Maternity Leggings: A Review (AKA I Have Too Much Time On My Hands)

There are a lot of joys of pregnancy, and one for me is MATERNITY LEGGINGS. I'm dead serious. Leggings in general are pretty stellar, and then when you add in a comfy-cozy full panel waistband, the deal is sealed. 

But I recently ordered three pairs to try out at home, and I found that all maternity leggings are not created equal. Here's my own personal breakdown of the three affordable pairs I tried (from Old Navy and Target) and what made each a hit or miss. 

First up:

Old Navy Full-Panel Jersey Leggings (online here)

Currently $14.94, site is 20% off today using code GROWNUP (adult clothing only)

Coming in at the least expensive of the bunch, I was truly hoping these would work. I love Old Navy's maternity line ... in fact, that dark green notched v-neck I've got on was a Christmastime purchase from there (currently $6.99 here). These leggings had pretty good online review ratings (4.2/5) so I figured I would love them.

The actual legging part itself was great, but on me, the panel hit at an awkward spot -- about two inches up from my (very protruding, eek!) belly button. It still smoothed everything mostly out, but I was able to see that tell-tale legging line under my shirt, and it just felt uncomfortable to me. I was very aware of that top seam and it bothered me to no end. Next!

Target Over The Belly Ponte Pants (online here)

Currently $29.99

The style of these had me intrigued and I figured they would be a favorite. Typically, ponte knit is thicker -- a good quality to be found in leggings, am I right?! I was thinking these would be pretty similar to the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pants that have such a cult following. 

Eh, not really. The full panel was comfortable, but the leggings themselves didn't have that nice and luxurious feeling that I was expecting for my $30 (I'm frugal and I own it!). They were still a good find, and I probably would have justified keeping them had I not tried on the very last pair I'll review here today. 

Winner, winner!

Target Over The Belly Black Legging (online here)

Currently $16.99

By a landslide, these were the big winner of the group. The heft of the legging was fairly similar to the "thicker" ponte pants, and the waistband was even more comfortable! It is made out of this really soft, almost bathing-suit type material. And less than $20 -- a score in my penny-pinching book. 

I should definitely point out that my blog friend Justine, currently expecting her fifth sweet baby, originally told me how awesome these were. I should have just taken her word (and saved myself the return trips to Old Navy and Target for the pants above) because a woman expecting baby #5 definitely knows her stuff. 

I wear these every single week. Sometimes two days in a row (no shame). They have held up in several washings -- I've been wearing them since November -- and have accomodated my ever-growing baby bump. The black has stayed a nice, true black. Come visit me after the baby is born and I guaran-darn-tee you I will still be wearing these!

Do I have too much time on my hands for this review? Umm, maybe. But maternity leggings, y'all! There is nothing better!

(WELL. Maybe a funfetti cupcake, but that's off of my radar for the time being.) ;)