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As somebody who mainly lived in leggings pre-pregnancy, I knew my very first funding in being pregnant gear can be maternity leggings, particularly designed to assist a rising stomach. It’s my first being pregnant, so there’s nonetheless so a lot I’m studying — even for a procuring editor who’s written and researched maternity gear for work. Like, did I even really want maternity leggings, or can I simply throw on any outdated stretchy pair?
“You’ll undoubtedly want maternity leggings,” my boss, SHE Media Chief Content material Officer Cristina Velocci knowledgeable me. Later, talking with a urogynecologist, I realized why: Because the bump grows, it actually helps to have a waist that covers the midline of the stomach and supplies assist and luxury.
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Finest Maternity Leggings at a Look
Finest Total: Past Yoga, Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging, $108
Finest Runner-Up: Ingrid+Isabel, The Efficiency Legging, $88
Finest Non-Maternity: Lululemon, Align Excessive-Rise Mini Flared Leggings, $118
Most Comfy: Bumpsuit, The Legging, $115
Finest Seamless: Knix, BlissFit Maternity Leggings, $50
Finest Inexpensive Efficiency Leggings: Quince, Efficiency Maternity & Postpartum Leggings, $30
In case you’re in the identical boat as I used to be a number of weeks in the past, you’re in the correct place! For the previous two months, I’ve been testing a handful of high athleisure manufacturers’ maternity (and one non-maternity) choices to seek out out precisely which maternity leggings are the easiest. I’m at the moment 17 weeks alongside (the final time I up to date this was on the 13-week mark!), so I’ll be updating this text each month or so with extra picks and up to date photographs of how my leggings match my rising bump, providing you with the very best of the very best intel basically in real-ish time.
What To Search for in Maternity Leggings — Based on an Skilled
Urogynecologist and co-author of A Girl’s Information to Her Pelvic Flooring: What the F*@# is Going On Down There ($20), Dr. Victoria Scott tells us that, most significantly, leggings ought to be versatile and supportive for being pregnant. “You additionally need to be sure they’re breathable so that you don’t overheat,” she says. One thing I’ll undoubtedly take into accounts, contemplating my third trimester is smack dab in the midst of summer time. “It’s common to have swelling in your legs throughout being pregnant and leggings with satisfactory assist may help enhance circulation and scale back swelling,” Dr. Scott provides.
Whilst you’re more likely to make due with common leggings when your bump is small (your first trimester), “you’ll most likely want leggings with a waist that goes underneath the stomach” as you get greater. “It’s possible you’ll discover leggings with a waist that matches on the midline of your stomach or over it to be extra snug,” Dr. Scott says.
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What to Keep away from in Maternity Leggings, Based on an Skilled
Consolation is vital — so in case your leggings aren’t making you’re feeling good, they’re most likely not those you need to put on. This appears apparent, however I attempted sporting a pair of standard Spanx fake leather-based leggings the opposite evening for my sister’s birthday dinner, and I used to be regretting my determination after appetizers. So, actually, not all leggings are created equal in terms of staying cozy whereas pregnant. “Be certain that leggings usually are not too tight and you might be snug,” Dr. Scott says, including, “You additionally need to be sure they’re opaque and don’t grow to be clear with stretching.” Stretchy, tender materials is vital. Search for supplies like Elastane, nylon, spandex, and four-way stretch.
One other issue to contemplate is shade. “Black and darkish colours are nice, as a result of they will disguise the inevitable urinary incontinence with laughing or sneezing that comes alongside along with your rising stomach,” Dr. Scott says.
Consultants in This Article
Dr. Victoria Scott: Urogynecologist and co-author of A Girl’s Information to Her Pelvic Flooring: What the F*@# is Going On Down There
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The Finest Maternity Leggings I’ve Examined in 2024
greatest general
Past Yoga, Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging
I’ve been a giant fan of Past Yoga for years. The model has the most snug, tender medium-to-low affect leggings (excellent for yoga, walks, jogs, and lounging) made with their proprietary Spacedye materials, a buttery material that appears like nothing in any respect. So, I wasn’t shocked after I tried their maternity leggings and immediately fell in love with them. They’re at the moment in my high rotation, and the pair that may get me by way of first, second, and third trimester feeling cozy and supported.
Whereas I’m solely 13 weeks and have a small bump, I’ve discovered myself resisting something with an excessive amount of compression. Though at this level, Child is the dimensions of a lemon (aww), I’m always bloated (sorry, TMI) and wish a delicate, forgiving (four-way stretch) material that lets me stay my life. I’ve walked, napped, and lounged round in these (I actually haven’t had the vitality to return to the fitness center, so TBD on that entrance), and have actually forgotten to take them off at evening earlier than going to sleep. These additionally don’t require further care when washing: Simply throw them within the washer and dry together with the remainder of your garments. As a pleasant bonus, the fabric additionally provides UV safety. I ordered my regular dimension, which match, however some reviewers did say they needed to dimension up.
The Love the Bump maternity leggings are what I take into account my “Goldilocks” discover: They’re not too compressive, not too unfastened — they’re juuuuust proper.
Sizes obtainable: XS-XL
Colours: 7
Materials: 87% polyester, 13% Elastane
Professionals:
Excessive-quality
Pajama-like really feel
Nice for all phases of being pregnant
Tons of shade choices
Straightforward to maintain
UV safety
Cons:
Dear
greatest runner-up
Ingrid+Isabel, The Efficiency Legging
I’m formally in that in-between, is-she-pregnant-or-did-she-just-have-a-big-breakfast stage (nearly 17 weeks), which suggests actually none of my common garments match, however most maternity put on nonetheless has an excessive amount of material. So, I’ve continued dwelling in leggings, and this pair from Ingrid+Isabel are my newest to check out. Spoiler alert! I like them.
The efficiency leggings are literally designed for motion, however I selected to put on them to the workplace with an outsized chambray button-up. The fabric has that shiny nearly Spanx-like look, so I believed it really appeared very elevated and cute with my Rothy’s flats — however I can see why these can be so clutch on the fitness center. They’re extremely breathable, supply the right quantity of compression, and transfer with you wherever you go. In addition they stand out in that they’ve a crossover design within the again, which makes my butt look good. I’m a giant fan!
Sizes obtainable: XS-XL
Colours: 1
Materials: 83% REPREVE® polyester, 17% spandex, 100% cotton gusset
Professionals:
Excessive-quality
Nice for all phases of being pregnant
Straightforward to maintain
Are technically a exercise legging, however look elevated sufficient for on a regular basis put on
Very stretchy
Flattering crossover panel within the again
Cons:
Solely is available in black
greatest non-maternity maternity leggings
Lululemon, Align Excessive-Rise Mini-Flared Pant Common
I’ve been dying to attempt a pair of Lululemon Align flares (what can I say, I’m simply TikTok-influenced!), so I used to be relieved to seek out out that a whole lot of pregnant individuals really swear by them regardless that they’re not particularly designed for maternity put on. After testing out a pair of some weeks, I can attest that these are an excellent pair of non-maternity leggings that present sufficient stretch and provides for a rising tummy — though I will report again after I’m greater.
I put on the Align Excessive-Rise flares when, merely put, I need to look extra put collectively. It seems, “wanting put collectively” is Herculean process nowadays, since I completely really feel like a slug it doesn’t matter what I put on or do or suppose. These make me really feel cute and trendy, even when I’m sporting them with UGG boots or, within the picture above, my favourite pair of fluffy Birkenstocks with socks. I might simply put on these to the workplace with some cute sneakers and good sweater, and I don’t suppose anybody would bat a watch that I’m rolling in sporting leggings.
Made with Lululemon’s legendary Nulu material, these are tender and weightless — excellent for low-to-medium affect actions like yoga or napping (my most popular exercise routine currently). The four-way stretch is extremely forgiving as my bump (and thighs and butt) develop, and the fabric can be sweat-wicking which is available in clutch as apparently all of the hormones make me sweat profusely on a regular basis (once more, sorry, TMI). They’re additionally simply very, very flattering. I believe they intensify my options and sort of suck all the things in with out appearing compressive in any respect. Total, massive win in my e book.
For laundry, wash with related colours, machine wash chilly, and tumblr dry low for greatest repairs.
Sizes obtainable: 0-20
Colours: 7
Materials: 81% nylon, 19 % Lycra® Elastane
Professionals:
Excessive-quality
Tremendous flattering
Nice for pre- and post-pregnancy
Cons:
Dear
Is probably not supportive sufficient later in being pregnant
most snug
Bumpsuit, The Legging
Within the above picture, I’m 20 weeks and Child M is the dimensions of a candy potato (what a journey we’ve been on to date!). None of my pants match anymore. None of my common leggings match anymore. I can solely squeeze into maternity-specific leggings and precise maternity-wear. The Leggings from Bumpsuit are my new obsession, just because the fabric is so tender and stretchy, they really really feel extra like pajamas than they do leggings. In reality, I’ve fallen asleep in them a number of occasions already.
What makes these stand out from the pack is that they’re much less for athletic motion and extra for all-day consolation. Assume: Your favourite, worn-in bedsheets or outsized T-shirt, however in leggings type. I wouldn’t work out in these (though, you do you), however they do maintain you in and provide you with and your stomach the assist you want.
Once I put on: Ideally every single day, however I solely have one pair. So, I go away these for the weekend, or throw them on Friday evening (my evening for locking away my work laptop computer and binge-watching TV whereas consuming takeout in mattress) so I can go to sleep in them, after which put on them on Saturday for farmer’s market runs and extra lounging. I believe these will likely be a key staple in my postpartum life, and can completely be ordering a pair extra pairs.
Sizes obtainable: XXS-XL
Colours: 3
Materials: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Professionals:
Extremely tender, worn-in material really feel
Really feel like pajamas
Provide nice assist
Not compressive
Nice high quality
Cons:
Not compressive—for those who’re searching for extra athletic leggings
Dear
greatest seamless
Knix, BlissFit Maternity Legging
As somebody who loves Knix interval underwear, I used to be excited to attempt their maternity legging providing: The BlissFit Maternity Legging. Can affirm: The leggings stay as much as their title.
What makes the BlissFit leggings stand out from the gang is their seamless design and ample tummy panel (which whereas I haven’t grown into but, supplies tons and tons of room for when Child will get greater). They give the impression of being very glossy (extra like tights vs. leggings), and so they present ample quantity of stretching. They’re additionally a bit extra compressive than the remainder of the leggings I’ve tried to date, which makes me marvel what they’ll be like on the fitness center — I’ll undoubtedly report again on this as soon as I’ve the vitality to stroll greater than 5 minutes at a time.
Not like the Love the Bump and Align leggings, these aren’t tremendous tender — the fabric is light-weight and feels good on the pores and skin, however it’s not the kind of leggings you’ll overlook you’re sporting and go to sleep in (though, I’ve fallen asleep in them a number of occasions already!) In comparison with the opposite leggings I’m testing, the worth tag on these can be way more affordable. So, for those who’re searching for a strong pair of black, seamless leggings, I’ve actually beloved the BlissFit to date.
When washing, use the chilly cycle. Air dry to maintain its form.
Sizes obtainable: S-XXXL
Colours: 1
Materials: 90% polyamide, 10% spandex
Professionals:
One of many solely seamless maternity leggings available on the market
Offers glossy look
Moderately-priced
Excellent for rising, greater bellies (suppose third trimester)
Excessive-quality
Finest dimension vary
Cons:
Is available in one shade
Isn’t the softest materials
greatest inexpensive efficiency maternity leggings
Quince, Efficiency Maternity & Postpartum Leggings
These leggings jogged my memory a whole lot of the Oprah-beloved model Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive Pocket Legging (and it’s possible a dupe, as Quince is thought for creating extra inexpensive variations of in style merchandise). My absolute favourite facet about these was the pocket — none of my different leggings had this function! And I’m at all times carrying one thing in my pocket, whether or not it’s my cellphone or some canine treats. One other plus? The value. At slightly below $30, you get an excellent deal for a good pair of leggings which might be designed to really assist your actions.
Whereas I do know these are efficiency leggings, I haven’t really tried them on the fitness center but (for those who scrolled previous the opposite leggings opinions, simply know that I haven’t made it again to the fitness center since discovering out I used to be pregnant), however I’ve taken lengthy canine walks with them, and I’ve additionally worn them whereas cleansing the home, which is completely a exercise for those who’re pregnant and zapped of any vitality. Not like the opposite leggings, these really feel like sporty leggings. They’re not buttery, and so they don’t really feel like they could possibly be pajamas — I’d solely put on these if I’ve a bunch of motion on my schedule.
With that mentioned, there’s quite a bit to like about these: They provide four-way stretch, they’re moisture-wicking and have anti-bacterial properties (nice for those who sweat quite a bit), and so they dry quick. The total panel waistband additionally provides loads of room for a rising stomach, so this can be a nice pair of leggings that’ll final you from first to 3rd trimester.
Are they probably the most snuggly leggings? Probably not, actually. BUT snuggly-ness isn’t fairly their perform. So, for those who’re searching for an excellent exercise legging that received’t break the financial institution, this pair from Quince will do the trick.
Sizes obtainable: XS-XL
Colours: 2
Materials: 78% nylon, 22% spandex
Professionals:
Nice for individuals who sweat quite a bit
Constructed-in anti-microbial properties
Has pocket
Straightforward on the pockets
Cons:
Not tender
Not probably the most flattering
