Best Postpartum Leggings, Tested by a New Mom

Preggo Snapback Postpartum Leggings are a total winner. Thanks to a stellar testing performance, the leggings earned high scores across the board including a 10 out of 10 for comfort, fit and value for money. Comfort is particularly important, and not just to me—over 93 percent of our survey respondents said comfort was their top priority when shopping for postpartum leggings. And I can confirm Preggo Snapback leggings are super-comfortable and continue to feel good all day long (even when exercising). I didn’t experience any chafing and they were free from itchy tags and seams, which can irritate your healing body. Overall, these leggings strike the perfect balance—they’re form-fitting without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable.

The leggings are true to size, I’m typically a medium and I tried the small/medium, which fit just right. A high waistband (landing about an inch below my bra strap) provided the perfect amount of tummy support. And the level of compression is spot on—my whole body felt pulled together without any discomfort. I could really see my pre-pregnancy shape! I will note that these leggings offer light to medium compression, so if you suffer from severe postpartum swelling or simply prefer something more heavy-duty, then they may not be for you. But, for me, the fit was perfect and I felt an instant confidence boost as I put them on.

The fabric was soft, stretchy and, most importantly, breathable. Pet hair did cling to the fabric, but could easily be brushed off and the leggings held up well in the wash. I tested a navy blue pair and the fabric was fully opaque and squat-proof. I’d happily wear them to the gym, but they also pair well with casual tops for everyday wear. I wore them with a Free People T-shirt and pair of Vans to a brewery and felt comfortable and trim. I also appreciate that the leggings come in a ton of different options: full-length and crop, as well as a variety of colors. They even offer shorts in the Snapback line, so there’s no need to shop around to have some variety in your postpartum wardrobe. You can focus on your babe, not what you're going to wear each day.

At only $60, these leggings exceeded my expectations. In fact, they’re an absolute steal considering the quality of the product. I would happily invest in several other colors to see me through the postpartum stage.

Inseam length: 28" to 34" | Size range: S/M to 3XL/4XL | Material: 86% polyamide/14% spandex | Care instructions: Wash inside out gentle cycle cold

Looking for leggings that you can wear at any stage of your parenting journey? The Align High-Rise Pant by lululemon is my top choice. I owned a pair prior to this project and wore them throughout my pregnancy. And while they’re pricey, they’re not specifically designed as postpartum leggings—you’ll have the advantage of wearing them well beyond your fourth trimester. I feel hesitant spending money on maternity and postpartum clothing because there’s a time limit. But there’s no need to pack lululemon Align leggings away in a box until your next pregnancy, which balances out the higher price.

A favorite among parents in The Bump community, these versatile leggings are perfect for everyday wear thanks to the adaptable fit, premium fabric and streamlined design. I awarded the fabric a 10 out of 10 score, and I have to say the “Nulu” fabric is pretty exceptional. Designed with a good amount of stretch, these leggings feel light and airy and adapt to your changing shape. Admittedly, the phrase “buttery-soft” gets thrown out a lot in discussions about athletic-wear, but this pair are genuinely the softest leggings that I’ve tried. The Align leggings are up for whatever’s on your agenda. They accentuated my natural shape and have a high-quality look, so you could wear them to a yoga class, around town running errands or brunching with girlfriends.

I’m typically a size medium in leggings, but based on the brand’s size guide I ordered a size 8, and I’m happy to report that they fit perfectly. The thick waistband sat at my true waist (about an inch above my belly button) and pulled in my lower abdomen without feeling restrictive. The leggings feature a hidden pocket in the waistband for flat items such as cards or keys, as well as a deeper side pocket that is big enough to fit an iPhone, which is a handy feature if you’re out for a short stroll with baby and only need the essentials. Better yet, the waistband stayed firmly in place and I didn’t experience any bunching, sagging or rolling down whatsoever. These leggings were super-comfortable from the moment I put them on until the moment I took them off at the end of the day!

Inseam length: 23" to 30" | Size range: US 0 to 20 | Material: 81% nylon/19% Lycra | Care instructions: Machine wash cold

Our community says:

If you’re shopping on a budget, or simply can’t resist an amazing deal, we recommend the Quince Performance Maternity Postpartum Leggings. For under $30, the quality and cost per wear is simply unmatched.

First and foremost, my main goal postpartum is to feel comfortable. I want to feel “pulled in” and like I have a semblance of my shape back. These leggings accomplish all of that, establishing a sense of immediate confidence. The leggings provide a healthy level of support without feeling too tight or restrictive. The waistband landed about 2 inches below my bra, helping to smooth out my entire midsection. Even when I bent over to pick up my baby or sat down, my core still felt supported. This was a big plus, as I’ve found that performance leggings often cinch your body in at the top, which can turn an hourglass shape into a snowman shape. The high waistband stayed put without rolling down or sagging at the crotch, while still providing a flattering shape for my body. Before swiping that credit card, be aware that these leggings run large. Normally I’m a true medium, but after looking at the Quince size guide I ordered a small and they fit just right, so be sure to size down.

The performance material is smooth with a light sheen characteristic of workout leggings. The brand claims the leggings are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and I can confirm they were nice and breathable, so I didn't overheat while wearing them. Unlike other fabrics that can attract pet hair and lint, nothing clung to the leggings which made for an effortless sleek and clean look all day long. The fabric is not too thin, but also not too thick—think Goldilocks.

And did I mention they have pockets? The pockets are functional and deep enough to fit your entire phone, so no need to worry about it falling out. For many women the presence of pockets will make or break the decision to purchase, but many more expensive brands don’t feature them, which is yet another reason why these leggings offer excellent value for money. I was a bit bummed to learn that the leggings are only available in black and navy as I was hoping to add more colors to my closet, but often a couple of pairs is all you need in your post-pregnancy wardrobe. Although the price point is the main attraction, these leggings are a high quality product. They feel way more luxurious than the price suggests.

Inseam length: 25" to 28" | Size range: XS to XL | Material: 78% nylon/22% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry

It’s important to take it easy in the weeks after giving birth, but when you are ready to dip your toe back into exercise a good pair of postpartum leggings will come in clutch. I tested a lot of leggings, but the Love and Fit SoftLuxe Stay Put Leggings are particularly workout-friendly thanks to silicone grips on the inside of the waistband, which prevent slippage and make them 100 percent squat-proof. They truly do “stay put” and move with you, whether you’re out for a walk, exercising or doing some gentle stretching.

Overall, the leggings were comfortable to wear while exercising, and I didn’t have to readjust them once. However, I did find that the sizing ran a tad small. I ordered the medium, and they felt a little tight, so I would recommend purchasing the next size up if you plan on wearing them in week one or two of your postpartum journey. They don’t have an ultra-high waistband like most postpartum leggings and with a 25 inch inseam, these leggings leaned more toward three-quarter length leg, rather than full length.

These leggings also earned a 10 out of 10 for fabric, and they’re definitely a top contender for softness. It isn’t your typical shiny “performance” fabric, but it still gives me total workout vibes. The mid-weight fabric pulled in my body nicely without any discomfort, smoothing my shape, making me feel on point and confident. Stretchy and moisture-wicking, the leggings also kept me cool and were equipped with UV protection.

In terms of style, these leggings were cute and casual. The dark blue fabric had a heathered effect, which gave it a textured look that I liked. Plus, these leggings have pockets, which is a nice bonus. I’d happily wear these leggings to a yoga class or while running errands around town. Pair them with a half-zip sweatshirt and a messy bun, and you’re good to go.

Inseam length: 25" | Size range: XS to 3XL | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Care instructions: N/A

Gentle compression can help reduce swelling and ease pain in the postpartum period, and these leggings by Belly Bandit use shapewear technology to engage your core and guarantee a secure fit. Putting them on, I immediately felt a boost of confidence because of how well they smoothed and defined my natural shape. I would say they provided a medium level of compression. The leggings are a middle ground between something serious and girdle-like to pull in your uterus on day two postpartum, and buttery leggings that just feel like your skin.

The ultra-high waist extended well above my belly button, providing enough compression without feeling overly tight or restrictive. In fact, the brand's “muffinology technology” actually worked to smooth out my upper body and the top of the band didn’t dig into my sides or contort my shape. Because of where the top of the leggings landed, they didn’t roll when I sat down or even when I was doing deep floor stretches.

As you would expect with postpartum compression leggings, the fabric is on the thicker side compared to other styles. Pet hair and dust didn’t cling to the fabric and they held up well in the wash. The only downside to the thick fabric is it would occasionally bunch up around the crotch area, but this was easily fixed with a quick readjustment. These felt a bit more like shapewear than actual leggings, as the name suggests. Because of this, they’re much better suited to everyday wear, rather than trips to the gym.

All in all, Mother Tucker leggings provide structure and support without the discomfort that many compression leggings can give. I felt like the quality and durability matched the price and I’d certainly recommend them to other new moms.

Inseam length: N/A | Size range: XS to XL | Material: 90% nylon/10% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry

Looking for pure comfort? The Seraphine Kristi Seamless Post-Maternity Leggings earned high scores for comfort, fit and fabric. These leggings were very comfortable when I first put them on and remained so throughout the entire day.

The fabric is super-soft, with a great amount of stretch, so they’ll adjust well to your changing postpartum body. The fabric was thin, but totally opaque, so you don’t have to worry about visible panty lines when you have visitors. Plus, the fabric is nice and breathable, so I didn’t get too hot while wearing them. One possible downside? Pet hair and lint had a tendency to cling to the fabric, so may want to pack a lint roller if you’re leaving the house.

In terms of fit, these leggings actually felt like a second layer of skin. There was no sagging or bunching even after hours of wear. Sometimes I didn’t even notice I was wearing leggings, making them perfect for daytime playtime and middle-of-the-night feedings. One caveat to that is the waistband. The waistband sat about an inch below my bra strap, but it was slightly loose fitting. It didn’t compromise their staying power, so it was easy to overlook.

These leggings will make you want to light a candle, curl up under a blanket and have a cup of tea. You can really move in these leggings without worrying about them cinching or pinching. Go for a walk, do yoga, or get down on the floor with your babe for tummy time. These leggings will stay put. Your focus will be on your baby, not readjusting your leggings.

Inseam length: N/A | Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 96% nylon/4% spandex | Care instructions:Gentle wash