The perfect pair of maternity leggings. Is there such a thing?
Maternity leggings have become a wardrobe essential for many expecting mothers, offering comfort, support, and style. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pair. As a pregnancy yoga teacher and Mum, I often get asked what my favourite brands are. I therefore thought it was about time that I curated a list of my own personal favourites and also some newcomers in the market.
Firstly, to begin with my own experience. When I was pregnant with both my children, there was certainly less choice out there with "Seraphine" being the main market leader in maternity wear. Seraphine is a renowned brand for stylish maternity wear at a relatively affordable price. Their leggings are comfortable, soft, and come in a variety of colours. I bought a couple of the " Kailey" ultimate seamless over the bump maternity leggings. They were perfect for wearing during the day as they are made of a very soft jersey fabric and also seamless which I found very comfortable to wear. They were not too tight or restrictive. However on the downside, I did find that they were in fact a little too stretchy and often slipped down under my bump. They also were not supportive enough to wear during exercise.
In fact, I opted for high rise non maternity leggings while exercising. My favourites during my pregnancy included Varley's high rise leggings and Lululemon Align High - rise leggings. I particularly love Varley's range of prints which is personally a big plus for me given most maternity leggings come in an unimaginative black or navy! While neither are specifically maternity leggings, I found them super comfortable and supportive enough. The high waisted design meant that they were suitable for most of my pregnancy even during the third trimester. I do have to caveat however that my bump was on the smaller side so they may not suit everyone.
Since my pregnancies, I do know that Sweaty Betty have launched a maternity range including their "Maternity Power Leggings". These are great if you are continuing with your pre pregnancy exercise classes and want more bump support. They are made from moisture wicking technology, have a 4-way stretch fabric, supportive waistband, and a hidden pocket for essentials. However, they do fall in the higher price category which is certainly a drawback given that they are designed to be worn during your pregnancy only.
Nike have also released a maternity range with their "Dri- fit" range proving very popular. Again, they are a little pricier than some other brands. However, if you are looking for maximum comfort and support whilst on the go, they may be the pair for you! They are high waisted with the option to wear the waistband over or under your bump and I have heard that they are suitable and comfortable to wear during those early postpartum days too! Just add some socks and runners and you are good to go!
A brand that I never heard of during my pregnancies but which seems to be making headlines for all the right reasons is "Lovall" which fall within a similar price category and style to "Seraphine" . On glance, they have some glowing reviews online so may definelty be worth a try! They are crafted from soft, and stretchy fabrics making them very comfortable to wear throughout your pregnancy. It is said that the gentle compression provides support to your growing belly and reduces discomfort, allowing you to move freely and confidently. They also feature a supportive panel that grows with your baby bump.
Finally, if you are a bargain hunter like myself, it may be worth giving H&M's maternity leggings a try. At such a decent price, you surely do not have much to lose!
In regards to tips for choosing the perfect pair of maternity leggings, it is important to factor in your lifestyle. For example, you may wish to opt for a sports brand such as Sweaty Betty or Lululemon if you are exercising regularly. On the contrary, Lovall and Seraphine's offerings may be suitable if comfort is your main priority. Other design factors to consider are whether there is an over the bump panel for support, how suitable the high waisted design is and also whether there is moisture-wicking technology for active wear.
Once you have chosen your leggings of choice, remember that you can search for a preloved pair on vinted for example. Not only is it good for the environment but also good for the "bottom line". Having a baby is expensive, after all!