The Best Postpartum Leggings for Recovering Moms (2024)

Having comfortable leggings during the postpartum stage is crucial for your comfort and happiness, especially as your body goes through various changes. Postpartum is a strange time when you might still look and feel pregnant but want to dress like your pre-baby self. Instead of worrying about squeezing into your old leggings, invest in comfortable postpartum leggings that accommodate your changing body and make you feel good. In my experience, it's best to buy maternity leggings in the early days after giving birth, and then transition to comfortable postpartum leggings shortly after.

When it comes to choosing the best postpartum leggings, comfort and support are key. As your body heals and returns to its pre-pregnancy state, specially designed postpartum leggings can offer much-needed support, particularly for new moms who've had a c-section. These leggings typically feature high-waisted designs for optimal tummy support and are crafted from stretchy, breathable fabrics to accommodate your changing body. Postpartum leggings can help to compress and shape your post-baby belly, providing a flattering silhouette without compromising comfort. More than just a wardrobe staple, the right pair of postpartum leggings can boost your confidence and help you feel more confident and secure in your postpartum body.

What to Look For in Postpartum Leggings

When shopping for the best postpartum leggings, there are several key features to consider that will help ensure your comfort and support during this transformative period. Let's delve into what makes a pair of leggings perfect for postpartum recovery.

Finding the right fit

Look for leggings that sit comfortably around your waist without digging in or sliding down; many postpartum women find a high rise design particularly comfortable and supportive during this period. While you want your leggings to offer a degree of compression, they shouldn't be so tight that they're uncomfortable or restrictive. Your body has undergone a significant change, and comfort should be your top priority. It's also advisable to choose a pair with good stretch to accommodate your changing shape, plus ones that make you feel secure and supported, without compromising style.

Choosing the right fabric

Opt for breathable materials like cotton or bamboo to allow your skin to breathe and prevent irritation and moisture buildup. If you're specifically looking for postpartum compression leggings, consider a blend of nylon and spandex. This combination provides the needed elasticity and compression to support and shape your post-baby body while ensuring the leggings retain their shape over time. Regardless of the material, the postpartum leggings should feel soft against your skin, helping you stay comfortable throughout the day. If you've had a c-section, you'll want to ensure the fabric is smooth and seam-free around the waistband to avoid rubbing against your scar.

Top Legging Picks for Postpartum Recovery

Best Postpartum Leggings Overall

lululemon Align™ Super-High-Rise Pant 28″

I wholeheartedly recommend these leggings for every stage, be it non-maternity, maternity, or postpartum. Opt for a larger size during mid to late pregnancy and postpartum for optimal comfort. They strike the perfect balance of stretchiness, softness, thickness, and compression.

Best Postpartum Leggings for C-Section Recovery

Hatch The Ultimate Before, During & After Legging

Crafted from moisture-wicking bamboo fabric and certified by Oeko-Tex, these leggings offer compression while being exceptionally soft. They provide sculpting, ensuring you feel both comfortable and stylish, particularly beneficial post-c-section.

Best Budget-Friendly Postpartum Leggings

Quince Performance Maternity & Postpartum Leggings

Available at $29, these support leggings are ideal for accommodating your expanding bump. They feature full-panel coverage, a folded waistband for under-belly support, and convenient side pockets for storing your phone, wallet, and car keys.

Best Compression Postpartum Leggings

Kindred Bravely Louisa Pocket Maternity/Postpartum Support Leggings

These compression leggings come with an over-the-bump waistband and functional pockets for added convenience. They are machine washable and carefully crafted to provide gentle support to your belly, hips, and thighs, making them an outstanding choice.

Best High-Waisted Postpartum Leggings

BLANQI Everyday High Waist Postpartum/Nursing Leggings

These leggings are designed with high-waisted, breathable fabric to provide extra coverage and comfort where you need it most. They are supportive and made without seams to reduce irritation, especially helpful if you have postpartum scars.

Best Plus-Size Postpartum Leggings

Amazon Sunzel Women's Workout Leggings with High Waist Tummy Control

Crafted from buttery-soft fabric, these leggings are lightweight, high-waisted, and available in a range of sizes to accommodate your body size. Ideal for both workouts and lounging, they offer versatility and comfort.

Best Postpartum Leggings With Pockets

Amazon CRZ YOGA Women's Butterluxe Workout Leggings

Known for their exceptional stretchiness, these leggings offer gentle compression for comfort and effective tummy control. The added benefit of side pockets makes them perfect for storing essentials during exercise.

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I hope this list helped you find the perfect postpartum leggings! For more on postpartum and motherhood, check out the motherhood section of my blog, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram!

Featured Image by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

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