Who would have thought that leggings would be the surprising modern hero of pregnancy style and fashion? Leggings can be the ultimate versatile piece in any wardrobe. For the stylish mama, they’re a maternity capsule staple and critical to fashion-forward pregnancy looks.
With the right styling, pregnancy leggings can effortlessly transition from a casual daytime look to a chic and sophisticated evening ensemble. They provide a balance between comfortable loungewear and professional workwear, as well as activewear and transitional wear. For a sophisticated office look, pair black maternity leggings with a classic white T-shirt, an oversized blazer and heels . Or opt for a chunky knit, wool coat and sneakers for the luxe weekend wardrobe or fit as a base for just about any vibe you’re going for.
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What to look for in maternity leggings
The best maternity leggings are comfortable. I cannot emphasise this enough. You want to make sure you’ve got the right size, right fit and of course a material that doesn’t irritate your skin.
I personally prefer a ‘barely there’ feel when it comes to maternity pants, especially when I’m hot or uncomfortable.
It’s perfectly natural for our thighs and hips to grow during pregnancy so please, embrace your good self and aim for comfort. The leggings themselves will take care of the style factor!
When shopping for the best leggings for pregnancy, it’s important to choose wisely as there are so many options available. Choosing a high-quality stretch jersey pair is a must, but don’t overlook other fabrics such as leather-look, nylon, polyester, spandex, polyamide (Nylon™), and cotton as well as those leggings with interest, like zips.
The top 11 best ever leggings for pregnancy
After trying countless options, I’ve narrowed down my top favourite maternity leggings that I believe every expecting mama should have in her maternity wardrobe. We’ve reviewed these items based on comfort, style and material and versatility. It’s important to be able to wear items not just while you’re pregnant, but afterwards too.
Best maternity workout leggings
A few of the brands on The Mama Style have amazing workout leggings but what we love about Emamaco is their extra soft and lightweight fabric with minimal seams. The very high waistband is designed to be soft and stretchy, ensuring a perfect fit over your growing belly. When it gets too warm, simply fold it over for added ventilation.
Emama Maternity Leggings – Black – Full Length
Best maternity yoga leggings
The lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant are the best maternity yoga pants for staying active during pregnancy. Made with Lululemon’s signature soft, supportive and sweat-wicking Nulu™ fabric, these leggings are designed to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. With hundreds and thousands of loyal customers, there’s a reason these pants are a cult fave for those who are pregnant or not. Make sure to size up if you’re worried about tightness.
Best maternity zip leggings
Storq has the most divine range of zip leggings for when you need a little bit of a style lift. Available in a huge range of sizes and colors, they are such a great choice for days when you want comfort but also a little bit of something extra.
Best maternity leggings with pockets
These Emamaco pregnancy leggings are amazing. They’re designed to provide optimal support during pregnancy, while the added feature of large side pockets provide convenience for carrying essentials, like your phone of course.
Emama Maternity Leggings Full Length + Pockets – Black
The Foundation Maternity Tight is a well-thought-out product that provides excellent support for both you and your baby bump. Made with an eco-comfort fabric that is soft to the touch, these tights from DK Active also feature a cooling lining on the waistband, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the day. Additionally, the design includes a slightly lowered back, which prevents bunching and enhances your overall comfort while wearing the product.
Foundation Maternity Tight Black
Best everyday pregnancy leggings
We had to share out excitement about the amazing Everyday Seamless Legging that we recently tried. Nom Maternity has introduced this legging in their moisture-wicking, stretchy and recycled fabric. Offering light compression, these leggings give you a perfect sculpting fit that feels incredibly good and are versatile enough to wear anywhere and anytime – before, during, and after pregnancy. The perfect legging. Found.
Best plus size maternity leggings
These super-soft and incredibly comfortable maternity leggings are a mama’s dream come true. Extra stretchy, lightweight, and seamless, these leggings are made from recycled fishing nets and offer the perfect stretch and flexibility. Check out the huge range of clothes for curvy mamas here.
Maternity/Postpartum Support Leggings Black
Most stylish maternity leggings
The Serene Maternity Tights are not only stylish with their range of stunning colors, but they also provide functional support throughout different stages of pregnancy, from pre-pregnancy to the 4th trimester and beyond.
Serene Maternity Tight Ribbed Clay
Best 7/8 length pregnancy leggings
The Lunar Maternity ⅞ Tight is perfect for busy moms, with two side pockets for hands-free convenience. The Elixir Supplex fabric is soft and supportive, while the bamboo waistband lining keeps you cool and comfortable.
Lunar Maternity Midi Tight Black
Best flare maternity leggings
Need to get out of the house quickly and still look stylish? Say no more. We have you covered with these gorgeous cropped flare leggings from Old Navy. They are super easy to put on and extra comfy.
How to style pregnancy leggings
For a minimalistic daytime look, the best leggings for pregnancy work well with a simple and sleek top, such as a white t-shirt, poplin linen shirt or a striped sweater like the Clément striped knit from Sezane, and completing the look with clean and classic sneakers. This creates a timeless and effortless look that is perfect for running errands or a casual brunch.
For a more elevated and minimalistic evening look, I suggest pairing leggings with a crisp and tailored blouse or a sleek and simple blazer. Add a pair of classic heels or boots to elongate the legs and elevate the outfit. This creates a chic and sophisticated look that is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. I personally love the Antalya Antalya Cardi, which goes effortlessly with a pair of black leggings and boots.
The key to minimalistic styling with leggings is to keep the colours and patterns simple and to focus on clean lines and a neutral colour palette. Leggings are a blank canvas and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You simply can’t go wrong with plain black leggings or jazzing it up with a leather look or statement zip.
Explore inspiring Mama Style outfit ideas to elevate your maternity wardrobe.
Other FAQs about pregnancy leggings
Maternity leggings vs regular leggings
Maternity leggings are designed specifically for pregnant women, taking into account your body changes during pregnancy. They typically have a higher waistband that sits above the belly to provide support, and may also have added stretch or panels to accommodate a growing belly. Regular leggings, on the other hand, are designed for anyone to wear and typically don’t have specific features for pregnant women. Lucky for us, there are so many fabulous options out there for every stage of pregnancy so use this as an opportunity to try something new, stylish and comfortable as you embark on your pregnancy style journey.
Can you wear regular leggings while pregnant?
Yes, you can wear regular leggings while pregnant. However, they may not provide the same level of support and comfort as maternity leggings. Regular leggings may not have a high enough waistband to support a growing belly, and they may not have added stretch or panels to accommodate your growing bod.
Regular leggings may also be too tight and restrict your movement as you go about your day. I’ve found my Nikes have stayed comfortable right up until my second trimester, after which they began to dig into me. If you plan on wearing regular leggings during pregnancy, it’s best to make sure they have enough ‘give’ in them, or buy them in a size larger than normal. Try them on and make sure they are comfortable and provide the support you need. Keep in mind that as your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to purchase different sizes and types of leggings, as regular leggings may not grow with you or could even irritate your skin.
Can you wear maternity leggings when not pregnant?
You can wear maternity leggings when you’re not pregnant. Many women swear by the extra support of the over the bump band of maternity pants, especially on those bloated days or days where you just feel you need more give. But they may not fit the same way as they are designed for pregnant women. Maternity leggings usually have a higher waistband to provide support for a growing belly, which may not be as comfortable if you’re not pregnant. You can roll these down if you want. Additionally, maternity leggings may be made with different materials or have a different level of stretch to accommodate the changes in a pregnant mama’s body, which may not be as comfortable or suitable for non-pregnant women.
Should I size up in maternity leggings?
When choosing maternity leggings, it’s generally recommended to stay with your pre-pregnancy size. That’s because maternity leggings are designed to accommodate your growing body and various changes during pregnancy. Maternity leggings usually have added stretch or panels to accommodate your beautiful belly, so sizing up may make them too loose and not provide the support you need. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, so it’s a good idea to try on a few different sizes to find the best fit. It’s also worth noting that if you gain or lose a lot of weight during pregnancy you may need to purchase different sizes of leggings. It’s better to check the size chart for the brand and compare it with your measurements.
How should maternity leggings fit?
Maternity leggings should fit comfortably around the waist, hips, and thighs, with enough room to accommodate a growing belly without feeling constricted at all.
At the same time, the belly band should be snug – not too loose and not too tight. The waistband should sit comfortably above the belly and should not dig in or roll down. You should feel able to roll the band down if you want, without putting too much pressure on your hips when you do.
Your leggings should also stay up without sliding down or needing constant adjustments. Constantly pulling up leggings or fixing a wedgie is simply not OK.
The actual legs of the leggings should be snug, but not too tight or restrictive. They should also be long enough to cover the ankles and not ride up or squish your ankles. This is especially important as you may retain water in your lower half and find your ankles and feet swelling.
It’s also worth noting that as your body changes during pregnancy, it’s possible that you may need to purchase different sizes of leggings, so it’s better to check the size chart for the brand and compare it with your measurements. Keep in mind that as always, comfort is key when it comes to maternity leggings, and you may need to try on a few different styles or brands to find the perfect fit.
Once you find a pair you love, we won’t judge you for buying more than one!
Get a leg up on your maternity style with leggings
In conclusion, mamas to be have a variety of leggings options to choose from to accommodate their changing bodies. Maternity leggings are specifically designed for pregnant women and offer added support and comfort for a growing belly. Regular leggings can also be worn during pregnancy, but may not provide the same level of support and comfort as maternity leggings.
When shopping for pregnancy leggings, it’s important to look for a comfortable fit that provides support for the belly, and to consider the different styles available. From classic black leggings to printed styles, there are many options to choose from to match any personal style.
It’s also important to keep in mind that as your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to purchase different sizes of leggings. It’s always helpful to check the size chart for the brand and compare it with your measurements. Ultimately, comfort is key when it comes to pregnancy leggings, and it’s worth trying on a few different styles or brands to find the perfect fit.