Why lululemon Align Leggings Are the Secret Pregnancy Wardrobe MVP

As someone who's spent years reviewing maternity fashion, I've heard countless pregnant women ask the same question: "What leggings will actually last my entire pregnancy?" Today, I'm sharing what seems to be the internet's worst-kept pregnancy secret: lululemon Align leggings.

Despite not being marketed as maternity wear, these buttery-soft leggings have become the gold standard for expectant mothers everywhere. Let's dive into why these $98 leggings might be the best pregnancy investment you'll make.

The Pregnancy Legging That Isn't Actually a Pregnancy Legging

What makes the Align leggings so perfect for pregnancy? It starts with lululemon's signature Nulu fabric—a buttery-soft, lightweight material with four-way stretch that feels like wearing nothing at all a true gift when everything else feels uncomfortable during pregnancy .

The high-rise design provides gentle support without compression, growing with your bump through each trimester. As one mom shared in a review, "I continued to wear my Aligns all the way up until my due date. By 40 weeks, they did slide down my belly a bit, but they were still my legging of choice."

From First Trimester to Fourth Trimester

The true value of Align leggings becomes apparent when you realize they're not just for pregnancy. While many maternity-specific clothes become useless postpartum, Aligns transition seamlessly:

• Pre-pregnancy: Perfect for everyday wear and workouts
• During pregnancy: Stretches to accommodate your growing bump
• Postpartum: High waist provides coverage for breastfeeding and supports your recovering body

As one mom eloquently put it in a March 2023 review: "When I woke up in the middle of the night and realized my water broke, I put on my Align leggings for the trip to the hospital. I ended up laboring for many hours in my leggings until I was ready for an epidural."

Real Moms Weigh In

The testimonials for Align leggings during pregnancy are overwhelmingly positive:

"I have literally 12 pairs… they're the best, I've worn them for all three pregnancies. Worth every penny, love them!"

"I have three pairs of aligns that I purchased over the last few years, and honestly, they have been a BLESSING during this pregnancy. I'm currently 28 weeks, and they still fit perfectly. They provide the perfect amount of support!"

Even moms who experienced significant pregnancy changes found them accommodating. As one mother shared just last month: "I gained over 60 pounds, and I had a condition where my body produced excess amniotic fluid, which meant my 'bump' was mega-sized. But these Lululemon leggings kept up with me."

Sizing Tips for Pregnancy

The most common question about using Align leggings during pregnancy is whether to size up. The consensus seems mixed:

• Some moms wear their pre-pregnancy size throughout
• Others size up one size for additional comfort
• Some purchase both their regular size and one size up

One pregnancy blogger noted: "I sized up from size 6 to a size 8 as well and it was perfect! Plus you can wear these postpartum!"

Budget-Friendly Options

At $98, Align leggings represent a significant investment. However, many moms consider them worth it given their versatility before, during, and after pregnancy. If the price gives you pause, consider these options:

• Check lululemon's "Like New" section for gently used options starting around $49
• Browse the "We Made Too Much" section for discounted colors and styles
• Calculate cost-per-wear spoiler: it's low when you wear them daily

The Verdict

While lululemon never set out to create a maternity legging, they accidentally created what might be the perfect pregnancy pant. The combination of buttery-soft fabric, comfortable high waist, and impressive stretch has made Align leggings a pregnancy essential that follows you from positive test to postpartum life.

As pregnancy changes your body in ways both wonderful and challenging, finding clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident becomes priceless. Align leggings offer that rare combination—technical performance with all-day comfort that works with your changing body, not against it.

Have you tried lululemon Align leggings during pregnancy? Share your experience in the comments below!