Your Body The 16 Best Maternity Leggings for 2023, Tested and Reviewed By Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 20, 2023 Medically reviewed by Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH LinkedIn Twitter Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician and founder of The Mentorship Squad to promote diversity in medicine, a community of Black and Latinx women seeking mentorship along their journey to becoming U.S. physicians. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Courtesy of Merchants / Photo Illustration by Kristin Kempa for Verywell Family Maternity leggings are a welcome (and versatile) addition to a pregnancy and postpartum wardrobe, whether you’re in the first trimester or can no longer see your feet. These comfy pants are often soft and stretchy, and they pair well with a growing bump and a multitude of styles. Comfort is key when pregnant, so maternity leggings are a must-have staple to keep you feeling supported and confident. To find the best maternity leggings, we had pregnant testers put 25 pairs of the most popular and well-known leggings through multiple tests, evaluating their fit, comfort, durability, opaqueness, hold, and overall value. Tested & Approved The Love and Fit Premium Luxe Maternity Leggings 2.0 are buttery-soft against the skin and feature silicone grips on the waistband to prevent them from rolling down. For exercise maternity leggings, we recommend the BeyondYoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging. “Maternity leggings should feel strictly flexible and supportive—never be too tight or restrictive,” said Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS/MBA, FACOG, an OB/GYN, maternal fetal medicine specialist, and director of Perinatal Services and Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx. “A legging that is too tight may be irritating to the lower extremities, particularly if you have varicosities.” Whether you need dressy maternity leggings or a pair to wear while running errands, look for stretchy, breathable, and versatile fabric that will suit your various activities. Additionally, you’ll want maternity leggings that fit you properly and are supportive without constricting or rolling down and that will hold up well after washing. We took into account these criteria when testing maternity leggings in the real world before narrowing down our list to 16 winners. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Love And Fit Premium Luxe Maternity Leggings 2.0 at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best for Exercise: BeyondYoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging at Beyondyoga.com Jump to Review Best Hold: STORQ Signature Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cotton: Gap Maternity Cotton Legging at Gap.com Jump to Review Best Budget: H&M Mama Before & After Leggings at Hm.com Jump to Review Best All-Purpose: Seraphine Bump to Postpartum Active Leggings at Seraphine.com Jump to Review Best Flattering Shape: Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Legging at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Non-Maternity: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28 inches at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Plus-Size: Torrid Maternity Premium Leggings at Torrid.com Jump to Review Best Compression: Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Rated How We Tested We Also Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Love And Fit Premium Luxe Maternity Leggings 2.0 5 Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Loveandfit.com View On Motherhood.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Hold 5/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros Durable, soft fabric Silicone grips prevent rolling down Deep side pockets Cons Only one color option (black) With perfect scores in every category and a buttery-soft-wearing experience, the Love and Fit Premium Luxe Maternity Leggings 2.0 earned our top spot. The durable and luxuriously soft fabric is a highlight of these leggings after testing them for several weeks at home and outside. The sweat-wicking fabric is also stretchy enough for pregnancy workouts. Plus, the high-quality polyester and spandex material looks brand-new even after multiple washes, making them still suitable for wearing as everyday pants too. Silicone grips prevent the waistband from rolling down over the belly. “You can move all around, and these leggings will stay on,” our tester said, adding that the maternity leggings were never see-through. The deep side pockets are a welcome addition for storing a phone, too. This does come at a slightly higher price than some budgets might allow. If you have the money, it is worth what you gain in return: firm support, ultimate comfort, cozy warmth, breathable fabric, and solid durability. Price at time of publication: $89 Size Range: X-Small to 3X-Large | Material: Polyester and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly What Our Testers Say “These are my favorite maternity leggings that I've ever tried. I feel like they make your legs look really great, and they stay up because of the silicone grips inside the waistband. I wear these everywhere.” — Julia Warren, SVP, commerce operations Best for Exercise BeyondYoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging 4.9 BeyondYoga View On Beyondyoga.com View On Madewell.com Our Ratings Durability 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Hold 5/5 Opaqueness 4.5/5 Pros Soft fabric Supportive belly band Two side pockets Cons Slightly visible panty lines A pair of workout maternity leggings are a must-have to exercise comfortably as your body changes. The polyester and elastane materials of the BeyondYoga Love the Bump leggings are ultra-soft and smooth, molding to our tester’s body for an exceptionally comfortable fit. The moisture-wicking fabric was a blessing during walks and prevented our tester from overheating. While the fabric showed minimal panty lines, they weren’t enough to be visible. Moreover, after washing the leggings according to the manufacturer’s instructions (inside-out on a gentle cycle), and they looked brand new. A belly band helps the leggings feel supportive without constricting, sagging, or slipping down. “They moved flawlessly during every activity of my day,” said our tester, who wore the leggings during a 45-minute yoga class and while doing chores at home. The belly band folds down so you can wear it over or under a bump, postpartum, and beyond. Plus, each hip has a generous side pocket for cards, cash, phones, and other necessities. These are the most expensive pair of maternity leggings on our list, yet the buttery, easy-to-wash fabric is worth splurging on at least once. The leggings are great for exercising, but they’re also comfortable enough for those who are less active during pregnancy. Price at time of publication: $110 Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Polyester and elastane | Over or Underbelly: Both What Our Testers Say “From the minute I put these on each day, I never felt like I needed or wanted to take them off. They were comfortable through every aspect of my day, from something more active like yoga to just lounging around on the couch.” — Claire Bates, photo director Best Hold STORQ Signature Leggings 4.8 Storq View On Amazon View On Storq.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Hold 5/5 Opaqueness 4.5/5 Pros Opaque Soft and supportive Washed well multiple times Cons Too long for shorter pregnant people The wide, double fabric waist panel on the Storq Signature Maternity Leggings provide plenty of support. While the leggings’ panel covers a pregnancy bump completely, there is still plenty of room to accommodate more growth without any sagging or moving around. In addition, the panel fits over or under the belly, so that you can wear them comfortably postpartum, even after a C-section. The modal jersey and spandex fabric is cozy and incredibly soft, and the leggings pair well with various sweaters, tank tops, and other pieces. They’re also available in several colors and patterns, and range in sizes from Petite to 4X-Large. A downside for our 5’2” tester was the loose fabric around her ankles that she had to roll up. Overall, however, she felt the leggings were durable and supportive during any activity. Following multiple washes, the maternity leggings had zero changes in quality and or opaqueness. It’s important to note that while we found the leggings were “very opaque," the company says they won’t be opaque for everyone. It wasn’t until our tester reached the third trimester that she noticed her bump showing through the fabric slightly. The simple design, great fit, and opaque fabric earned the Storq maternity leggings an overall value of 5 out of 5 stars. Price at time of publication: $68 Size Range: Petite to 4X-Large | Material: Modal jersey and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Both Best Cotton Gap Maternity Everyday Cotton Legging 4.8 Gap View On Gap.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Hold 5/5 Opaqueness 4/5 Pros Cozy fabric Waistband doesn’t roll No sagging Cons Showed brightly colored underwear Short on taller pregnant people There’s a reason these Gap Maternity leggings earned our “Best Cotton” spot: They’re super soft, breathable, and a breeze to wash. The cotton and spandex materials looked and felt brand new after washing, and didn’t stretch, fade, or pill. Our 5’11” tester said the leggings were a bit short on her, so she hung the leggings to dry to prevent any shrinkage. She wore the leggings for weeks during her third trimester, and they adjusted to her size without sacrificing comfort regardless of activity. Though the elasticized foldover waistband didn’t cover our tester’s belly entirely, it didn’t roll down or sag while she wore these leggings. Of the three color options currently available, we tried the heather gray leggings, which failed to be completely opaque. “If I have colored underwear on, you can see them slightly through the pants in the butt area in the right light without bending or stretching,” she said, adding she wore skin-tone matching underwear to solve that problem. These leggings come in XX-Small to XX-Large, and we recommend purchasing one size up from a pre-pregnancy size (which she did), especially if you’re carrying baby weight in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. These leggings are $60, but Gap is notorious for holding great sales, so you'll likely see a sale soon, if you don’t want to splurge now. Price at time of publication: $60 Size Range: XX-Small to XX-Large | Material: Cotton and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Both The 10 Best Maternity Coats of 2023 Best Budget H&M Mama Before & After Leggings 4.8 H&M View On Hm.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Fit 5/5 Hold 5/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros Durable after multiple washes Fit snugly (not tight) Opaque Cons Not as comfy for lounging The H&M Mama Before & After Leggings prove you don’t need to blow your budget to have a pair of high-quality maternity leggings. The cotton-blend material is thick and stretchy, even after several cycles in the washing machine. But while we appreciated the stretchiness in testing, the leggings weren’t totally soft and comfortable to lounge around in. One great advantage to the thick fabric is their opaqueness. “Even once the fabric is stretched out and on, I wasn’t able to see my underwear through it, which is the real test,” our tester noted. “I felt perfectly comfortable wearing these outside.” Around the waist, these leggings feature a double-layered fabric that allows the band to fold over for underbelly or over-belly wearing. In both configurations, the waistband stays put without rolling down, drooping, or moving around. The $18 price tag was a shock to us, considering the durable fabric, earning the leggings a perfect score for overall value. “They are inexpensive, but it seems like the fabric is really thick and has good quality,” our tester said. Price at time of publication: $18 Size Range: X-Small to XX-Large | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Over or Underbelly: Both Best Maternity Jeans of 2023 for Every Type of Body & Style Best All-Purpose Seraphine Bump to Postpartum Active Leggings 4.7 Seraphine View On Seraphine.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Hold 3.5/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros As comfortable for workouts as for lounging Full-length, even for taller pregnant people Hold up well in the wash Cons Waistband rolls as belly grows Home, gym, grocery store—you name the activity, and these leggings were made for it. We tried these soft nylon and elastane leggings while working, practicing yoga, lounging, napping, and running errands. The material stretched well throughout each activity without any unwanted sagging. Our 5’11” tester was pleasantly surprised the leggings were full-length and not too short. (Keep in mind that this may differ for those who are shorter.) The company claims the leggings are “totally opaque,” and they’re right. “These leggings are completely opaque and felt very high quality in terms of material,” our tester said. “There isn’t a chance you could see through these leggings.” A flexible waistband allowed for a mid-belly or underbelly-wearing experience. Still, our tester noted some slippage in the second and third trimesters, resulting in several attempts to pull them up. The $75 cost of the Seraphine Bump to Postpartum Active Leggings isn’t ideal for every family’s budget, but they are incredibly soft, hold up well after washing, and last through pregnancy and postpartum, doing the work of more than one pair. Price at time of publication: $75 Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Nylon and elastane | Over or Underbelly: Midbelly or under What Our Testers Say “They are silky soft, stretchy but not saggy, and work great for lounging, running errands, working out, and even going out to dinner. They're the complete deal.” — Laura Miller, senior editor, commerce, Better Homes & Garden Best Flattering Shape Ingrid & Isabel The Performance Maternity Legging 4.6 Ingrid and Isabel View On Nordstrom View On Ingridandisabel.com View On Macy's Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros Attractive, flattering fit Durable Made from recycled materials Cons Not tight enough around belly for running Only available in black The Ingrid & Isabel Performance Maternity Leggings show off pregnancy curves thanks to polyester yarn (made with recycled water bottles!) that feels slick and soft, with spandex to provide stretchiness in all the right places. “I loved the fit of the high belly. It felt so comfortable and was flattering,” our tester said, adding there was no sagging or chafing. Additionally, a cotton gusset gives a little more breathing room where you need it most. One slight drawback of that detail is that we feel they may not have enough compression to hold up during running or anything else high-impact. These leggings performed beautifully for durability, with zero changes after being washed. They kept their softness and remained fully opaque. “There isn’t a chance you could see through these leggings,” our tester noted after wearing the leggings at home and while running errands. We docked a point for the leggings’ overall value due to the $88 price tag. While many would prefer to buy them on sale, we believe they’re worth the full price for the high-quality materials, comfortable and flattering fit, and a low crossover back detail that’s stylish and supportive. Price at time of publication: $88 Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Polyester, spandex, and cotton gusset | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly Best Non-Maternity Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28 inches Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros No sagging Solid coverage Fit true to size Cons Rolled down easily Not maternity specific Treat yourself to a pair of non-maternity leggings you can wear in early pregnancy and then return to after delivery. The Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants are made with a buttery-soft nylon and Lycra elastane blend that provides solid coverage. “They concealed bright underwear, and if panty lines were showing, I definitely didn’t notice,” according to our expecting tester, who said the leggings fit true to size. They also remained durable and looked brand new after multiple washes. Partly because these leggings aren’t for maternity wear, we found a downside to wearing them while pregnant: They rolled down easily with a growing baby bump. As a result, they often needed to be pulled up when worn all day. Otherwise, the Lulumemon leggings performed well with a comfortable fit, no sagging, and soft materials. They’re available in nearly 30 different colors and patterns and range in sizes from 0 to 20. Bonus: A hidden pocket in the waistband securely holds a key or card. Price at time of publication: $98+ Size Range: 0 to 20 | Material: Nylon and Lycra elastane | Over or Underbelly: Mid-belly (non-maternity) Best Plus-Size Torrid Maternity Premium Leggings 4.3 Torrid View On Torrid.com Our Ratings Durability 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Full belly coverage Fit comfortably Not see-through Cons Crotch was low Fabric shrank/loss color after multiple washes Finding a high-quality and inexpensive pair of plus-size maternity leggings can be frustratingly difficult—and it shouldn’t be! But the stretchy and supportive Torrid Maternity Premium Leggings accommodate growing curves without sacrificing comfort and your budget. Cotton and spandex materials provided a comfortable fit as we tested the leggings for exercise, grocery runs, lounging, cooking, and playing with their toddler (so you know they’re good). “The only slight thing was the crotch was a little lower than I would’ve liked,” our tester noted. Additionally, the fabric began to shrink after a few washes, creating a different fit and loss of richness in the black color. Aside from some hiccups, the leggings proved opaque and gave full coverage, earning 5 out of 5 stars for overall value. The $40 cost is just the cherry on top. Price at time of publication: $40 Size Range: 10 to 30 | Material: Cotton and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly The 14 Best Pregnancy Books of 2023 Best Compression Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Blanqi.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Fit 3/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros Strong compression (but not too tight) Hug body in all the right places Built-in belly support band Cons Sag in crotch after extended period of wear Pregnancy swelling is normal, but it can also be uncomfortable, so compression socks or leggings are a way to manage this issue. For maternity compression leggings, the Blanqi Everyday Belly Support leggings are fire. They all about the extra squeeze, hugging the body flawlessly after some extra effort to get them on. Moreover, an expandable belly panel features a built-in belly support band to keep you comfortable all day. Although in testing we found that they started to sag some in the crotch area after a full day of wear, the nylon and spandex materials were opaque and washed well. There are six available color options, like black or forest green, so you don’t have to give up your style, even while growing a human. The $74 gets you a lot in return—the ultimate support with just the right amount of compression. Price at time of publication: $74 Size Range: X-Small to XX-Large | Material: Nylon and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly What Our Testers Say “I was nervous at first that these weren’t going to fit, but that was because the compression game is STRONG. They’re more about compression than comfort, but once I got them over my bump, they hugged my body in a pretty ideal way.” — Rachel Christensen, executive director, social strategy Best Comfort Knix BlissFit Maternity Legging 4.2 Knix View On Knix Our Ratings Durability 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Fit 4.2/5 Hold 3.2/5 Opaqueness 3.8/5 Pros Held in the waist Stretchy without too much extra fabric Great price Cons Minimal pilling after multiple washes Not entirely opaque It’s true—comfort and pregnancy can live in harmony when you’ve got supportive and comfortable maternity leggings. The Knix Blissfits are super stretchy and lightweight without sagging, and they feature a wide waistband and reinforced lower back for extra support during any activity. While our tester found that they weren’t entirely opaque, they worked well with neutral-colored underwear instead of bright colors. Otherwise, the maternity leggings were “extremely comfortable” and had the ideal amount of stretch and compression, according to our tester. The polyamide and spandex blend feels soft against the skin and causes zero chafing issues. However, our tester did note some pilling near the ankles after multiple washes. “Other than that, the color remained the same and stretch remained intact,” said the tester, adding that they happily wore the leggings consistently and didn’t mind the small amount of pilling. Given how well the leggings fit, the $50 price tag easily earned the overall value of 5 out of 5 stars. Price at time of publication: $50 Size Range: Small to XXX-Large | Material: Polyamide and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly Best for Lounging Pact Maternity Purefit Legging 4.2 Pact View On Wearpact.com Our Ratings Durability 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 4/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 4.5/5 Pros Soft cotton material Stretchy Great belly coverage Cons Minor sagging in back area Take lounging to a whole new level with these comfortable, soft, and supportive Pact maternity leggings. Made of organic cotton and elastane, the leggings stretch enough for growing bellies while passing the opaqueness test. “They were very comfortable for everyday activities,” said our tester, who wore these maternity leggings while lounging at home and running errands. Though there was minor sagging in the back area, the leggings provided excellent belly coverage (no rolling down), thanks to the single-layer fitted waistband. Plus, there was minimal difference in quality after our tester washed the leggings, and the fit and look didn’t change. These maternity leggings work beyond lounging at home, but the soft material takes your binge-watching days up a notch. Though they’re very fairly price at $38, the slight hiccup with minor sagging took the overall value score of these down to 4 out of 5 stars. Price at time of publication: $38 Size Range: Small to X-Large | Material: Organic cotton and elastane | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly Best for Pre- and Postpartum Hatch The Ultimate Before, During, & After Legging 4.2 Hatch View On Nordstrom View On Apeainthepod.com View On Hatchcollection.com Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Fit 3/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 5/5 Pros Stretchy Cozy and soft materials Opaque, despite non-thick fabric Cons Sagged after a brisk walk If you don’t want to splurge on multiple pairs of leggings, the Hatch Ultimate Before, During, & After Leggings are nearly a one-stop shop. The bamboo and spandex blend makes them soft and cozy with plenty of stretch (almost too much). “After a brisk walk, these leggings started to sag a bit, exposing my thighs to chaffing—which makes them a no-go for using them as workout pants,” our tester said. Despite that minor issue, the lightweight fabric was surprisingly opaque and washed great without giving up quality. While not ideal for heavy exercising and sweating, these are great for lounging and light errands. “If you’re looking for a comfy pair of leggings you can wear for pretty much any routine activity, you’d be satisfied with these, especially in the post-wash quality,” according to our tester. But since they’re not quite as multipurpose as advertised and cost $98, they earned only a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value. Price at time of publication: $98 Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Bamboo and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly Best Color Amazon Essentials Women’s Active Sculpt Full-Length Maternity Leggings 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Fit 4/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 3.5/5 Pros Color remained vibrant after washing Easy to move around in Great amount of stretch Cons Too long for our 5’5” tester Not smoothing There’s nothing wrong with owning a sea of black leggings (we’ve been there), but if you’re looking to switch it up, Amazon’s maternity leggings are available in four colors, including vibrant burgundy and bold dark green. “These leggings maintained their bright saturated color through washing and were easy to spot clean after wearing them outside with my 2-year-old,” said our tester, who tried the burgundy color option. Unfortunately, the deep red color isn’t as forgiving when showing texture. “You can see lumps and bumps on the skin, which is not ideal in terms of feeling comfortable or confident,” the tester said, adding that this wasn’t as much of a problem when paired with a long tunic or sweatshirt. While these maternity leggings were mostly comfortable, the elastic waistband across the full-panel top was snug and started to feel restrictive after a few hours during testing. Additionally, our 5’5” tester said the leggings were too long and had to be rolled up once to pair with sneakers. They also sagged a little but not enough that it was bothersome. Overall, the leggings are easy to move around in, have a great amount of stretch, and don’t require you to take out a second mortgage to afford them. Price at time of publication: $24 Size Range: X-Small to XX-Large | Material: Polyester and elastane | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly What Our Testers Say “My favorite aspect of these leggings is the color! The burgundy red is the most wearable non-black or navy pair I have been able to find. They allow me to show a little bit of personality alongside a pretty dismal maternity wardrobe of cinched cotton tees and body-con dresses.” — Kelly Holodak, art director, trade marketing Best Jersey-Knit A Pea in the Pod Luxe Essentials Ultra-Soft Maternity Leggings 4.2 A Pea in the Pod View On Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Buybuy BABY Our Ratings Durability 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Fit 4/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 4/5 Pros Deceptively opaque Snug waistband Very soft Cons Fabric easily attracts lint and hair Jersey knit is knitted fabric, whether cotton, polyester, nylon, or a blend of all three. A Pea in the Pod’s Luxe Essentials Maternity Leggings are made of rayon and spandex, while the stretchy maternity panel is nylon and spandex. “The belly band is stretchy athletic fabric while the legs are very soft pajama-like fabric,” our tester explained, adding the band was a smidge tight for their taste but kept the leggings up without question. All materials washed well; however, the fabric easily attracted fuzz and hairs, requiring a bit of upkeep if you wanted to wear them out. Nevertheless, despite the fabric feeling thin, the leggings were deceptively opaque once on. Plus, they’re less than $50 at full price, and the company offers sales, making them nearly half the cost. Price at time of publication: $48 Size Range: X-Small to Large | Material: Rayon, nylon, and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Overbelly Best for Sleeping JJ Winks Cloud 9 Leggings 4.2 View On Amazon View On Jjwinks.com Our Ratings Durability 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Hold 4/5 Opaqueness 1/5 Pros Buttery-soft materials Not saggy Do not roll down or bunch Cons Super sheer Light pilling in crotch area The JJ Winks Cloud 9 Leggings are so soft, we're not sure we should be calling them leggings (in the traditional sense). The modal and spandex material feels like butter against the skin, but this comes with a price. “I have noticed some light pilling in the crotch area, which I believe is from wearing them and not from washing,” our tester said. Additionally, the material is incredibly sheer, showing black underwear through the dark charcoal color option. “I can see my legs through them when my knee is slightly bent even,” our tester said. For this reason, the leggings are not exactly ideal for a night out on the town, but they’re great for sleeping and lounging. Our tester slept in these leggings and spent a lot of time at home relaxing in them. They fit well, provided plenty of stretch, and didn’t sag or roll down. These leggings are more like glorified pajama pants than leggings to wear out of the house. You’ll get plenty of use out of these at home, so if that’s where you spend most of your time, they may be worth the steep price. Price at time of publication: $96 Size Range: X-Small to X-Large | Material: Modal and spandex | Over or Underbelly: Mid-belly What Our Testers Say “These leggings are so, so soft. They’re perfect for lounging and even sleeping—I wore them to bed once, and it felt like I wasn’t even wearing pants. Plus, the legs didn’t ride up in bed, which is a major plus to me.” — Laura Miller, senior editor, commerce, Better Homes & Garden The Best Maternity Pajamas for Pregnancy, the Hospital, and Postpartum How We Rated the Best Maternity Leggings 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best maternity leggings we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These maternity leggings are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great maternity leggings, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These maternity leggings are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend maternity leggings with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested the Maternity Leggings Our pregnant testers evaluated 25 maternity leggings in the comfort of their homes, assessing each on durability, fit, comfort, opaqueness, hold, and overall value. We also followed guidance from the American Pregnancy Association. Moreover, we spoke with OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS/MBA, FACOG and retired OB-GYN Kimberly Langdon, MD. First, we unboxed the maternity leggings and tried them on. We noted how the leggings felt when pulling them on and if the fabric was soft and breathable. Next, we wore the leggings during usual activities, like running errands, working from home, or watching TV, for at least seven days during a four-week testing period. Additionally, we documented whether the leggings were stretchy for various ranges of motion, sagged at any point, cut into the skin, had a loose waistband, or felt too tight or loose in places. The test included a light walk of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, at a brisk pace when possible, to see how the leggings performed when moving around. We paid attention to whether the leggings stayed put, started to sag, or felt uncomfortable. We also took note of whether the fabric felt soft against the skin or caused chafing. We set a timer for 60 seconds and moved around to determine if the waistband shifted. Lastly, we washed the leggings as instructed by the manufacturer to verify quality and durability. We wanted to know if the leggings’ color faded, fit changed, or if there was any pilling. Finally, we carefully considered all attributes compared to the price of each pair of maternity leggings to assess their overall value. Maternity Leggings We Also Tested Kindred Bravely Louisa Maternity & Postpartum Support Leggings: We loved how they fit comfortably postpartum but thought they were too restrictive at nine months pregnant. Nike Maternity Performance Leggings: These Nike maternity leggings were soft and comfortable to move in but slightly faded after washing and sagged a bit during yoga. Girlfriend Collective Seamless Maternity Legging: While these leggings were opaque and downright comfortable, they pilled easily and lost color after a few washes. What to Look for in Maternity Leggings Belly Comfort There are two types of maternity belly support: over the belly and under the belly. Overbelly maternity leggings offer a waistband that covers the bump entirely, while the underbelly style fits directly under the bump. In addition, some maternity leggings offer a foldover waistband, like the Storq Signature Maternity Leggings and BeyondYoga Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Legging, so you can choose how to wear the belly panel. Regardless of which style you prefer, it’s all about support. “The support is for the abdomen primarily; [it] also can minimize lower back pain,” Dr. Gaither explained. Material Material may come as a second thought, but it’s more important than you think. If you’re pregnant during warm weather, stay away from overly thick fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, to avoid overheating or additional sweating that can lead to chafing. Your best bet is to look for breathable and stretchy fabrics like cotton blends, spandex, and elastane. Maternity leggings should feel comfortable regardless of activity. Compression As a pregnant body works for two (or more) for nine months, it produces more blood and retains extra fluid to meet the needs of the fetus. This often results in swelling in joints, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Compression leggings can combat swelling and help you feel more at ease. “During pregnancy, compression garments such as leggings and shorts can help reduce pelvic and low back pain,” Dr. Langdon says. “Pelvic and low back pain are two of the most commonly reported discomforts among pregnant [people] that interfere with their daily activities.” When you're pregnant, your body goes through an immense transformation, such as hormones loosening your ligaments and increasing the capacity of your belly and breasts. Wearing tight-fitting clothing, like tight leggings, can interfere with these expansions. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between maternity leggings and regular leggings? While both regular and maternity leggings are made of skin-tight, stretchy fabric, a few features make maternity leggings distinct. Many pairs will feature a special panel or extra fabric that stretches over the belly to accommodate a growing bump. These waistbands sit above or below the bump to provide additional support, including in the postpartum stage. Do compression leggings help with swelling? In short, yes. “Compression garments provide benefits such as spine and pelvic stabilization; stress, strain, and pressure reduction; pain relief; and increased functional capacity and mobility,” says Dr. Langdon. When buying compression leggings, you should consider the level of pressure, measured in mmHg. “Dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFOs) with a pressure range of 20 to 30mmHg are recommended for use during pregnancy because they are designed to apply consistent compression while also ensuring thermal safety,” Dr. Langdon points out. “In the third trimester, you can switch to DEFOs that provide 30 to 40mmHg of pressure.” While you’ll want some compression to help with the swelling, you don’t want too much restriction. “Too much pressure/compression, i.e., greater than 40mmHg, can obstruct blood circulation, so carefully read product labels,” adds Dr. Langdon. How much does a quality pair of maternity leggings cost? High-quality maternity leggings range anywhere from $25 to over $100, depending on style, material, and brand. For example, Amazon Essentials Full-Length Maternity Leggings are less than $30, while the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant tops at $98 (in part because of the brand’s popularity). Of course, it’s up to you and your family’s budget what you’d like to spend (or splurge). Why Trust Verywell Family Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Swelling during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. Takehara K, Kato S, Sasaki A, et al. Efficacy of advice from healthcare professionals to pregnant women on avoiding constrictive clothing around the trunk: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2015;5(9):e008252. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008252) See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit