I’m a Pregnant Shopping Editor, & These Are the Maternity Leggings I Can’t Live Without

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As someone who basically lived in leggings pre-pregnancy, I knew my very first investment in pregnancy gear would be maternity leggings, specifically designed to support a growing belly. It’s my first pregnancy, so there’s still so much I’m learning — even for a shopping editor who’s written and researched maternity gear for work. Like, did I even really need maternity leggings, or can I just throw on any old stretchy pair?

“You’ll definitely need maternity leggings,” my boss, SHE Media Chief Content Officer Cristina Velocci informed me. Later, speaking with a urogynecologist, I learned why: As the bump grows, it really helps to have a waist that covers the midline of the belly and provides support and comfort.

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Best Maternity Leggings at a Glance

Best Overall: Beyond Yoga, Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging, $108
Best Non-Maternity: Lululemon, Align High-Rise Mini Flared Leggings, $118
Best Seamless: Knix, BlissFit Maternity Leggings, $50
Best Affordable Performance Leggings: Quince, Performance Maternity & Postpartum Leggings, $30

If you’re in the same boat as I was a few weeks ago, you’re in the right place! For the past month, I’ve been testing a handful of top athleisure brands’ maternity (and one non-maternity) offerings to find out exactly which maternity leggings are the very best. I’m currently 13 weeks along, so I’ll be updating this article every month or so with more selections and updated photos of how my leggings fit my growing bump, giving you the best of the best intel essentially in real-ish time.

What To Look for in Maternity Leggings — According to an Expert

Urogynecologist and co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# is Going On Down There ($20), Dr. Victoria Scott tells us that, most importantly, leggings should be flexible and supportive for pregnancy. “You also want to make sure they are breathable so you don’t overheat,” she says. Something I will definitely take into consideration, considering my third trimester is smack dab in the middle of summer. “It is common to have swelling in your legs during pregnancy and leggings with adequate support can help improve circulation and reduce swelling,” Dr. Scott adds.

While you’re likely to make due with regular leggings when your bump is small (your first trimester), “you will probably prefer leggings with a waist that goes under the belly” as you get bigger. “You may find leggings with a waist that fits at the midline of your belly or over it to be more comfortable,” Dr. Scott says.

What to Avoid in Maternity Leggings, According to an Expert

Comfort is key — so if your leggings aren’t making you feel good, they’re probably not the ones you want to wear. This seems obvious, but I tried wearing a pair of regular Spanx faux leather leggings the other night for my sister’s birthday dinner, and I was regretting my decision after appetizers. So, truly, not all leggings are created equal when it comes to staying comfy while pregnant. “Make sure leggings are not too tight and you are comfortable,” Dr. Scott says, adding, “You also want to make sure they are opaque and do not become transparent with stretching.” Stretchy, soft material is key. Look for materials like Elastane, nylon, spandex, and four-way stretch.

Another factor to consider is color. “Black and dark colors are great, because they can hide the inevitable urinary incontinence with laughing or sneezing that comes along with your growing belly,” Dr. Scott says.

Experts in This Article

Dr. Victoria Scott: Urogynecologist and co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# is Going On Down There

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The Best Maternity Leggings I’ve Tested in 2024