Moving your body while pregnant has so many benefits. However, finding quality exercise clothes that fit properly and are made to move and grow with you can be hard though, especially when you hit the second trimester. The best maternity workout clothes are comfortable, supportive, breathable and adjustable to accommodate an expanding belly and changing body. They’re also stylish.
“Regardless of the workout, pregnant women should look for stretchy, high-waisted leggings along with a supportive sports bra,” says Heidi Loiacono, a women’s fitness specialist with the personal trainer service Gymguyz. When it comes to workout tops, she recommends opting for something loose and long. “If you prefer a more fitted look, be sure it’s not too tight and allows for ease of movement.”
Just remember that every pregnancy and every pregnant body is different. “What’s comfortable for one mom might be incredibly uncomfortable for another,” points out Kim Perry, a fit pregnancy coach who is currently expecting. We interviewed a full roster of fitness expert moms to find the best places to buy maternity workout clothes, and to learn about the workout pieces they loved during pregnancy and beyond.
If there’s one brand that came highly recommended by nearly every fitness expert we spoke with, it’s Beyond Yoga. All around, it’s one of the best places to buy maternity workout clothes.
These legging won the top overall place in our list of the best maternity leggings after extensive testing. According to mom Brooke Cates, founder of pre and postnatal exercise program The Bloom Method, “These leggings have that same buttery-soft feel that make so many women love the Lululemon Align legging. They fit securely on the body and honestly feel like a second skin.” We like that they can be worn over or under your bump, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. Tessa Arneson, founder of Maven Strong, says they “really stay up on the bump and come in the most fun colors.” They’re also quick-drying, moisture-wicking and feature UV protection for outdoor workouts.
Luxe Leggings For Before, During And After Pregnancy
While Lululemon’s beloved Align Leggings aren’t maternity specific, so many moms swear by them, author Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar included. “These iconic leggings have yet to be replicated although many have tried,” says Cates. Ideal for low-intensity workouts, she loves “their buttery-soft texture, the way they stay put and don’t move throughout the day and their amazing ability to transition with you whether you’re pregnant or postpartum. They don’t become overstretched and far outlast just the pregnancy phase.”
Full Coverage Leggings With Seemingly Infinite Stretch And Comfort
There’s likely be a point in pregnancy when even the coziest maternity jeans and pre-pregnancy leggings start to reach their limit. When you can no longer stand their increased compression, or if they start rolling and falling down under your belly, the Crz Yoga Butterlux Maternity Leggings are fantastic go-tos. Many moms describe them as a belly-friendly version of the Lululemon Aligns (if only Lululemon made a version with a true over-the-belly maternity panel). It’s a great alternative at a third of the price, which beats shelling out for an extra pair of Lululemon Aligns in a size up. If you are someone who always feels hot during pregnancy, the they are lightweight and breathable.
“I loved them through the winter months,” says co-author Freddie Moore, who is also a professional ice skater and coach. “I sometimes layered over a pair of leg warmers for colder days at the skating rink—same as I would with any pair of leggings—but found these were the most versatile in terms of cold and warm weather workouts, as well as stretch that just kept going through the end of my pregnancy.”
Vuori makes some of the softest and chicest workout essentials, and the quality is unparalleled—we’ve owned plenty of pieces ourselves. This sports bra is Cates’ go-to for pregnancy. “Not only is it another item that transitions well throughout the trimesters, but its shorter-torso design is great for a growing belly while the fabric and stretch is perfect for changing breast sizes while still being supportive.”
The strappy back is a trendy touch, plus it comes in plenty of fun colors and classic neutrals to suit your style. We wouldn’t wear this to go for a run, but it’s great for low-impact activities, like hiking, yoga and stroller walks.
Perry is a big fan of Love & Fit’s nursing sports bras. They “provide excellent coverage, support and are great for transitioning into postpartum,” she says. Pregnant moms appreciate the adjustable straps and band, allowing this sports bra to expand with your growing breasts. It’s breastfeeding-friendly without looking or feeling like it, thanks to a stylish strappy back, and it has removable cups you can easily replace with nursing pads for when baby arrives.
“The material is soft and comfortable you don’t feel like you’re wearing a bra,” writes one reviewer. “I mountain bike, run, hike, etc., and this bra is 100% supportive.”
Extra Support For High-Impact Activities
Sweat & Milk Venice High Impact Full Coverage Nursing Sports Bra
If you’re a runner, into Crossfit or are a regular at Barry’s Bootcamp, this wireless nursing sports bra is a great option during pregnancy and beyond. A high-coverage design keeps your breasts covered so you can focus on fitness, and a wide chest band provides ample support to minimize bounce. The shoulder straps are wide and adjustable, and there’s a six-row hook and eye closure in the back for extra comfort and flexibility as your body and breasts fluctuate in size. Many reviewers report it’s super easy to pump and nurse in one-handed.
If you live in your Lulu Aligns, the shorts are a summer pregnancy wardrobe staple. “They feel just like the leggings but with the comfort of a short for sweatier workouts and warmer days,” says Cates.
They stretch to fit your changing body at every stage without stretching out and, while pricey, are worth the investment because you can use them beyond pregnancy. “They stay put, keep the belly in and they don’t show your cheeks even if you do more intense things,” writes one reviewer. Another calls the darker colors “squat proof.”
These bestselling maternity shorts have over 60 reviews and an almost-perfect 4.9-star rating. Made by women, they’re perfect for moms looking for a lightweight, looser-fitting short to get them through pregnancy and workouts comfortably without restricting movement. We like the wide, stretchy waistband for extra support and the built-in liner for full coverage. “I’m living in these shorts in the heat of summer during my pregnancy,” writes one reviewer. “So comfortable, true to size, love the pockets.”
Whether you’re running errands, running after little ones or going for an actual run, these workout shorts have you covered. They come in lots of cute colors and “have a super-stretchy waist band that allow your belly to grow but don’t scream maternity,” notes Perry. There’s an incredibly comfortable spandex inner layer, covered by a lightweight outer layer. The inner
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