These polyester-spandex leggings have what Nike calls Dri-Fit technology to keep you cool, a perk for sweaty pregnant life. Unlike other “cooling” fabrics, which I have found can actually be less breathable than natural fibers, these do keep you dry and help you feel less sweaty in the first place. You can pull the waistband up over your belly when you want extra support or fold it down under it when you want to feel a bit freer. These leggings performed beautifully for durability, with zero changes after being washed. They kept their softness and remained fully opaque.

Basically, there are three main styles of pregnancy-friendly leggings out there–over-the-bump, under-the-bump, and non-maternity pairs. Here’s what you need to know about ‘em, and some tips on how to choose the best maternity leggings you'll never wanna take off.First, we unboxed the maternity leggings and tried them on. We noted how the leggings felt when pulling them on and if the fabric was soft and breathable. Next, we wore the leggings during usual activities, like running errands, working from home, or watching TV, for at least seven days during a four-week testing period. Additionally, we documented whether the leggings were stretchy for various ranges of motion, sagged at any point, cut into the skin, had a loose waistband, or felt too tight or loose in places. It can be confusing to know which size to buy when choosing maternity tights. You may wonder whether to buy your normal size or a larger size. Well, buying your normal size in tights is the best way to shop for maternity tights. Why We Like It: These buttery soft leggings stayed up without sagging through workouts and looked brand new after washing. Why We Like It: With strong (but not too tight) compression, they hug body in all the right places.

Knowing how to choose the best maternity tights and what to look out for when shopping for them can be a little confusing. You may even be wondering whether you even need maternity tights in the first place. Well, don’t worry because whatever you need to know about maternity tights, we’ve got you covered. Nike Maternity Performance Leggings: These Nike maternity leggings were soft and comfortable to move in but slightly faded after washing and sagged a bit during yoga. Some pregnant wearers may find a full panel to feel constricting in general, but this one is lighter and more breathable over the actual bump. It also sits high up, which is great for preventing the material from rolling down. Plus, the fabric itself is buttery soft for wear-all-day comfort, though keep in mind the buttery-feel fabrics tend to pill more easily. When it comes to buying maternity tights, there is a huge selection available. So, which ones should you choose? Take a look at the different types of maternity tights to help you choose the best option for you: Maternity support tights You should feel comfortable and supported while wearing leggings during your pregnancy, but they shouldn't feel tight or restrictive. If you're feeling uncomfortable, we'd recommend sizing up for a more comfy fit. How Mother&Baby selected the best maternity leggingsKindred Bravely Louisa Maternity & Postpartum Support Leggings: We loved how they fit comfortably postpartum but thought they were too restrictive at nine months pregnant.

Maternity tights are designed to fit you at your normal size but are adjusted to allow room for your growing bump. Many maternity tights have a tummy panel to offer your bump some extra support while stretching over it as it grows. Are plus size maternity tights available? Why We Like It: These extra-soft leggings do not roll down or bunch, even though they're not designed for pregnancy. Pilling resistance: Our Martindale abrasion tester rubs swatches of fabric together 1,000 times to see if the fabric will stay smooth or develop unsightly pills. Unfortunately, the deep red color isn’t as forgiving when showing texture. “You can see lumps and bumps on the skin, which is not ideal in terms of feeling comfortable or confident,” our editor said, so she took to wearing these with a long tunic or sweatshirt.

Types of tights available

Tights are a staple item in everybody’s wardrobe. As a hardworking essential, your tights probably get a lot of use whether you wear them for work or for nights out. But now that you are expecting, you may be wondering whether to invest in some maternity tights. The wide, double fabric waist panel on the Storq Signature Maternity Leggings provide plenty of support and keeps them in place. While the leggings’ panel covers a pregnancy bump completely, there is still plenty of room to accommodate more growth without any sagging or moving around. In addition, the panel fits over or under the belly, so that you can wear them comfortably postpartum, even after a C-section. The modal jersey and spandex fabric is cozy and incredibly soft, and the leggings pair well with various sweaters, tank tops, and other pieces. They’re also available in several colors and patterns, and range in sizes from Petite to 4X-Large. A downside for our 5’2” editor was the loose fabric around her ankles that she had to roll up. Overall, however, we found these leggings were durable and supportive during any activity. Another vital consideration when purchasing tights for pregnancy is to think about your changing shape. Throughout the next nine months, your tummy is going to grow significantly, so selecting maternity tights that are designed to support your bump and fit around it properly is essential. Looking for maternity tights that offer specific bump support is the best way to find tights that will perfectly fit you throughout your pregnancy. Comfortable features Under-the-bump maternity leggings: Instead of having extra fabric to cradle your growing belly, these are the low-rise jeans of maternity leggings–they’ve got a very stretchy waistband that hits under, not over, your bump. Some mamas-to-be love 'em, while others find over-the-bump styles to be way more supportive and comfy, so it's def a matter of personal preference.

Why We Like It: They're as comfortable for workouts as they are for lounging, and they fit even the tallest pregnant person. When choosing maternity tights, the material is a crucial consideration. To ensure you feel as comfortable as possible, it is a good idea to look for maternity tights that feature a cotton gusset. The cotton gusset will ensure breathability and help to prevent you from becoming too hot when wearing the tights. Fit

Are plus size maternity tights available?

These Gap Maternity leggings are super soft, breathable, and a breeze to wash. They even stretched to fit a third-trimester belly without sacrificing comfort, regardless of activity. We absolutely think you should treat yourself to a pair of non-maternity leggings you can wear in early pregnancy and then return to after delivery. The Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants are made with a buttery-soft nylon and Lycra elastane blend that provides solid coverage. But Take Note: They may not be tight enough around the belly for running or other high-impact activities. Our textile pros and pregnant mom testers all love the buttery-soft material with a barely-there feel for everyday wear and low-impact workouts, like yoga. They also appreciate the wide assortment, including three inseams (25", 28" or 31"), 11 sizes and more than 20 colors. What makes maternity leggings different from the tens of leggings you already have in your cupboard drawer? Well, these leggings are specifically designed for comfort during pregnancy.