The 8 best maternity leggings to keep you comfy through every trimester in 2025 (2025)

Photo credit:

Amazon

They've been maternity classics for years, and there's a reason why: The material is substantial, soft, and opaque, while the leggings themselves fit and move well.

A basic “pant” that you'll find yourself reaching for almost every day, moms-to-be love that the full-panel waistband stays up even when your belly expands to full size. "They're comfortable and I never have to pull them up (and I basically don't have a butt or hips so I'm usually tugging on pants/leggings all day),” says one BabyCenter Community mom-to-be. Another echoes the thought, saying, "the panel is generously sized and fits over my belly without creeping down."

The Secret Fit leggings' fabric is also popular with BabyCenter moms: Cotton knit with spandex in the legs for cool comfort and nylon/spandex for the belly panel, which stretches without sagging (which can be a problem with cotton knit). The knit fabric makes these leggings more versatile, too. Unlike sportier styles, you won't feel weird wearing these to the office or pulling them on to do errands.

A final point: These pants are available in sizes from extra-small to 3XL to fit many different bodies.

Heads up
We wish these came in more colors than just black, gray, and navy.

Moms-to-be say
"I've pretty much only worn those since I got them and like them so much that last week I ordered 2 more pairs."

"I am expecting that I'll wear these long after having the baby... you can just fold down the panel and it's like yoga pants."

"Hard to find plus size maternity clothes. My favorites have been Motherhood Maternity plus size essential leggings, they actually fit, aren’t see through and reasonably priced. About $20-$22 on Amazon or on sale."

"I got these off of Amazon and instantly ordered four more pairs of them! I'm obsessed!"

"I’m personally a fan of these ones. I ordered compression ones from Amazon, but found them surprisingly unflattering with no easy way to prevent panty lines (unless you’re comfortable going commando!)"

Specs

• Size range: XS-3XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 25-58 inches
• Material: Cotton, nylon, spandex
• Color options: 3
  

Photo credit:

Blanqi

File these under investment maternity leggings that are worth the money: The thick, supportive fabric holds your belly like a firm-but-gentle hug, so you feel put together without having to sacrifice comfort. "They support my belly so well and have decreased my lower back pain," says a fan on BabyCenter's Community; "The belly part is comfy and stays up, good support and stretch," says another.

Despite the level of support, Blanqi's leggings are on the thin side. Not see-through, but also not thick enough to keep you warm in cooler weather. "They’re more thin like tights... but not quite tights," says one BabyCenter mom-to-be. But above all, as mom after mom in the BabyCenter community says the leggings are very comfortable. They're seamless, too, so there's nothing to irritate any sensitive areas of your body.

Heads up
These leggings are expensive but BabyCenter readers say Blanqui often has sales to save you money.

Moms-to-be say
"They are kind of in between thick tights and normal leggings so I can see how they can snag if caught on something, but they fit amazingly well. I am 5'5, 145 lbs, 18w 2d and I got a size small."

"They are super soft and stretchy, and not see-through at all. Totally worth the price! … I'm going to get the tank top as well, and order the postpartum leggings later on for after! I'm hooked."

"Totally opaque, compression, bump support, hold their shape."

"Blanqis are great quality!!! They are thick and have a large belly area to grow into."

"So soft, not see-through at all…. I lived in them!"

"Blanqi’s Everyday Maternity support leggings….They will be the only pair you’ll want or need—they are fabulous! Odor resistant and wash and dry really well too. No sagging. I hate sagging!"

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 23-46 inches
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Color options: 6
  

Photo credit:

Amazon

These pants are a cross between leggings and sweats: They taper at the ankle for a bit of structure, but are loose and drapey in the seat and legs. Jeanne Beacom, BabyCenter's Senior Campaign Reporting Manager, is a fan of the pants' soft, lightweight fabric, and praises the waistband: It's high enough to provide belly support during pregnancy and also avoid a C-section incision postpartum.

BabyCenter moms agree, frequently recommending these pants to each other before, during, and after pregnancy: "The waistband adjusts so it lasted me all through my pregnancy, and now I just tighten it as my belly shrinks," says a BabyCenter Community member. The drawstring that holds the waistband in place is thick and high-quality, so it stays in place well without pinching. We also love that Kindred Bravely offers a couple of cute floral patterns, rare for maternity leggings, which are usually designed in solid colors.

Heads up
Sizing is limited.

Moms-to-be say
"I love them. They feel like heaven. I have one pair and I want to get like 10 more."

"Kindred Bravely joggers are freaking AMAZING. I live in them. They are heavenly for maternity and postpartum."

"Kindred Bravely has the MOST comfortable joggers I’ve ever worn in my life."

"They're so comfortable, not thick but not too thin. Perfect for summer."

Specs

• Size range: XS-XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 24-39 inches
• Material: Viscose, spandex
• Color options: 10
  

Photo credit:

Gap

It can be tough to find under-the-belly leggings that don't squeeze, pinch, or simply sag down, but these GapFit leggings get the job done. The waistband has fabric crossing at the front, which opens as your belly grows to fit comfortably underneath. Not to mention, they’re super comfortable. Stephanie Porter, BabyCenter's Creative Director, Pregnancy and Parenting, says she still wears them, long after her last pregnancy. "The ones that are mid- and full-panel were itchy and the top of the waistband was uncomfortable and would often roll down," she says. "These feel like you’re wearing pajamas. Super comfortable."

Stephanie and BabyCenter Community moms also appreciate Gap leggings' "blackout" fabric, known for giving securely opaque coverage. "They have a good weight and aren’t transparent at all," says Stephanie. "Yes to wearing them in public."

Heads up
Sizing is limited.

Moms-to-be say
"My favorites were the Gap blackout leggings. They are nice and thick and hold up well!"

"I have a few pairs of blackout leggings and they definitely are not see-through and so comfy."

"I got these blackout maternity leggings from the gap and they are a really neat material and super comfy."

"My favorites are the blackout brand from Gap. I've had some since my first pregnancy and they're still holding up really well. I use them for spinning at home and they're great, thick, and comfortable. I've tried other active leggings from Gap but I only like the blackout ones."

"My favorite by far are the Gap Maternity Blackout leggings. Super thick, doesn’t pill, doesn’t pick up my dog’s hair, and supports my burgeoning bump."

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 25-36 inches
• Material: Polyester, spandex
• Color options: 4

Photo credit:

Old Navy

Most maternity activewear gapes when you squat, falls down when you run, and doesn't support your changing body. But reasonably priced Old Navy's PowerSoft leggings are hugely popular for moms who work out.

"They stay up without being restrictive or making an indent on my bump,” says one BabyCenter mom-to-be. Part of that may have to do with the fabric, which is thick and has a firm stretch that shapes and supports your body: "They're really comfy and supportive," says a BabyCenter Community member, while a fellow member says they're "silky smooth and pass the squat test."

We like the colors they come in: cinnamon, teal, a floral in yellow and black.

Heads up
These leggings only go to a 2XL but fit pre-pregnancy waists up to 50 inches.

Moms-to-be say
"I’ve had good luck with Old Navy active wear! I LOVE their maternity workout pants….My whole workout wardrobe is Old Navy leggings (and I WFH, so basically my work wardrobe, too)."

"Old Navy maternity leggings are the absolute best. They're thick (not see-through), super stretchy and very comfortable!"

"Old Navy has surprisingly quality supportive athletic wear. I have a leggings pair and a thicker could-be-pants pair and they are amazing."

"I love Old Navy high rise workout leggings, and they're cute enough to count as regular leggings."

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 29-50 inches
• Material: Polyester, spandex
• Color options: 7
  

Photo credit:

Gap

Women who prefer to wear natural fibers may find it frustrating to shop for maternity leggings, which tend to be made from nylon, rayon, and polyester. But these cute and inexpensive leggings are made from a cotton knit that's cozy and soft, as many BabyCenter community members can attest.

"They're cheap and mine are thicker and stretchier and more comfortable than ones I got at Motherhood Maternity and at H&M," says one BabyCenter Community mom. "They're cotton and fit great," says another, who adds that they don't stretch out and fall down like other, lesser leggings.

You can buy these same full-panel leggings singly, in a two-pack, or in a three-pack; the cost of each pair is cheaper the more you buy.

Heads up
Sizing is limited

Moms-to-be say
"I really like the Time and Tru brand maternity leggings at Walmart, online you can get a 2 pack for $15."

"I was looking at Walmart & they have a newish brand called Time and Tru, and their leggings are amazing!"

"If I didn’t need pockets I actually love the cheapie Time and Tru leggings from Walmart. They feel great and stay up but alas no pockets!"

"I buy all my maternity leggings from Walmart - Time & Tru brand, 95% cotton, very stretchy and comfortable and inexpensive. I order them online but they have them in the store too so you could probably go try them on."

Specs

• Size range: S-2XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists 27.5-37.5 inches
• Material: Cotton, spandex
• Color options: 4

Photo credit:

Lululemon

Moms love the Align leggings' fabric, deeming it soft, comfortable, and durable, as well as stretchy without being heavy and hot: "I found all other maternity leggings to be too thick and the Align still had good coverage and stretched out so far," said one BabyCenter mom.

The Aligns' fabric, which Lululemon calls "Nulu," a blend of 81 percent nylon and 19 percent Lycra elastane (a.k.a. spandex). It's super light and stretches four ways: side-to-side and up-and-down, so it doesn't restrict your body or movements, and holds up a long time.

Another draw for these leggings is the high waist, which won’t roll down or confine your belly in your last trimester. Since these are non-maternity leggings, many moms recommend going up a size or two so you can wear them right through their pregnancy and long afterwards.

Heads up
There are many less expensive dupes of these pants that some moms swear by.

Moms-to-be say
"Soooo soft, really comfy, and they look really flattering. I struggled with trying to find maternity leggings, did so much reading through reviews and asking around, and finally went with these after hearing about a lot of pregnant ladies doing this, wearing their Aligns all the way through….I love wearing them."

"I'm 29 weeks now and they are still great on my belly, not tight at all. Just make sure you buy them a bit larger and choose the colors in Nulu fabric (not all colors are as soft)."

"These aren’t super affordable, but I wore them my entire pregnancy AND still wear them…. The fabric stretches back and forth and they last forever. After my pregnancy I bought 3 more because I loved them so much."

"Best investment for me personally because they aren’t cheap. But I don’t wear any of my cheap leggings after getting these, they don’t even compare in the slightest. If leggings are a staple in your wardrobe, they are definitely worth it."

"They do pill over time, but I was impressed that the waistband wasn’t too stretched to continue to wear them after pregnancy."

"So far my Aligns are the only leggings that don't cut into my tummy and give me GI issues/discomfort. Worth it to me! Could always resell or consign them: Lulu's will sell!"

Specs

• Size range: 0-20, fits pre-pregnancy waists 21.5-43 inches
• Material: Nylon, elastane
• Color options: 19

Photo credit:

Walmart

Available up to 3X, these cotton-spandex leggings score points for being both breathable and stretchy. "I'm a size 24/26 before pregnancy," says one BabyCenter mom. "These leggings are perfect: Not see-through and fit great." Fans say that there's plenty of room in the belly without unnecessary fabric in the seat, and that the high waist doesn't cut into your bump or fall down.

The fabric is nice for other reasons too: The cotton is soft like a favorite T-shirt, and gives these leggings a more traditional look so you can wear them to work or even dress them up for social occasions, unlike sportier leggings.

Heads up
Color selection is limited: Black, dark gray, light gray.

Moms-to-be say
"I got some Oh! Mamma leggings from Walmart. Inexpensive and comfortable. They make some in 'dress pants' style, but those run a little smaller than their cotton legging counterparts."

"I like the leggings that are mostly cotton with just a little spandex to stretch. Plus with the full panels I don’t have an uncomfortable waistband."

"My only maternity items and they are very comfy for me."

Specs

• Size range: S-3XL, fits pre-pregnancy waists from 27.5-50 inches
• Material: Cotton, spandex
• Color options: 3
  

Form-fitting but stretchy, leggings are generally a pleasure to wear. But some moms-to-be worry about wearing anything over their bellies, fearing it might cut into the belly and cause restrictions.

"Most leggings are fine as long as they don't constrict circulation," says Kim Langdon, MD, an Ohio-based ob-gyn. She says even leggings that advertise "compression" fabrics are okay; just, steer clear of any leggings that are tight to the point of being uncomfortable.

As for whether you should opt for an over- or under-the-bump style, Dr. Langdon says it's really a matter of preference, though styles that sit over your belly tend to stay up better.

Speaking of styles, you might be wondering whether it's possible to just get a pair of non-maternity leggings to wear before and after the baby is born. The answer is yes. Just keep in mind that leggings not designed for pregnancy might be more prone to sagging postpartum.

What to look for in maternity leggings

Maternity leggings are much like other leggings you've worn, but different in a few important ways.

• Fit: Your belly goes through the biggest growth during pregnancy (though other parts of your body, like your hips and rear end, may also expand somewhat). Maternity leggings have ways to comfortably accommodate that growth: a wide belt-like waistband meant to ride underneath your bump, or a big stretchy panel that sits on top of the pants and can be pulled up nearly to your bra. The fit of the rest of the pant is more or less like your pre-pregnancy leggings.
• Support: Pregnancy can be a perfect storm for back pain, especially as you progress in your pregnancy. Your abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, the hormone relaxin encourages your ligaments to loosen up in preparation for birth, all while your center of gravity is shifting as your uterus expands. If you're experiencing back pain during your pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends wearing supportive clothing like maternity pants with fabric constructed to support your belly.
• Waistline: As mentioned above, there are pants that hit your body above or below your bump. If you like above, look for pants that say they're "high-waisted" or "full-panel," if you like below, product descriptions may refer to a "low rise" or "below the bump."
• Stretch: Some pants offer a firm stretch that's similar to shapewear and will slightly change the look of your body when you wear them. If that's what you want, look for words like "compression," "shape," "smooth" and "support." Other leggings are meant to fit more loosely.
• Fabric: Most maternity pants are knit from man-made or natural fibers (polyester, rayon, cotton), mixed with something stretchy (spandex, lycra). Some fabrics are moisture-wicking, which may be nice at a time when you may be sweatier than usual.
• Seams: Some pregnant women don't want any seams in their pants and find them irritating. Other moms appreciate fabric that's especially constructed to give support or give a visual lift to a certain part of your body, which often requires ingenious seaming.
• Color: Black is classic, but it's also nice if you have some color choice in your leggings wardrobe, so we appreciate brands that offer that choice.

What size maternity leggings should I buy?

Maternity leggings are made to accommodate a changing size, so the classic advice is to simply buy your pre-pregnancy size. However, if you're near the limits of a manufacturer's size, you may want to order up one size to give yourself a bit of weight-gain room. If you're unsure about size, check manufacturer size charts.

How many pairs of maternity leggings should I buy?

Depending on how often you do laundry, one to three should be enough. It's nice to have more than one pair, so one can be in the wash while you wear the other.

Marygrace Taylor contributed to this story.