"There’s no denying that a great pair of leggings is probably the fashion essential of all fashion essentials—especially when it comes to busy moms. The best leggings for moms get you through all stages of motherhood: from pregnancy to postpartum and from lounging with baby on the couch to chasing after toddlers in the park.
Leggings are a superior pant option for a lot of reasons, but I would argue that the top two are comfort and versatility. A comfy pair of leggings can be worn for lounging or everyday errands, a supportive pair can get you through the toughest workouts, and a dressier pair can be styled for everything from the office to date night.
We polled our team and scoured the internet for the absolute best leggings for moms in every category. Check out over 50 pairs of our can’t-miss options.
How we chose the best leggings for moms
It’s no secret there are so many (maybe even too many) options when you type “leggings” into your search bar. Sometimes, it can be a little overwhelming. Which ones are the best, and how do you choose, exactly? Have you ever tried on a pair of jeans and thought, “I can’t wait to change out of these when I get home?” We definitely don’t want that for you when it comes to leggings.
So, we asked our team to share their favorite pair(s) and why. We heard a lot of “I can live in these” or “I wore them throughout my pregnancy and still do.” All the leggings that made our list have raving reviews. If you’re having trouble narrowing down which ones are best for you, consider if a pair can get you through a whole day of “mom life,” and go from there.
The Best Everyday Leggings for Moms
When it comes to everyday wear, I know I can never go wrong with a pair of comfy leggings. I call them the “jeans of motherhood” because they’re functional and part of the mom uniform. The best part? You’re not jeopardizing style over comfort either.
“Coming from someone who didn’t get her first pair of lululemon pants until she was 36, when I got these for Christmas, I suddenly wanted to live in them every day.”
– Alaina, CEO
20+ colors and patterns available
sizes 0 – 20; 4 lengths
“This is my ride-or-die ‘take on a deserted island’ item. In my opinion, they are better than Aligns or any other leggings and worth every cent—and maybe even more than that. They have the perfect amount of compression and softness that can support you doing a workout and be enjoyable to lounge in. The material is crazy soft, and the high-waisted band doesn’t pinch and really flatters without feeling like compression.”
– Ally, Chief of Sales
10+ colors available
sizes XXS – XXL
“I like to think of these leggings as an elevated version of the classic lululemon Aligns. I love that the ribbed texture adds a bit of flare to your ‘fits.”
— Gianna, Former Commerce Editorial Assistant
4 colors available
sizes 0 – 20; 3 lengths
“I love the Nordstrom Rack Z by Zella leggings better than my actual Zellas. The panel in my actual Zellas is just a little too compressing; these are more comfy.”
– Kathy, Senior Editor
3 colors available
sizes XS – XL
“I’ve tried a ton of Amazon leggings throughout the years, and these are my all-time favorites. They are the closest Align dupe I’ve ever found by far—the material is so soft but still compressive and doesn’t slide down.”
– Jessica, Commerce Editor
10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XL
The Best Athletic Leggings for Moms
Whether you’re doing Pilates or taking a HIIT class, or you know, just running after your kids, make sure your workout outfit passes the test. Is it breathable, comfortable, cute, and will you have to constantly be adjusting them? It’s a bonus if they have pockets, too! Here are athletic leggings for every type of workout you can think of.
“These are my favorites! I love that they come in petite; they’re the perfect length for me at 5 feet 3 inches.”
– Julia, Senior Managing Editor
10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – 3X; 3 lengths
“These are definitely the nicest pair of leggings I own. The silky-smooth material is super comfortable to wear, but it is also designed to lift and sculpt, making them ultra-flattering.”
– Jessica, Commerce Editor
9 colors available
sizes XXS – XL; 2 lengths
“These leggings are slowly but surely taking over my workout clothing drawer. They’re the perfect balance of compression and comfort, and the 25-inch length hits perfectly above the ankle (I’m 5 feet 5 inches)! They come in so many fun colors, you can opt for pockets or no pockets, and the matching sports bras are just as good.”
— Meagan, Director of Marketing
10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XL
6 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths
20+ colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – 3X; 3 lengths
“Most of my leggings are Amazon dupes, but I recently acquired two pairs of lululemon leggings—a pair of Aligns as a gift, and I bought myself Wunder Trains (with pockets, which I find easier for travel). If I’m being really, really honest, of the two, I really prefer the Wunder Trains for their flattering compression and a key design component: the stitching in the crotch.”
— Kathy, Senior Editor
10+ colors and patterns available
sizes 0 – 20; 4 lengths
A longtime editor favorite, these under-$30 leggings provide the perfect amount of support (and convenient pockets) for workouts or long walks—and you won’t be constantly adjusting them.
20+ colors and patterns available
sizes XS – XL
The Best Flare Leggings for Moms
I love a good pair of flare leggings. If you’ve never owned a pair, the time is now. Not only are they flattering, but I’ll say it again: These leggings go with everything! According to the girls, these leggings are definitely a staple to a “hot girl errand outfit.” It’s an easy transition piece from errands to a soccer game to a date night out.
When I purchased my first pair of “flare leggings” back in 2012, they were called yoga pants. I love that they’re back in style. I ordered this CRZ Yoga pair to wear while I was pregnant, but even postpartum, I’ve found myself reaching for them at least once a week. They’re so comfortable, the perfect length (I’m 5 feet 5 inches), and surprisingly, I actually love the mid-rise. Most of the time, I pair them with an oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt, but they’re a great option to dress up, too, with a button-down and sneakers or flats.
— Meagan, Director of Marketing
5 colors available
sizes XXS – XL
“I would live in these leggings if I could! I love the buttery-soft feel of the fabric, and the high-waisted crossover band was made to fit in all the right ways. It literally snatches my waist and looks so flattering—highly recommend!”
— Nyla, Former Social Media Editor
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths
“I LIVED in them while pregnant and still wear them now!”
— Hailey, Associate Editor
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL
The Best Dressy Leggings for Moms
After becoming a mom, I didn’t know how I was going to live outside of my everyday pair of leggings, especially when it came to dressing up for a night out. Postpartum, I kindly said “No, thank you” every time I pulled out a pair of “regular” pants. Lo and behold, dressy leggings are the answer! Wear them with a blazer, button-down, or a cute bomber jacket.
“I love these leggings for outings and also for working out. They have just the right amount of compression and are comfortable while providing a solid amount of support. I don’t think they look particularly fitness-y, which is why they are perfect for everyday use, and if I happen to fit in a workout while wearing them, then great—I’m ready to go.”
– Amanda, Former Manager of Brand Partnerships
2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXXL; 2 lengths
“I have a pair of Spanx and Commando faux leather leggings. While I love my Spanx for more everyday wear, the Commandos have a more elevated look, IMO. They really hold you in and hold their shape after multiple washes.”
— Kathy, Senior Editor
10+ colors available
sizes XS – 3X
The Best Maternity Leggings
You may find yourself living in leggings the whole duration of your pregnancy. With that said, they’re not-so-comfy when they’re not suitable for a pregnant belly. If you’re questioning whether or not it’s worth it to buy a pair of maternity leggings, even though you’re only going to wear them for a “short” period of time—trust me—they’re definitely worth every penny. However, if you’re wanting a pair that you can also use postpartum and beyond, we have you covered!
These leggings are best-selling for good reason. They’re designed with a sculpting fit that’s perfect for before, during, and after pregnancy.
5 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – XL
While these leggings aren’t labeled as “maternity” leggings, they’re an editor favorite for pregnancy and postpartum.
10+ colors available
sizes XXS – XL
With a supportive maternity waistband, you’ll practically be living in these leggings throughout your whole pregnancy.
sizes XS – XL
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.