My biggest mistake with my first pregnancy is that I did not invest in some good, comfortable, and yet stylish black maternity leggings.
By my second pregnancy, however, I learned my lesson and was determined to find the right fit. You realize quickly how fast your body can change, so having some leggings ready to go will give you a little boost of confidence—and you can dress them up or down, depending on your mood. There’s no law that says you can’t do leggings every day. I sure did.
I always found that when going through pregnancy, it makes sense to dress in what makes you comfortable. You know how uncomfortable you are about to get, so why make it worse by not choosing the best maternity wear? Just because you choose comfort doesn’t mean you can’t look put-together.
I’ll give you my picks for the best maternity leggings, so you too can experience some comfort while you adjust to the future demands of motherhood.
- Best Overall Leggings: Lululemon
- Best Compression Leggings: Blanqi
- Best Budget Pick: Motherhood Maternity
- Best Stay-Cool Leggings: Pea in a Bod Brrr Leggings
- Best Cotton Pick: H & M MAMA Leggings
- Best Maternity Biker Short: Luxe Bike Shorts
- Best Shorts for Support: H&M Mama
- Best Maternity Leggings with Pockets: Beyond the Bump Shaper Midi Length Pocket Maternity Leggings
- Best Size-Inclusive Legging: High-Waisted PowerPress Built-In Sculpt Leggings for Women
- FAQs
Best Overall Leggings
Lululemon: Wunder Under High-Rise Tight
The Lulemon Wunder Under High-Rise tight is a popular choice for a pregnancy legging because it's so high-quality and you can wear through pregnancy and even after. This isn't a true maternity leggings, so you may find that the belly band can be individual for different-sized bodies. For instance, it's a normal band, so it may not fit you in the later trimester or if you have a larger-sized bump. But, many moms rave about these leggings and you will be able to use them during postpartum too, so they're definitely worth considering investing in.
Best Compression Leggings
BLANQI Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings
Think the words “compression” and “maternity leggings” don’t go together? Think again, because these BLANQI compression maternity leggings are all the rage. And the BLANQI leggings are really the original maternity compression legging—they offer just the right amount of support to “hold” up your belly and relieve some of the pressure as your uterus expands. The company recommends that you use compression leggings in your second and third trimesters, and during postpartum as well.
Best Budget Pick
Motherhood Maternity Women's Essential Stretch Full Length Secret Fit Belly Leggings
These basic full-panel leggings are pretty much a maternity wardrobe staple because they're inexpensive, super comfortable, and can be paired with anything. They do have a bit of a longer inseam at 29 inches, but for the price, they can't be beat. Plus, the full belly panel can be pulled over your belly or be folded under the panel. They're a jersey knit material, so they're super soft and breathable enough to keep you comfortable.
Best Stay-Cool Leggings
A Pea in the Bod Brrrr Triple Cooling Maternity Leggings
Pregnancy is notorious for causing some sweaty discomfort, so if you're looking for a pair of leggings to keep you both cool + comfy, this is the pair for you. These special cooling leggings have built-in cooling minerals into the full belly panel that will wick away moisture and dry sweat rapidly. These leggings are only in standard black and comes in 4 sizes: XS-XL.
Best Cotton Pick
H&M MAMA Leggings
These half-cotton, half-viscose black leggings can be pulled all the way over your belly or folded under, based on your preference. We love that they cotton, so they're super soft on your growing bump (the itchy skin is real!). They're affordable and comes in sizes XS-XXL, as well as in petite, so you can find a size for any body. Reviews say they tend to run on the small size, so you may want to consider sizing up, especially in your second or third trimesters.
Best Maternity Biker Short
Luxe Bike Shorts
Biker shorts might just be the best part of the 90s coming back and pregnancy is the perfect time to try this trend on. You get the benefits of the comfort of leggings and the stretch that lets you accommodate your changing body, all with a shorter length to keep you cool. Genius. This Luxe pair from Pea in the Pod has extra coverage and a full belly panel that also transitions perfectly into postpartum. This pair comes only in black and in sizes XS-XL.
Best Shorts for Support
H&M MAMA Tummy Support Shorts
These are the perfect support shorts to wear under maternity dresses or any pregnancy outfit that requires just a little more support. They're also perfect for the postpartum period when you need a little more support in the abdominal area. It is lined with reinforcements at the base of the stomach and on the front to support your growing stomach. It also comes in black or nude, so it can blend in with different outfits. They're said to run true to size.
Best Maternity Leggings with Pockets
Beyond the Bump Shaper Midi Length Pocket Maternity Leggings
The best part of wearing pants? The pockets, obviously. And this pair of mid-length leggings highlights spacious pockets as well as a convenient mid-ankle length that's comfy for (ahem) extra-temp sensitive pregnant women. This pair of leggings from a Pea in the Pod is ideal for both pregnancy and postpartum, with a "beyond-the-bump" panel than can double as support during pregnancy and for tummy control postpartum. Plus, we love that they're USA-made and machine-washable.
Starting a family can be expensive and the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on leggings that won’t last. If you’re going to shell out your hard-earned cash on a pair of Lulus, you want to make sure they’re worth it.
Whether you’re looking for workout leggings or maternity pants for work, the brands I’ve explored above have everything you need. Try them for yourself but be warned:
They are super soft.
You may find yourself enveloped in a comfort so luxurious, you’ll want to wear them forever.
Best Size-Inclusive Legging
High-Waisted PowerPress Built-In Sculpt Leggings for Women
Formerly known as Elevate, these Old Navy leggings are now officially called PowerPress. And why are they called PowerPress? Well, because these leggings will power you through every day postpartum, whether you're pressing the leg press in the gym or just pressing that baby in the air. You get plenty of features meant to keep you moving + comfortable, from a soft, elastic waistband to high-compression, smooth fabric to moisture-wicking technology. While these aren't postpartum or maternity specific, they are extremely size-inclusive and would work for some during pregnancy and all postpartum.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start wearing maternity leggings?
It’s totally up to you! There is no right or wrong time to throw on a pair of maternity leggings, so if they are comfortable for you, you should wear them. They’re great for the early months, when you’re in-between sizes and for the postpartum stage as well. But really, in our opinion, anytime is a good time for matnernity leggings.
Does Lululemon carry maternity?
While Lululemon does not carry a pregnancy-specific line, many pregnant people choose their Align leggings because of their lightweight feel and high-rise waist that’s perfect for an expanding waistline.
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