Maternity Leggings Sizing & Fit Guide

Maternity Leggings: When and How to Size Up?

1. QUICK SIZING ANSWER

For our 7/8 Pocket Maternity Leggings, we recommend sticking with your pre-pregnancy size. These leggings are designed with an expanding belly panel that grows with you, so sizing up isn't necessary and can actually reduce crucial support.

2. WHAT CUSTOMERS ASKED

I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my first and my normal leggings are starting to get uncomfortable. When should I switch to maternity leggings? And are they really that different?

Honestly all three! I want to stay active - I do pilates and walking - but I also want to look put together at work. I'm already getting back pain and I heard good leggings can help?

That sounds great but I'm worried about sizing. I'm currently a size 12 but obviously my body is going to keep changing. What size should I get?

Perfect! One more question - how do I wash them? I want them to last through this pregnancy and hopefully the next one too!

3. HOW IT FITS

These maternity leggings are engineered for comfort and support throughout your entire pregnancy. The key feature is the supportive belly panel, designed to grow with you from around 18 weeks all the way to full term. Unlike regular leggings that just stretch, this panel actively supports your growing bump, which can help alleviate lower back pain. The fabric has significant stretch but is designed to retain its shape, so you get a snug, supportive fit around your hips and thighs without feeling constricting. The 7/8 length hits just above the ankle for most, or full length if you're 165cm (approx 5'5") or shorter.

4. SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS

We strongly advise choosing your pre-pregnancy size.

The reasoning behind this is that the leggings' design accounts for your changing body. The maternity panel is built to expand, while the rest of the legging provides consistent compression and support. If you size up, the fabric won't sit correctly, diminishing the supportive benefits, especially around your waist, hips, and thighs.

5. COMMON FIT ISSUES

Sizing Up: The most common mistake is assuming you need to size up. While your body will change, these leggings are specifically designed to accommodate that growth. Sizing up can lead to a looser fit in areas that are meant to provide support, potentially making them less effective for back pain and more prone to slipping down during activity.

Discomfort from Regular Leggings: Many customers switch to maternity leggings around 18 weeks when regular waistbands start digging in uncomfortably. These maternity leggings alleviate that by offering a smooth, supportive panel that sits comfortably over your bump.

Lack of Support: Some pregnant individuals experience back pain. These leggings are designed to help by providing gentle support to the belly, which in turn can reduce strain on the lower back. If you're seeking maximum support for intense activity or significant back discomfort, these offer a substantial improvement over standard activewear.

6. BETWEEN SIZES?

If you find yourself between sizes, or if you tend to carry your pregnancy weight particularly low or high, we recommend reaching out to us directly. While the general rule is to stick to your pre-pregnancy size, a personal consultation can help ensure the absolute best fit for your unique body shape and stage of pregnancy. Factors like the exact cut of your pre-pregnancy favorites or how your bump is presenting can influence the perfect choice.

7. CARE INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure your leggings last through this pregnancy and potentially the next, follow these washing guidelines:

• Machine wash on a cold or cool setting.
• Always turn the leggings inside out before washing to protect the special belly panel.
• Avoid using fabric softener, as it can degrade the elasticity of the material over time.
• Lay flat to dry or hang dry. This is the most crucial step for maintaining the fabric's shape and stretch. Avoid the tumble dryer whenever possible. Occasional low-heat tumble drying might not ruin them, but air drying will significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their fit.

The Supaflex material is quite durable and doesn't attract pet hair or lint, making them practical for everyday wear, even with furry friends at home.

Last updated: December 2025 • Based on real customer conversations