If there’s one piece of clothing you can’t be without during pregnancy, it’s the best maternity leggings. Whether you require professional ‘fits five days a week or can happily wear athleisure as often as you like, maternity leggings can do it all, going from relaxed with cool sweatshirts and cozy socks to polished with a blazer and boots. But, as with the best leggings you wear when not with child, you’ll find certain bump-friendly styles to be total game changers over others. “The most important aspect of a maternity legging is comfort,” says Bumpsuit founder Nicole Trunfio. “When creating Bumpsuit, I really focused on everything I wished I had when I was pregnant, product-wise and comfort-wise, creating the perfect versions of each.”

I was a bit of a baby bear during my pregnancy–some maternity leggings with a lot of compression fit a little too snuggly, while others felt too thin and flimsy, lacking the extra support I needed as my bump grew. I also learned that maternity leggings are very much worth the investment versus trying to literally stretch my regular leggings into the second and third trimesters. Even during my first, waistbands started hitting an uncomfortable mid-point, often pinching and digging rather than cradling my growing shape.

You’ll want to start with the basics when choosing maternity leggings, as you do with the best maternity clothes and the best maternity workout clothes. “You can’t ever go wrong with a classic pair of ankle-length black leggings,” Trunfio tells BAZAAR. “They can be styled with just about anything and dressed up or down.” She also points out that when you start to show and your midsection changes so much, it can be nice to show off your legs a bit more in a leg-lengthening black silhouette. Depending on your lifestyle, adding a few more neutral-colored leggings will make getting dressed easier, knowing these shades go with just about anything. Then, consider adding brighter hues and bold prints to make casual, active, and put-together pregnancy outfits pop.

From a styling standpoint, Trunfio says, “I love throwing leggings on with a cute sweatshirt and sneakers for running around with my kids or high heel boots and a great coat for a night out with my husband.” Celebrities are also a great source of inspiration. “I loved Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s maternity style as a whole,” Trunfio continues. “She paired Bumpsuit leggings with great sweaters and knee-high boots and always looked super chic.” Additionally, Kylie Jenner teamed her maternity leggings with the Bumpsuit’s simple black crop long-sleeve tee, while Elsa Hosk paired hers with an oversized cozy sweater, and Sophie Turner and Emily Ratajkowsi defaulted to casual sweatshirts.

As for the ideal time to shop for maternity leggings during pregnancy, it’s a personal preference. “It really varies, based on when a mom-to-be feels ready to start wearing more supportive over-the-bump clothing,” Trunfio explains. “I personally love a cozy pair of leggings, so I wore them from the time I started showing through postpartum recovery.” Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing your due date, keep scrolling to shop the 13 best maternity leggings, including my favorite picks, and those shopping reviewers rave about.

Bumpsuit

bumpsuit.co

$115.00

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“We spent a ton of time perfecting the fit, especially the waistband to be supportive but not restrictive,” Trunfio tells BAZAAR.com of Bumpsuit’s best-selling, double-lined maternity legging. “It was really important for us to create a product that would provide support through all of the changes a woman goes through during pregnancy.”

I can attest to the impeccable feel and comfort. After amassing more than ten pairs of maternity leggings, I wore these the most because of the ultra-soft and substantial weight of the fabric and the fit, reaching all the way over my bump, even at the tail end of the third trimester.

Sizes: XS– XL

What reviewers are saying: “I cannot recommend these leggings enough! First of all they feel like butter. They are such an amazing fit. And most importantly they are the most perfect amount of thickness and they are never see-through. I honestly lived in these the last half of my pregnancy and for a little while postpartum. I have all the other brands of leggings and none of them compared to bumpsuit. Don’t waste your money on any others just get these.”

Hatch

hatchcollection.com

$98.00

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If you only want to buy one pair of maternity leggings, this pair by Hatch is it. They're crafted from a moisture-wicking, bamboo blend, C-section friendly (aka no rubbing) with gentle compression that feels good before, during, and after pregnancy.

Sizes: XS–XL

What reviewers are saying: "These are amazing leggings. Nice compressive stretch. Opaque black and not see-through like other brands. Also doesn't make you look like you're wearing a saggy diaper like other brands. The material has a nice smooth, satin-y finish. Will be purchasing another pair and other designs."

And, "Love these leggings! They're so soft and comfortable and are thick enough for me to wear to work!"

Storq

storq.com

$68.00

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Thick but not compressive, Storq's maternity leggings were another go-to during my pregnancy. The modal-spandex-jersey fabric is luxuriously soft with a substantial feel, even after months of washes. I found them perfect for working from home, running errands, and even napping in (something I typically don't choose to do in leggings). If not this graphic swirly print, they're offered in classic black, leopard print, and fun colors like cinnamon and indigo.

Sizes: Petite–4X

What reviewers are saying: "The absolute softest leggings! I'm experiencing first-trimester bloat and discomfort and I've already busted these out. Worth it!"

Kindred Bravely

nordstrom.com

$89.99

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The convertible fold-over band on these maternity leggings makes them a winner through the trimesters, whether you like them rolled down in the first or worn over the bump for maximum support in the third and fourth.

Sizes: S—XXL

What reviewers are saying: "I absolutely love these leggings. The pockets are hugely helpful and fit my phone. I wore a size large when I was pregnant and now that I'm postpartum and nursing, I bought a size medium to give my abs and lower back the additional support they need. I technically could have worn a small, but I personally like things a touch looser and the medium still provides the support I was looking for. I wear these as everyday leggings around the house, but I do also work out in them sometimes. They're perfect for whatever I need. From a fabric perspective, they're soft and a good thickness (not super thin like some leggings). I will definitely continue to re-purchase these going forward even postpartum."

Beyond Yoga

beyondyoga.com

$110.00

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I'm a huge Beyond Yoga fan and had the label's maternity leggings in their signature space-dye fabric on my radar long before I was pregnant. They became a regular in my weekly lineup, most often for low-impact workouts, though I lounged in them plenty, too. The color offerings can't be beaten, and neither can the pockets—I bought several in various sizes to accommodate my growing bump and keep in rotation postpartum.

Sizes: XS—XL

What reviewers are saying: "These are a total game changer. For someone who lives in leggings, it was annoying when my regular ones started to squeeze me tight around the belly. These are UBER comfortable—I want to live in them for the next 5 months! The fabric is buttery soft—my favorites."

Seraphine

seraphine.com

$89.00

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Whether you regularly live in leggings or know you will during pregnancy, don't hold back and go for the two-pack off the bat—Seraphine's cooling bamboo set won't disappoint.

Sizes: XS–XL

Spanx

spanx.com

$110.00

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Spanx's faux leather leggings are cult-loved when leveling up from basic black—style them for work with a roomy button-down and a beautiful sweater for dinners or parties.

Sizes: XS–3X

What reviewers are saying: "These fit amazing and are so comfortable! I love dressing them up with a sweater and some boots or down with a sweatshirt. I wear these every week and they fit me the bigger my belly gets with this pregnancy! I love them!"

A Pea In The Pod

apeainthepod.com

$28.00

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One styling problem you don't consider until you're in the thick of it? The sometimes awkward look of too many fabrics layered over your bump. This seamless pair offers a beige over-the-belly panel that lays nicely under tops of all kinds and won't show through lighter shades.

Sizes: XS–L

What reviewers are saying: "Obsessed with these leggings. The navy ones are so soft! I wear them every day and appreciate the support."

Felina

amazon.com

$39.95

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Felina's featherweight leggings were a constant for me during my first trimester. The soft, not irritating fabric was exactly what I needed once I outgrew my regular leggings. Plus, these felt perfectly breathable in the late summer heat.

Sizes: XS–XXL

What reviewers are saying: "I used these during my pregnancy and the material is so soft and comfortable. I loved them also because I was pregnant mostly during the summer months and these kept me cool not feeling hot."

Nike

nordstrom.com

$62.00

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For higher-intensity workouts, look to these Nike leggings designed to fit high and tight for the mega-support a pregnant body needs. They're made with a breathable, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

What reviewers are saying: "Out of all the high end brands that offer maternity leggings, these are the most comfortable and durable maternity leggings by far. The quality is amazing! I have been wearing them for my BARRE and maternity yoga classes and so far they hold my growing belling perfectly. The upper flap is high and stretchy enough to accommodate a growing belly. I can definitely see these leggings lasting throughout my whole pregnancy AND lasting through postpartum as well."

Belly Bandit

bellybandit.com

$59.95

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Support is the crux of Belly Bandit's business, from their beloved belly wraps to these maternity leggings. They're designed with WonderWeave material for built-in belly support that's non-irritating with a smoothing effect. Wear them over the bump for maximum support, or roll them down when your bump needs a breather.

Sizes: S–XL

What reviewers are saying: "I love these pants. They're comfortable as loungewear but also sleek enough to be worn outside the house. They fit my early second-trimester bump and will clearly stretch for future wear. The compression is flattering without being constricting. The perfect pregnancy pants!"

Bodily

itsbodily.com

$58.00

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I became obsessed with Bodily bras postpartum—the Do Anything Bra is seriously the best for pumping and nursing and so silky soft. However, I wished these leggings were in my rotation during pregnancy. The seamless, non-compression design makes them perfectly lounge-able when you want that easy-living feel. They'll most certainly be one of the first I reach for come time for baby number two.

Sizes: S–XL

What reviewers are saying: "The softest leggings I own! Love these leggings! i wish they had a bit more support/compression, but they are the best for lounging, even post-pregnancy!"

Ingrid + Isabel

ingridandisabel.com

$88.00

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Postpartum is a time when maternity leggings get plenty of wear. If you had a Cesarian birth, finding non-irritating leggings is even more crucial as you heal. This pair offers just the right amount of compression for support with an ultra-wide panel and low-belly seam that steers clear of your incision while staying put.

Sizes: XS–XL

What reviewers are saying: "These leggings have been so perfect for my C-section recovery! After an emergency C-section, I was fully unprepared for what was to come…including the fact that NONE of my leggings (including maternity) had a low enough (or high enough) front panel seam that did not rub my incision. These do not rub, and provide a nice amount of compression to feel held together and secure in recovery. The material is buttery and smooth and a nice medium weight (no see-through here!)."