Maternity Leggings - The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Pregnancy Leggings For Pregnant Women
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This extraordinary phase fills you with anticipation and joy, with so much ahead to look forward to.
As you progress through pregnancy, you'll notice many physical changes — and it's not just your belly growing. Comfort quickly becomes an essential aspect of your wardrobe.
Enter maternity leggings: a must-have in the pregnancy wardrobe.
Although pregnancy leggings may not solve every discomfort (though we wish they could!), they offer much-needed comfort and support for you and your growing baby bump. Known for their stretchiness, softness, and versatility, quality maternity leggings are an investment that will carry you comfortably throughout your pregnancy journey.
Drawing from my experiences of two pregnancies and ten years of running a maternity clothing brand, I've seen firsthand the difference a good pair of maternity leggings can make.
But how do maternity leggings differ from regular leggings, and when should you buy one? This guide provides all the information you need to choose the best pair for your pregnancy.
In this article:
- Difference between Maternity Leggings and Regular Leggings?
- Which Type of Maternity Leggings is Best for You?
- How Do You Know What Size Maternity Leggings to Buy?
- Can I Wear Normal Leggings When Pregnant?
- Why Wear Maternity Leggings?
- When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Leggings?
- How Are Maternity Leggings Supposed to Fit?
- Is It OK to Wear Leggings During Pregnancy?
- Is Leggings Good During Pregnancy?
- How Do I Choose Maternity Leggings?
- What Can I Wear with Leggings While Pregnant?
What is the Difference between Maternity Leggings and Regular Leggings?
The main difference between maternity leggings and regular styles is that they are crafted with highly stretchable fabrics and have an extra-supportive waistband that grows with your expanding belly for maximum comfort. There are two types of pregnancy leggings:
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Under Belly Waistband
Product image: Wobbly Walk Maternity Capri Legging
These are also called under the bump maternity leggings. These leggings are designed without a belly panel. So these types of leggings will not cover a woman’s belly. These leggings have an elastic waistband at the top of the leggings. The stretchy waistband expands with your growing belly.
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Over Belly Waistband
Product image: Wobbly Walk Maternity Over Belly Legging
These are also called over bump waistband maternity legging. These have a band that comes over the belly. The panel is very stretchy and comfortable and may even provide some support depending on the type you purchase. This support is especially crucial in the third trimester.
Over the Belly or Under Belly- Which Maternity Legging is Best for You?
- Over the Belly pregnancy leggings are suitable for all stages of pregnancy and postpartum. And Under Belly pregnancy leggings are suggested for the first trimester and postpartum.
- If you have an itchy belly or over-heating concerns, then Under Belly leggings could be a better option. But if you prefer Over the Belly leggings, then for summer, you can opt 3/4 or Capri style.
- Under Belly leggings are perfect for those who don't like any pressure on the belly.
How Do You Know What Size Maternity Leggings to Buy?
You will find leggings in various sizes, one size legging, and even plus size maternity leggings. To determine your size for maternity leggings, the best thing to do is to take a measurement of the widest part of your hips. Use the measurement along with the sizing guide of the manufacturer or seller to see what size you should get.
Waist: Measure around the fullest area of your belly, usually around your navel or a little below it.
Hips: With your legs together, measure around the widest portion of your hips.
We recommend staying with your pre-pregnancy size (unless stated on the manufacture’s product size chart).
Can I Wear Normal Leggings When Pregnant?
You could get away with wearing normal leggings by simply sizing up in the first trimester. This is especially true if you don’t care for the over the belly types of leggings. However, if you are concerned about support and covering your belly, you will definitely want to go for leggings that are designed especially for pregnant women.
When choosing leggings to ensure you are choosing one with enough room so that it is not too restricting and tight. Choose leggings that are made from breathable fabrics and those with a lot of stretches so you can wear them throughout your pregnancy.
Why Wear Maternity Leggings?
You should wear maternity leggings during pregnancy because they:
- Are comfortable
- Allow for flexibility
- Provide support for your belly
- Are great for sleeping in
When Should I Start Wearing Maternity Leggings?
Your maternity clothes will probably start fitting around 3 to 4 months into the pregnancy, but remember that all women are different. Most women find it is ok for them to wear their regular clothes for the first semester of pregnancy.
Most times, it is just a larger bra that a woman may need to consider within the first trimester. You will have to start wearing larger clothes when you are around 4 to 5 months pregnant. When it comes to leggings, though, you really can start wearing these as early as you want. They are comfortable and easy to wear, and they come in a variety of forms so you can even find work-appropriate ones.
How Are Maternity Leggings Supposed to Fit?
Maternity leggings are perfect because they are soft and stretchy. When you choose the right size, they won’t dig into your skin. They should be tight enough though to fit and not ride up or down during your day to day activities.
Is It OK to Wear Leggings During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can definitely wear leggings during pregnancy. They designed pregnancy leggings just for you. Pregnancy tights accommodate your growing belly with a waistband that is stretchy, and that offers support. You will find these in two different styles, over the waist, and under the belly. Just ensure you choose the right size so that they aren't too tight.
Is Leggings Good During Pregnancy?
Leggings are perfectly safe to wear during pregnancy. They are easy to pull on and off and are extremely comfortable. If you have varicose veins to be wary of the type of leggings you choose, opt for pregnancy leggings designed for your body. The wrong types of leggings may irritate your varicose veins.
How Do I Choose Maternity Leggings?
So how do you know which legging to choose and where do you buy? You can buy your maternity leggings online. Here are some tips for choosing the best maternity leggings.
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Fabric:
You have to consider the fabric that is used for making the leggings. Cotton leggings can be very comfortable, but over time they can stretch too much and become SeeThru. You will find leggings made from synthetic or partly synthetic materials. You want to choose leggings made with material that are durable and will provide you with a good aesthetic as well as good coverage. Look for the leggings made from nylon-lycra to get the best.
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Thickness:
The thickness will affect opacity and coverage as well as warmth. You may want to skip thick leggings such as those with fleece, as these will make you hot. Choose tights with a medium thickness; these will give you enough coverage while keeping you cool and comfortable. You don’t want to go too thin and have leggings that are see-thru.
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Length:
You can find leggings in various lengths from Capri-length to full length. The type you choose is based on your needs. If you are wearing them to work, depending on your environment, either may be appropriate. If you have varicose veins, you may want a full length one to cover up.
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Care Instructions:
This is a personal preference, but most of us now use a washer. Check the care instructions as some leggings are made for hand wash only. Then there may be those that have to be laid flat for drying. Check the instructions to ensure you are up to follow the care instructions.
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Belly Panel:
You will find leggings with a belly panel that comes over your waist as well as you will find those with a support band that sits below your belly. Some even have crossover panels for added support. The latter is a good option for later in pregnancy when you get really heavy.
Related Post: Difference Between Leggings and Jeggings.
What Can I Wear with Leggings While Pregnant?
Check out this 4-way stretchy lilac casual tee top. It is made from 100% cotton ribbed lycra fabric that is lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable and relaxed all day long. It features a round neck design with a gentle flare from the bust line to accommodate your growing bump. On the other hand, bell sleeves give you a classy, feminine look. It fits you throughout nine months of pregnancy and postpartum. When you are ready to clean, these are machine washable so that you can throw them into the wash.
Want a fun print in a maternity shirt? Look no further than this all-over print bird print soft crepe shirt in black. This is a long-sleeved shirt with cuffs and button closure to the sleeve. The shirt has a spread collar design and has buttons running all the way down the front. It features a curved shirttail hem. The material is lightweight and comfortable and is ideal for work or play. To clean, toss the shirt into the wash with like colors on a gentle cycle.
Looking for an Anarkali suit set? Here is the set of over belly churidar leggings and Angrakha kalidaar kurta. The kurta is made of 100% cotton and features tassels hung on sides and side pockets to store your essentials. It has 3/4 sleeves and zippers on both sides to make breastfeeding easier and more convenient. On the other hand, churidars are tailored using 4-way stretchable cotton lycra and come with a breathable belly panel that fully covers and supports your growing bump. The set is machine washable on a gentle cycle.
The next comes the set of over belly churidar leggings and y-neck yoke kurta. The leggings are made from cotton lycra fabric and come with a breathable belly panel to support your growing bump. The kurti is crafted from 100% cotton yarn dyed check and has zippers on both sides for easy nursing. The kurta also features 3/4 bell sleeves and pockets on both sides to store your essentials. The set is both bump and nursing friendly to wear during and after pregnancy.
Here is a pretty set of tie-dye maternity feeding kurta and churidar. The kurta has a round neck with 3/4 sleeves and is made of cotton viscose fabric, whereas over belly churidar leggings are crafted from four-way stretchy cotton lycra fabric. The zipper on both sides near the bust allows for easy breastfeeding or pumping after delivery. The set fits throughout nine months of pregnancy & postpartum.
This next option is an athleisure 2-piece loungewear set of round neck tee and leggings. Crafted with a four-way stretch jersey fabric that comfortably fits your growing bump, this set is ideal for an effortless and perfectly coordinated maternity look. The top features a crew neckline with full sleeves, while full-length leggings come with an elastic-free waistband for easy, comfy wear. The leggings also have side pockets to hold essentials and can be worn over or under the belly. Wash in your washing machine with like colors on a gentle cycle.
A stylish and comfortable maternity top designed to fit throughout pregnancy and postpartum! Made from 4-way stretchable, 100% cotton lycra fabric, this tank top is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. It features a sleeveless design, a round neck design, and gathers on sight seam to offer you a very relaxed fit. Depending on the occasion, it pairs very well with different kinds of leggings. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with similar colors for a quick and easy clean. Also available in Cupid and Cyan Green colors.
This set contains half sleeves round-neck maternity t-shirt, and over belly leggings made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex. With a curved hem with vents at the sides, the t-shirt hits below the hip to keep you covered and is ideal for regular everyday casual wear. On the other hand, over belly leggings hit the ankle with a high waistband for a customized fit and pockets on both sides to hold your essentials.
The waistband is completely elastic-free for zero pinch wear, and the t-shirt has a generous size to perfectly accommodate your growing bump. Perfect for yoga, casual outings, and everyday wear, you can wear this set throughout nine months of pregnancy and beyond. Machine wash like all other products in our listing!
Dresses are very comfortable through maternity into nursing and after. They are easy to put on and easy to maintain. Check out our range of dresses in various colors, patterns, and styles. You can wear an above the knee dress with leggings or without, mix and match and change it up as much as you like. You are sure to find something here for any occasion and to meet any style.
This maternity kurta or floor-length dress is made from lightweight cotton. It is great for pregnancy and as well as for nursing. This is all thanks to its button-down closure, which will allow for easy nursing access. It is designed with a spread collar and has ¾ sleeves complete with cuffs.
Now that we have answered all your questions as it relates to leggings and pregnancy, let’s have a look at our infographic showing what to wear with maternity leggings.
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