Best Postpartum Compression Leggings: A Guide for New Moms

Being a new mom is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Giving birth takes a serious toll on the body, and you will want to optimize your health through relief and support while you adjust to your new life. Compression leggings are a simple and ideal choice to help you heal during the postpartum period. Compression leggings support the legs and pelvic area, which gives you a much-needed relief from pain and swelling, and they can also prevent a host of circulatory problems.

Wondering how to choose the best postpartum compression leggings and what are the benefits of postpartum compression leggings? We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all the essentials you need to know about compression stockings, tights, or leggings, and get our expert tips on how to gain the most benefit.

What Are the Best Postpartum Compression Leggings?

Research has found that compression socks and leggings are ideal for maintaining healthy circulation during your pregnancy. If you are familiar with compression leggings, they have likely provided you with lighter feeling legs and a much-needed soothing massage to your lower limbs before the birth of your baby. But should you wear the same compression tights postpartum, or do you need a different pressure? And, if you have not tried compression leggings yet, how do you choose the best pair for you? Here are all the answers.

Graduated Compression

First off, let’s recap what graduated compression is and what are its benefits. The term “graduated” refers to a scale from highest to lowest (or vice versa). For compression, this means that the extremities of socks and leggings are tighter, then becoming gradually looser as they climb up the leg. Instead of applying the same level of pressure throughout, graduated compression leggings stimulate the upward flow of blood. Scientific research has shown that graduated compression is helpful for improving blood circulation and reducing swelling. This circulation boost is extremely beneficial during the postpartum period because it may help reduce the risk of developing blood clots or edema because of blood pooling around the ankles.

Wearing a pair of graduated compression tights such as our 15-20 mmHg footless nylon ones allows you to move about freely, while feeling the reassuring compression that supports your lower legs and boosts blood flow throughout the body.

 

Regain flexibility and support postpartum in graduated compression leggings.

 

 

High-Waist Support

Another benefit of compression tights and leggings is the firm hold they have on the upper part of your legs and the waist and pelvic area. The high waist design of postpartum leggings supports the abdominal area and helps mothers of any age recover from giving birth. Doctors may recommend wearing high-waist compression leggings for certain scenarios like diastasis recti, where support to the abdominal area is a key element of postpartum recovery. Medical studies have stated that using compression leggings can even be helpful for reducing pain and swelling in the pelvis and legs after pregnancy.

Breathable, Stretchy Fabric

When you pick your postpartum compression leggings, you need to consider more than the pressure levels. Ask yourself how they will fit in your everyday life, so you can wear them all day long and gain the benefits for your circulatory system and muscles. This means you will need to look for comfortable fabrics and ensure that your tights are breathable.

Nylon compression tights are perfect postpartum leggings because they move seamlessly with your body and do not restrict your flexibility. You will be able to move freely while gaining the therapeutic pressure of compression. Our Vim&Vigr 15-20 mmHg compression tights work well as everyday garments, and they can also accompany you during light postpartum recovery exercises like yoga or Pilates. All our nylon compression tights and socks are breathable and moisture wicking, too, which means you will not be uncomfortable in different temperatures.

 

Go back to physical activity in nylon postpartum leggings.

 

 

Style and Fit

When it comes to postpartum compression, looking good is also an important factor. Why not find stylish compression leggings that elevate your outfits and make you enjoy being active again?

Black is always in fashion, whether you opt for footless tights (the classic leggings) or regular tights for more coverage. We also offer sand-colored or black compression tights in 20-30 mmHg for cases where you need more support (or where your doctor has recommended it).

Furthermore, finding the right fit is of the highest importance. Compression leggings need to be tight enough to work their magic on your muscles and blood vessels. Don’t assume that they are not your size if you start by feeling slightly “squeezed” when you first put them on. You might just need to get used to wearing them. Start by wearing them for a few hours at a time and work up to the whole day.

Finally, if you are not sure about your size, ensure you have the right size by using our sizing chart to match the best pair for you. At the same time, be careful not to go too tight as you’ll need to move and be able to sit and walk in them, and you don’t want to be cutting off your circulation.

Leggings vs Tights

What is the difference between postpartum compression leggings and tights? Simply the fact that tights cover your feet, too. This makes them great accessories for winter when you can benefit from warmer feet and the graduated compression for the whole length of your legs. In summer or if you want to wear sandals, leggings are more versatile. Our Vim&Vigr tights and leggings are both graduated, so you can get a boost in blood flow and feel reassuringly supported from feet (or ankles) to your waist.

Why Compression Leggings Are a Postpartum Essential

During pregnancy, your blood volume increases significantly. Your legs and feet are under a lot of pressure from the added weight and swelling. After giving birth, going back to “normal” takes time, and you need to give your body as much support as possible. Be sure to use garments that improve your blood flow, reduce the risk of circulatory problems and fluid retention, and increase your comfort levels as you begin to exercise and move about more.

Supporting Circulation

Through the therapeutic pressure applied to your limbs, postpartum compression leggings improve your overall circulation and help prevent blood clots, varicose veins, and other problems. The design of these items ensures that the blood vessels are supported and squeezed in just the right manner to stimulate upwards blood flow, preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities.

Reducing Fluid Retention

Another challenge for the postpartum period is fluid retention. A good pair of postpartum leggings massage and support the lower legs, helping to prevent swelling and pain in the legs. Young mothers often struggle with postpartum edema, which is swelling caused by fluid remaining in the body tissues after childbirth. Compression tights and leggings can help reduce this through the therapeutic pressure they apply to the legs.

Better Core Support

Graduated compression leggings support the muscles and joints throughout the legs and up to the waist. Wearing compression leggings postpartum can reduce pressure, discomfort from a C-section, and improve circulation in the pelvic area, which may bring down inflammation and reducing any pain.

Promoting Overall Comfort and Confidence

Finally, wearing postpartum compression leggings is not just functional, it’s a stylish choice. You’ll feel comfortable and supported all day long, in any outfit, and during any type of activity. The reduction in swelling and discomfort and the boost in peripheral circulation both work to improve confidence and make you feel your best during this busy time of your life.

Try postpartum compression leggings to boost circulation & elevate your outfits.

 

 

Do Compression Leggings Help with Healing Postpartum?

There are multiple benefits of wearing compression leggings during postpartum:

• Reduced pain
• Improved circulation
• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Reduced fluid retention
• Support for muscles and joints
• Supporting the pelvic floor muscles
• Reduced pressure on the legs and feet
• Prevention of blood clots and varicose veins

All these contribute to better healing for mothers of all ages and more comfort to help you enjoy life with your new baby.

How Soon After Birth Can You Wear Compression?

 Be sure to consult your doctor in case you have any medical complications, but  after giving birth, you can start wearing compression leggings or tights as soon as you feel comfortable. Wearing compression leggings postpartum offers support for your circulatory system and therapeutic pressure for both your legs and your pelvic area. If you’re completely new to compression, we advise you to consult with your doctor and then choose the pressure level that is best suited for your situation.

Postpartum compression leggings can be worn for hours at a time, supporting your muscles, and giving you a blood flow boost. You can start by putting them on for 2-3 hours at a time to relax and enjoy a soothing lower body massage, then gradually increase the length of time you wear them.

One more thing, as compression tights are so versatile and stylish (especially in black!), you can layer them under pretty much any outfit to look good and feel even better. Put them on under a dress or layer up under pants when it’s colder out. And, of course, you can wear your postpartum leggings when you go for a walk or some gentle stretching and exercise, to feel supported but have a full range of motion.

How Long Can You Wear Postpartum Compression Leggings Each Day?

While abdominal binders or postpartum belly bands can only be worn for a few hours a day, graduated compression leggings and tights are safe and comfortable for as long as you wish to have them on. They will help postpartum recovery, especially after a C-section, and make you feel supported and soothed as you start doing exercise in the first months after having a baby. You can even sleep in compression tights, but consult with a medical professional first if you have any questions.

Many women will become familiar with maternity leggings before giving birth, and now you know about the health benefits of postpartum compression tights and leggings. While the former are designed to fit over your new body shape and accommodate the changes throughout your pregnancy, the latter are supportive and apply a therapeutic pressure to the legs and pelvic area. This improves blood flow to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation, while also supporting the muscles and promoting postpartum healing. What is more, these garments are versatile and stylish - not confining you to your home, but allowing you to enjoy life the way you want to!

Browse our range of compression leggings and tights to start getting benefits while enjoying your new life as a mom.

References

Saliba-Júnior, O. A., Rollo, H. A., Saliba, O., & Sobreira, M. L. (2022). Positive perception and efficacy of compression stockings for prevention of lower limb edema in pregnant women. Jornal vascular brasileiro, 21, e20210101. Read it here.

Szkwara, J. M., Milne, N., & Rathbone, E. (2020). A prospective quasi-experimental controlled study evaluating the use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses to manage common postpartum ailments during postnatal care. Women's health (London, England), 16, 1745506520927196. Read it here.

Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.

Skoura, A., Billis, E., Papanikolaou, D. T., Xergia, S., Tsarbou, C., Tsekoura, M., Kortianou, E., & Maroulis, I. (2024). Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice. International urogynecology journal, 35(3), 491–520. Read it here.

Hytten F. (1985). Blood volume changes in normal pregnancy. Clinics in haematology, 14(3), 601–612. Read it here.

Sugahara, I., Doi, M., Nakayama, R., & Sasaki, K. (2018). Acute effect of wearing compression stockings on lower leg swelling and muscle stiffness in healthy young women. Clinical physiology and functional imaging, 10.1111/cpf.12527. Advance online publication. Read it here.

Sachdeva, A., Dalton, M., & Lees, T. (2018). Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD001484. Read it here.