These Maternity Yoga Pants Guarantee Comfort and Support During Pregnancy—And After, Too
So, there are the best pants for maternity and then there are the best yoga pants for maternity. They are NOT one and the same. Maternity leggings—arguably one of the most important garments EVER created—give you more comfort and support than any other maternity pants. They hug you where you need it, feel good against the skin and fit with ease before, during and after pregnancy.
Yoga maternity pants fit as comfortably as maternity leggings, but they go even further. They can have pockets (pockets!), give added belly support and are made from technical, breathable fabrics. While loose, drape-y pants with stretchy waistbands are also a comfy go-to, tighter-fitting pants have their benefits, too. Especially for most types of physical activity. But you gotta make sure they stretch—a lot. “Tight pants, while not being comfortable during pregnancy, can feel great if they’re made with spandex,” says Jane Van Dis, Board Certified OB-GYN and Medical Advisor for Bobbie, “and breathable fabrics are a good idea at every stage of a woman’s life.”
- Jane van Dis, MD, board-certified OB/GYN, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Rochester in New York, and and medical advisor for infant formula company Bobbie
With all maternity leggings, it’s a personal choice if you want the band to stop under the belly (just short of the bump) or to extend over the belly (these can go high above the bump or can roll down to exactly where it feels comfortable day to day).
Maternity expert Ariane Goldman, founder and CEO of HATCH, suggests you look for pieces that focus on fit and fabric. “You want fabric that can grow with you but retain its shape, and keep you cool and comfortable,” Goldman says. “Look for thoughtful design details that keep your growing bump in mind, like a waistband that supports, [that] can be worn over or under the bump, and are C section friendly (HATCH leggings are!).”
We know you may not want to invest a ton in a pregnancy wardrobe (seriously, we’ve been there), but maternity leggings are a savior during pregnancy. You can start wearing them the minute your jeans stop fitting comfortably and you can keep wearing them well into your fourth trimester. Or longer— no judgment.
The best yoga pants and leggings for maternity
Super soft spacedye fabric gives you over the bump coverage in a moisture-wicking, quick dry fabric. They’ve got the basic black, white and grey, but we love the seasonal colors that vary throughout the year, too.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Waistband can be worn up or down
- UV protection
Cons
- On the pricier side
These cotton/spandex leggings have a seamless stretch maternity panel that stretches so you can wear the leggings throughout your pregnancy.
Pros
- Soft fabric is not constricting
- Waist band stretches with you
Cons
- Thin, can be see-through
These brand new leggings offer comfort and support with light compression for lift and a held-in feel. The moisture wicking bamboo blend gives you the breathability you need during all the phases. They are C-section friendly, as well, so no irritation at the belly.
Pros
- Compression
- Can be worn throughout all of pregnancy and after
Cons
- Can be see-through
These stretchy leggings have a U-shaped high waist design to support your belly as it grows. There’s also no front seam so they’re more comfortable to wear all day long.
Pros
- Can be worn throughout all of pregnancy and after
- Seamless front
- Affordable
Cons
- Can stretch out/slide down
These workout leggings have all the features. PowerSoft fabric gives you compression with a super-soft feel. Full panel waistband and four way stretch are complimented with flat seams and a tag-free finish. Plus, there are pockets!
Pros
- Light compression
- Multiple colors and prints
- Pockets
Cons
- May slide down, especially if worn during workouts
With almost a 4,000-person rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, these yoga shorts are loved for their supremely soft fabric and belly support. With 20 colors and patterns to choose from, these pocketed workout shorts will be your go-to bottoms when you’re feeling too hot to wear pants.
Pros
- Good alternative to full-length leggings
- Pockets
- Full belly support without excess pressure
Cons
- No compression support
Organic cotton and elastane leggings that are GOTS certified and made in a fair trade certified factory? YES. Thoughtful details like pockets, a high waist-band and back seam support are all built into these super-soft capri leggings, too.
Pros
- Made with organic cotton
- Breathable
- Pockets
Cons
- Fitted waistband may be uncomfortable for some
For the days you just don’t feel like a legging, go for a jogger. The organic cotton and recycled polyester blend is super lightweight and has a wide jersey panel at the waist for a comfy over tummy fit.
Pros
- Wide, soft waist panel
- Made with organic cotton
Cons
- Not as fitted as leggings
For less than $20, these maternity yoga pants have a cross belly band for support where and when you need it. The wrap will never dig in or feel tight, even though you’ve got a solid pair of opaque leggings to get you through your workouts these next 9+ months.
Pros
- Not see-through
- Soft and stretchy material
- Affordable
Cons
- Belly band fabric is thick
Sizes X-small through X-large can feel supported in the high performance, figure-sculpting fabric of these yoga leggings. The belly band, made in their signature natural viscose jersey, is super-soft, breathable and incredibly flexible, allowing you to wear it over or under the bump.
Pros
- Can be worn under or over the bump
- Sculpting and sweat-wicking fabric
Cons
- Seamed front/crotch
The belly-hugging support of these leggings really help you hold it all in place, even when you feel like the baby’s weight is drifting downwards. These leggings feel more like a seamless tight, so when you’re getting your stretch on, they move flawlessly with you. No wonder these are made for moms, by moms.
Pros
- Seam-free support throughout pregnancy
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Thinner material
When it’s hot out, or you’re just feeling HOT (those hormones!), cool off with Brrr° Triple Chill leggings with active wicking and rapid drying fabric built right into the belly panel. The Secret Fit Belly developed by A Pea in the Pod has been a go-to for us moms for years.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Seamless maternity panel that stretches throughout pregnancy
Cons
- Thinner material
Just a little spandex makes these cotton jersey leggings yoga-worthy. The high-rise waist gives you extra coverage when you need it and can be folded down for comfort. While these are great for workouts, they’re also made for all day, everyday wear.
Pros
- Fold-over waist
- Soft jersey fabric
Cons
- Thinner material
The crossover underbelly gives you a little lift and support under the belly without any compression. The bootcut is a nice option for a yoga pant if your legs are feeling bigger than usual (thanks, swelling!). Easy to wear in and out of the yoga studio, you can breathe easily (literally) in pants that give you some space.
Pros
- Bootcut fit is roomier than traditional leggings
- Fits under the belly
Cons
- No full belly support
These are power leggings with the supportive Belly Bandit built-in. If you need lift and support in the belly, fold it just under the bump. If you want the hug, pull the fabric over and above. The pocket is a great addition to this poly/spandex legging with four-way stretch.
Pros
- Can be worn over or under the bump
- Pockets
Cons
- Expensive
The support of a legging is just as necessary postpartum as it is in the earlier three trimesters. Even more so if moms have had a C-section. The band here can be folded down or can be worn all the way up to the bra brand, when you need to feel held firm. Sizes are small through double XL and you can choose with or without pockets. A no brainer, we know!
Pros
- Ultra-high waist band
- Light compression
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as stretchy
Sustainable athleisure brand Girlfriend Collective offers a maternity legging so comfortable, you’ll really have to convince yourself to take them off. (Maybe solve this problem by purchasing a few pairs—worth it.) Constructed of super stretchy fabric (a blend of recycled nylon and spandex), these are extra lightweight and breezy, so you don’t have to worry about sweating through these so easily. Bonus: They’re made of recycled fishing nets (although you’d never know)!
Pros
- Foldable belly
- Sustainably made
- Lightweight and moisture-wicking
Cons
- Fabric can pill
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