Best postpartum leggings
People will likely tell you to stock up on pads, ice packs, and soothing gel to aid in your postpartum recovery. But one other item you’ll want to add to the list: postpartum leggings. Think about it: your body will likely be sore and continue to change in size for some time after giving birth. So you’ll want clothes that provide comfort and have a little give, but still have you feeling put together. And nothing checks those boxes quite like leggings.
The best postpartum leggings are outrageously soft to provide maximum comfort, stretch to support your body through all your changes, and are simple but stylish enough to wear for any number of situations.
How we chose the best postpartum leggings
- We considered recommendations from members of BabyCenter's Community who have worn many different brands of postpartum leggings.
- We spoke to Shelley Gingrich, BabyCenter's Executive Director, Brand Solutions, who wore some of the postpartum leggings on this list during her two pregnancies.
- We chose postpartum leggings for this list that received a large number of positive reviews from BabyCenter editors and community members on the fit, support, comfort, style, and ease of care.
Best postpartum leggings overall
Homma Premium High Waist Leggings
If you want postpartum clothing that makes you look sleeker without pinching or squeezing, Homma's leggings are the perfect solution. "They suck it all in and look high quality for only $20!" says one BabyCenter Community member, while another fan appreciates the "great compression in the mid section!"
Homma's magic lies in its construction: The waistband is thick and firm to provide more support in your midsection. Fans add that the waistband’s structure prevents it from rolling down, even when their midsection shrinks a little after birth. Meanwhile, the legs have a less firm four-way stretch so you can move around without feeling like you're in a tight sausage casing. The pants are seamless as well, so there's nothing to irritate your vaginal area or C-section incision.
Homma enthusiasts also say that these leggings wear well and don't pill in the wash like many other brands. There are also plenty of cute color options: olive green, burgundy, royal blue, and teal, along with basic black, brown, and gray. Fortunately, the price is so good, you can buy them in every color without wincing at the total cost.
Heads up
Sizing is limited.
Moms say
"I have Homma brand compression leggings that help with my pooch a lot! ... I got more expensive ones too but I don’t like them as much."
"Gotta have the Homma Premium Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Slimming Leggings, I LOVED them after my first c-section, it really sucked me in!"
"Buy Homma leggings from Amazon! They are amazing, hold everything in and only $20."
"While I bought postpartum compression leggings and still wear them, at 8 weeks post these are my favorite. Have 2 pairs!"
"They hold everything in at the right spots and feel much higher quality than the $20 price tag would suggest!"
"They suck innnnnnn and are super thick, but I don’t care for them to work out in and because the compression is so good they aren’t as comfortable as the Colorfulkoalas. But they make my stomach feel a bit more like my abdominal wall hasn’t been cut in half three times in the last four years."
Specs
- Size range: S-XL, fits waists 24-35 inches
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 10
Best postpartum compression leggings
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Compression Leggings
The Belly Bandit Mother Tucker compression leggings have a special central panel made of power mesh for support in your midsection, which may be feeling weaker after giving birth. As a bonus to some, that panel also slims your belly, while cleverly angled and shaped fabric and seams lift your booty and streamline your thighs. The result? A pair of leggings that boosts your postpartum confidence: "They suck everything in because I’m not big but I’m still flabby," said one BabyCenter Community mom.
Postpartum moms on BabyCenter's Community say they appreciated the support Mother Tuckers gave them: firmest in the belly area, right where many postpartum women want it. "The fit is very good and I love the compression!" said one, while another compared the feeling to traditional shapewear: "I used Spanx and Mother Tucker and the difference to me is that Mother Tucker is a little more stretchy on your legs where Spanx feel tighter. The stomach area is the same."
Heads up
These leggings are expensive, and colors are restricted to neutrals.
Moms say
"They work wonders and are so comfy!"
"Compression high waist leggings, not see-through. A bit pricey but so worth it!"
"Belly Bandit, hands down!! Not just the belly wraps, but the Mother Tucker Leggings are ABSOLUTELY worth the money!!!"
"I have the Blanqi pair as well and there is significantly more support in Belly Bandit’s. The material is softer and more comfortable for immediate postpartum wear in Blanqi’s, but didn’t provide the support I wanted. I will wear those home from the hospital but switch to BB’s for wearing out of the house."
Specs
- Size range: XS-XL, fits waists 25-33 inches
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 4
Best high waisted postpartum leggings
Blanqi Everyday Highwaist Postpartum + Nursing Support Leggings
Made specifically for postpartum wear, these high waisted leggings have an extra high rise for more coverage. This is a bonus for breastfeeding mothers who want to lift their tops to nurse but want their tummy to stay under wraps. But the extra coverage isn’t necessarily constrictive, as many moms note. "I've had my Blanqi leggings for about 3 months and I love them. They go over my belly and provide support without cutting into my belly," says one BabyCenter Community mom. Another appreciates that they keep her tummy from "jiggling all over" and says she wore them for an entire year after having her first baby.
Though Blanqi leggings are more expensive than competitors, moms who like them say they're worth it: The material is thick and not see-through, and the leggings themselves are flattering, breathable, and supportive. "I've had a pair for probably a month or so now, definitely the best quality I've encountered," said one BabyCenter Community mom, who said she was going to order more pairs. "These leggings are worth every penny," sums up another. If, however, the price is a turn off, fans say Blanqi frequently puts these leggings on sale.
Heads up
Some complain that this fabric pills after washing.
Moms say
"Loved my Blanqi postpartum leggings to keep everything tight."
"I can’t do actual waist trainers postpartum. Way too uncomfortable. Blanqi postpartum leggings for the win!"
"I did spring for a pair of the Blanqi postpartum leggings after using their maternity leggings and boy do I have NO regrets there."
"I bought postpartum leggings from Blanqi and like them. They don’t make my stomach flat but it does smooth it out and provide good support."
Specs
- Size range: XS-2XL, fits waists 23-46 inches
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Color options: 6
Best postpartum leggings with pockets
Colorfulkoala Women's High Waisted Yoga Pants
Hanging on to your phone once you have a baby is a real pain. Put it in the diaper bag and you have to scramble to find it beneath piles of baby gear; stash it in your stroller and you'll leave it behind when you take your baby out. Leggings with pockets are your mainstay at a time when you need your hands free, and the pockets on these Colorfulkoala leggings are sized just right to hold your phone, and positioned right at the side of each hip. When your phone goes off while you have 17 other things in your hands and arms, you'll be happy you bought these leggings.
But it’s not just the pockets that people love about the Colorfulkoala leggings. Moms love the stretchy-yet-firm fabric that also creates a sleek look across your body. Another pro: these leggings come in basic colors like black and gray, as well as fun shades like emerald green, sky blue, and rose red. They'll make you happy, otherwise, too: "Thick and so comfy!!" says a fan on BabyCenter's Community, while another says "Super stretchy, squat proof, and high-waisted."
Colorfulkoala leggings are famously a less expensive dupe for Lululemon's blockbuster Align pants: "I own a closet full of Athleta and Lululemon and still find myself grabbing these once a week," says one Community member.
Heads up
Sizing is limited.
Moms say
"I recently found a pair of [Aligns’] dupes on amazon for only $30 by the brand Colorfulkoala…. They look identical and supposedly the material is similar but more durable which is a definite plus since the Aligns are so delicate."
"Colorfulkoala are pretty hard to beat. I’ve tried a ton of Amazon leggings, Old Navy, and Target and these are the best."
"Colorfulkoala on Amazon is a great knockoff of the Lulu Align leggings! They are SO COMFY!"
Specs
- Size range: XS-XL fits waists 25-33 inches
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Color options: 36
Best maternity and postpartum leggings
Gap Maternity Everyday Cotton Legging
Great for pregnancy and postpartum, these uber-comfortable leggings will go the distance with you. The full-panel belly is plenty big enough to stretch over your stomach during pregnancy. Afterwards, it glides over a sensitive tummy without rolling down. "The Gap full panel maternity leggings made my postpartum belly feel safe and secure, and you can fold the panel down as your body gets back to normal," says Shelley Gingrich, BabyCenter's Executive Director, Brand Solutions. "Plus, Gap always has good sales so you can typically get a good deal on these!"
Fans report that these pants hold up well to washing and wearing, and are good for day or night wear. In a world of polyester, these leggings are made from soft cotton with just a little spandex for easygoing stretch.
Heads up
These leggings have a seam at the waistband's bottom which may irritate a C-section incision.
Moms say
"I really like the Gap leggings I just got. Nice and thick, super soft and comfy. I've been thinking of trying Pact maternity leggings but haven't yet. I like cotton vs all the synthetics. They breathe better."
"I’m currently obsessed With Gap’s maternity clothes!!! They constantly are having amazing sales. Just a few weeks ago they were having a 40% + an extra 10% off, so I stocked up!!! Their leggings are my absolute favorite…. They are very nice quality and cotton, which as someone with very sensitive skin it’s great to find."
Specs
- Size range: 2XS-2XL, fits waists 24-41.5 inches
- Material: Cotton, spandex
- Color options: 3
Best plus size postpartum leggings
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerSoft Hidden-Pocket Leggings for Women
Women love the material of these PowerSoft pants; a blend of polyester and spandex that one BabyCenter Community says has the "buttery feeling of Lululemon leggings" and smoothes you out flatteringly. It's moisture-wicking and extremely stretchy, but not see-through, so you can wear these pants to yoga, then out onto the street.
The high waistband covers you up to above your belly button, and hides a secret pocket plenty big enough for your phone. Moms who would prefer not to have extra bulk appreciate that the pocket is truly hidden, and flat when empty. But best of all for moms with extra fluff: These pants are available in sizes from extra-small to 4X, as well as inseams for petite, average, and tall moms.
Heads up
The compression on these leggings is light; don't expect a lot of postpartum belly support.
Moms say
"Old Navy!! I was size 22/24 pre-pregnancy and the XXL fit great! The Powersoft leggings are my favorite."
"Get the PowerSoft, the cheaper ones are just thin cotton."
"Old Navy Powersoft leggings are my favorite right now! They even have the pocket!"
Specs
- Size range: XS-4XL, fits waists 24-54 inches
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Color options: 10
Best splurge postpartum leggings
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
BabyCenter moms love a bargain; even so, Lululemon Align pants are a splurge they think is utterly worth it. "They're made from some magical material that just feels good everywhere," says one BabyCenter Community member. Lululemon calls the fabric Nulu, and it's stretchy, super soft, and non-see-through, as well as light and sweat-wicking, so these leggings won't make you damp and exasperated, even when it's warm out. "I’m in a warmer climate, so I prefer Lululemon's fabric," said a BabyCenter Community mom.
The waist on these pants stays up without pinching and hits above your belly button, so these will keep you covered without irritating a C-section incision, if you have one. They also come in trendy colors like hot pink and dark teal, as well as neutrals. But the real selling point of these leggings is the comfort. Moms say they live in them, day in, day out: "I have been wearing my Lulu Align leggings basically every single day for five years now," says one typical comment. "Not joking. Best pregnancy and postpartum pants ever. Worth every cent."
Heads up
These leggings are much more expensive than competing brands.
Moms say
"Lululemon’s Align leggings are amazing! They are so soft and hide the pooch.. they are worth it!"
"Aligns from Lululemon are life."
"I swore I'd never go in that store so I wouldn't be tempted to spend that kind of money, but I just bought my first pair and don't want to wear anything else."
Specs
- Size range: 0-20, fits waists 21.5-43 inches
- Material: Nylon, lycra
- Color options: 19
What are postpartum leggings?
Postpartum leggings, maternity leggings, and traditional leggings are all stretchy pants. But the postpartum variety differs from the other types in two key ways.
- Support: Your uterus will still be swollen in the weeks and months after birth, which can make it look like you still have a pregnant belly. Your core and pelvic floor muscles may be in need of some reinforcement, and you might also have loose skin, particularly on your abdomen. For all these reasons, postpartum leggings that provide support and smooth out your body may be comfortable for many women.
- Fit: Even if you preferred under-the-bump styles while you were pregnant, high-waisted is a better bet postpartum to give you support around your midsection. Additionally, if you had a C-section, you want a waistband that'll hit well above your healing incision.
What to look for in postpartum leggings
When deciding if a pair of leggings will work for you postpartum, there are a few simple things you can look for.
- Waistline: Postpartum leggings should ride well above your belly button. Look for words like "high-waisted" in product descriptions, and make sure photos show pants that end somewhere between the model's belly and breasts.
- Fabric: Stretchy material is a must, and it should be machine-washable and dryer-safe for ease. Look for cotton, rayon, modal, nylon, and polyester mixed with spandex. Some fabrics promise to wick moisture away from your body to keep you cool, which may feel great as you may be sweatier immediately after giving birth.
- Stretch: Leggings are elastic and will take your shape, but some are made of material that's firmer and doesn't stretch as much; these leggings may say they "smooth" or "shape" your body. Meanwhile, compression garments fit tightly around the body to give you more support and increase blood flow; compression garments will advertise themselves as such. Some new moms feel more comfortable in leggings that compress their postpartum belly or other parts of their body; look for words like "compression," and "support" in product descriptions. Other postpartum moms crave lighter and more stretchy garments that feel like you're wearing nothing at all. Either approach is fine, just go with your preference.
What size postpartum leggings should I buy?
You may or may not be back to your former size after giving birth. Err on the side of caution by ordering a size up from your pre-pregnancy size. If you're unsure about size, the size charts for each manufacturer can help.
Will leggings hide my postpartum belly?
Yes, if you want them to. The changes to the postpartum body, which may include loose skin, stretch marks, and a different shape, make some women want more coverage.
If that's you, rest assured, high-waisted leggings will indeed cover and, if you want them to, camouflage your belly. If you buy a pair meant to compress or support your body, they may also smooth the shape of your belly somewhat and change your silhouette. However, there's absolutely no need to cover any part of your body that you don't want covered.
Are leggings good for postpartum?
Short answer: Yes. If you've given birth vaginally, you can wear just about any pair you like as long as they feel good when you put them on. If you've had a C-section, you want to avoid any leggings that touch or put pressure on your incision. Look for seamless leggings to prevent irritation on any sensitive areas.
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