16 best maternity gym leggings for all stages of pregnancy
While pyjamas may seem like the obvious comfort zone during pregnancy, I'd be lying if I said I didn't live in maternity gym leggings for much of the nine months I spent growing my first baby.
A staple for those who wish to continue working out during their pregnancy, gym leggings with extra stretch might not be what you envisaged buying for your maternity wardrobe (again… pyjamas…) but when you’re pregnant – even if you’re not planning on running a marathon – keeping active will most likely help you prepare for the big day, with numerous studies highlighting the benefits of exercise for both you and your baby, as well as for your recovery.
It is, however, a very personal decision whether or not you feel comfortable exerting yourself during what can be such a fragile time in your life, so follow your body and never push yourself too hard.
Regardless of your plans for exercise or otherwise, though, a pair of maternity gym leggings are one of the comfiest ways to help support your growing bump. So we say it's time to stock up…
The best maternity gym leggings, at a glance:
Sure, you might fit into your pre-pregnancy leggings during the first trimester, but by the time you reach the four or five month mark, it could be time to start thinking about investing in a new pair to wear for the rest of your pregnancy and beyond.
The first place to look when buying maternity gym leggings is your favourite sportswear brand, who will likely have specific maternity lines, designed by experts, with your safety in mind. Nike, Adidas and Reebok all have great options, often available in lots of fun colours, so you don't need to sacrifice on style. The high street also offers loads of maternity gym leggings, particularly Next and ASOS.
And if you speak to any expectant or new mother you'll almost certainly hear about Lululemon's Align leggings, which come up time and time again among Glamour mums – and I too wore them throughout my pregnancy and beyond. If I'm totally honest, I still wear them now, almost 16 months postpartum.
Stylish and compact, they don't look like they'll stretch but trust me they do, and they never dig in or feel constricting. Crucially the stretch doesn't hang around when your bump's gone, either.
Why you can trust me
Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, became a first time mum last year, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
Charlie didn't want to lose her personal style identity, but wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in her life. And if she was finding this balance hard to strike, after working her whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, she figured others must be too. So Charlie made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate guides. If for nothing more than for her to refer back to if/when she ever does this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people…
How I tested the best maternity gym leggings
Charlie used her own pregnancy as the perfect excuse to trial run the best maternity styles out there and compile this edit. She shopped for staples from independent, designer and high street maternity brands during her second and third trimesters (with varying success), and has also asked her well-dressed pregnant pals and new mums for their top tips to find high-quality maternity wear. Not to mention, she's scoured Instagram for the ultimate inspiration too. For mums-to-be, Glamour's edit of the best maternity jeans of 2025 is essential reading…
Scroll to see our edit of the 16 best maternity gym leggings, reviewed by mums who wore them.
You know you're in safe hands when it comes to Sweaty Betty's leggings, but did you know that they've nailed maternity fits just as well as mainline? These navy leggings are a real pregnancy staple, and are a pair that you'll reach for time and time again throughout the nine months - and likely beyond.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Recycled polyester and elastane
- Colours: Navy, black and faded animal print emboss
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
Sure, most gym leggings are black - but there's something to be said for the extra oomph you get when you're wearing something a little less predictable in the gym. Adding colour to your workout wear is a really easy way to make exercising feel less like a chore, which is particularly key when you're lugging around a whole other human throughout the session. This pair is so soft and supportive that they're just as perfect for a yoga session as they are the obligatory coffe run afterwards.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon and lycra
- Colours: Berry, black and navy
- Sizes: 6-28
Flared leggings are a triumph for so many of us who prefer to swerve the ultra skinny silhouette of the more traditional leggings. Super comfortable, a great fit and - most importantly - very supportive over the bump, these flared leggings have been known to carry me through several workouts, yes, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't reach for them just as often for a night spent lounging on the sofa in my third trimester.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon and lycra
- Colours: Black, olive, coffee and clay
- Sizes: 6-28
ASOS's 4505 range is known for its affordable, comfortable sportswear, but while some styles have a tendency to stretch and sag a little more than you'd hope, we found this pair to be much more reliable. Maybe it was because that added stretch was exactly what we needed, but either way, they get our vote. And the colour is a surefire pick-me-up on these dreary winter days.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Polyester and elastane
- Colours: Blue, chocolate and black
- Sizes: 4-20
Soft and stretchy but also very cute (particularly when paired with the matching sports bra), these maternity leggings are a great option for yoga dates with friends. Making you feel put together without much thought - ideal when your mind is already occupied with, you know, what's on the horizon… - the belly band also feels very comfortable and supportive as the fabric stretches in line with you.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Polyester and elastane
- Colours: Red and black
- Sizes: XS-XL
We want to see more chocolate brown leggings around, please, because we are obsessed. More interesting than black but equally easy to wear, this pair in particular is perfect for those in their second and third trimesters. Generous over the bump and super high rise, they're great for gentle exercise (and look very cute with a butter yellow open shirt thrown over the top once your session is over!).
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Polyester
- Colours: Chocolate
- Sizes: 4-18
Yes, they’re expensive, but there’s a reason why so many pregnant ladies swear by these Align leggings by Lululemon. You can wear these throughout your entire pregnancy and postpartum. They somehow stretch but don’t remain stretched, and are so supportive and comfy despite not even being designed for maternity.
- Style: Non maternity
- Made from: Nylon lycra elastane
- Colours: 4-24 in four leg lengths, 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
- Sizes: Grape, black, brown, navy, pink
When you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to avoid thigh chafing, so the curved seams on these Reebok leggings that prevent it are practically magical. Another plus, the odour-banishing technology, so that if you’re lazy, you can wear day-in, day-out with the minimal amount of laundry sessions.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon and elastane
- Colours: Black, purple, green, grey
- Sizes: 2XS-XL
The innovative bamboo viscose that Seraphine uses is reportedly the softest on the market, and we believe them. Super soft and cosy, they are a great option for gentle activities like yoga, offering maximum support while also wicking away sweat. They’re also perfect for leisure wear with oversize jumpers and shirts.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Viscose, nylon and elastane
- Colours: Black, grey or navy
- Sizes: XS-XL
Perfect for walking, running errands and yoga, these ribbed leggings are designed to keep you feeling comfortable and supported all day. Despite having a tight fit, they do run a little on the large size, so size down if you’re unsure.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Recycled cotton, viscose and elastane
- Colours: Black and fig
- Sizes: XS-2XL
Nike’s leggings feature ‘zonal fabric’, which basically means that they stretch and grow with your body, so that as soon as your bump, hips or boobs start expanding, so do the leggings. Pretty clever, huh? What’s more, the foldable waistband means you can keep wearing them postpartum, so they’re a great investment piece.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Recycled polyester
- Colours: Pink and black
- Sizes: XS - XXL
While not designed specifically for sport, the Mamalicious leggings are another good option for walking, yoga and other light activities. They also come as part of a co-ord set, for if you can’t face making any more decisions, like what top to wear.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon, polyamide, elastane
- Colours: Navy
- Sizes: 8-14
These Lorna Jane leggings offer great bump coverage and rarely slip down or need pulling up. The only criticism is that they are a little on the thin side, so they can be a bit see-through, but to be frank, when you’re pregnant you’re always running hot, so it can be nice for a bit of extra breeziness.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon, polyamide, elastane
- Colours: Black
- Sizes: XS-XL
While these leggings have a slightly higher price tag, so much thought has been put into them, so we get it. With four-way stretch, chafe-resistant material, UPF protection, moisture-wicking and the Holy Grail - pockets! - they’re amongst the most popular on the market.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Polyester and elastane mix
- Colours: Black
- Sizes: XXS - 4X
This nude-coloured option is great for anyone bored of black or the plethora of bright hues you usually see at the gym. Almost seam-free, we love how non-see-through they are despite the colour.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: PureLuxe – Fabletics own make
- Colours: Nude
- Sizes: XXS - 4X in regular, short and tall
Ombré isn’t just for hair. The chic grey design of these leggings makes them pretty enough to wear in and out of the gym. They’re remarkably quick-drying, too, which we love, and hurrah, another integrated zip pocket for our house keys/ phone/Airpods.
- Style: Over bump
- Made from: Nylon, polyester and elastane
- Colours: Black
- Sizes: S, M, L
Your maternity gym leggings FAQs, answered:
Meet the expert:
- Charlie Barker: Author & Founder of Bumps & Burpees – which caters specifically to women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Once you’ve checked with your GP or midwife to make sure you have been given the all clear, you should be fine to exercise when you’re pregnant. “Not only can you exercise in pregnancy but it is actively encouraged,” shares Barker. “As long as you listen to your body, and respect when it's telling you it needs a rest, or to slow down a little it is perfectly safe to keep exercising during your pregnancy. If you feel able to, then it is perfectly safe to exercise even into your third trimester. You may need to slow down on the intensity, or choose different exercises to allow for the bump but it is absolutely fine to keep exercising. Choose something you feel good doing, and as always make sure to listen to your body.”
Feeling stuck on what to do? Choose low impact workouts, like yoga or swimming, and steer clear of anything high impact (HIIT) or with extra risk (think skiing, boxing or horse riding.) Naturally, there are some movements that we should be avoiding, too, as Barker explains: “Of course we shouldn’t be lying on our fronts, I doubt you’d want to anyway, but also as the bump starts coming out we want to avoid lying on our backs for long periods of time as it can prevent adequate blood flow to the baby. In terms of specific exercises there aren’t any absolute no nos, it’s just about what feels good for you and your body at each stage. Make sure to warm up steadily so you don’t overheat, and drink plenty of water to ensure that you’re well hydrated.”
What are the benefits of exercising during pregnancy?
It’s actually beneficial to keep your body moving when you’re growing a baby. As with exercise at any time of your life, the endorphins you release will boost your mental health and energy levels and help you sleep better. “The benefits to you are both psychological and physiological,” shares Barker. “The rush of endorphins you get through exercising is hugely beneficial to your mental health, getting out in the fresh air, socialising with others, having some me time doing something you love and it can give you a sense of control in this time where so much is changing in your body.”
Then there are of course the physical benefits. “Building overall strength will help you to maintain a good posture as your bump grows which will decrease your chances of back pain and other discomforts such as PGP. The increase or maintenance of strength and fitness will prepare you for labour and birth and also put you in a great position for a good recovery too.” You’ll also avoid excess weight gain during pregnancy and exercising has been proven to help ease labour and speed up recovery, too. It’s an all round win-win situation.
Plus, there are also benefits for the baby, too: “Your baby will benefit greatly from the healthy flow of oxygenated blood that is generated through exercise, as will you.”
How to shop maternity gym leggings:
Our number one tip is to put comfort top of your shopping list. “The first priority is comfort, you don’t want leggings that dig into your bump because not only does it feel uncomfortable but it can also make you feel pretty short of breath if the bump is too restricted,” shares Barker.
"You want to bump to feel secure but not squished. Check that the leggings fit you round the legs as well as the bump because the last thing you want to be doing it hoisting them up throughout your workout so usually maternity brands say to stick with your usual size, and non maternity brands I’d size up one size and no more otherwise you’ll get a baggy look.
“Lastly, get leggings that make you feel great, show off that bump and feel confident as you workout.” Washability, breathability and opacity are also non-negotiable.
More maternity content
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.
