Best Maternity Leggings to Wear From Pregnancy to Postpartum and Beyond

When I asked the moms at Babylist what they’re favorite maternity leggings were, Beyond Yoga was in the lead.

It’s almost impossible to slip on these leggings without an audible sigh of relief—they’re truly that comfortable. Made from Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye fabric, they’re buttery soft, have just the right amount of stretch and support without feeling restrictive and are moisture-wicking to keep you feeling cool.

These are high-waisted so they can be worn over your bump or folded down if you prefer an under-the-bump style. They’re designed to hold up in the washer and the dryer, so no special laundry instructions are needed, and they’re also available with pockets. They’ll hold up in the wash so even if they’re in frequent rotation, they won’t look like it (which is a perk because they are pricey but you’ll only need a pair or two).

One caveat though: while they are super comfortable and supremely soft, they are better for lounging and everyday activities versus working out.

No, these are not pregnancy-specific leggings. But according to pretty much everyone we know (including Babylist moms), Lululemon Aligns are the holy grail of maternity leggings.

The preferred pair for working out, these leggings have something seriously magic about them. They are soft, seamless and amazingly comfortable. They hold up really well over time, even after lots of washes. (Pro tip: skip the dryer and hang to dry instead.) They come in an array of lengths, colors and patterns and waist heights, as well as with or without pockets.

These leggings are an investment but, since they’re basically invincible and won’t stretch out of shape, the same pair will fit you before, during and after your pregnancy so you’ll get your money’s worth of wear.

For another not-maternity-but-loved-by-pregnant-people legging (at a much lower price point), check out the OFFLINE by Aerie OG Legging. They’re affordable, soft and not super high-waisted so you can comfortably wear them under your belly if that’s the fit you prefer. They also come in different lengths.

While you can spend over $100 on a pair of leggings, it definitely isn’t a requirement. These over-the-bump, ruched-side leggings are under twenty bucks, come in tons of colors and are unbelievably soft according to several parents-to-be. The bump panel is on the thinner side so these might have a better fit later in your pregnancy, when your bump has grown—otherwise the front panel might be slightly baggy. They’re comfortable enough for lounging in around the house but look sleek enough to wear outside the house, too.

Blanqi’s Belly Support leggings strike the perfect balance between traditional leggings and light compression styles. There’s a built-in band that supports your growing belly and the bottom and front panel has a bit of extra material to expand as your bump grows throughout your pregnancy. The material is perfect—soft, breathable and moisture-wicking, and the medium level compression helps the over-the-bump panel stay in place. And the style and colors make it easy to either dress these up or down depending on your mood.

There’s a lot to love about these maternity leggings, starting with the fact that they’re available in sizes from XXS through 4X. They’re also made from the brand’s lightest fabric, making them a breathable choice for summertime pregnancies.

They work for everyday wear as well as for workouts, and you can fold them either over or under your belly. With slit-style pockets on both sides, you can carry your phone and other essentials.

It’s common to feel pretty sore after a C-section. While compression leggings can help support you postpartum, we’ve found that many are simply too tight and uncomfortable in the weeks immediately following surgery, especially around your tender incision area.

Storq’s Signature Leggings are just the right mix of comfort and support. The belly panel hugs your stomach without feeling too restrictive or irritating to your incision. Depending on what feels more comfortable, you can wear the panel over your belly or roll it down underneath. And they work just as well during your pregnancy as they do long after it’s over. We find they run pretty true to size and hold up better if you wash them on delicate and avoid the dryer.

Old Navy makes some of the best bump-friendly maternity leggings. The high-waisted belly compression panel is really supportive, even during higher intensity workouts like running or HIIT, but isn’t too tight to the point of being uncomfortable. The material is lightweight and breathable while also being really soft and moisture-wicking. And you can’t beat the price, especially if you can snag a pair or two during a sale.

Flared leggings are trending, and this maternity pair is stylish while also supporting your growing bump. The spandex blend material offers just enough stretch to hug your bump and curves and the flared bottom pairs well with everything from a T-shirt and sneakers to sandals and an Oxford.