How to Choose Maternity Leggings: A Simple Checklist

Maternity leggings are one of the pieces you will probably wear the most during pregnancy. Because you will live in them, it is worth taking a minute to check a few details before you buy. Here is the simple checklist we use.

1. Over-the-bump or under-the-bump?

Over-the-bump leggings have a tall waistband that covers your belly. Under-the-bump styles sit below it. Over-the-bump designs tend to stay in place more easily and give your belly a soft, smooth layer, which is why many mamas prefer them, especially later in pregnancy.

2. A waistband that is wide and soft

Look for a waistband that is wide rather than thin, and soft rather than elastic and stiff. A wide band spreads the pressure, so it feels gentler on your bump through the day.

3. Stretch that grows with you

Check that the fabric is genuinely high-stretch. You want leggings that you can wear in your first trimester and still pull on comfortably in your last weeks, without buying a new size every couple of months.

4. Seamless if possible

A seamless knit means no side seams to rub or leave marks. It also gives a smoother look under dresses, long tops and jackets.

5. The right size

In most cases, maternity leggings are designed to be bought in your usual pre-pregnancy size, because the stretch and waistband do the rest. Always check the brand's size chart. With our pieces, if you are between two sizes, we recommend the larger one. You can find all the measurements in our size guide.

Bonus: think about colours

Black goes with everything, but a few extra colours make your wardrobe feel less repetitive over nine months. Our SculptBump leggings come in 7 shades, and you can mix colours in a bundle: buy 2 and save 20%, buy 3 and the third one is free.