14 best maternity leggings that you can wear all day

Woman in maternity leggings

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

As all pregnant women will know, the best maternity leggings are, quite frankly, incomparable when it comes to comfort. There's rarely a practical and stylish pregnancy outfit more fitting for nine months of a growing bump, growing pains, general uncomfortable-ness, and restless legs, than maternity leggings.

You'll probably find yourself swapping them for your regular leggings after you give birth - certainly for the first few weeks while you still have a baby bump and then beyond that time when you realise they're more comfortable than normal leggings anyway. Not only are they comfortable but they can be styled with a dress, t-shirt or jumper. If you find pregnancy tights a bit annoying then why not use maternity leggings instead.

It is not always comfortable being pregnant so anything that can help gets a big thumbs up from us and they can be great to pair with winter maternity outfits, spring or autumn. Maternity leggings are not just about comfort though, they can be stylish too. Although typically you imagine black leggings, there are different shapes and styles available including leather look, flared or even leopard print.

Best at a glance:

Best sport maternity leggings: Mamalicious Fit Active Maternity Leggings

Best stylish maternity leggings: Maternity Leather Look Over Bump Leggings

Best seamless maternity leggings: Spanx Mama Look at Me Now Leggings

If you think you need a great pair of maternity leggings in your pregnancy wardrobe, we have rounded up some the best styles and most comfortable leggings out there. It doesn't matter if you want a pair of leggings to curl up on the sofa in, or a pair for parties, or even to wear to the hospital to pack in your hospital bag, have a look at our selection below.

Best maternity leggings

In need of more than one pair of go-to maternity leggings? These cropped, over-the-bump, black leggings have a stretchy fit and an elasticated waistband for all-day comfort. No doubt the Maternity 2 Pack Cropped Over Bump Leggings will be a welcome addition to your maternity clothes wardrobe

Pros

  • Great value
  • Good stretch
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • No onsite reviews
Available in sizes:8 to 20
  • Two pack
  • Over the bump
  • Elasticated waistband

Best leggings for under dresses

These leggings are perfect for wearing under the longer tops and dresses in your maternity wardrobe. Made from innovative bamboo viscose, they're lovely and soft and allow your skin to breathe; what every mum-to-be needs. They have a smooth, streamlined feel and come in black, grey, or navy.

Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "I'm a big fan of these bamboo leggings, despite being petite, they fit me well and I don't need to worry about them falling down my bump."

Pros

  • Soft, supportive and breathable
  • Choice of colours
  • True to size

Cons

  • Some found them a bit saggy around the crotch area
Sizes XS - XL
Material Bamboo viscose
  • Really soft
  • Breathable
  • Three colours available
  • Ankle length and over bump

Best for sport

Stay comfortable and supported during your gym sessions while pregnant with these sports leggings from Mamalicious. They keep you cool with moisture-wicking fabric while making sure bump is snug during your workouts. They'll also be comfy to wear after baby arrives too

Review: "These leggings are so super comfy and made well. I would say the hump band is a bit too big for me and I could have gone down a size but will fit as I grow. I am 5’9 and the length is perfect for me."

Pros

  • Stretchy and flattering
  • Good quality material
  • Ideal for workouts and home use

Cons

  • Some found them not quite as supportive as others
SizeS - XL
Material Polyester blend
  • Great for sport
  • Machine washable
  • High waisted

Best thermal maternity leggings

Are you someone that really feels the cold? These thermal maternity leggings from Seraphine will be just what you need when you're heading out and about on chillier days. They're matte and opaque on the outside with a cosy fleecy finish on the inside so they'll definitely keep you warm.

Pros

  • Perfect for winter walks or keeping warm at home
  • Flexible and foldable waistband
  • Super-stretch thermal fabric

Cons

  • Some people may prefer to be cooler than warmer
Size XS - XXL
  • Thermal fabric with a fleecy finish inside
  • Super-stretch
  • Soft flexible waistband
  • Matching thermal top sold separately

Best for long length

Totally opaque, you can wear these leggings all day throughout your pregnancy without worrying that your bump or bum are showing through the fabric. They’re really soft and comfy, easy to wear while out and about, or just at home, softly encasing your bump.

These were tested by our very own Sophie Knight whilst 29 weeks pregnant: "I love these leggings (no pun intended) and find them super soft and great quality. They don't go see-through and one of my friends thought I was wearing jeggings, not leggings. Given lockdown, I have pretty much worn a pair of these every day for the past 4 months; I have just started to notice a few holes emerging on the thigh seams, but given how often I wear them, and compared to the quality of other leggings, this isn't a surprise. Plus they're a great price so I don't mind buying a couple more pairs to see me through to when baby arrives."

Pros

  • Fantastic size range (choice of leg length too)
  • Huge choice of colours
  • Non-see-through and comfy

Cons

  • These leggings have mid-weight breathability - they may not be as breathable as some others
Size6 - 28
Material Cotton
  • Soft cotton
  • Available cropped or full length
  • A wide range of colours and prints
  • Available in regular to extra tall
  • Over the bump band

Best seamless maternity leggings

If you're looking for leggings that feel like underwear but you can still get away with wearing them with a jumper or oversized shirt, these Spanx leggings will give you support and coverage while keeping you feel sleek and comfy. The waistband goes over your bump for ultimate support and you'll be happy wearing these long after baby arrives. The lack of front seam makes them especially comfy in the camel toe area...

Pros

  • Seamless for a smooth finish
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Non-see-through

Cons

  • Quite expensive
SizeXS - XL
Material91% Nylon, 9% Spandex/Elastane
  • Machine washable
  • Flattering
  • Seamless
  • Suitable for before, during and after pregnancy

Best two pack of maternity leggings

Best maternity leggings MAMA 2-pack jersey leggings
Price: £19.99

www2.hm.com

These MAMA 2-Pack Jersey Leggings from H&M are perfect, and you get two pairs. They are made from soft organic cotton jersey with a wide bump band at the waist for a more comfortable fit. Plus, there are a choice of colours, if you want to mix it up from just plain black.

One review said: "These leggings are pretty much all I have been wearing throughout my pregnancy. They are super comfortable and go right up over my bump, so the waistband never digs in or gets uncomfortable. And they’re just a great basic piece to have because they can be paired with anything. The only thing I noticed is the legs are a bit long, but I’m on the shorter side so most things tend to be a bit long on me."

Pros

  • Choice of colours
  • Good size range
  • Great value

Cons

  • They're not the thickest so underwear lines may peak through
Available in sizes:XS to XXL
Material:Cotton 50%, Viscose 45%, Elastane 5%
  • Two pack
  • Jersey fabric
  • Wide bump band
  • Choice of colours

Best for everyday

These super comfy over-the-bump leggings are a favourite for maternity on Amazon. They're so easy to wear every day and come in a fab range of colours. They're made from Tristretch which is the brand's technology to keep you cool and comfortable with lightweight compression for support. Squat-proof and flattering, you can wear these casually or for your workouts.

Review: "I'm very particular when it comes to choosing the right pair of leggings and now 4months pregnant I'm even more, but I couldn't be happier with these babygo leggings.
Fit well, super comfortable and not see through. I want one in every color! "

Pros

  • Comfy and nice quality
  • Non-see-through
  • Good varied choice of colours

Cons

  • They might feel a little snug so many reviewers recommend getting a size up
SizesS - XL
Material Nylon and elastane
  • Range of colours available
  • Tristretch technology for coolness and comfort
  • Lightweight compression

Best for style

Best leather look leggings

These faux leather maternity leggings are both super stylish and comfortable to wear while you're pregnant. This way, you can look trendy while feeling comfortable at nine months. They're great for autumn dressing and have a contemporary feel with the ankle-grazer length and front seam. Dress them up or down!

Review: "Bought size 12 long and they fit perfectly - love the length (I’m 5’11) and they’re incredibly comfy. Lots of room for bump to grow and they look fab on. Would highly recommend!"

Pros

  • Available in petite and long as well as regular lengths
  • Stretchy, trendy and comfy

Cons

  • Finding the right size may be a bit awkward with some customers having to size up or down
Size6 - 22
FitSmall / petite, regular or long
Material93% polyester, 7% elastane<br>Coating 100% polyurethane
  • Stylish and comfortable
  • Jersey bump band
  • Range of sizes and fits

Best flared maternity leggings

We get that you might be looking for the flexibility and stretch of a legging but without the full slim leg look. Fortunately, Lindex has some fab flared leggings available in sizes XS to XXL. They're super soft and comfy with a wide elasticated waistband. Pair with a cropped top and overshirt, or a flowy top for a bit of vintage glam.

One reviewer said: "Good quality and fit. Beautiful!"

Pros

  • Comfy
  • Stretchy
  • Double knit fabric so not see-through

Cons

  • Only available in black
Size XS - XXL
Material 69% viscose 27% polyamide 4% elastane
  • Machine washable
  • Flared
  • Wide elasticated waistband

Best for taller mums-to-be

Long Tall Sally is well-known for catering to the taller woman. So, it's no surprise that they produced a legging that's not only inclusively sized with UK sizes 10-28, but designed with a longer leg. This multipack features two pairs of black leggings, each with a 36-inch inside leg length, an elasticated waistband, and a comfort support panel.

Reviewer, Linda, said: "I love LTS clothes. I am 6ft tall and always had problems with my leg length. These ladies took all those problems away with their collection of clothes, great big thank-you."

Pros

  • Great value
  • Soft, stretchy and supportive
  • Long leg coverage

Cons

  • Only available in black
Size8 - 28
Material 95% cotton, 5% elastane
  • Machine washable
  • Great for taller mums-to-be
  • Two pack
  • Comfort support panel

Best for fun print

With a high rise fit and an elasticated waistband, these leggings from Mamalicious will make sure your bump is supported without being restricting. There are two styles that come in this pack: one pair is black and the other features a gorgeous animal print that will certainly jazz up a plainer outfit.

Review: "I really only wanted the cheetah print leggings because I own so many black ones already. But I was super happy with how they fit! I love that it is majority cotton and a little stretchy. Feel like it will continue to stretch with my bump."

Pros

  • Made from jersey
  • Soft and stretchy
  • Two in pack

Cons

  • Some reviewers found they run large so you might want to size down
SizesXS - 2XL
Material95% Cotton, 5% Elastane
  • Bodycon fit
  • High rise elasticated waistband
  • Two pack
  • Great for after pregnancy

Best for pregnancy and post natal

These leggings from Latched are designed for workouts but are comfy enough to wear around the house too. They're high-waisted, covering your bump comfortably. They don't go see-through and are squat-proof - no big knickers on display when you're doing yoga in these babies. Available in sizes from XS to XXL; they're good enough to keep wearing after baby arrives too.

Review: "Bought these leggings 15 weeks into my second pregnancy and am so happy with them! The thick waistband goes comfortably over my growing bump and the material is fab. Love the deep pockets too - genius idea!!"

Pros

  • Great size range
  • Designed to adapt to your changing body
  • Comfy, squat-proof and supportive

Cons

  • If you're petite, the leg may be too long
SizeXS - XXL
  • Light compression
  • Sweat wicking
  • Great for post natal

Best for all stages

maternity leggings H&M
Price: £21.99

www2.hm.com

Whether you have just found out you are expecting, or your due date is drawing near, these leggings will provide comfort all through your pregnancy and beyond. Made from a soft jersey viscose blend with a wide, foldover waistband, these are great for all mums-to-be.

Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "I adore these maternity leggings. They are super soft and oh-so comfortable leggings, I can't see myself giving them up after pregnancy and I'll probably buy a second pair!"

Pros

  • Really soft fabric
  • Foldover waistband
  • Great for all stages of pregnancy

Cons

  • A bit of bobbling after washing
SizeXS - XXL
Material Viscose 73%, Polyester 24%, Elastane 3%
  • Available in two colours
  • Wide fold over waistband
  • Soft jersey fabric

FAQs

What is the difference between regular and maternity leggings?

What makes maternity leggings different from the tens of leggings you already have in your cupboard drawer? Well, these leggings are specifically designed for comfort during pregnancy.
They have extra fabric on the waistband which either goes over or under your lovely growing baby bump. This means that you won't have the discomfort of the material digging into your body.

What size maternity leggings should I buy?

With your body changing daily throughout your pregnancy, you may be wondering what size maternity leggings you should buy. In most cases, like with all maternity clothes, you should be okay with buying your pre-pregnancy size as they're designed to accommodate your growing bump.
You should feel comfortable and supported while wearing leggings during your pregnancy, but they shouldn't feel tight or restrictive. If you're feeling uncomfortable, we'd recommend sizing up for a more comfy fit.

How Mother&Baby selected the best maternity leggings

All of the maternity leggings have been hand-selected by Mother&Baby shopping experts. Our team spent hours investigating and researching what leggings you should spend your hard-earned cash on. This article is based on that analysis, customer reviews, and more.

Stephanie Anthony is the Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.

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