As Chelsey Oliver, Chief Creative Officer at Seraphine, explains: "Investing in leggings that will retain their quality for the duration of your pregnancy and postpartum journey is so important, not only for your wardrobe and wallet, but also for the world the next generation will inherit.

"The key thing when it comes to leggings during your pregnancy and postpartum journey is finding soft, breathable fabrics that sculpt to your changing body (and don't go saggy!). Whether you decide to go for over-bump or under-bump styles, they need to stay up and be comfortable all day long. Increased skin sensitivity is a common symptom for pregnant women, choosing super soft fabrics will really increase comfort levels.

“At Seraphine we offer a variety of super soft legging styles that cater to both maternity and postpartum , with styles that range from loungewear to activewear. Our selection of compression styles that offer support around the tummy area after baby arrives and our bamboo leggings are the perfect choice if you are looking for a super soft legging option post c-section.”

How we tested the best maternity leggings

Throughout both of our Website Director's pregnancies, she shopped for a whole host of maternity leggings, from on-trend leggings with ankle split detail to maternity gym leggings and new-in leather look maternity leggings. She tried them out for sheerness (because there's nothing worse than see-through leggings), comfort over her growing bump, and style. She also continued wearing them beyond birth to see how they adapted. See how they fared below.

After more maternity content? Head this way for the best maternity clothes, over here for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got maternity knickers, nursing bras, maternity nightwear, maternity trousers, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.

Keep scrolling for the very best maternity leggings according to our recently-pregnant editor.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58o7HSrWSmmaSav6%2B107JkpZ2XnLavs9I%3D