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Your body changes a lot throughout pregnancy, and your wardrobe needs to be a safe space for you to find comfort. You've already shopped new underwear and workout clothes in search of staple pieces you can toss on and feel instantly pulled together in. Also on the list are maternity leggings, which can be a bit more tricky to find. Leggings, after all, are your go-to comfort pants for lounging around or running errands. We've polled our Women's Health editors and pored over online reviews to come up with a list of the best bump-friendly leggings on the internet.
Best maternity leggings
We found leggings you can wear during the early months of pregnancy as well as jumpsuits that make getting dressed the easiest part of your day. There are options on this list for every budget and trimester, and even pants our editors kept on hand during postpartum. Not surprisingly, classic picks like the Lululemon Aligns, which have stood the test of time as our editors' favorite leggings, made the cut, with almost every editor saying they wore them all nine months. Scroll on to find the best maternity leggings to keep you comfortable during (and after!) pregnancy.
What to consider
There are two key things to keep top of mind as you shop for maternity leggings:
Bump coverage
You'll want to think about whether or not you want the waistband of your leggings to fit over or under your bump, or if you want a pair that does both. A few options on this list are designed in a way where you can fold the waistband in half to sit under your bump without feeling constrictive.
Material
Your body is going through a host of changes and you want your clothes to feel as comfortable as possible. Look for fabrics with lots of stretch, and if you prefer softness, keep an eye out for Lycra and elastane options.
How we selected
The best way to learn about how each pair of maternity leggings held up is by asking the women who wore them. We polled our editors who've been pregnant and came up with a list of their recommendations and why they loved them. Overall, our editors' top picks featured four-way stretch fabric and high waistbands. We also researched top leggings brands that have maternity offerings, as well as leggings that offer lots of stretch, movement, and high waistbands to allow for bump coverage and flexibility.
We read through online reviews and ratings to determine the best leggings our editors hadn't been hands-on with before adding them to our list. The result is a comprehensive list of both our editors', and the internet's, favorite maternity leggings for all stages of pregnancy. Scroll on to find the best maternity leggings to keep you comfortable during (and after!) pregnancy.
Pros
- Four different inseam options
- High waist to cover the belly/bump
- Stretchy but maintain shape
Cons
- Not specific to maternity
A handful of our editors vouched for the Lululemon Align Pants as their favorite leggings throughout pregnancy. The buttery soft fabric, high waistband, and various length options make them a versatile pair to have on hand. Abby Cuffy, Executive Editor, said the popular pair molded to her body and bump throughout all stages of pregnancy.
Amanda Woerner, Executive Digital Director, said they were her go-to pair for coming home from the hospital. "They always felt like they fit!" which made them comfortable throughout all three trimesters. Plus, the leggings are just under $100 and come in a host of color options, so you can snag one or two pairs to keep in your closet.
Fabric | 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane |
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Size range | 0-20 |
Colors | 12 |
Length | 23"-31" |
Best Maternity Leggings With Pockets
Beyond Yoga Love The Bump Maternity Midi Legging
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Buttery soft
- Waistband can sit below or over your bump
- Side pockets for holding essentials
Cons
- Only one inseam length
- Better for second and third trimesters
Another pick from multiple editors, this pair from Beyond Yoga is ultra soft (I love the leggings I own from this fabric line), stretchy, and feels smooth on the skin. There are seven different color options to choose from, and the side pockets are a major plus.
For low-impact workouts, doctor appointments, errand runs, and more, these leggings will be very comfortable to slip into. The waistband can sit over or under your bump depending on your preference. The 25-inch inseam hits just above the ankle, and you can even snag a coordinating maternity tank for a full outfit.
Fabric | 87% polyester, 13% elastane |
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Size range | XS-XL |
Colors | 7 |
Lenght | 25" |
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Most Affordable Maternity Leggings
CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Legging
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Wide range of color options
- Sculpting but comfortable
- Seamless waistband won't roll down
Cons
- Not designed for maternity
While Executive Editor Abby Cuffey was a huge fan of the Align Pant throughout pregnancy, she also loved wearing this pair she found on Amazon. There are a whopping 37 different color options, and the fabric is soft and sculpting without being restrictive.
There's a gusset built in to give you lots of room, and the high-rise waistband will cover your bump through the early and even later stages of pregnancy. Plus, the leggings are under $35, so they're a budget-friendly pair if you're hoping to keep maternity clothes spending to a minimum.
Fabric | 81% polyamide, 19% Lycra |
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Size range | XXS-XL |
Colors | 37 |
Length | 28" |
Best Cropped Maternity Leggings
Spanx Soft & Smooth Active Leggings
Pros
- Great for both workouts and lounging
- Neutral colors are easy to style
- Wide, thick waistband that doesn't roll down
Cons
- No full length option
Our editors are fans of Spanx's maternity offerings. This pair has a thick, wide waistband that stays over a bump but is more comfortable than traditional, larger belly bands most offerings have.
The fabric is smooth and flexible, but hugs and supports your lower body throughout pregnancy. It's a great pair to put on for both workouts and lounging, and the 7/8 length is great for warm, Spring days. Our editors found they didn't pill or lighten in the wash.
Fabric | 69% polyester, 31% Lycra elastane |
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Size range | XS-3X |
Colors | 3 |
Length | 25" |
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Pros
- One piece makes getting dressed easy
- Four-way stretch fabric will stretch as your bump grows
- Easy to style with outerwear and tees
Cons
- Only one color option
- Straps aren't adjustable
Okay, technically *not* a pair of leggings, but this onesie from Bumpsuit makes getting dressed a breeze in the morning. Toss a sweater on to wear overtop or wear it on its own while walking around the neighborhood.
The fabric will gently stretch so it can be worn throughout your pregnancy, making it a good investment piece since it's priced over $100. The jumpsuit only comes in black, but it's a classic neutral tone you can easily work into your wardrobe.
Fabric | 94% polyester, 6% spandex |
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Size range | XS-L |
Colors | 1 |
Length | Full |
Pros
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Waistband won't roll down throughout wear
- Stretches to accommodate growing bumps
Cons
- Only two color options
If you're not skipping those high-intensity workouts or major sweat sessions, these leggings will carry you through. Our editors found the fabric felt thick and luxurious without being constricting. The waistband stayed put over bumps, even during the third trimester.
The leggings come in at $65, making them a reasonably priced pair to snag. The leggings are also designed with Reebok's odor-eliminating technology so you can wear them time and time again, even after breaking a sweat.
Fabric | 80% nylon, 20% elastane |
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Size range | XS-XL |
Colors | 2 |
Length | Full length |
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Pros
- More polished than athletic leggings
- Waistband grows with your bump
- Center-seam free
Cons
- Only select sizes currently in stock
It's nice to have leggings that don't look like activewear, and this faux leather pair from Spanx is easy to dress up for the office, dinners, or date nights. The pair features Spanx's Magic Mama waistband, giving your bump support while maintaining a sleek, polished look.
They're a pricier pair, but our editors got loads of wear from these throughout pregnancy since they were a comfortable option to slip on when wanting to look a bit more put together. You get the feel of leggings with the look of regular pants, which is a win-win if you ask us.
Fabric | Waistband: 89% nylon, 11% elastane Body: 87% nylon, 13% elastane with polyurethane coating |
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Size range | XS-3X |
Colors | 1 |
Length | Full |
Most Versatile Maternity Leggings
Hatch Collection The Ultimate Before, During, & After Legging
Pros
- Waistband can fit over or underneath your bump
- Designed with all stages of pregnancy in mind
- Reviews say the fabric is ultra-soft
Cons
- Reviewers say fabric can feel too thick
Hatch makes clothes designed for pregnant women in mind, so you can trust the leggings to include thoughtful details for soon-to-be moms. The fabric is designed to not rub against your bump, so Hatch says they're C-section friendly.
Reviewers love the soft, lightly compressive fabric of these leggings as well as the fact that they can truly be worn throughout the entire pregnancy process, from the first trimester to postpartum. The waistband can be worn over the bump or underneath it.
Fabric | 80% bamboo, 20% spandex |
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Size range | XS-XL |
Colors | 4 |
Length | 26" |
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Best Maternity Legging Size Range
Girlfriend Collective Seamless Maternity Legging
Now 70% Off
Pros
- Made from recycled fabrics
- Reviewers love the stretchy material
- Wide size range
Cons
- Some reviewers note the fabric pills
Girlfriend Collective created these leggings with a fabric made from recycled fishing nets, and while the fabric is sustainable, it has the same lightweight and sweat-wicking feel of the brand's typical lineup. They're also seamless, and reviewers rave about how stretchy the fabric is.
The brand lists the waistband as being 15.5 inches based on a size S and gives you the fit for sizes up and down from there. Speaking of the size range, we'd be remiss not to mention that you can shop from an XXS through a 6X plus two different inseam lengths.
Fabric | 83% recycled nylon, 17% spandex |
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Size range | XXS-6X |
Colors | 5 |
Length | 23.75" or 28.5" |
Pros
- Two length options
- Budget-friendly
- Waistband can be worn two ways
Cons
- Reviewers say they tend to fall down
Ewedoos is behind some of our favorite Amazon leggings, so it's no surprise their maternity leggings made this list. The pants have handy side pockets, are under $25, and are designed to stretch as your bump grows throughout pregnancy. You can fold the extra-wide waistband down or lift it to cover your bump depending on preference.
The Ewedoos leggings have a gusset to accommodate movement and can be worn through low-impact workouts or just days around the house. Opt for a full-length or capri length (or just snag both for less than $50).
Fabric | 75% nylon, 25% spandex |
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Size range | S-XXL |
Colors | 6 |
Length | 26" |
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Best Maternity Leggings For The First Trimester
Aerie Real Me High Waisted Legging
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Soft, flexible fabric
- High waistband gives ample tummy coverage
- Reviewers love the length
Cons
- Not specific for maternity
If you prefer a less constrictive option, look no further. Aerie's leggings are cozy and great for lounging around in your first trimester. They're an affordable pair you can wear during early pregnancy and postpartum, coming in under $50.
Reviewers are obsessed with how soft these leggings are, and reviewers of different heights say the length of the leggings fit just right.
Fabric | 88% nylon, 12% elastane |
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Size range | XS-XXL |
Colors | 6 |
Length | 23"-27" |
Best Maternity Leggings For Low Impact Activities
Zella Mamasana Live In Ankle Maternity Leggings
Now 42% Off
Pros
- Sweat-wicking fabric to keep you dry and cool
- Reviewers are fans of the fitted legs but stretchy waistband
Cons
- Some reviewers note leggings slide down throughout wear
Zella's maternity leggings have a 15-inch front rise and a 15.5-inch back rise to give you proper coverage while your body changes throughout pregnancy. The fabric of this pair is moisture-wicking so you can wear them while exercising to keep cool and dry.
Reviewers are fans of the mid-range price point and that the leggings are fitted throughout the leg but comfortably stretch around the belly. A few note the leggings slide down throughout movement, but most say they held up during low-impact activities.
Fabric | 88% polyester, 12% spandex |
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Size range | XXS-XXL |
Colors | 1 |
Length | 27" |
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Pros
- Ultra-soft Spacedye fabric
- Good for both pregnancy and postpartum
- Wide range of color options
Cons
- Not designed for maternity
Priced slightly below Beyond Yoga's maternity leggings, this mid-length pair should sit between your midcalf and ankle. Our editors wore them both before, during, and after pregnancy and the waistband never stretched out. If you're not looking to invest in a maternity-specific piece, this is an excellent purchase.
The waistband has a high-rise fit, and the Spacedye fabric is one of our editor's favorites. It's extra soft, which is just what you want as your body changes throughout each trimester.
Fabric | 87% polyester, 13% elastane |
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Size range | XXS-XL |
Colors | 15 |
Length | 24" |
Pros
- Affordable
- Side pockets for your phone and wallet
- U-shaped belly band for added stretch and comfort
Cons
- Some reviewers note pilling after washing
Amazon reviewers tout these leggings as being comfortable and stretchy, as well as providing lots of bump coverage. The flared hem gives them a roomier fit around your ankles and calves, and there are two deep front pockets that are convenient for holding necessities.
A few reviewers noted the pants pilled after a few washes, but the leggings have an overall 4.5 star rating and over 1,200 reviews. The bottoms come in 10 different colors, giving you lots of options to choose from.
Fabric | 80% nylon, 20% spandex |
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Size range | XS-XXL |
Colors | 10 |
Length | 30" |
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Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Soft, stretchy fabric
- Waistband rolls for early pregnancy and postpartum comfort
Cons
- Some reviewers say compressive fabric felt too tight
Reviewers love the soft and compressive fabric of these leggings and are fans of the waistband that's easy to roll down if you don't want full bump coverage. The fabric is stretchy in all the right places and Nike lists it as "squat-proof" a.k.a. not see-through!
The leggings have two side pockets and come in three colorways. The waistband has a crossover detail on the back as well, keeping them comfortable as your belly grows.
Fabric | 63% nylon, 37% spandex |
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Size range | XS-XXL |
Colors | 3 |
Length | 7/8 |
What maternity leggings are best?
The Lululemon Align Pant continues to make the top of our lists of leggings across a host of testing categories. While they're not designed with a maternity fit in mind, all of our editors polled mentioned they wore the leggings throughout pregnancy and were huge fans of how they stretched with their growing bumps and then retained their shape for wear postpartum.
They're a staple pair to add to your activewear drawer, and you'll feel good knowing the $98 leggings can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy. Plus, the buttery soft fabric makes them an option to look forward to putting on in the morning knowing you'll be comfortable all day.
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Shop more of our favorite leggings and maternity clothes
Best Maternity Underwear | Best Pumping Bras | Best Nursing Sports Bras | Best Leggings With Pockets | Best Winter Leggings | Best High-Waisted Leggings | Best Cotton Leggings
Ellen McAlpine
Commerce Editor
Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools.