As your body changes during pregnancy, comfort becomes more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Maternity leggings are staples in every mum-to-be’s wardrobe, offering the perfect blend of support, stretch, and style. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best pair?
Annabel Luke, Pilates Instructor and Founder of Pilates by Bel, shares her expert advice, “Look for leggings made of comfortable, stretchy materials like spandex or elastane that can accommodate your growing belly. Choose breathable fabrics, such as organic cotton, to keep you cool and comfortable while moving your body. Decide whether you prefer over-the-bump leggings that provide full belly coverage or under-the-bump leggings that sit comfortably below the belly.”
Best maternity leggings in 2024
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Best Maternity Leggings Overall - Lululemon Align™ Maternity Leggings, £88
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Best Supportive Leggings - Seraphine Black Bump & Back Support Maternity Leggings, £49
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Best Affordable Option - POSHDIVAH Women's Maternity Leggings, £29.11
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Best Performance Leggings - JoJo Maman Bébé Maternity Performance Workout Leggings, £29.50
Here are some top picks for maternity leggings in 2024, each offering something unique for expecting mums.
Best Maternity Leggings Overall
www.lululemon.co.uk
Annabel's top pick is the Lululemon Align™ leggings, even though they’re not technically maternity leggings. She says, “My favourites throughout pregnancy were the Align range.”
Thanks to their super high waist, these leggings provide excellent support for your bump. The Align leggings fit true to size, but if you're between sizes, it's best to opt for the larger size. Made with a buttery-soft blend of spandex and elastane, they offer exceptional stretch and support. The high-rise, over-the-bump design ensures full coverage and comfort throughout your pregnancy.
Pros
- Extremely soft and comfortable
- Great stretch, ideal for all stages of pregnancy
- High-quality fabric that lasts
Cons
- Premium price point
Best Affordable Option
These leggings are perfect for keeping you comfy as your bump grows. They're super soft and thick, making them feel buttery against your skin. With double stitching on the thighs and a curved design to fit your belly, they offer great support and flexibility. Whether you're lounging at home or running errands, these leggings will keep you feeling cosy and stylish throughout your pregnancy. Plus, with over 5,500 amazon purchases and a 4.5-star rating, they’re a favourite among other mums.
One reviewer said: “I’m 14 weeks pregnant and needed something comfortable to grow into. These leggings are so buttery soft and thick. They feature double stitching on the thighs and curved stitching for the belly. Even though I’m still early in my pregnancy, they fit well and should comfortably accommodate my bump throughout. For reference, I’m usually between a small and medium, typically a size 26 in jeans, and I went with the medium.”
Pros
- The fabric is soft and thick, providing a luxurious feel
- Double and curved stitching ensures they fit well and support your growing bump
Cons
- If you're between sizes, you might want to choose the larger size. Check the size guide to find your perfect fit
www2.hm.com
Another fantastic maternity find from H&M is the MAMA Before & After Ribbed Jersey Trousers. These trousers are a great investment because you can wear them throughout your pregnancy and even after, offering excellent value for money without breaking the bank! Made from super soft ribbed jersey, they’re all about comfort and flexibility. The high, elasticated waistband can be worn over or under your bump, so you can adjust it as needed. Plus, the ribbed texture gives them a stylish edge while ensuring they stay stretchy and supportive. Perfect for lounging around the house or casual outings!
Pros
- Soft ribbed jersey is gentle on the skin and provides a comfortable fit
- The high, elasticated waistband can be worn over or under the bump
- The ribbed texture adds a fashionable touch, allowing for easy pairing with different tops
Cons
- Ribbed fabric may show signs of wear more quickly compared to smoother materials
Best Supportive Leggings
www.seraphine.com
These leggings are designed to give your bump and back the extra support they need during pregnancy, all while keeping you comfy and stylish. They’re a practical staple for everything from grocery runs and Pilates classes to lounging around the house or attending midwife appointments.
Pros
- Perfect for those days when your back needs a little TLC
- The over-the-bump design means no constant adjusting
- Classic black makes them easy to pair with any top
Cons
- They can feel a bit cosy, which might be too warm in hot weather
- You’re paying for the extra support, but they might be worth the splurge
www.next.co.uk
The JoJo Maman Bébé Maternity Performance Workout Leggings are designed to keep you comfortable and stylish whether you’re out for a stroll or hitting the gym. These leggings feature a supportive, seamless wide waistband to gently accommodate your bump, and lightweight stretch fabric to keep you cool during exercise. Reflective stripe details add a touch of safety for outdoor workouts, helping ensure you stay visible.
One mum reviewer said: "Very happy with my purchases. The sizing was slightly wrong on the leggings as I’m normally a 12 but had to order a size up. However the return process was simple and the quality of the items I bought were very good. Been a great option for maternity clothes wasn’t quite sure where to look, my friend recommended it to me and I was surprised by how many lovely options there were. Thank you."
Pros
- The wide, seamless waistband offers excellent support and comfort for your bump
- Lightweight, stretch material keeps you cool and comfortable during exercise
- Enhances visibility for safer outdoor workouts
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing runs small or may need to adjust based on personal fit preferences
www.next.co.uk
If you are looking for the perfect leggings for yoga classes, casual outings, or lounging at home? Then this Next Black Maternity Yoga Flare Leggings are just the perfect pair for you. It is designed to provide both style and comfort during your pregnancy. These leggings feature a flattering flare at the bottom, combining the functionality of yoga wear with a chic, trendy look. It’s made from soft, stretchy fabric and they offer a high-rise waistband that supports your growing bump while allowing for flexibility and ease of movement.
Pros
- The flare at the bottom adds a stylish touch, making these leggings a fashionable choice
- Soft, stretchy fabric ensures comfort and accommodates your growing bump
Cons
- May not offer enough support for high-intensity workouts
www.next.co.uk
The Mamalicious Maternity Leggings 2 Pack is perfect for mums-to-be looking for comfort and practicality. This set includes two pairs of super soft leggings, each with a high-rise waistband that sits comfortably over your bump, offering gentle support as you go about your day. They come in versatile colours that match easily with any top, making them a go-to choice for everyday wear. Whether you're lounging at home or heading out for a casual errand, these leggings will keep you feeling cosy and stylish.
Pros
- You get two pairs for a great price, which is perfect for stocking up
- The basic colours make them easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe
- Made from a stretchy fabric that adapts to your changing body, so you'll feel comfy all day long
Cons
- The design is pretty basic, so if you’re looking for something with more flair, these might not be it
Time to put these maternity leggings to the test!
Choosing the right maternity leggings is just the start of staying comfortable and active during pregnancy. To keep yourself fit and prepare your body for childbirth, integrating gentle exercises into your routine can make a big difference. Annabel, pilates instructor, nutritionist, and personal trainer highlights how combining the right activewear with targeted exercises can support your journey through pregnancy.
Benefits of using the right maternity activewear
When you’re active, having comfortable, supportive maternity wear is essential. The right leggings and loungewear should move with you, offering the flexibility and support you need. This makes exercises like those involving a birthing ball not only more enjoyable but also more effective.
Why a Birthing Ball?
Annabel recommends using a birthing ball for its numerous benefits during pregnancy and labour:
Improved posture
Sitting on a birthing ball naturally engages your core, helping you maintain good posture and ease back pain.
Reduced pelvic pain
It helps keep your pelvis mobile, alleviating pressure and discomfort.
Enhanced mobility
Gentle movements on the ball increase flexibility in your hips and lower back.
Effective exercises to try
Pelvic tilts
Sit on the ball with your feet flat and gently rock your pelvis back and forth.
Hip circles
Make circles with your hips while seated to boost flexibility.
Bouncing
Lightly bounce on the ball to engage your core and relax.
How a birthing ball supports labour
Optimal positioning
Helps your baby move into the best position for birth.
Pain management
Rocking and moving on the ball can reduce discomfort during contractions.
Cervical dilation
Keeps your pelvis mobile, aiding in cervical dilation and helping the baby descend.
Labour exercises to consider
Rocking
Sit on the ball and rock back and forth to alleviate pain during contractions.
Leaning Forward
Use the ball for support while standing or kneeling to relieve back pressure.
Squatting
With the ball for support, squatting can open your pelvis and support the baby’s descent.
Annabel’s tips for incorporating a birthing ball:
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Start early: Introduce the ball into your routine early in pregnancy to build familiarity.
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Be consistent: Regular use maximises benefits.
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Check size and inflation: Ensure the ball is properly inflated and sized for your height.
The combination of supportive activewear and targeted movements not only boosts your well-being but also helps you prepare for a positive birthing experience.
About the expert
Annabel Luke is a qualified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. She is founder of Pilates by Bel and has worked alongside individuals, corporates, and in some of London’s best boutique gyms. She loves nothing more than witnessing clients discover physical happiness. Her goal is to inspire people to move their body regularly, in a way that satisfies and feels good for you.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.