The Best Maternity Leggings to Wear From Pregnancy to Postpartum

When I asked the moms at Babylist what their favorite maternity leggings were, I heard Beyond Yoga over and over again.

It’s almost impossible to slip on these leggings without letting out an audible sigh of relief—they’re truly that comfortable. These are high-waisted so they can be worn over your bump, or folded down if you prefer an under-the-bump style. Made from Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye fabric (a mix of polyester and elastane), they’re buttery soft, and have just the right amount of stretch and support without feeling restrictive. The moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool, which is especially helpful if you’re wearing the front panel up over your bump. 

They’re designed to hold up in the washer and the dryer, so no special laundry instructions are needed. And since they’re laundry-friendly, you can throw them in your outfit rotation on the regular, and even with frequent spins in the washer, they won’t show the wear and tear (which is a perk because they are pricey but you’ll only need a pair for your pregnancy).

One caveat, though: while they are super comfortable and supremely soft, they are better for lounging and everyday activities versus working out.

A pair of leggings you can throw on any day of the week should be comfortable, supportive and see-through-proof—and this pair by Zella fits the bill. Made of stretchy, opaque material, these leggings have a supportive compression that helps to relieve day-to-day pregnancy aches, and you don’t have to stress about your undies peeking through the material. They are also designed to wick away moisture, which is a plus as you get further into pregnancy and sweating picks up. 

The side of the bump panel has slight ruching to help keep the leggings in place. The material is on the thicker side, which helps prevent the material from being see-through), but the thickness won’t give the leggings that second-skin feel that some people prefer, so keep that in mind.

While you can spend over $100 on a pair of leggings, it definitely isn’t a requirement. These over-the-bump, ruched-side leggings are under twenty bucks, come in tons of colors and are unbelievably soft, according to several parents-to-be. 

Compared to some of the other leggings on our list, the bump panel on this pair is made of thinner material, so these might have a better fit later in your pregnancy when your bump has grown—otherwise, the front panel might be slightly baggy. They’re comfortable enough for lounging in around the house but look sleek enough to wear outside the house, too. These are not designed to offer compression or for hitting your maternity yoga class, though.

No, these are not pregnancy-specific leggings. But according to pretty much everyone we know (including Babylist moms), Lululemon Aligns are the holy grail of maternity leggings. Though these leggings don’t have the traditional over-the-bump panel, the top portion of the leggings is wide enough to still offer the bump support you’d expect from maternity leggings, all without cutting into your skin. Additionally, the material is so stretchy that you can wear them throughout pregnancy and postpartum and they won’t feel overly compressed or stretched out. 

The preferred pair for working out, these leggings have something seriously magic about them. They are soft, seamless and amazingly comfortable. They hold up really well over time, even after lots of washes. (Pro tip: skip the dryer and hang to dry instead.) They come in an array of lengths, colors and patterns and waist heights, as well as with or without pockets.

These leggings are an investment, but since they’re basically invincible and won’t stretch out of shape, the same pair will fit you before, during and after your pregnancy so you’ll get your money’s worth of wear. If you’re wondering about what size you should consider, reviewers recommend either sticking with your current size or going up one.  For another not-maternity-but-loved-by-pregnant-people legging (at a much lower price point), check out the OFFLINE by Aerie OG Legging. They’re affordable, soft and not super high-waisted so you can comfortably wear them under your belly if that’s the fit you prefer. They also come in different lengths.

Staying active during pregnancy, even if it’s just going for a stroll around your neighborhood, can help with your postpartum recovery while also reducing stress. This affordable pair of workout leggings are made of super-soft material and offers gentle compression. The U-shaped seam on the front panel hugs the shape of your bump to help keep your leggings in place without feeling too constricting. The material is on the thinner side, though not see-through, making them great for warmer seasons. They are designed for working out but we’d recommend them for light workout routines like yoga, walks and stretching. 

Available in sizes from XXS through 4X, these ultra-lightweight leggings are breathable, flexible and can be slipped on for running errands, lounging around or getting in a workout. Since they're made from the brand's lightest material, they're a really great choice for warm weather pregnancies especially.

The front panel can be worn over or folded under your bump; both versions are comfortable. The compression is light yet supportive, so you won't feel overly snug but your bump, legs and back will have the pressure-relief you need. The pricing for this brand is based on member status so if you aren't a Fabletics member, expect to pay a bit more.

It’s common to need more compression on your belly after a C-section. While compression leggings can help support you postpartum, we’ve found that many are simply too tight and uncomfortable in the weeks immediately following surgery, especially around your tender incision area. And on the flip side, other leggings may be too loose to be actually supportive. 

Storq’s Signature Leggings are just the right mix of comfort and support. The belly panel hugs your stomach without feeling too restrictive or irritating to your incision. You can wear the panel over your belly or roll it down underneath, depending on what feels more comfortable. And they work just as well during your pregnancy as they do long after it’s over. We find they run pretty true to size and hold up better if you wash them on delicate and avoid the dryer.

As a tall mom who lived in leggings during pregnancy, I know the struggle of finding a pair that stays up over my belly (especially with a longer torso), don’t sag down in the middle and reaches up over my bump (instead of stopping in the middle). This pair by Kindred Bravely has an ultra-high waist that goes all the way up to your underbust. And once you’re in your fourth trimester, you can fold the extra-tall panel down. The material is thick and stretchy, which is another feature that caters to tall people—the inseam’s extra stretch ensures the leggings actually reach your ankles, instead of cutting off at your shin.

Flared leggings are still trending, and this maternity pair is stylish while also supporting your growing bump. The polyamide blend material offers just enough buttery-soft stretch to hug your bump and curves, and the flared bottom pairs well with everything from a T-shirt and sneakers to sandals and an Oxford. Plus, they have pockets, which is always a plus in our book. 

Unlike standard, non-flared leggings where the length is not super critical, when it comes to a flared style, your pants being too long or too short just won’t cut it. If the inseam isn't perfect for you, the length might run too long or too short.