Best Maternity Leggings 2023

Leggings often quickly become a staple of your maternity clothing wardrobe. After all, the best maternity leggings are soft and supportive. Many pairs flex with your changing body, so you can wear them before and after baby arrives. I spent nearly my entire pregnancy in our pick for the best maternity leggings overall: the Lululemon Align leggings.

The best maternity leggings hug your bump with soft, gentle support.

While I preferred the Aligns, I turned to two experts, an OB and director of maternal fetal medicine in New York, and the founder of a popular maternity and postpartum exercise program, to gain an understanding of what truly makes for the best maternity leggings, as well as the best postpartum pants. "I believe all women should be comfortable in the clothes they wear, and while leggings should offer nothing less than comfort (especially while pregnant), functionality matters as well," says Brooke Cates, founder and CEO of the pre- and postnatal exercise program The Bloom Method. In a decade of working with women in all stages of pregnancy, she's tried a lot of leggings—more than 15 brands, she says.

Of course, I also tapped into my own testing experience with many of these pants and collected firsthand recommendations from additional moms to put together this list of the best maternity leggings. Read on for more details to find your perfect pair, including to see which postpartum picks Dr. Kecia Gaither, a practicing ob-gyn and the director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health+ Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, selected.

Lululemon

It's a mystery how these seamless leggings can be so soft, unbelievably stretchy and lightweight and yet matte and opaque at the same time. But they are. They’re never see-through, and they’re always comfortable. The nylon and Lycra blend feels gentle on sensitive skin and, in my experience, don't stretch out no matter how many times you wear them. Cates agrees and calls them "the clear winner for all stages of motherhood" thanks to the light compression. Some reviewers find that Aligns pill after wearing, but this hasn't happened for me. I do tend to air-dry them, but not every time. A note on sizing: Aligns are very elastic. You may want to size up for the comfiest fit. (If a different size than your usual is on sale, you can probably go up or down a few sizes too.) If you’re planning to work out, Cates recommends the high-waisted style of Aligns with pockets. Another reason I love this pair is that they’re available in six inseams, so they’re equally great for tall, short or average height ladies: 17, 21, 23, 25, 28 or 31 inches.

What the reviews say: Lululemon fans tend to be effusive in their praise on the fit of these: "Love love my leggings! The fit and comfort is great, no rolling in the waistband, perfect length, great fit throughout the hips and thighs."

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Amazon

These are "the most like the Aligns for those looking for a cheaper option," says Cates. For this price, you can scoop up four or more pairs for the price of one. Like the Lulus, they’re made of a nylon-spandex blend (although with slightly more spandex), and these leggings have a similar seamless waistband that ensures you won't ever get that digging in feeling. A rainbow of colors and prints and various lengths are available from HeyNuts. There's also a pair with drop-in side pockets that would come in handy for any mom. Says one happy Amazon shopper: "Such an amazing dupe for Aligns and in my opinion even better."

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the soft feel of these leggings—and the affordable price. "They aren't sheer or see-through and they are buttery soft! Perfect combination," wrote one. "They also don't slide down throughout the day. I wore them to work and they don't slip and slide around all day, like some leggings do. I haven't exercised in them yet but I think they will be perfect for that."

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Hatch Collection

The revamped Hatch maternity leggings have a just-right combination of comfort and thickness that lets you wear them out and about, to work or even for a light workout thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric blend (80% bamboo, 20% Spandex ). They’re also Oeko-Tex certified. There's a bit of light compression in these leggings, and reviewers rave about never having to tug them back up. You do have the option to pull them over your bump or fold them under.

What the reviews say: The comfortable leggings work just as well running errands as they do for that in-office meeting, according to reviewers. "Soft and professional looking enough for work," says one reviewer. "Great fit. Great material. It's not see-through; I wear this to work all the time. In fact, I need another pair," says another.

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Beyond Yoga

"Making sure that the compression is comfortable and not too restricting is important," says Cates. This Beyond Yoga pair made of its performance fabric blend (polyester and elastane) that's moisture wicking, quick dry and includes built-in UV protection, has just the right amount of support for a pregnancy workout or round of errands. Wear them over or under your bump—the waistband stretches to fit however you like. We love that they come in lots of colors (including bright seasonal options) and can be machine washed and dried, too.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love how comfortable these leggings feel on. "I am going to live in them. Can't wait to order another set," declared one. "These leggings are totally worth it. I've wanted to buy Spacedye for a while but hesitated due to the price. These are a pregnant woman's dream. So soft, so comfy," added another.

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Maisonette

Cates recommends these ultra-high-rise leggings to people who want a bit more compression than Lululemon Aligns offer. The nylon-and-spandex material is smooth, moisture-wicking for workouts and knitted to hold you snug. Its generous stretch keeps you comfortable and not itchy. The waistband can be folded under your bump or over, depending on your preference. We also like that they’re made in Los Angeles and come in over a dozen different colors, including washed vintage gemstone-inspired tones and this chic burgundy in addition to black. They’re ideal for when you want to branch out from basic leggings.

What the reviews say: While none of the boutique sites that carry the brand post reviews, Cates vouches for this pair. They’re also stocked by the high-end gym Equinox, which gives us some additional confidence in their quality.

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Nike.com

These polyester-spandex leggings have what Nike calls Dri-Fit technology to keep you cool, a perk for sweaty pregnant life. Unlike other "cooling" fabrics, which I have found can actually be less breathable than natural fibers, these do keep you dry and help you feel less sweaty in the first place. You can pull the waistband up over your belly when you want extra support or fold it down under it when you want to feel a bit freer.

What the reviews say: Reviewers do seem to like these "squat-proof" maternity leggings for workouts in particular. "Very breathable and super comfortable," wrote one reviewer who says she exercises multiple times a week. "They fit good at 15 weeks when I bought them and even better now at 30 weeks. I don't feel hot and sweaty in them like I do with the leggings from Amazon. No problems with roll down and comfy over my belly." Some reviewers would like Nike to add pockets.

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Amazon

The Blanqi maternity leggings offer extra support in two key spots for pregnant people: the low back and the belly. They’re also opaque, seamless and uniquely stylish. Cates loved wearing these for running errands, and reviewers appreciate the comfortable, belly-gripping fit. Nylon makes up 95% of these tights with a 5% dose of spandex. They remain breathable and moisture-wicking. Size up as they run small by the brand's own admission, and they do run long, according to reviewers, making them ideal for tall women.

What the reviews say: In general, reviewers love these thicker supportive leggings, especially for taller moms. However, a number of reviewers have found the fabric prone to snags and stitching issues. One explained: "... I really enjoy these leggings. They are crazy soft and comfortable, with just the right amount of support and compression. Amazingly, no matter how active I am, the belly panel always stays up, flush with my bra line!... There is however a large negative I must mention... they snag if you look at them wrong!"

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Motherhood Maternity

Not all of us like high-rise leggings, nor fabric stretched over our bumps. That's where under-the-belly maternity leggings and pants can help. This popular two-pack of affordable leggings sold by Motherhood Maternity at several retailers aren't perfect, but they do the job well enough for a number of mothers. Because they’re mostly cotton, they’re comfortable and breathable but more prone to slipping down and not really compression focused. They’re also a bit thin, according to some, but many others were happy to finally have found a solid pair of under-the-belly pants and note that they’re comfortable and easy to dress up or down. They do have a 27 1/2 inch inseam, so they may appear cropped on taller moms.

What the reviews say: "The fabric is soft and comfortable," raved one happy customer. "I purchased my pre-pregnancy size, and the waist is large but the ankles and lower legs are tight. With that in mind, I think these are good for the price, and they should fit better in the waist later on in my pregnancy."

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Vuori Clothing

These high-rise, lightly compressive leggings from Vuori also topped Cates’ list for top maternity leggings. The company's athleisure clothes are wrinkle-free, super polished and high-quality, creating a legion of fans—and these leggings are no exception. They’re moisture-wicking, making them perfect for workouts, and the pockets are a plus for busy parents wearing them on the go. The brand describes this pair as having an "airbrushed" finish to the polyester-and-elastane blended fabric. In everyday terms, this makes them really soft, less likely to slip down and smoothing for your body. They may run a tend small, so size up for a better fit, especially during pregnancy.

What the reviews say: The sleek look and light compression in these leggings have won over many active women. "These are currently my FAVORITE leggings!! The material is buttery soft and the fit is outstanding!"

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Belly Bandit

Here's one you probably haven't heard before: Muffinology. That's what Belly Bandit calls the compression waistband, booty and thighs of these leggings, which are designed to gently support you after you give birth and, frankly, everything seems a bit wobbly. During this delicate time, you need comfortable bottoms made of cool, moisture-wicking fabric that give you targeted compression, particularly across the abdomen, says Dr. Gaither. Leggings with these features can help your abdominal muscles heal and reduce with any lingering swelling in your lower body, she adds. This pair isn't as intense as the scary velcro undergarments you can get through your insurance; they look like regular leggings, just with an ultra-high waistband from a mom-founded brand. They’re just what you need for a boost getting around when you’re in the post-hospital blur.

What the reviews say: Moms love how these leggings hold them in and stay up. "Was shocked after walking around all day and I wasn't tugging at the top to pull them back up. They actually stay up! Definitely have good tummy compression, so be prepared to do some wiggling to get them on and off. But once they are on, they are comfortable and not constricting."

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Bao Bei Body

Cates recommends these Bao Bei Body maternity leggings for women who’ve had a C-section, and Dr. Gaither also reviewed their specs and approved of the supportive compression. These postpartum leggings are designed to speed up healing with an extra-high waist and panels that provide moderate to medium support for your core, lower back, pelvis and legs. Just, of course, always check with your doctor before wearing any compression item to be sure it's OK for you. I’d also recommend following the brand's instructions to "size up" for the most comfortable fit, especially if you’re only a few days or weeks postpartum. It notes that very few women need an extra-small.

What the reviews say: Postpartum moms find these leggings offer the extra support they need in those first few months after baby. "I bought these leggings 4 months postpartum and wish I had bought them before! The leggings provide great support to my pelvic floor and back as I recover from a natural delivery with really bad tearing. They provide a gentle compression and make me feel comfortable and confident with my PP body."

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Wear PACT

Pact's affordable, soft organic clothing has legions of fans, especially for its basics. It also offers a whole range of soft, colorful and affordable maternity pieces. Its organic cotton leggings contain elastane and have a little subtle ruching at the waist for a stretchy, accommodating fit. They’re opaque and run true to size. We appreciate that they’re made of GOTS Certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade factory in India and that they won't shrink when you throw them in the dryer.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise the fit and comfort of this pair. "These are probably the most comfortable maternity leggings I have found yet," wrote one. "They are decently thick and I can tell they are built to last. I definitely recommend these!" "These have soft, casual fabric with decent thickness that would be good for spring/fall outdoor wear or just lounging," adds another.

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As I mentioned, I spoke with multiple experts to both review and approve these legging selections but also to help point me toward their favorite pairs or top attributes to look for in these, including fit, comfort and support. I also relied on my own firsthand testing experience of several pairs on this list, particularly the Aligns, my knowledge of the category as a parenting shopping and reviews writer, and I spoke with other parents to gain their perspective as well. I also read through dozens of customer reviews and other maternity legging rankings and articles. This article is reviewed and updated regularly, most recently in January 2023.

I found the Lululemons to be the best maternity leggings. They’re comfortable and supportive—but not constricting. You don't necessarily need a lot of compression. "I find lightweight, breathable, light compression leggings to be the most comfortable and resilient," says Cates. "I like to call them transitional leggings, meaning that women can feel great in them before, during, and after pregnancy." Cates’ top pick? Lululemon Aligns. "Hands down." You might have another pick based on your body and baby, so we’ve included some additional top options here, too.

Yes, definitely. In fact, that's what Cates recommends for most people. Her top pick, Lululemon Aligns, aren't maternity leggings. In fact, she says, "I have yet to find a maternity legging that provides light to medium support, offers shape retention for that long-term wear experience and has that ‘I could live in these leggings for nine months’ comfort level. While there are some good maternity style leggings out there, I just haven't seen one that hits all the marks." Regular leggings can do everything most women need.

Your first step is to check the company's size guide. For some pairs, you’ll want to order your pre-pregnancy size; for others, you’ll want to go by your current measurements, and of course, it all depends what trimester you currently reside in. In most cases, from personal experience, I’d say it's not a bad idea to order up. Leggings are unlikely to be too big, and they’ll only be more comfortable for you.