We Found The Best Maternity Leggings Ever: Guide to Stylish Maternity Athleisure

Gone are the days of trying to hide a baby bump under baggy and unflattering outfits.

Today’s new moms are proud of their pregnancy bodies and seeking out stylish maternity clothing that expresses their personal style while remaining comfortable and meeting the needs of their changing bodies.

Maternity athleisure and maternity leggings in particular are becoming more and more common in the maternity clothing sections. 

Whichever trimester you’re in, a great pair of leggings can keep you feeling confident, comfortable, and capable. Check out our picks for the best maternity leggings for every body. 

Related: Maternity Workout Clothes That'll Support Healthy Exercise

Maternity Athleisure Wear is Trendy Now 

Once upon a time, pregnancy was thought of as a fragile time where women should rest as much as possible and avoid exercise. Maternity style was not a thing. 

Women also used to try to subtly hide their pregnancy bodies by wearing draping and flowing clothing. And while those clothes may have been comfortable, they weren’t always practical for modern moms on the move. 

Today’s moms listen to their bodies and take it easy when they need to, but they also know that exercise and getting around town are totally fine. Enter maternity athleisure wear.

The current recommendation by OB-GYNs for a healthy pregnancy is to keep up with moderate movement and some level of aerobic exercise throughout your pregnancy. Staying active while pregnant promotes good blood flow and keeps you strong and healthy.

The athleisure clothing trend focuses on clothing stylish enough to wear while running errands and even to some jobs, while it’s comfortable and breathable enough to have on at the gym or a prenatal yoga class. 

The athleisure trend is perfect for pregnancy because it prioritizes feeling good and looking good without constraints. When you’re busy going to doctor appointments, caring for a family, and trying to stay healthy and get enough rest, maternity athleisure makes it easier for you to stay active and feel good. 

Thankfully, the fashionable maternity clothes market is on the rise. More and more brands are offering great maternity leggings and athletic pants tailored for pregnant bodies.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Leggings and Maternity Leggings?

Regular leggings help keep you comfortable and allow you to move and stay active. Maternity leggings do the same, but they take it a step further by catering to the needs of your pregnant body. These leggings will generally have higher waistbands in stretchy materials that can accommodate you as you grow. They may also offer gentle compression and support.

There are some regular leggings out there that work great as maternity leggings, but once you get further along, you may find that they no longer provide what you need. 

At that point, it’s time to buy some maternity leggings. Of course, you can always go for maternity leggings from the get-go too, as most pairs will fit throughout the different trimesters.

Factors to Consider When Buying Maternity Leggings

While searching for a pair of maternity leggings, keep the following in mind:

Material and Fabric

Look for soft, stretchy materials. You want something with some Spandex, that has plenty of give, giving you ease of movement and allowing you to continue to fit into the pants as you grow. Be sure the fabric is high quality and breathable as well, so you don’t overheat or get uncomfortable.

If it’s colder in your area, look for pants that can keep you warm and comfy, but if it’s hot, stick to light fabrics that can keep you cool. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics if you think you’ll be more active.

Waistband

You are going to want a high, elastic waistband on your pregnancy leggings. The first reason for this is the nice gentle support you’ll get. And of course, you also need the pants to fit well around the widest part of your changing body— your baby bump!

Size and Fit

A comfortable, good fit is very important. Always try on your leggings before buying. Sometimes, you have to size up, while other times the maternity sizes already allow you some extra room. You also want to make sure that the fit is right because every woman’s body is different and has different needs during pregnancy.

Compression and Support

These two words are your best friend. Pregnancy often comes with lots of aches and pains as your body needs to support weight in different places than it’s used to. Look for maternity leggings that give you that bit of back support and relief through gentle compression and belly support that keeps things in place.

Style and Design

You are pregnant, but you are still human and you want to feel attractive and well put together. Choose leggings that you like the style and design of and that make you smile when you see yourself wearing them in the mirror. 

You might simply choose your favorite colors and looks, or you might opt for dark colors and vertical stripes that visually elongate you. 

Best Athleisure Maternity Leggings

We rounded up our 15 favorite maternity leggings. Check out our list to find the pants that are right for you and your growing bump.

Best All-Around Maternity Leggings: Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings

Most Comfortable Maternity Leggings: Storq Zip Leggings

Most Supportive Maternity Leggings: Belly Bandit Maternity Bump Support Leggings

Best Compression Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compression High Rise Legging

Most Unique Maternity Leggings: Old Navy Maternity Full Panel Printed Leggings

Best Seamless Maternity Leggings: Seraphine Black Seamless Over Bump Maternity Leggings

Best Maternity Leggings for Yoga: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Most Stylish Maternity Leggings: Ingrid & Isabel Faux Leather Legging

Best Maternity Workout Leggings: Nike Zenvy

Best Maternity Bike Shorts: Ingrid & Isabel - The Performance Bike Short

Softest Maternity Leggings: Beyond Yoga Soft Focus Softmark Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging

Most Affordable Maternity Leggings: Motherhood Maternity Basic Layering Secret Fit Belly Maternity Crop Leggings

Best Plus-Size Maternity Leggings: Motherhood Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity Cropped Leggings

Best for Pregnancy and Beyond: Kindred Bravely Luisa Maternity and Postpartum Support Leggings

Best Postpartum Leggings: Ingrid & Isabel Active Postpartum Compression Legging

Best All-Around Maternity Leggings

These Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings come in a number of sizes, color and styles with so much stretch that you can wear them at any point during your pregnancy. 

What we love:

• Built in belly support panel
• Soft, breathable, stretchy fabric
• Can be worn during all stages of pregnancy
• Seamless construction
• Four-way stretch

Most Comfortable Maternity Leggings 

The Storq Zip Leggings are so comfortable that you’ll want to wear them even after giving birth. 

What we love:

• Comfortable and flexible fit
• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Zippered waistband for an adjustable fit throughout pregnancy

Most Supportive Maternity Leggings 

The Belly Bandit Maternity Bump Support Leggings keep your belly supported as your bump grows! 

What we love:

• Built-in belly support panel
• Offers gentle compression to support the belly and lower back
• Snug and comfortable fit
• Four-way stretch grows with you throughout pregnancy

Best Compression Leggings

These Girlfriend Collective Compression High-Rise Leggings keep it all locked in while you're on the move. 

• Compression fit offers gentle support to reduce fatigue and increase blood circulation
• High-rise waistband provides a flattering silhouette
• Made of recycled materials
• Best for the first and second trimester of pregnancy

Most Unique Maternity Leggings

Old Navy is a great go-to for cute and affordable maternity clothes. The Old Navy Maternity Full Panel Printed Leggings are a fashionable pick for any mom-to-be who wants to make a statement with her maternity style. 

What we love:

• Fun, printed design
• Affordable price
• Pairs with a variety of outfits, whether workout, relax, or lunch date
• Comfortable fit 

Best Seamless Maternity Leggings

Love the seamless leggings look for your usual athleisure? These Seraphine Black Seamless Over Bump Maternity Leggings have got your back! 

What we love:

• Flattering fit
• Soft, flexible fabric
• Seamless construction for maximum comfort
• Fit over the entire belly for ultimate coverage and support
• Waistband provides gentle compression

Best Maternity Leggings for Yoga

If you’re looking for the best maternity leggings for a prenatal yoga class, look no further than the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant! 

What we love:

• Works well during pregnancy, especially the first two trimesters, although not made specifically as maternity-wear
• Flexible fit accommodates a growing belly
• Made of Lululemon’s signature Nulu fabric, which is ultra soft and breathable
• May be best for the first half of pregnancy

Most Stylish Maternity Leggings

The Ingrid & Isabel Faux Leather Leggings are comfortable for the couch but also gorgeous enough to wear on a night out on the town.  

What we love:

• A Stylish faux-leather look that lets you create edgy outfits while remaining comfortable
• Flattering fit
• Day-to-night look options

Best Maternity Workout Leggings

Nike Zenvy Gentle Support High-Waisted Leggings are perfect for hitting the gym while pregnant. Plus, these maternity leggings have pockets! 

What we love:

• High-waisted supportive fit works well during pregnancy, despite the fact that these are technically non-maternity leggings
• Pockets in the back big enough for a smartphone or other small objects
• The lightweight soft fabric is still durable enough to workout in
• Hold up well in the wash
• May work best during the first trimester and up to 20 weeks of gestation

Best Maternity Bike Shorts

Are you more of a bike shorts fan? The Ingrid & Isabel Performance Bike Shorts are perfect for a Peleton ride or just a trip to the grocery store! 

What we love:

• Perfect if you have a summertime pregnancy or you live in a warm climate
• Flatlock seams for anti-chafe
• Moisture-wicking
• Made of recycled materials

Softest Maternity Leggings

These Beyond Yoga Soft Focus Softmark Love the Bump Midi Maternity Leggings are so soft and cozy, you’ll prefer them to your pajamas! 

What we love:

• Luxurious fabric feels comfortable and flexible against the skin
• “Love the Bump” panel provides gentle support and belly coverage
• Below-the-knee length
• Good for all stages of pregnancy

Most Affordable Maternity Leggings

The Motherhood Maternity Basic Layering Secret Fit Belly Maternity Crop Leggings is our pick for buying maternity athleisure on a budget. 

What we love:

• Fabric feels gentle and cozy against the skin
• “Secret Fit Belly” panel provides versatile support—it can be folded down early in pregnancy and worn up after you pop
• Cropped length is great for warm weather and flattering on moms with longer legs
• Affordable price point

Best Plus-Size Maternity Leggings

For plus-size maternity clothing choices, we love the Motherhood Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity Cropped Leggings. 

What we love:

• Offers plus sizes XL, XXL, and 3X
• “Secret Fit Belly” band can be folded down or lifted up over your abdomen for support or coverage
• Can be worn in all stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period
• Breathable and comfortable jersey knit

Best Leggings for Pregnancy and Beyond

The Kindred Bravely Luisa Maternity and Postpartum Support Leggings are an all-around best pick that combines both comfort and performance. 

What we love:

• Flexible fit to accommodate all stages of pregnancy as well as the postpartum period
• Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
• Built-in belly support band provides extra support to your growing or shrinking bump
• Good for those recovering from a C-section delivery

Best Postpartum Leggings

For extra support during your postpartum recovery, we love the Ingrid & Isabel Active Postpartum Compression Legging. 

What we love:

• Specially designed for your body’s needs during the postpartum period
• Offers support and comfort while you gradually get back to your pre-pregnancy size
• Compression aids in recovering core strength and shape, promoting overall postpartum healing

Benefits of Wearing Athleisure Wear During Pregnancy

There are many benefits to donning activewear as your everyday wear during pregnancy. We have outlined a few of these below:

Comfort

Pregnancy is a season where comfort comes first. There are many uncomfortable parts of these nine months, such as morning sickness, aches and pains, and fatigue, so any extra bit of feel-good in your life makes all the difference. 

Sporty leggings are often made of soft, stretchy fabrics against your skin. This can be a welcome alternative to your other pants, which fit stiffly and are slowly becoming too tight.

Flattering

If designed well as maternity wear, athleisure clothing can hug you in all the right places for a stylish, flattering look. 

Whether it’s the color, the fabric, or the design, these types of clothing can help you look and feel your best. Some women prefer how they look in cropped leggings, while others choose full-length.

Support

Athleisure wear often includes built-in support features. In particular, leggings may be equipped with a high waistband that provides light compression, helping with back pain during pregnancy caused by the pull of your baby bump on your lower back.

Versatility

One of the reasons for the rise in popularity of athleisure wear is its versatility. You can keep your yoga pants on at school or work, go to the gym or grocery store, lounge at home, and pretty much anywhere.

 Being able to throw on the same type of style that looks and feels good and not having to change and go from place to place can be very welcome during the exhaustion and discomforts of pregnancy.

For more stylish maternity clothing options, check out our Guide to Maternity Clothing Staples That Will Last All 3 Trimesters!