The 20 Best Maternity Leggings 2025 That Saw Us Through Every Occasion And Trimester (And Beyond)

As your bump grows, you may find that your regular leggings just aren't making the cut anymore. Unlike some maternity fashion, you can't always just size up, as they'll be baggy everywhere else. That's why we're big believers in maternity leggings. Throughout our own pregnancies, we found that maternity leggings adjusted to our growing bodies much better than our favourite pair of jeans. Just like plus-sized maternity dresses, the clothing is specifically designed with the needs of pregnant women in mind.

There is no right or wrong time to buy maternity leggings. You can start wearing them the moment you realise you are pregnant or wait until your bump has popped. Usually, we find that they are essential from your second trimester when your belly really starts to grow.

Some women opt to pick one size up for a more comfortable fit. However, most maternity leggings have been designed to accommodate your growing stomach, so they tend to be a little more roomy than your traditional leggings. For this reason, we suggest choosing your normal size.

Most people prefer to go with maternity leggings that go over the bump, purely so that you feel slightly more supported and you don't have to worry about your top riding up to expose your bump. Over-bump leggings also are less likely to slip down, thanks to its high-waisted design. However, the decision between over-bump and under-bump is very personal, and others prefer an under-bump design for smaller bumps as they're generally easier to get on and feel like a less restrictive option.

Of course! Maternity leggings can be worn postpartum too. Just because you buy a pair of maternity leggings for your pregnancy, doesn't mean you can't wear them afterwards. Even once your pregnancy is over many women often choose to wear their leggings for comfort and gentle support. Look for leggings that are designed with a fold-down panel for added support, or an over-the-bump style will also help from the waist upwards.

It really does depend on the design. Some leggings are made to just be worn around the house and are less about activewear and more about everyday comfort and support. Saying that, some pairs of maternity leggings are made specially for workouts, whether that be a pregnancy Pilates or a gentle walk. Look out for sweat-wicking or quick-drying materials, a good level of stretch and a thick, squat-proof design.

We all know the pain of buying or putting on a pair of leggings to see that they're entirely see-through. Usually, the common areas to watch out for are on the back and around the crotch, as these areas are most likely to rip or become see-through over time. To make sure you're not investing in a pair of see-through leggings, or leggings that are likely to go see-through within a couple of washes, choose a style made from a thicker, darker material, and one with lots of stretch too. Also make sure to take your correct size in leggings, rather than sizing down to reduce the risk of additional stretching.

It depends on what your budget is. While there are most definitely some great maternity leggings available for an accessible price, leggings on the 'more expensive' side will most likely offer qualities like a thicker fabric and better sweat-wicking. Saying that, whether it's 'worth it' or not to pay the difference is up to you. If you're unsure, perhaps look at a pair of middle-range maternity leggings which are great quality, but also won't break the bank.