9 Best Maternity Leggings, Tested By Editors

ProsFour different inseam optionsHigh waist to cover the belly/bumpStretchy but maintain shapeConsNot specific to maternityA handful of our editors vouched for the lululemon Align Pants as their favorite leggings throughout pregnancy. The buttery soft fabric, high waistband, and various length options make them a versatile pair to have on hand. Abby Cuffy, Executive Editor, said the popular pair molded to her body and bump throughout all stages of pregnancy.Amanda Woerner, Executive Digital Director, said they were her go-to pair for coming home from the hospital. "They always felt like they fit!" which made them comfortable throughout all three trimesters. Plus, the leggings are just under $100 and come in a range of colors, so you can snag one or two pairs to keep in your closet.Read More: The Best Maternity Workout Clothes For WomenFabric81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastaneSize range0-20Colors12Length23"-31"ProsVery affordableAvailable in multipacks and several color optionsPockets are secureConsSize range is smaller than other leggings we looked atFor an affordable Amazon option, these leggings will be a go-to. The pants have handy side pockets, cost $25, and stretch as your bump grows throughout pregnancy. You can fold the extra-wide waistband down or lift it to cover your bump depending on preference. These leggings can be worn through low-impact workouts or just days around the house.Fabric80% Nylon, 20% SpandexSize rangeS-XLColors10LengthFull lengthAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsButtery softWaistband can sit below or over your bumpSide pockets for holding essentialsConsOnly one inseam lengthBetter for second and third trimestersAnother pick from multiple editors, this pair from Beyond Yoga is ultra-soft (I love the leggings I own from this fabric line), stretchy, and smooth on the skin. There are seven different color options to choose from, and the side pockets are a major plus.For low-impact workouts, doctor appointments, errand runs, and more, these leggings will be very comfortable to slip into. The waistband can sit over or under your bump depending on your preference. The 25-inch inseam hits just above the ankle, and you can even snag a coordinating maternity tank for a full outfit.Fabric87% polyester, 13% elastaneSize rangeXS-XLColors7Length25"ProsWide range of color optionsSculpting but comfortableSeamless waistband won't roll downConsNot designed for maternityWhile Executive Editor Abby Cuffey was a huge fan of the Align Pant throughout pregnancy, she also loved wearing this pair she found on Amazon. There are a whopping 37 different color options, and the fabric is soft and sculpting without being restrictive.There's a gusset built in to give you lots of room, and the high-rise waistband will cover your bump through the early and even later stages of pregnancy. Plus, the leggings are under $35, so they're a budget-friendly pair if you're hoping to keep maternity clothes spending to a minimum.Fabric81% polyamide, 19% LycraSize rangeXXS-XLColors37Length28"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOne piece makes getting dressed easyFour-way stretch fabric will stretch as your bump growsEasy to style with outerwear and teesConsOnly one color optionStraps aren't adjustableOkay, technically *not* a pair of leggings, but this onesie from Bumpsuit makes getting dressed a breeze in the morning. Toss a sweater on over top, or wear it on its own while walking around the neighborhood.The fabric will gently stretch so it can be worn throughout your pregnancy, making it a good investment piece since it's priced over $100. The jumpsuit only comes in black, but it's a classic neutral tone you can easily work into your wardrobe.Fabric94% polyester, 6% spandexSize rangeXS-LColors1LengthFullProsSweat-wicking fabric Waistband won't roll down throughout wearStretches to accommodate growing bumpsConsOnly two color optionsIf you're not skipping those high-intensity workouts or major sweat sessions, these leggings will carry you through. Our editors found the fabric felt thick and luxurious without being constricting. The waistband stayed put over bumps, even during the third trimester. The leggings come in at $65, making them a reasonably priced pair to snag. The leggings are also designed with Reebok's odor-eliminating technology so you can wear them time and time again, even after breaking a sweat. Fabric80% nylon, 20% elastaneSize rangeXS-XLColors2LengthFull lengthAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWaistband can fit over or underneath your bumpDesigned with all stages of pregnancy in mindReviews say the fabric is ultra-softConsReviewers say fabric can feel too thickHatch makes clothes designed with pregnant women in mind, so you can trust the leggings to include thoughtful details for soon-to-be moms. The fabric is designed to avoid rubbing against your bump, so Hatch says they're C-section-friendly.Reviewers love the soft, lightly compressive fabric of these leggings, as well as the fact that they can be worn throughout pregnancy, from the first trimester to postpartum. The waistband can be worn over the bump or underneath it.Fabric80% bamboo, 20% spandexSize rangeXS-XLColors4Length26"ProsUltra-soft Spacedye fabricGood for both pregnancy and postpartumWide range of color optionsConsNot designed for maternityPriced slightly below Beyond Yoga's maternity leggings, this mid-length pair should sit between your midcalf and ankle. Our editors wore them both before, during, and after pregnancy, and the waistband never stretched out. If you're not looking to invest in a maternity-specific piece, this is an excellent purchase.The waistband has a high-rise fit, and the Spacedye fabric is one of our editor's favorites. It's extra soft, which is just what you want as your body changes throughout each trimester.Fabric87% polyester, 13% elastaneSize rangeXXS-XLColors15Length24"Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAffordableSide pockets for your phone and walletU-shaped belly band for added stretch and comfortConsSome reviewers note pilling after washingAmazon reviewers tout these leggings as comfortable and stretchy, and as providing ample bump coverage. The flared hem gives them a roomier fit around your ankles and calves, and there are two deep front pockets for holding essentials.A few reviewers noted the pants pilled after a few washes, but the leggings have an overall 4.5-star rating and over 1,200 reviews. The bottoms come in 10 colors, giving you plenty of options.Fabric80% nylon, 20% spandexSize rangeXS-XXLColors10Length30"Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Deputy Editor, Deals and Trends, for Best Products, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Biography. Her obsession with beauty and pop culture keeps her on top of the latest trends and viral online finds, which can also be seen in her work spearheading the Hearst Enthusiast Group’s sales and deals content. Her editorials have been featured in publications like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, woman&home, and Sparkling, among many others. A former music editor, she pioneered Asia’s first-ever English-helmed K-Pop magazine and has extensive experience with celebrity profiling and red-carpet reportage. She is based in Manhattan where she watches Scandi-noir crime procedurals with her cat.