Exercising during pregnancy is great for both you and baby, especially if you develop a safe maternity exercise routine. However, part of a rewarding workout comes from feeling prepared to be in motion, and a lot of feeling prepared comes down to what you wear.
Especially when you’re in motion for two humans instead of one, the proper workout clothes are an essential part of your “feel-good experience” when it comes to staying active. It’s no fun sweating through clothes that don’t feel right, whether they don’t fit properly, are totally uncomfortable, or develop sweat stains after only the second wear.
No matter your pregnancy workout, we’ve got you covered, mama. From stretching to yoga routines to strolling the sidewalk to biking, we’ve got a list of trending maternity activewear to align with any exercise routine for pregnant women.
This one’s for all the moms-to-be out there in motion — let’s get active together!
What To Look For: Shopping for Maternity Active Apparel
When it comes to maternity activewear, functionality is a key quality for your wardrobe. The best maternity workout clothes are made from high-quality fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy.
You’ll also want to think about support. Since your body grows in many different areas and timelines during pregnancy, look for activewear that gives you extra support to account for your glowing, growing boobs and bump. Make that extra “breathable” support, though; clothes that are too tight can feel uncomfy and constricting.
Polyester, Spandex, and cotton are high-quality fabric options. Merino wool is also a luxe option for those winter workouts, where you’ll want to think about insulation in addition to moisture-wicking capabilities.
From swimwear and workout tops down to bottoms and accessory apparel like underwear and socks, we’ve got a list of our favorite maternity activewear best-sellers.
Shirts
1. Crew Tees
The Perfect Crew Tee 2-Pack is the perfect short sleeve t-shirt for all your preggo active dreams. It has a slim, straight fit without being fitted so that you can enjoy the breathability of its moisture-wicking cotton without feeling tight or restrictive. It’s made from OEKO-Tex® Certified Cotton for a chemical-free, Mother-Earth-friendly fabric.
Pair it with biker shorts, and you’re the queen of athleisure.
2. V-Neck Shirt
The Perfect Vee is loose and drapey — stylish to flatter you and your bump during your exercise routine. This V-neck is made from super soft and pillowy fabric for an extra plush feel. Plus, you can wear it come the fourth trimester (and maybe until your little one goes to college).
Grab a long-sleeve plaid shirt for those early morning walks that you can tie around your waist when you grab a well-deserved smoothie after. Add a capri workout legging, and there’s no mountain you can’t climb.
Swimwear
3. Scoop Neck One-Piece Swimsuit
Maybe you’re swimming for exercise, and maybe you’re lounging by the pool eating snacks. Either way — do it in style with The Antigua Maillot. Made from a combo of recycled Nylon and Spandex, this scoop neck one-piece has adjustable and convertible straps for a custom fit. The shelf bra and seam construction let you flaunt this suit as your belly grows bigger.
After your workout, slip your fav maternity dress or pullover sweater + shorts combo on and pull out your next summer read. Just don’t forget to reapply your mama-safe sunscreen.
Bottoms
4. Crop Flared Leggings
Maternity leggings are a great option when it comes to pregnancy workout wear because they are so versatile. Our Ultimate Before During & After Crop Flare legging is cropped for breathability and work well for any type of workout routine. The high waist covers and supports your growing belly, be it cantaloupe-sized or globe-sized.
5. Before During & After Leggings
For leggings without the flare, try our Ultimate Before During & After Legging for a sculpting fit that feels oh-so comfortable and also provides reassuring compression. These ones make for great maternity yoga pants — they’re moisture-wicking
Pairs well with a maternity tank and a walk to your local coffee shop.
6. Ultra Soft Before During & After Legging
Or, for beyond yoga and a little less compression and a little more buttery soft comfort, try our high-rise Ultra Soft Before During & After Legging. Pair it with your softest tank top and baggiest hoodie, and take the rest your body needs.
Accessory Apparel
7. Retro-Style Compression Socks
Whether you’re halfway through your first trimester or two weeks into the due date, you’ll thank yourself ten thousand times over for these ones.
Treat your swollen ankles and feet — which, by the way, is a totally normal part of pregnancy — with a lusciously vintage dream pair of soothing retro-style compression socks to quell that swell. Throw on your bike shorts and fuzzy sweater for a look that’s activewear-cozy.
8. The Skin to Skin Bra
It’s probably likely that your pre-pregnancy sports bra is one of the first items that you stow in the back of your bureau until your mini-me is born. While it’s not exactly a maternity sports bra, The Skin to Skin Bra can keep you comfy while pushing that stroller up and down Fifth Avenue on a shopping spree/workout day.
It is also a nursing bra. Oh, and did we mention it’s soooo incredibly luxurious and satiny that you can even sleep in it? Or that you can throw on a pair of high-rise yoga pants with your Skin to Skin bra, and you’ll look trendy and classy in your workout fit? Because both of those are true.
Workout Wear That Works
There are several different tops, pants, and shorts options to try out for your pregnancy workout routine. When it comes to maternity activewear, choosing pieces that set you up for success so that you can feel good in your movements and pacing.
However, what feels like success in a maternity workout outfit for one mom-to-be might feel not-so-comfy to another — functionality is a unique, person-to-person dependent preference, and the most important aspect of your activewear is that it works for you.
So whatever your go-to outfit for breathability, functionality, and moisture-wicking is, rock the fit and stay moving, girl! This is a special time in your life when you and baby get to be in motion together, and as long as you feel comfortable in your workout wear and routine, then you are totally rocking the pregnancy exercise world.
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