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7 Best Maternity Sweatpants and Joggers, Tested by Real Moms-to-Be

Pregnancy calls for ultra-comfy sweats and breathable joggers. We tested the top recommendations with a tall and petite mom. Here’s the 7 that made the cut.
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By Daley Quinn, Contributing Writer
Updated October 27, 2026
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In a nutshell:
Based on our thorough product testing, we chose the Aerie OFFLINE By Aerie Cloud Fleece Trouser as our overall best maternity sweatpants thanks to its comfy fabric, stylish look, and adaptability throughout multiple trimesters. We also picked the lululemon Align High-Rise Jogger as our overall best maternity joggers because of their stretchy material and lightweight fabric.

The pregnancy journey has hit me harder than I ever anticipated, and doing anything and everything I can to make it a more comfortable experience has been imperative—enter: wearing maternity sweatpants and joggers most days of the week.

As a first-time mom-to-be, I’ve definitely chosen comfort over cuteness when it comes to what I’m wearing. Sweatpants and joggers have become a staple in my maternity wardrobe, but I’ve learned that not all are the same. Finding maternity sweatpants and joggers that are lightweight enough for summer activities, or heavy enough for winter activities, can sometimes be a challenge. Trying to figure out the right sizing is hard, and choosing a pant that doesn’t constantly ride down your belly can be tricky, too.

For this piece, I personally tested most of the sweatpants and joggers to see which ones passed the comfort test. (We also asked a tall tester to try some of the sweatpants, since I’m only 5’2".) I was surprised to find that our top choices weren’t even considered “maternity.” This shows that you don’t always have to stick to the maternity aisles to find comfortable maternity clothing for your changing body.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Maternity Sweatpants and Joggers

Image: Daley Q.; Krysten W.; Daley Q.

The Bump editors began the process by identifying 20 known (and lesser-known) maternity sweatpants and joggers on the market. To narrow down which we’d be testing for this article:

  • The Bump editors conducted extensive research, analyzing the needs and pain points experienced by new moms who reached for sweatpants and joggers during pregnancy, pinpointing what they really want out of these products from lounging to working out.
  • We surveyed almost 350 parents from The Bump community about the sweatpants and joggers they wear and what features made the biggest difference to them.
  • From here, we narrowed down to nine highly recommended sweatpants and joggers from both maternity and non-maternity brands, paying close attention to inseam length, material, construction and sizing options for pregnancy and postpartum.
  • The Bump then enlisted two independent testers to personally try these maternity sweatpants in the weeks before giving birth (including me), carefully selecting based on core needs e.g., light workouts, warmer and colder temperatures and fit for petite and taller moms.

We then put them to the test using the following methodology:

  • During my third trimester, I personally wore and tested seven different pairs of maternity sweatpants and joggers, ranging from casual cotton pairs to high-performance workout joggers. We also had a tall mom-to-be who tested two joggers and sweatpants for this piece.
  • We wore each pair over two days (with a wash cycle in between) while doing our daily activities including a little light exercise, running errands, doing chores and lounging in the home.
  • Our testing criteria focused on what parents value most in maternity sweatpants and joggers. I paid particular attention to the fit and length, fabric, comfort level, warmth and breathability, style and value for money.
  • To see how these sweatpants and joggers performed for a variety of parents-to-be, the editors also conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for when buying maternity sweatpants and joggers.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Maternity Sweatpants and Joggers to Shop

Overall best maternity sweatpants

ON SALE 31% OFF
Aerie OFFLINE By Aerie Cloud Fleece Trouser
Image: Aerie
Buying Options
List: $64.95 SAVE $20.14 (31%)
Aerie|$44.81
What We Love
  • Extensive size range
  • Multiple inseam lengths
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Reasonably priced
Things To Consider
  • Pants sag with phone in pocket
  • Not ideal for warm weather

The Bump takeaway: With an incredibly extensive size range from XXS to XXL, each available in short, regular and long lengths, the Aerie OFFLINE sweatpants are a favorite for many moms-to-be for adapting to changing bodies through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

A pair of maternity sweatpants that can fit pretty much any body type through pretty much any stage of pregnancy sounds a little too ambitious, but then in floats Aerie with their Cloud Fleece Trouser. Although not technically maternity sweatpants in the strict sense, they’re beloved by pregnant and postpartum women across forums (and in our own testing) for their sizing, comfort and style. “Aerie made a great choice offering the pants in such a large variety of inseams and sizes,” enthuses our pregnant product tester Krysten. “It makes them great for everyone.”

Image: Krysten W.

Comfort and fit
So can non-maternity sweatpants really adapt well to the later stages of pregnancy? Many moms of forums say yes and our tester Krysten affirms it. “I kept them on all day while I worked, did chores around the house and chased after my toddler,” she tells us. “The fabric had a nice amount of movement, so I didn't feel restricted in any way.”

And then there’s the Aerie’s true-to-size fit. Of course, being a non-maternity style, there’s no supportive bump panel, but it wasn’t something Krysten felt was missing at 37 weeks. “I chose to wear them positioned under my belly, which was most comfortable for me,” she explains. “I only slightly tightened the drawstring, and they stayed in place very well.”

Material and everyday wear
Made from cotton, recycled polyester and spandex, these sweatpants feel comfy and stretchy enough for pregnancy while also being substantial enough to last through many, many washes. And while Krysten wouldn’t recommend wearing these during hot summer days, they are ideal for cooler fall walks or running errands outside in the cold winter months, too. “The fleece material made them cozy but not hot,” she shares. “We tend to keep our home pretty cool, so they were very comfortable for me temperature-wise.”

Another thing our tester loved about these sweatpants was the price point. “I would not mind paying $65 for these pants,” she enthuses, noting that even if priced 20% higher, she would still invest. “Actually, I need to buy them in more colors and get the matching tops!” Her tip for choosing the right size? Go with a size higher. You can absolutely stick to your pre-pregnancy size, but for those later weeks, Krysten found going up a size particularly beneficial—choosing an XL rather than an L. “Post-party, I know I would still wear these pants; I would just tighten up the drawstring more to hold them in place.”

Size: XXS to XXL in lengths short, regular and long | Material: 67% cotton/31% recycled polyester/2% spandex | Inseam lengths: 29.5-30", 32.5-33", 34.5-35" | Colors: 15 | Care instructions: Machine wash

Our product tester says:
“These pants are for all bodies due to the variety of sizes—for pregnancy, postpartum, everybody. They have a great style that can be dressed up or down, and they feel beautiful against the skin. Don't think twice about it—get the pants!”

Buy Now

Overall best maternity joggers

Lululemon Align High-Rise Jogger
Image: Lululemon
Buying Options
Lululemon|$118
What We Love
  • Comfortable
  • Light workout-approved
  • Can be worn beyond postpartum
Things To Consider
  • On the pricier side
  • Sizing can get confusing

The Bump takeaway: The stretchy, lightweight fabric keeps these lululemon high-rise joggers super comfortable and stylish enough for a post-yoga coffee catch-up, while the range of sizes and inseams helps every pregnant woman find their perfect fit.

Can you really ever go wrong with a pair of pants from Lululemon? These joggers are a favorite amongst pregnant women because they are loose yet supportive, have a stretchy, comfortable fabric, come in a wide range of sizes and inseams and look stylish enough to meet up with a friend for coffee or a prenatal yoga class.

Image: Daley Q.

Comfort and fit
At 5'2", I knew that I would need to order the shortest inseam, which is 26 inches. However, I wasn’t sure what size to choose, especially since these joggers aren’t maternity-specific. I’m normally a size 4 at Lululemon pre-pregnancy, but decided to order a size 6 just in case the joggers wouldn’t fit over my little bump at 31 weeks pregnant. Turns out, I could've definitely ordered a size 4 and been totally fine! They would have looked less baggy on me and had a bit of a slimmer fit/look to them, but now you know!

The good news is that the waistband fit about mid-rise on my pregnant belly and stayed there pretty well throughout the day. Because the fabric is pretty stretchy (a four-way stretch, more specifically), I would recommend pregnant women buy their regular size when purchasing these pants.

Material and everyday wear
Made from nylon and spandex, the fabric feels nice and is exactly what I would expect from Lululemon and want in a pair of joggers for pregnancy. They’re pretty breathable, too. I wouldn’t wear these in the middle of summer, but I wouldn’t wear these in the dead of winter either, as my legs would be freezing. It’s a welcome balance between lightweight and snug, with sweat-wicking, performance fabric that makes a brisk walk around the park doable.

At $118 per pair, these are on the higher side, but like other items I’ve owned from Lululemon for many years, I know these joggers will last a very long time. They wash and dry well with little added fuss and zero shrinking or piling. These pants also work well postpartum and beyond, making them versatile through all stages of maternity and motherhood. Just make sure you order your pre-pregnancy size—they’re intentionally roomier than they look (and that’s what makes them so comfortable).

Size: 0 to 14 | Material: 81% nylon/19% spandex (body); 90% nylon/10% spandex (pocket lining) | Inseam length: 26”, 28”, and 31” | Colors: 14 | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend these maternity sweatpants for a few reasons. First off, they look good (if you order your correct size) and feel comfy and lightweight on the skin. Secondly, I love that I can wear them well beyond postpartum, making them worth the investment. Finally, I love that they come in different inseam lengths, which is a huge plus for me as I am 5’2”.”

Our community says:

Leggings and joggers? Lululemon align or bust. – anniemarie887 , The Bump forum member

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Best budget-friendly maternity joggers

Quince Ultra-Soft Maternity Joggers
Image: Quince
Buying Options
Quince|$39.90
What We Love
  • Affordable price point
  • Versatile fabric for multiple seasons
  • Easy to work out in
Things To Consider
  • Some tall moms might find these too short

The Bump takeaway: Quince Ultra-Soft Maternity Joggers impressed us for their lightweight, buttery-soft fabric, sturdy-but-breathable construction and a flattering slim fit at an aggressively low price.

When I first tested the Quince Ultra-Soft Maternity Joggers for this article, I was shocked by the price. Not only did the fabric feel very similar to the Lululemon joggers ($118) and the Beyond Yoga joggers ($124) I tested, but they were significantly less expensive at around $40 per pair.

Image: Daley Q.

Comfort and fit
These Quince pregnancy joggers feel like a total steal for several reasons. They’re easy to put on and take off, the waistband fully covered my belly (and stayed put all day) and as a 5’2” mom-to-be, I can confirm they work well for those with a regular or petite frame.

One thing I didn’t love about these joggers was the loose fabric in the groin area. However, if you’re taller than me and have a more developed baby bump (mine is small), you probably won’t run into that issue. On the flip side, some tall women might find these joggers too short. I’m petite and didn’t find them super long or baggy around my ankles. If a longer in-seam length is what you’re after, our winner for best fitting maternity joggers for tall moms is ideal for moms on the taller side of 5'8".

Material and everyday wear
Quince’s buttery-soft polyester-spandex blend strikes the perfect balance of warm and lightweight. Heavy enough for cool-weather outdoor walks in spring or fall but light enough to wear at a yoga class. And after putting them through a normal cycle, the fabric shows clear signs of lasting a long time.

The biggest appeal for me is how cute yet functional these maternity joggers are. The slim-fit leg made me feel “put together” while running errands around my neighborhood, and I love that they come in multiple colors (though I really love the green color I tested). I plan on wearing these a lot more during fall and winter.

Size: XS to XL | Material: 86% polyester/14% spandex | Inseam length: 25” | Colors: 5 | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

Our product tester says:
“They are only $40 but feel like they would cost more. I definitely would feel like they were still worth it if the price were 20% higher, and if it were 20% lower, they would be a huge steal.”

Buy Now

Best-fitting maternity joggers for tall moms

Alo Accolade Sweatpant
Image: Alo Yoga
Buying Options
Alo Yoga|$138
What We Love
  • 31-inch length for tall moms
  • Pregnancy- and postpartum-friendly
  • Comes in sizes up to 2XL
Things To Consider
  • A bit pricey
  • Not ideal for short moms

The Bump takeaway: Finding joggers for tall moms that don’t look like “highwaters” can be a challenge. This pick from Alo has a 31-inch inseam as standard, doesn’t ride up when sitting down and has a super comfy cotton and polyester fabric blend, too.

“As a tall shopper, I usually struggle with finding sweatpants and joggers that are the proper length,” shares Krysten, our 5'10" tester representing tall moms everywhere. “Not many brands offer them with a variety of inseams.” It’s true: it’s rare to find joggers with an inseam over 30 inches as its baseline. Which is precisely what makes the Alo Accolade joggers jump out.

These may not be a dedicated “maternity” option, but they are a popular pick amongst tall moms-to-be thanks to the long 31-inch inseam and loose, baggy look. And what makes them particularly worthy of winning an award reserved for pregnancy joggers? They sit well underneath a baby bump, manage hot flashes well and can be easily worn postpartum.

Image: Krysten W.

Comfort and fit
Krysten loved these Alo joggers for how well they fell perfectly on her body and fit her tall frame. “The rise of the pants felt natural for my height,” she tells us. “The crotch and seat were positioned naturally, and most of the length was in the legs themselves.” Even when sitting on counter-height chairs, the height change was barely noticeable (hurray for no cold ankles!).

Despite the length hitting just right, Krysten did find the fit slightly small. “I’m only saying that because the pockets were stretched even if I wore the pants under my belly,” she tells us. Still, she loved the tapered leg and the fabric’s easy flow. “I didn't feel restricted in the pants and did not feel like they limited my range of motion in any way,” she tells us. With a pre-pregnancy size of L, Krysten recommends sizing up one size early pregnancy and if purchasing in the third trimester, maybe consider going two sizes up. “For this point in my pregnancy, the 2XL would’ve given me the extra room I needed,” she adds.

Material and everyday wear
Not only did our tester love the fit of the joggers, but she also loved the relaxed and on-trend style, too, noting that they can be easily dressed up or down depending on the type of top, shoes and accessories you pair them with. “ I felt very put together in them,” she shares. “I felt very comfortable in the pants and could see them being a regular in my rotation this fall.”

And speaking of fall weather, our tall tester also praises the cotton-polyester blend for not exacerbating her hot flashes—even though they're thick to the touch. “The fleece material made them cozy but not hot,” she explains. “They would be perfect for cool fall and winter days.”

Size: XXS to 2XL | Material: 65% cotton/35% polyester | Inseam length: 31” | Colors: 17 | Care instructions: Machine wash separately on cold, tumble dry low

Our product tester says:
“Surprisingly, they are tall girl friendly even though there is only one inseam option. The pants fell perfectly at my ankles and didn't hover too short like ‘high waters’. When I sat down, the pants still provided the desired coverage.”

Buy Now

Best maternity joggers for low-impact workouts

Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Buttery soft fabric
  • Supportive enough for low-impact workouts
  • Sleek-looking
Things To Consider
  • Higher price point
  • Minimal color options

The Bump takeaway: The Beyond Yoga maternity midi joggers work well for low-impact workouts because they’re supportive, have a breathable fabric and will look chic at your next yoga class.

Considering I’ve purchased multiple Beyond Yoga leggings in the past and loved them, I had high hopes for their Spacedye maternity joggers. Unsurprisingly, they delivered and then some. The brand’s signature buttery-soft fabric shone during testing, making these pregnancy joggers snug enough to wear on cooler days but lightweight enough for working up a small sweat in a low-impact workout class. I wore these on numerous days during my testing period and felt like they were easy to take on and off—though I rarely wanted to.

Image: Daley Q.

Comfort and fit
Not only did I love the fabric, but I also liked the construction, fit and length of these joggers. Despite my petite frame, they were not too long on me, and I didn’t feel like they were pooling around my ankles. They were a bit wide in the thighs, but that didn’t bother me as much because, at this stage in my pregnancy, I’d prefer to wear loose clothing rather than tight.

The fabric at the top fully covers my bump, and I didn’t notice it ride down at all during my workouts or throughout the days I tested these joggers. Plus, I love that these have pockets so I can throw my phone and keys in there if I need to head outside real quick.

Material and everyday wear
These joggers stood up well to a few low-impact workouts I did in my living room, as well as running errands around my neighborhood. They didn’t feel hot or uncomfortable while I sweated a bit, and I didn’t have any issues with them falling down on my bump. They're comfortable, supportive and I can see myself wearing them to an exercise class in the future.

The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger is on the pricier side at $124 per pair, but I think the price is fair for the fabric quality and construction. The fabric feels similar to a pricey pair of Lululemon leggings that I have, and I can see myself wearing these a lot in my fourth trimester, too. If you’re looking for cute but comfy sweatpants that won’t ride down and feel good on your skin, these are absolutely it.

Size: XS to XL | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Inseam length: 27” | Colors: 5 | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend these maternity sweatpants to both moms-to-be and postpartum moms who are still recovering after giving birth. I felt like they were comfortable enough to wear indoors and outdoors, and I had no issues with them feeling loose or riding down my bump.”

Our community says:

“So soft and comfortable.” – Emily, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best maternity sweatpants for cold weather

Angel Maternity Alanna Comfort Wide Leg Maternity Sweatpants
Image: Angel Maternity
What We Love
  • Warm enough for cold weather
  • Great for lounging
  • Not too long
  • Accommodates sizes up to 2XL
Things To Consider
  • Only one color option
  • No pockets

The Bump takeaway: This pick is perfect for cold weather, when you need a more heavyweight pair of sweatpants to wear indoors and outdoors during the chilly fall and winter months.

The Angel Maternity Alanna Comfort Wide Leg Maternity Sweatpants are actually one of the few maternity-specific sweatpants on the market. I found the double-layered fabric (made from polyester, modal and spandex) to be more cozy than buttery and it stretched in all the right places and sat on my growing bump well, too.

Image: Daley Q.

Comfort and fit
Perfect for colder months, these sweatpants are on the heavier side with the warmth to make it worth it. It's starting to get cool here in NYC and these were just as comfy to wear indoors as outdoors. They’re ideal for those who run cold or need something hefty for the cold winter weather.

Although there are no petite sizes available, these pants fit my 5'2" frame pretty well. I’m typically a size XS, but since that wasn’t available, I went up a size and ordered a small. Although the sweatpants were a size bigger than I typically wear, I found the length fit well, and I didn’t feel like I was swimming in them either.

Material and everyday wear
I think I would have looked a bit more “put together” in my correct size, but I still enjoyed wearing these. Unlike some of the other joggers I tried, I liked the wide-leg fit of these and found them a bit more comfortable than the tapered look. The downside: they don’t have any pockets, which is kind of a bummer.

Still, the fabric is pretty thick and substantial—these are not meant for summer weather, that’s for sure! They are easy to wash and dry, and I can see these lasting for a long time. Plus, as hefty as the double-layered fabric feels, they’re easy to dress up. Let’s just say I would feel as comfortable walking around my neighborhood or meeting up with a friend in these pants as I would lounging around the home in wintertime.

Size: XS to 2XL | Material: 64% polyester/29% modal/7% spandex | Inseam length: N/S | Colors: 1 | Care instructions: N/S

Our product tester says:
“These pants are comfortable and great for cold winter months. The fabric is hefty and sturdy, and I can see myself wearing them outside when the weather is pretty cold and I need something relatively thick on my legs.”

Buy Now

Best maternity joggers for lounging

ON SALE 33% OFF
Kindred Bravely Everyday Lounge Jogger
Image: Kindred Bravely
Buying Options
List: $44.90 SAVE $14.92 (33%)
Kindred Bravely|$29.98
Amazon|$29.99
What We Love
  • Super lightweight
  • Very breathable
  • Soft and comfy
  • Accommodates sizes up to 4X
Things To Consider
  • Not the best for exercising

The Bump takeaway: These Kindred Bravely maternity joggers are not only lightweight, breathable and super soft, but they can also grow with you throughout your pregnancy, staying comfortably in place while offering the stretch needed for resting easy.

Like many women during pregnancy, running hot can be annoying and uncomfortable. The Kindred Bravely Everyday Lounge Jogger features 95% viscose and 5% spandex, giving it the ideal balance of stretch and lightweight breathability. Honestly, I barely feel like I’m wearing pants when I have these on, making them the perfect lounging maternity pants for overheaters.

Image: Daley Q.

Comfort and fit
One of the best parts about these joggers is that they don’t even look like maternity pants—you can wear them below or over your pregnant belly, and also wear them well beyond postpartum. They come in nine sizes, two different lengths and a ton of fun colors, too.

And then there’s the fact that these joggers are super comfortable and very lightweight. As in, probably the lightest pants that I tested for this piece! They stayed comfortably in place the whole time I wore them, and they were stretchy enough to feel comfortable. If you tend to run warm, these would definitely be a great option for you. That said, these joggers looked a little baggy on me while testing, and would probably look better on someone taller than myself at 5'2".

Material and everyday wear
As breathable as the fabric feels, it also verges a little on the flimsy side. I wonder how many washes these could realistically last through, but that lightness makes them so comfortable for chilling at home. Perhaps it’s a good thing that they’re not the most stylish-looking (at least not on my smaller frame)—so you can keep the outdoor wear to a minimum. I didn’t mind walking around my neighborhood and running errands in these, but let’s just say I didn’t feel as “put together” as other options to wear them when meeting up with a friend.

While I probably wouldn’t recommend these for a sweaty workout session, I love them for lounging around at home during any of your trimesters and postpartum, too. And while they might not be heavy enough to wear outside during cold winter months, they’re cozy enough to wear while doing chores inside or sitting on the couch with a good book.

Size: XS to 4X (all in two lengths) | Material: 95% viscose/5% spandex | Inseam length: 27” or 30” | Colors: 5 | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Our product tester says:
“I would recommend these pants for pregnant women who are more of the ‘lounging lady’ type rather than the 'work up a sweat gal.’ They are super lightweight, and you kind of feel like you have nothing on when you wear them, which I love.”

Our community says:

Comfiest joggers EVER, great supportive bras. – Catherine, The Bump survey respondent

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*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Maternity Sweatpants and Joggers Comparison Chart

Overall best maternity sweatpantsBest-fitting maternity joggers for tall momsBest maternity joggers for low-impact workoutsBest maternity sweatpants for cold weatherBest maternity joggers for lounging
Overall Best
Aerie OFFLINE By Aerie Cloud Fleece Trouser
Alo Accolade Sweatpant
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger
Angel Maternity Alanna Comfort Wide Leg Maternity Sweatpants
Kindred Bravely Everyday Lounge Jogger
Price$$$$$$$$$$
Size rangeXXS to XXLXXS to 2XLXS to XLXS to 2XLXS to 4X
Inseam length(s)29.5-30"; 32.5-33"; 34.5-35"31”27”N/S27” or 30”
Bump panel
Pockets
Colors1517519
Material67% cotton/31% recycled polyester/2% spandex65% cotton/35% polyester87% polyester/13% spandex64% polyester/29% modal/7% spandex95% viscose/5% spandex
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

Maternity Sweatpants vs. Maternity Joggers

Believe it or not, maternity sweatpants and maternity joggers look and feel very different.

Maternity sweatpants

Maternity sweatpants are usually wide-leg with a thicker fabric and a looser fit. Moms-to-be who prefer sweatpants often love them for being warmer and thicker for cold weather, and for being baggier. Plus, the wide-leg offers a roomier fit if you’ve been gaining weight more in your hips and thighs than in your belly area.

Maternity joggers

Maternity joggers are typically slimmer, with a tapered ankle and lighter fabric. These are the comfy pregnancy pants of choice if you tend to wear athleisure for everyday outfits, want lightweight pants and/or want to work out in them.

How to choose between maternity sweatpants and joggers?

Though wide-leg sweatpants are trendier right now, most maternity sweatpants on the market are, in fact, joggers. This may be because most pregnant women can still wear their normal sweatpants (usually lower-waisted and wider-legged than joggers) throughout pregnancy, while joggers fit much more closely and require a more maternity-specific style. So how to choose?

A key deciding factor for moms-to-be is the waist height (high, mid or low); some hate over-the-belly panels, some love the extra support. That said, some options have a foldover waist you can roll up or down throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

It all comes down to aesthetic preference, the season you’re in, your pregnancy and bump size and even how much you need your athleisure to actually perform for gentle athletics. A good place to start is our carefully curated, thoughtfully tested shortlist—or our trusty troubleshooting guide below.

What to Look for in Maternity Sweatpants

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:

  • 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 sit 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.
  • 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 can be dressed up or down more easily, while the latter may be better for light workouts and day-to-day errands.
  • Inseam length. Moreover, check the inseam length to make sure it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Naturally, if you’re petite, you’ll want a shorter length—but if you’re average height and love a cropped style, a short inseam is also key. Alternatively, expectant moms who like an oversized fit or who are tall should go with an inseam of 30 inches or more. 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—like our overall best winners. In particular, wide-leg, low-rise styles or options with stretchy foldover waistbands tend to be bump-friendly.
  • Heavy vs. lightweight fabric. For chilly months and lazy weekends on the couch, look for heavier, cozier fabrics like brushed fleece, cotton-poly fleece or thick French terry. These can help trap warmth and feel plush against the skin. If you run warm (or you’re expecting a summer baby), opt for lightweight joggers made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like modal, Tencel, bamboo viscose or a thin cotton jersey. Whichever weight you choose, a bit of spandex or elastane in the blend will help your pants stretch with your bump and hold their shape.

Should I Size Up or Down In Maternity Sweatpants and Joggers?

Considering so many of the sweatpants and joggers that work well for pregnant people aren’t “maternity” specific, it can be hard to know if you should size up or down when choosing a pair of pants that would fit. There are a few points you should consider when purchasing a pair of maternity sweatpants and joggers:

  • If it has stretchy material, choose your pre-pregnancy size. Based on my own experience, I wish I had chosen my pre-pregnancy size for a few of the sweatpants and joggers that I tested, as some of them were too big and too baggy on me. Even if you are choosing non-maternity options, I would recommend choosing your regular size.
  • Inseams are important. We had a tall mom-to-be and a short mom-to-be testing these sweatpants and joggers, and the length of the inseam was very important to both of us. In some cases, the variety of inseams can be even more crucial than whether the pants were designed for a pregnant body or not.
  • Your bump size matters. If you’re carrying multiple babies in your belly, it might be a good idea to size up, since your bump might be a bit bigger than maternity sweatpants and joggers made for singletons. However, if you have a bump that’s on the smaller size, I still think that you should choose your pre-pregnancy size when purchasing maternity sweatpants or joggers.

About the writer

Daley Quinn is a longtime beauty, health and lifestyle journalist and content strategist who has been published in over 50 media outlets throughout her career. Daley is a first-time mom-to-be and spent hours lounging around, running errands, and nesting while testing many sweatpants and joggers for this piece. Daley also runs a blog called The Daley Dose, as well as a Substack newsletter called Buzzkill.

Sources

Surveys

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.

Product testers featured in this article

Krysten W., 37 weeks pregnant; Daley Q., 31 weeks pregnant

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