Who doesn’t love a cozy pair of leggings? Unfortunately, finding that perfect pair gets significantly more challenging when you’re pregnant. Your regular everyday leggings likely won’t do the trick as your bump grows.
On our quest to find the best maternity leggings, we encountered plenty of duds. We found leggings with scratchy fabric, pairs that pilled instantly in the wash, and options that were either suffocatingly tight or offered zero support. We kept searching until we found the real winners.
We specifically looked for leggings that are soft, opaque (no see-through moments here), and stay in place without constantly sliding down. We also prioritized bonus features like supportive belly panels, pockets, fleece lining, and posture support. Whether you need seamless leggings for lounging, cropped pairs for yoga, or dressy options for the office, we found something for every trimester.
Check out our top picks to keep you comfortable throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
- Pull on closure
- Motherhood's exclusive secret fit belly
- Soft and cozy
- Comfortable and fashionable
- Keeps you cool all day
- Built-in belly support panel
- Supports belly without excess pressure
- Non see-through fabric
- Machine Washable
- Large side pockets
- Ultra soft stretchable fabric
- Figure flattering
- Soft moisture-wicking material
- Crossover panel
- Lightweight and breathable
- Great posture & back support
- Moisture wicking
- Made in the U.S.
- Pull on closure
- Super soft and cozy
- Full length seamless legging
- Great posture & back support
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Comfortable and compressing
Key Features to Look For
Before you fill your cart, keep these critical factors in mind to ensure you get the best fit and feel:
- Fabric: Nearly all leggings feature synthetic blends because they need to stretch. Cotton is breathable and soft, but it can become sheer if stretched too thin. Nylon-lycra blends provide excellent coverage and hold, though they often have a slight sheen. Pick the material that matches your coverage needs and style preference.
- Thickness: Opacity matters. Thicker fabrics provide better coverage and warmth, while some options even come fleece-lined for winter. However, if you run hot (which is common during pregnancy), you might prefer a lightweight, breathable material over thick tights.
- Length: You generally have two choices: full-length or capri-length. Full-length is great for cooler weather or if you feel self-conscious about varicose veins. Capris are excellent for workouts or summer months.
- Washing Instructions: always check the label. Many brands recommend hand-washing or hang-drying to preserve elasticity. If you are short on time, ensure you choose a pair that can survive the washing machine.
- Belly Panel Style: This is a major preference factor. Some leggings feature a full panel that goes over the bump for maximum support. Others sit below the belly. You can also find crossover panels that allow you to roll the waistband up or down depending on how you feel that day.
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite maternity leggings to keep you supported and stylish.
Hue Women's Cotton Ultra Maternity Leggings
Full and Flawless
Hue designed these leggings to alleviate pressure points on your growing belly. They feature a wide, non-binding waistband and opaque fabric that you can trust. Beyond comfort, they act as gentle shapewear; they smooth out your silhouette without feeling restrictive. It is a great staple for everyday wear.
Our Ratings
Motherhood French Terry Maternity Leggings
Comfort in Disguise
Thanks to thick French terry material and clever pocket details, these pass for real pants while feeling like pajamas. They are substantial enough for professional settings, meaning nobody in the office will realize you are essentially wearing loungewear. It is the perfect cheat code for working moms.
Our Ratings
Preggers Footless Compression Maternity Leggings
Clever 2-in-1 Option
If you are on your feet all day or chasing toddlers, swelling and muscle fatigue are real issues. While compression stockings help improve circulation, they aren’t always the most stylish. These leggings solve that problem by building medical-grade gradient compression right into the pant. They help prevent varicose veins and keep your legs feeling fresh without the need for extra undergarments.
Our Ratings
Foucome Capri Maternity Leggings
High-Quality Must Have
Instead of a simple strip of elastic, these leggings utilize a 3D cutting belly panel for a contoured fit. The design culminates in a V-shaped back which provides optimal support without bunching up extra fabric. This specific construction helps reduce lower back pressure, which is a lifesaver in the third trimester.
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Foucome Maternity Bootcut Dress Pants
Goes with Everything
These are marketed as pants because they are thick and deceptive, but they offer the distinct stretch of leggings. The bootcut silhouette is flattering and balances out a bump nicely. With a polyester, nylon, and spandex construction, they keep you warm and comfortable without sacrificing style.
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Ingrid & Isabel Workout Capri
Sporty and Stylish
Active moms need gear that stays put. These workout pants feature a specialized belly panel to lock everything in place while providing support. A V-cut in the back minimizes fabric on your torso to prevent overheating during exercise. The synthetic fabric is squat-proof and durable, keeping you looking fit while you break a sweat.
Our Ratings
Essentials for Mothers Maternity Stretch Leggings
Stretchy but Supportive
These moisture-wicking leggings prioritize back and posture support, which becomes increasingly important as your center of gravity shifts. They are available in versatile black and brown options. If you grab a pair of each, you will have a solid foundation for almost every top in your closet.
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Motherhood Fleece Maternity Leggings
Lovely for Layering
Seamless and fleece-lined, these are the ultimate winter essential. You can wear the panel mid-belly or under the belly depending on your preference. They are thick enough to ensure total opacity, so you can bend over without worrying about your backside showing through.
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Essentials for Mothers Navy Maternity Leggings
In the Navy
The synthetic construction of these navy leggings prevents them from going sheer when stretched. They are designed to grow with you through every trimester and are comfortable enough to wear during the postpartum transition while you are waiting to fit back into your pre-baby jeans.
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Cloya Active Maternity Capri Leggings
Next Level Flex
The four-way stretch fabric on these capris prevents pulling or uncomfortable friction as your body expands. The stitching is specifically designed to minimize chafing, while the nylon/spandex blend makes them a breathable, durable choice for your prenatal fitness classes.
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Motherhood Maternity Crop Leggings
Lightweight Wardrobe Staple
Cotton construction makes these pants highly breathable, while the secret-fit crossover panel expands seamlessly through several phases of pregnancy. The cropped length helps you stay cool, and the streamlined silhouette works perfectly for effortless summer style.
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Three Seasons Maternity Capri Leggings
Designed to FIT
These cotton leggings feature a versatile waistband that rolls up or down based on your comfort level. This flexibility means you can wear them well into the postpartum period without the belly panel feeling loose or awkward. It is an economical choice for moms who want maximum mileage out of their maternity wardrobe.
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Motherhood Maternity Plus-Size Maternity Leggings
Adjusts to Your Body
The jersey knit makes these incredibly soft against the skin, and the secret-fit belly panel is engineered to stretch without digging in. Designed specifically for plus-sized pregnant women, they expand in all the right places and remain comfortable long after delivery.
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Beyond Yoga Maternity Capri Leggings
For the Yoga Mamas
Beyond Yoga is known for their buttery-soft fabric, and these maternity leggings are no exception. The high-quality construction ensures they stay opaque during downward dog, while the waistband offers posture support without sliding down. They are stretchy enough to wear home from the hospital, too.
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Loving Moments Maternity Leggings
Solid Performance
These leggings give you the best of both worlds by combining the comfort of spandex with the durability of nylon. The fabric resists bunching and sagging, and the roll-proof waistband is designed to stay right where it belongs so you aren’t constantly adjusting your pants in public.
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Maternity Leggings FAQs
Are Maternity Leggings Worth It?
In our opinion, maternity leggings are absolutely worth the hype. They are comfortable, supportive, and versatile enough to wear almost anywhere. While maternity dresses are lovely, when the weather turns cold or you just want to lounge, you will want a reliable pair of pregnancy-friendly pants.
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Leggings?
You will likely need to switch to maternity clothes between the third and fifth month of pregnancy. It is smart to invest in a few pairs toward the end of your first trimester so you have them ready. There is no rule saying you have to wait until you are showing; if your regular pants feel tight, make the switch.
Can I Wear High-Waisted Leggings While Pregnant?
Yes, you can wear high-waisted leggings while pregnant. In fact, many moms-to-be prefer them because they offer extra coverage and support for the bump. However, we recommend trying both high-waisted (over-the-bump) and low-waisted (under-the-bump) styles to see which one feels better on your stomach.
Can Tight Leggings Hurt Baby?
Wearing tight leggings cannot hurt your baby, but they can certainly hurt you. Excessively tight waistbands can restrict your digestion and cause discomfort. If you are squeezing into pre-pregnancy pants for the sake of fashion, you might want to switch to maternity leggings for your own sanity.
Why Are Compression Leggings Good for Pregnancy?
Compression leggings offer significant benefits during pregnancy. Many women experience leg swelling (edema), and compression helps reduce fluid buildup. The added support can also alleviate lower back pain and provide a “lifted” feeling for your belly, which takes the pressure off your hips and pelvis.
Should I Size Up Maternity Leggings?
Generally, you should stick to your pre-pregnancy size, as maternity brands account for the bump in their sizing. However, if you are carrying twins or gaining weight in your hips and thighs, you may want to size up for comfort. If the leggings dig in or feel restrictive, grab the next size up.
What Is the Difference Between Over-the-Bump and Under-the-Bump Leggings?
Over-the-bump leggings feature a high panel that covers your entire belly, offering maximum support and a smooth silhouette under shirts. Under-the-bump styles sit low on the hips like regular bikini underwear. Over-the-bump is usually preferred in the third trimester for support, while under-the-bump is great for early pregnancy or women who find pressure on their stomach irritating.
Strut Your Stuff, Mama
Pregnancy is a marathon, not a sprint, and you deserve to be comfortable every step of the way. Whether you need high-compression gear for swelling or buttery-soft cotton for napping, the right pair of leggings can make the third trimester much more bearable. Listen to your body, choose the fabric that feels best on your skin, and enjoy the stretch!
