Aerie’s signature Real Soft fabric, as well as the spacious side pockets and ribbed ankle cuffs. The only negative thing moms have to say about these joggers is that they wish they came in more colors, so they could wear them even more often!
Sizes: XXS to XL | Material: 95% rayon viscose/5% spandex | Inseam length: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
My favorites so far have been Aerie So Soft Foldover Joggers! I’m living in them. – afternoonhippo, The Bump forum member
Best maternity lounge pants
- Can easily be dressed up or down
- Side waist tie
- Relaxed fit
- Unique sizing system
While they still deliver the same level of comfort as typical sweats or joggers, maternity lounge pants tend to be more versatile. Take the LEGOE Heritage Low-Rise Cotton Rib Pant, for instance. They have a relaxed leg without being super baggy. Couple that with the lightweight cotton fabric and the sea-inspired colorways and they can easily be dressed up or down. Meanwhile, the low-rise style is designed to rest under your bump, and the elasticized waistband can be tightened or loosened via the adjustable drawcord on the side of the waist. Expectant moms looking for on-trend, comfortable pants that they can wear for almost any occasion will definitely be fans of these. Parents from The Bump community love how well-made and durable maternity clothing from LEGOE Heritage is, and these pants are no exception!
Sizes: XS to 4 | Material: 42% cotton/56% polyester/2% spandex | Inseam length: N/A | Care instructions: N/A
Best over-the-belly maternity sweatshorts
- Stretchy, adjustable waist panel
- Designed for sensitive skin
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified fabric
- Some moms say they run big
- Limited color options
These maternity sweatshorts from Nest Designs have a high-waisted fit, complete with an over-the-belly panel for support and coverage. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the super-soft feel of these shorts, which are made from a hypoallergenic bamboo-cotton blend. If that’s not all, the fabric is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified for added peace of mind. Whether you’re relaxing, sleeping, running errands or anything in between, you can count on these sweatshorts to keep you cool and comfy, thanks to the thermal-regulating material. Better yet, with code thebump15 you can get 15 percent off of your order.
Sizes: S to XXL | Material: 70% bamboo rayon/25% cotton/5% spandex | Inseam length: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low
Best budget-friendly maternity sweatshorts
- Budget-friendly price point
- Lightweight
Limited color options Can’t be tumble-dried
When it comes to affordable maternity clothes, H&M is one of our go-to retailers. Amy, a survey respondent and mom-to-be, told us that she appreciated how the store’s “prices are affordable and you can often order online during a sale.” And while these sweatshorts aren’t currently discounted, they still have a budget-friendly price tag.
Expectant moms will be fans of the lightweight, cotton-polyester blend, which makes these shorts ideal for sunny summer days, warm vacation destinations and those who run hot when sleeping. Plus, with the drawstring waistband, you can easily adjust the fit to your liking, whether that’s low- or mid-rise. Other highlights include the gently curved hems and the discreet side seam pockets, both of which contribute to the simple yet stylish look of these shorts.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: 59% cotton/41% polyester | Inseam length: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash cool, line dry
Our community says:
I got the sweatshorts from H&M. Here in Florida, shorts are a must! – Rebecca T., Mom of one
H&M's sizes are true to pre-pregnancy sizing and consistent. The clothing is comfortable, soft and of good quality. – Amy, Expectant mom
While maternity jeans have their time and place, there are occasions when a greater level of comfort is necessary. That’s where cozy maternity loungewear comes into play. As you browse, keep the following qualities in mind to streamline your search:
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Waistband style. Just like shopping for jeans and other pants, you’ll want to consider the waistband height of your maternity sweatpants. Some are super-high-rise options that are designed to fit comfortably over your growing bump, while others are low-rise and rest under your belly. If you don’t want to commit to one over the other, go with an adjustable or foldover waistband. This way you can adapt the style to meet your changing needs throughout pregnancy.
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Tapered or wide-leg fits. Most maternity sweatpants come in either a wide-leg or a tapered silhouette. Which one you go with largely comes down to personal preference. The former is more flowing and sometimes can be dressed up and down more easily—whereas the latter may be better for light workouts and day-to-day errands.
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Inseam length. Moreover, check the inseam length to make sure it’s exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re petite, you’ll want a shorter length—but if you’re tall and prefer a cropped style, a short inseam is key. Alternatively, expectant moms who like an oversized fit or who are tall should go with a longer inseam, which is typically around 27 to 30 inches or more.
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Non-maternity styles. Since sweatpants are baggy, you may find that your pre-pregnancy sweats still fit you comfortably. If you’re looking for styles that will last you for months (and possibly years) beyond pregnancy, consider non-maternity sweatpants. In particular, wide-leg, low-rise styles or options with stretchy foldover waistbands tend to be bump-friendly.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins to maternity leggings and everything in between. As a digital media professional, she’s written dozens of articles on baby gear, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Bump March 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 350 parents from The Bump community, and asked what maternity clothing brands and styles they used during their pregnancies.
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