13 Maternity Leggings That Are Comfortable and Chic

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.