Ditch the maternity myths, mama! Those “one size fits all” leggings you loved pre-bump won’t cut it anymore. As your beautiful belly grows, your workout wardrobe needs a little refresh. No more tugging up tights, flashing with rogue crop tops, or feeling like you’re suffocating mid-burpee. Enter: the glorious world of maternity leggings.
We scoured the fitness landscape (read: online reviews, mama forums and our own sweaty test runs) to bring you the top 10 maternity leggings that’ll move and groove with you every step of the way. Whether you’re doing a HIIT class, stretching it out with yoga, or just chasing toddlers around the park, these leggings will keep you comfy, supported and (dare we say?) stylish. Plus, they’ll transition seamlessly into postpartum life, so you can rock them long after baby arrives.
READ MORE: The 15-Minute Pregnancy Workout You Can Do At Home
We called on the experts
We polled our amazing community of moms to find out what really matters when it comes to maternity leggings. Key components to look out for across the bank were: stretch, comfort, support and moisture-wicking material.
Fitness influencer Michelina Chindiya shared: “What I looked for were leggings that had a good hold on the belly area. I found that initially with the cheaper tights, they would stretch out fast and I’d find myself pulling them up ever so often throughout my workouts. I also looked out for full coverage of my belly.” She adds, “I wanted leggings that weren’t too thick and a hassle to put on, because as you get bigger, especially in the last trimester, it’s hard to get into a super tight set of leggings.”
Fitness trainer and influencer Katy Cloeté says that comfort is her number one priority. “As your belly grows, support is necessary. Some women may need this support earlier in their pregnancy rather than later. Most women won’t be doing extreme exercise later on in their pregnancy, so extreme compression and support is not necessary. But a snug enough fit to make your belly feel supported is a must for me… again, this probably mostly boils down to comfort,” she adds.
Katy’s tip for the summer: “If you are carrying at your biggest during the summer months, then leggings with moisture-wicking materials are best! You’ll most likely be perspiring a lot more than usual. I also prefer to stick to darker colours that will hide any sweat marks in unwanted places!”
Our Top Maternity Leggings Picks:
adidas ⅞ Maternity Leggings
These leggings are comfy, supportive with a super high waist that grows with you, and moisture-wicking to keep you dry. Plus, say goodbye to annoying seams and hello to distraction-free movement.
Nike Zenvy Maternity
These unbelievably soft biker shorts are squat-proof, sweat-wicking and oh-so-gentle on your skin. The maternity design adapts to your changing body, so you can move freely and confidently throughout your pregnancy. Plus, they’re durable enough to handle all your workouts.
PUMA Maternity Studio ⅞ Leggings
These PUMA leggings boast dryCELL tech to keep you cool, a supportive high waist and a cropped silhouette that’s both trendy and practical. Because pregnant mamas deserve some fierce workout style, too!
Maxed Maternity Mid-Thigh Tights
Looking for an affordable and comfy option? Look no further than these mid-thigh tights from MrP Sport. They offer supportive stretch, an extended band for your growing bump, and all at a budget-friendly price. Perfect for keeping active throughout your pregnancy journey.
Cotton On Maternity Core ⅞ Tights
Simple yet effective, these tights from Cotton On tick all the right boxes. The comfy curved waistband grows with your bump, the ankle length is perfect for warmer weather and the elasticated waistband adds an extra touch of comfort.
Reebok Lux Maternity Tights 2.0
Reebok knows comfort is key, and these leggings deliver. From indoor cycling to prenatal yoga, they’ll keep you supported and sweat-free with their high-stretch waistband and seamless construction. Plus, they look as good as they feel, thanks to the flattering design.
Bellysimo Maternity Leggings
Silky soft and perfect for any activity level, these leggings are a budget-friendly gem. The cotton/nylon blend belly band is comfy and supportive, and the non-ravel fabric allows you to customize the length for the perfect fit. A great choice for all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
H&M Mama Cycling Shorts
Not technically workout gear, but these soft jersey shorts with a wide, comfy waistband are ideal for walks, errands, or lounging. They offer just the right amount of coverage and movement for your growing bump, making them a versatile addition to your mama wardrobe.
Nike One Maternity Short
The Nike One Biker Shorts are sweat-wicking, squat-proof and totally opaque, so you can move with confidence. The maternity design ensures a perfect fit throughout your pregnancy, and the versatile style makes them perfect for workouts or everyday wear.
OTG Maternity Leisure Short
Up your lounge game with these comfy and lightweight shorts. They’re perfect for relaxing at home or running errands, offering just the right amount of coverage and movement for your growing bump.
Note: Always find out from your doctor whether exercising while pregnant is safe and reassess the situation at every check-up. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, stop and call your doc.
Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.