20 Best Maternity Leggings Moms-to-Be Swear By for Support and Style

If there’s one affordable pair of leggings mentioned over and over again in the What to Expect community, it’s the POSHDIVAH Maternity Workout Leggings. Available on Amazon, these leggings have a little bit of everything: a comfy over-the-belly panel, side pockets for storing essentials like your phone and car keys and a material that isn’t see-through. One mom even shared that she stocked up and rotated through five pairs throughout her pregnancy. As a bonus, you’ll be able to purchase two for less than $50 (roughly $24 a pair). 

All of this said, some moms did share that they were thicker than expected and not the highest quality when compared to other maternity leggings but for the price, you can't beat them.

It might seem odd that a pair of leggings not specifically designed for pregnancy is at the top of our list, but that's just how good these Lululemon Aligns are. 

Lululemon leggings feature everything you'd want out of pre- and post-pregnancy leggings. The high-rise waistband provides plenty of stretch and support for your baby bump until delivery day, but retains its shape so you can wear them postpartum, too). Although its price tag is undoubtedly higher than some of its competitors, moms promise it’s worth it. The weightless material is incredibly soft (one parent described it as "butter on skin"), and at the same time, super high-quality — these will withstand the toughest of laundry machines and provide years of use. That being said, they’ll last even longer if you wash them on the coldest setting and hang them to dry.

Christine Mattheis, What to Expect’s Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions, swore by her Aligns during her recent pregnancy. "I was wearing Lululemon Aligns almost exclusively. They're expensive but worth every dollar," she says. "They are the only leggings that stay up on me. They are super soft and stretchy, and even as I approach my third trimester, I'm still in the same size I was pre-pregnancy." She notes that she also wore these during and after her last pregnancy.

Though some moms go up a size for pregnancy, many moms recommend ordering your regular size when it comes to Lululemon leggings for maternity, so take a look at the size chart to see what may be best for you (and know that Lulu has free returns in case you end up wanting a different size!).

For instance, I wore my old pair of Aligns and they worked throughout my pregnancy and held up during those first few months of postpartum too. So although they’re pricier than most, they’re easily the most luxurious maternity leggings on the market. Plus, I can attest that you’ll likely be able to wear them for years to come, and long after you’ve welcomed your little one. (In fact, I’m wearing them as I write this!)

For a pair of buttery-soft maternity leggings that won’t break the bank, look to these Buttergene leggings. They feature an over-the-belly panel that has a unique adjustable elastic band that you can modify to best fit your growing bump throughout the trimesters. Moms love the super-soft material and say they’ve used them for a variety of activities, including working out and going out. Many also claim that although the material is on the thinner side, these leggings aren’t see-through, which is a huge plus at this low price point. One thing to keep in mind is that the adjustable strap may stick out if you have it on a smaller setting.

The overwhelming majority of plus-size moms-to-be are obsessed with everything Torrid makes, but their maternity leggings are particularly popular. Not only are they available in sizes 00 (M or 10) to 6 (6X or 30), but they’re also designed with shirred sides to grow with your bump throughout (and after) pregnancy.

Plus, with a surprisingly budget-friendly price of $40, they are also frequently marked down — but make sure to act fast whenever they go on sale. The only knock some moms had about these leggings were that they often sell out.

Shorter moms who typically wear petite clothing often find that there are fewer options for maternity leggings. Many in the What to Expect community recommend seeking out styles that are cropped or listed as “7/8,” because they’ll likely appear full-length for petite moms-to-be. But these Motherhood Maternity leggings are a favorite overall because they have an even shorter inseam (22.5 inches) than Lululemon’s Cropped Aligns. Some moms say they’re a little more sheer than they expected, but the cotton and spandex material is comfortable and stretchy. Plus, many find that the quality is pretty good for the low price (two pairs for less than $40!).

Because they’re made of mostly modal jersey material, the Storq Signature Leggings are some of the softest — and therefore, most comfortable — leggings you’ll find. What adds to the comfort level is the adjustable belly panel, which can be worn over or under your bump, which means you can wear these leggings through all three trimesters, plus the postpartum period and beyond. (Which is a relief, since you’ll probably want to live in these incredibly cozy leggings beyond pregnancy.) Also good: The brand promises they’re comfortable enough to be C-section friendly. Just note that they’re designed more for lounging or working from home rather than breaking a sweat.

Kate Monahan, Senior Manager with Data Operations of What to Expect, felt that these splurgy leggings were worth the price. "They’re so soft and lint doesn’t stick to them," she says. "They are expensive but I think they’re worth it. And, they didn’t slide down my belly."

Another top-recommended brand from our community of parents and parents-to-be? Blanqi. It’s easy to see why the store gets a lot of love for its leggings. Their best-selling Maternity Belly Support Leggings provide ample support in the places you need it most. With a built-in belly support band, X-shaped back support and graduated compression, these leggings are all about alleviating discomfort just where you need it the most. But that’s not all these leggings bring to the table: They wick away moisture, are plenty soft, and come in an aesthetic opaque finish for a stylish look. Plus, an expandable belly panel helps you stay comfy throughout all three trimesters. What to Expect moms claim they lived in these throughout pregnancy and beyond, making them a great pick for feeling supported no matter what you’re doing throughout the day.

Looking for a pair of maternity leggings designed for working out (or simply staying comfortable no matter the activity)? Look no further than this moisture-wicking pair from Fabletics. The high-waisted band offers plenty of support while you’re getting active, and the polyester-elastane blend (the brand’s softest fabric ever that's also anti-chafing) helps you move with ease. They do an excellent job at staying up without feeling overly compressive or constricting on your bump. But my favorite part: You can snag two pairs for $24 when you sign up for the brand’s exclusive VIP Program (which is super easy to quit, in my experience, if you find you don’t like it). Add a maternity activewear tank and comfy running sneakers to complete your athleisure ensemble, stat.

This was my tried-and-true pair whenever I wanted extra compression and comfort, even during the most grueling Orangetheory class. They worked well on walks, too, because I could hold onto my phone and keys without needing a fanny pack or having my hands full. I loved wearing them postpartum as well, since they offered plenty of support and just the right amount of compression. Even after more than a year of wear and washes, they look the exact same (read: no pilling or fading in sight!).

Going to a prenatal yoga session? These Beyond Yoga maternity leggings will keep you comfy while you move and meditate. They fit over your bump and are made of four-way stretch material that provides just the right amount of support for your yoga session without feeling constricting. For an added bonus, the fabric is also moisture-wicking, so you can stay dry and sweat-free while holding Warrior II. Even better, this brand is widely approved by yogi parents-to-be in the What to Expect community, so you know that you’re in for a good buy.

I typically rotated between the Fabletics leggings, Aligns and this pair, which were particularly great for the warmer summer months because of their cropped length and lightweight feel. I loved them so much that I even splurged on the maternity biker shorts version, too.

Any apparel that works in both your maternity and postpartum wardrobes is a win. These Seraphine maternity leggings, another What to Expect community-loved brand, come with a waistband that can be easily folded over for comfort from trimesters one through four. However, the band isn’t too wide that it will provide excess fabric when wearing them postpartum. Plus, they’re quite stretchy so they’ll grow with you, yet won’t be worn out after delivery. And, because they aren’t compressive, they’ll be a comfortable fit for lounging or your daily routine. They’re super soft, too, and designed to be completely opaque so you won’t have to worry about them being see-through. 

For compression leggings that provide support without squeezing your belly too much to the point of discomfort, these buttery-soft Old Navy maternity leggings are a great solution. The light compression is notably comfortable as many moms pointed out, providing plenty of stretch while still holding them in. With a full-panel waistband, the elastic material will hug your bump without sliding down whether you’re working out or lounging at home. And, they’re made with moisture-wicking fabric for those looking to wear them while breaking a sweat. Last but not least, these leggings have pockets for storing small items like your phone or keys.

Nicknamed the "best Align dupes" by several moms in the What to Expect community, these $32 leggings are the best-selling maternity activewear item on Amazon. Backed by more than 1,000 five-star reviews, most say the brand’s stretchy and comfy Butterluxe material is surprisingly similar — in both quality and appearance — to the Aligns. There were, however, a few comments noting that they rolled down every once in a while, making them a better fit for lower-impact activities like yoga.

In addition to these over-the-bump leggings, the brand also makes biker shorts, dresses and tops with their signature Butterluxe material.

Flared leggings have made a comeback (thanks, Gen Z!), which means you may be on the hunt for a trendy pair to add to your maternity wardrobe. These pants from Amazon’s CRZ YOGA (a top-rated brand among moms-to-be for its Lululemon-level softness) features a full panel that will comfortably cover your bump while simultaneously providing some light compression. The flared style also means that you may be able to get away with dressing these pants up (think: a button down or chunky sweater) for date night or work. But our favorite feature? These flared leggings have front pockets, too.

These capris are everything moms love about overall pick — the POSHDIVAH maternity leggings — just in a calf-length, cropped version. The four-way stretch from the polyester-spandex blend is designed to accommodate your growing bump, and two side pockets are deep enough to hold a small wallet or large phone.

Similar to the brand’s classic leggings, you can also purchase these in packs of two for $50. It’s worth noting, however, that some moms complained about these sliding down while out walking.

Prefer under-the-bump leggings rather than a pair that goes over your belly? Consider this pair from What to Expect community-favorite, Motherhood Maternity. The criss-cross elastic waistband in the front helps cradle your belly while giving plenty of room for your bump to grow. You also get two leggings in a single pack. Just know that some reviewers say the fabric is a bit thin, so you may want to wear this pair with a tunic or longer sweater.

It’s aggravating how many maternity jeans, leggings and dresses don’t have a place to tuck away your phone or credit card, especially for times with a more sculpted fit. Fortunately, these Gap maternity leggings have two patch pockets on the sides. Moms find that they’re big enough to store your valuables, including your phone in one pocket and credit card in the other. The placement of the pockets is perfect — they’re low enough to not have to hike your shirt up to access them. 

Not only do many moms find the wide, full-panel waistband comfortable without pressing too much on their stomachs, but they also love that the material doesn't roll down while on the move. This is true for several of Gap's other equally stylish offerings. You can also scoop up a pair of faux leather leggings (which moms say are great for days they need to dress up). 

If you live somewhere that gets particularly chilly, these POSHDIVAH fleece maternity leggings will keep you warm and cozy. They’re stretchy and soft for ultimate comfort, and they’re lined with warm fleece so you can easily wear them just about anywhere in the winter. Many moms say that these leggings are squat-proof, so you can rest assured knowing that they aren’t see-through. Although the band is a bit thicker because of the fleece, moms say that it’s still comfortable and stretchy enough for a growing bump. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some say it runs small, so you might want to size up.

If the idea of a tight waistband around your midsection sounds more uncomfortable than supportive, consider Leggings Depot’s over-the-belly style, featuring a ruched top that stretches as your belly grows. Jeanne Beacom, What to Expect’s Senior Campaign Manager, and mom of two, lived in these during her second pregnancy. While she loves that they come in a range of colors and funky patterns — 44, to be exact! — she had just three neutrals on constant rotation (gray, black and navy). She also appreciated the lightweight, breathable fabric. Other moms describe it as super stretchy and soft but not compressive at all, ideal for casual wear and lounging at home.

Strictly speaking, this isn’t technically a pair of leggings, but What to Expect moms love it all the same. I’m also a big fan of Skims — the stretchy fabric the brand is known for makes a lot of their non-maternity options bump-friendly, especially if you’re on the lookout for a long-lasting maternity dress. But this jumpsuit is designed with moms-to-be in mind. It’s double-lined with a buttery-soft polyamide fabric that’s equal parts stretchy and supportive; there’s also an opening in the crotch to accommodate frequent bathroom breaks. Multiple moms note it’s a splurge worth making. The only downside? It only comes in one color (Onyx).