Maternity leggings are worn more than almost any other pregnancy purchase — from the first trimester when regular waistbands become uncomfortable through the postpartum period. The gap between good and bad maternity leggings is significant.
What to look for in maternity leggings
Rise height — over-bump panels are more comfortable for the third trimester; under-bump panels more versatile for first and second trimester. Fabric — good elastane content (20–25%) needed for stretch without bagging. Thickness — thicker fabric provides more coverage and less transparency during exercise.
Budget: ASOS Maternity Over-Bump Leggings — ~£18–22
A consistent recommendation among pregnant women for their combination of price, over-bump panel comfort, and fabric quality. The over-bump panel is smooth and doesn’t roll down. Available in black, navy, various lengths. Washes well without losing shape. For everyday wear these are difficult to beat at this price.
Pros: Over-bump panel stays up, good fabric quality for price, wide size range, washes well
Cons: Not suitable for high-impact sports, occasional stock availability issues
Best for: Everyday maternity wear, working from home, casual outfits through all three trimesters
Mid-range: Blanqi Everyday Maternity Support Leggings — ~£60–70
Built-in support band sitting under the bump and across the lower back — providing gentle postural support that reduces round ligament pain for many women in the second and third trimester. The fabric is mid-weight (not transparent), compressive, and maintains its shape through a full day.
Pros: Built-in bump and back support, opaque fabric, maintains shape, postural benefit
Cons: More expensive, US brand with sizing variation, support panel visible under thin tops
Best for: Second and third trimester for women experiencing round ligament pain or bump heaviness
Premium: Lululemon Align Maternity Pant — ~£98
The Align adapted for maternity with a foldable over-bump waistband. The nulu fabric is exceptionally soft and doesn’t pill or bag. For low-impact activity, yoga, and everyday wear the quality is genuinely noticeable. The argument for it: you’ll wear it through pregnancy and postnatally, the quality holds up.
Pros: Exceptional fabric softness, versatile foldable waistband, excellent build quality
Cons: Very expensive, not suitable for high-impact activity
Best for: Comfort-first buyers or those who want quality to justify extended wear through and after pregnancy
When to buy and how many you need
Most women need maternity leggings from approximately 16–20 weeks. Buy two to three pairs for rotation — daily wear means weekly washing. Over-bump panels are more supportive in the third trimester but can feel hot and restrictive in the first and second; under-bump bands are more versatile earlier. Post-birth: high-waist soft waistbands are significantly more comfortable than regular waistbands pressing on healing tissue for 4–8 weeks — maternity leggings extend their useful life here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear regular leggings in pregnancy?
In the first trimester, yes. By the second trimester the waistband typically becomes uncomfortable. Over-bump maternity leggings are significantly more comfortable from around 16–20 weeks.
Are maternity leggings still useful postpartum?
Yes — your body returns to pre-pregnancy size gradually. High-waist maternity leggings are comfortable for postpartum recovery, particularly after caesarean.
When do I need to size up in maternity leggings?
Most maternity leggings are sized to your pre-pregnancy measurement and designed to stretch as the bump grows — sizing up is not usually necessary. If the over-bump panel is sitting uncomfortably tight or rolling down repeatedly, the panel may be undersized for your bump at this stage; try the next size up. In the third trimester, some women find they need a size larger than their pre-pregnancy size for comfort in the waist panel specifically.
Related Reading
- 14 weeks pregnant: can you feel the baby yet?
- Postpartum recovery: week-by-week what to expect physically
- Pelvic floor exercises after birth: complete guide
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ASOS’s maternity range is available in petite, regular, and tall lengths — a detail that matters more for leggings than most garments. The over-bump panel on the 4505 is deep enough to cover the full bump in the third trimester without rolling. Fabric weight is appropriate for all seasons. Machine wash without specific care requirements.
The Blanqi’s built-in underbust support band functions similarly to a support belt worn beneath clothing — lifting the bump from underneath rather than just covering it. This specifically addresses round ligament pain, which results from the ligaments suspending the uterus being stretched by increasing weight. Many women report this is the first garment that reduced that specific pain.
The Align fabric’s softness and weight make it the most comfortable option for extended wear — full days in the third trimester when even waistband pressure becomes uncomfortable. The buttery-soft Nulu fabric also holds shape through pregnancy without the sagging that plagues lighter fabrics. A luxury purchase with genuine quality justification.
