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Best Maternity Workout Clothes to Keep You Active During Pregnancy

You want to stay healthy and active when you’re pregnant, but to do that you need proper Maternity Workout clothes.

Trying to squeeze yourself into pre-pregnancy clothes or choosing clothes not designed for exercise can cause uncomfortable pinching, chafing, and even result in dangerous overheating.

The good news is we’re here to help keep you as fit, healthy, and comfy as possible.

Here’s how to pick the best Maternity Workout clothes to keep you moving.

We ♥ honesty! Mom Loves Best earns a commission through the following hand-picked links at no extra cost to you.

Quick Comparison

Our Top Maternity Workout Clothing Picks of 2020 Read Full Reviews
1
Best Workout Shoes
Sktetchers Sneakers
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2
Best Workout Pants
Mumberry Pants
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3
Best Workout Leggings
Beyond Yoga Leggings
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4
Best Workout Shorts
My Belly Mama Shorts
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5
Best Workout Yoga Pants
Three Seasons Yoga Pants
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6
Best Workout Capris
PattyBoutik Mama
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7
Best Workout Underwear
Kindred Panties
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9
Best Workout Bra
Fittin Racerback Bra
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10
Best Workout Belt
Baby Belly Band
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Table of Contents

    How Is Workout Gear Different From Leisure Wear?

    There are a lot of jokes out there about how yoga pants have become the new uniform of pregnancy and motherhood. Because they’re comfy, stretchy, and forgiving, women have taken to wearing them both in and out of the home.

    But while they’re commonly referred to as “yoga pants,” the truth is that very few of them are truly designed for use while practicing yoga. The same is true of other types of clothes — whether t-shirts, sports bras, or sneakers. Though they have some visual similarities, leisurewear and athletic wear are engineered very differently, and if you’re planning to exercise, it’s important to choose maternity workout clothing that’ specifically designed for that purpose.

    Related Reading
    Best Prenatal Exercise DVDs of 2020

    From cut, fabric, and design, athletic wear is designed for free movement during exercise.

    Best Fabric for Maternity Activewear

    It’s understandable you’d gravitate toward natural fabrics — especially when you’re pregnant and you only want the best — but if you’re planning to work up a sweat, synthetics are your best bet.

    The reason is that synthetics tend to wick moisture away more quickly, preventing dampness, chafing, and overheating.

    Here are some common fabrics you may run into:

    • Cotton: Cotton is the gold standard in the clothing industry for comfort, especially since it’s an all-natural, renewable resource. However, the problem is that it stays damp and keeps moisture against the skin, so it’s not a good choice for workout wear if you’re planning to sweat it out.
    • Wool: Wool is another all-natural material and this one does wick moisture well. However, it’s also known for trapping in heat. Wool is best used for mittens and ski socks; it’s a terrible choice if you’re hitting the gym.
    • Lycra/Spandex: Lycra and spandex are actually the same man-made material. Comprised of at least 85 percent polyurethane polymer (1), it can stretch up to 600 percent of its size and wicks moisture well. It’s great for both comfort and performance while working out.
    • Polyester: Polyester is another synthetic fabric that’s widely used for workout gear. It doesn’t absorb moisture, is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and durable (2). Its only drawback is that it can trap bacteria, so over time may develop an odor.
    • Nylon: Yet another popular synthetic fabric, nylon wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is mildew resistant. It also stretches and recovers easily for a supportive, comfortable fit.
    Related Reading
    Best Postpartum Girdles to Suck In Your Post-Baby Jelly Belly

    How to Choose the Best Maternity Workout Clothes

    When buying maternity workout clothes, look for the following:

    • Developed for Maternity: With the only possible exception being sports bras, choose clothing that was specifically designed for athletic use during pregnancy. While your husband’s oversized t-shirts or your old pre-pregnancy yoga pants may technically fit, they won’t provide the same level of support or comfort.
    • Fit: Choose clothes (especially pants) that are fitted close to the body. When wearing baggy leisure pants, you run the risk of tripping which is especially dangerous in pregnancy. The same goes for shoes; though slip-ons may be comfy on your ever-expanding feet, they don’t provide the same level of support and safety as a fully-fastening shoe.
    • Seam Placement: Your clothes will be in direct contact with your skin, which may be getting extra sensitive — especially toward the end of pregnancy. Be aware of where they cut the seams, and if possible choose seamless or low-profile seams to prevent chafing and irritation.
    • Fabric: Unless you’re doing a low-intensity activity like yoga, choose synthetic fabrics. They’ll help keep you dry and cool without feeling uncomfortably restricted. Well-designed clothes will also keep your blood circulating as normal and prevent you from overheating.
    • Support: Choose clothes that have a good level of support for your breasts, belly, and back. Don’t expect nighttime camis to function as sports bras just because they’re stretchy, and don’t expect thin leggings to work in your step class if they don’t have a fully-functioning belly panel.
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    The Best Maternity Workout Clothes of 2020

    Fatigue, mood swings, aches, pains, and the whole gamut of hormonal changes you’re experiencing may mean you sometimes don’t feel like lacing up your walking shoes or heading to the gym. But exercise during pregnancy has so many benefits that it’s worth keeping it up. Comfy, nice-looking workout gear goes a long way to making it all that little bit easier!

    Best Maternity Workout Pants

    You don’t want to be constricted, but you don’t want to be tripping over the legs of your pants, either. The safest way to work out while pregnant is with form-fitting workout gear that moves easily as you bend and stretch, and isn’t loose enough to pose a tripping hazard.

    1. Mumberry Activewear Yoga Pants

    Perfect All-Rounder

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    These workout pants have a belly band that not only keeps your pants from falling down, but it also provides support, compression, and upward lift. Basically, it’s a lightweight belly band built right into your yoga pants, relieving back and joint pressure and helping you maintain proper posture. It even has a pocket in the back big enough to hold your smartphone!


    2. Ingrid & Isabel Active Capri Maternity Pant

    Sleek Silhouette

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    These capri-length workout pants will keep you from overheating with the shortened leg, and wick sweat away from your skin with the synthetic construction. The full belly panel provides belly and lower-back support, but the cutout in back allows you to have less fabric touching your skin and causing your temp to rise.


    3. C & C C9 Champion Under the Belly Cardio Pant

    For the Cardio Bunnies

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    These pants are polyester construction so they don’t retain moisture, and they have enough room that they won’t be constricting during your workout — but the leg openings aren’t so big that you will trip over them. They also sit under the belly, meaning you won’t have fabric rubbing on your bump and causing you to overheat while you’re working out.


    Best Maternity Workout Tops

    You don’t want to be overheated while working out. Cotton is okay if your workout is low intensity, but if you think you’ll be sweating heavily then opt for a synthetic fabric. A looser fit is acceptable for your top, so choose whatever makes you feel comfortable, whether that’s a form-fitting tank or a breezy, flowing tee.

    4. Mumberry Maternity Workout Tank

    One Piece Wonder

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    This workout tank has a built-in belly band to provide extra support during your sweat session — and it even comes with a guarantee. If it doesn’t offer you support, you can return it free of charge. It also includes a built-in bra to minimize the layers of fabric you have to wear, and is constructed of 4-way-stretch synthetic fabric that won’t chafe and will wick moisture off of your skin.


    5. LWJ 1982 Seamless Maternity Shirt

    Soft, Stretchy and Simple

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    This lycra/spandex top is soft and stretchy to cradle your bump and stay out of the way of your workout. It comes in a couple different color options, both which wick moisture away, keeping you cool and dry. And, for the more modest mama, the sleeves keep you more covered than your typical workout tank.


    6. Bloom Maternity 'Workout Buddy in Progress' Tank

    Most Adorable Slogan

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    This tank top is made of cotton so it’s not ideal for your most intense workouts, but we just couldn’t resist the adorable “Workout Buddy in Progress” lettering over the bump. For the fitness-loving mama, it’s a great addition to her wardrobe — whether at the gym or just lounging around the house on a Saturday.


    Best Maternity Workout Bras

    Your breasts are not only heavier than normal, but they’re probably sensitive, too. Choose a bra that will keep your girls in place — and that means offering support, not just elastic coverage. Skip the stretchy night nursing bras or camis and instead opt for a good-quality, thick sports bra.

    7. Fittin Racerback Sports Bra

    Boobs' Best Friend

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    This ultra-supportive racerback bra isn’t developed specifically for pregnancy, but will provide the extra care and support your breasts need during this time. It has Climacool technology, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature, and it also comes with removable breast pads for you to use (or not) depending on your preference.


    8. AKAMC Removable Padded Sports Bras

    Great for Smaller Busts

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    This bra is made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, while the criss-cross back makes a super style statement. It also has removable breast pads, and was developed just for moms and their unique support needs.


    9. Aibrou Wirefree Maternity Bra

    Wonderful Wire-Free

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    This soft, supportive bra has built-in nursing panels so you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for support. It is wire-free so it won’t cause discomfort while you’re working out, and also has built-in removable, washable breast pads.


    Best Maternity Workout Leggings

    While they might be called “maternity leggings,” what you really want for working out are form-fitting yoga pants. True leggings typically aren’t thick enough to provide full coverage of your behind, and are commonly constructed of cotton. Instead, opt for pants made of synthetic fabric that won’t become sheer when stretched.

    10. Beyond Yoga Maternity Capri Leggings

    HIgh Performance Fabric

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    These polyester/spandex capri leggings are thin enough to breathe but thick enough to cover your behind. They have a full belly band to make sure they stay in place during your workout, and come in three different colors to fit your personal style.


    11. Cloya Active Maternity Capri Pant

    Easy Comfort

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    These workout pants are constructed of a four-way stretch fabric so they will comfortably hug your belly, not constrict it. The belly band can be worn up or folded down, and the innovative flat-lock stitching minimizes chafe and irritation.


    12. Ingrid & Isabel Active Mesh Capri

    Something a Little Different

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    These pants have funky style with their lower-leg mesh cutouts and the mid-weight jersey weave is supportive and offers full coverage. They have a full belly panel to keep them hoisted while you’re doing squats, and are made of nylon — which means they not only resists moisture, but also odors.


    Best Maternity Workout Shorts

    You already run hot since you’re carrying around a full-time heater in your belly, so it’s no wonder you want to wear as little fabric as possible while working out. Choose shorts that aren’t constricting and provide enough coverage for you to stretch and move without being self-conscious.

    13. My Belly Mama Cotton Shorts

    Short and Sweet

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    These sexy, form-fitting shorts will hug your curves and won’t restrict your movement. They’re machine washable and dryable for easy maintenance, and their super-short length will keep you cool in the hottest temps.


    14. HDE Women's Maternity Yoga Shorts

    Pretty but Practical

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    These yoga shorts are made from a comfy cotton and spandex blend to accommodate your growing bump. The breathable fabric will keep your cool in summer and at a very reasonable price point, they won’t break the bank either  They also have an adjustable internal waistband to customize the fit, and come with pockets for your convenience.


    15. Motherhood Under Belly Maternity Shorts

    Low and Out of the Way

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    The under-belly waistband on these shorts helps to keep you from overheating, and the cotton fabric keeps you cool by allowing your skin to breathe. The straight-leg design won’t hug your thighs like spandex, so they are a good choice for the woman who doesn’t want her workout gear to be so form-fitting.


    Best Maternity Workout Capris

    Capris are a great option for keeping cool during workouts. They offer full coverage so you don’t have to worry about putting on a show while doing squats, but still allow plenty of air flow on the lower leg to keep you cool.

    16. PattyBoutik Mama Shaping Crop Yoga Pants

    Cropped to Keep You Cool

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    The V-back on these workout capris not only increases airflow and reduces the amount of fabric that can overheat you, but the design actually helps support your belly and reduce lower back strain. And the 3D panel is engineered to help keep your pants from falling down by cradling your belly, not simply fitting over it like an oversized elastic waistband.


    17. Ingrid & Isabel Active Capri Maternity Pant

    Affordable Quality

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    The synthetic construction ensures that these pants are breathable and moisture-wicking, and their thickness ensures that your bum will stay fully covered. The belly panel offers both back and belly support, and can be worn up or down depending on your preference.


    Best Maternity Workout Yoga Pants

    Let’s be honest — not all yoga pants are bought to practice yoga. But if you’re actually planning to work out in your yoga pants, make sure they’re made from a synthetic, moisture-wicking material, aren’t too constricting in the belly, and don’t become sheer when you bend over.

    18. Three Seasons Maternity Yoga Pants

    Loose and Lovely for Lounging

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    These yoga pants with a slight flare at the leg opening will allow you free movement without hugging your body. The belly band can be worn up or down based upon your preference, and they are machine washable for ease and convenience.


    19. Lamaze Maternity Yoga Pants

    Ultimate Relaxed Fit

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    These comfy pants have a hint of spandex, giving them stretching properties so you don’t feel constricted. They also have a relaxed leg so they don’t show off all your imperfections, and have a mid-belly panel that won’t cause you to overheat.


    Best Maternity Workout Belts

    Your back already has enough stress — you don’t want to exacerbate it further. However, you can’t just use a regular workout belt when you’re pregnant. You need to pick a belt specifically designed for your pregnant body.

    20. Cabea Baby Belly Band Sport Maternity Belt

    Wear it with What You Have

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    This band was designed specifically for workouts, is latex free, and antimicrobial to prevent post-workout stink. It was designed by a female health professional to make sure it hits all the marks you need for adequate support, and is available in sizes up to XXL, meaning it will fit and function better than a “one-size-fits-all” belt.


    21. AZMED Breathable Abdominal Binder

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    This support belt helps ease any potential back pain because it puts less pressure on your spine. Your belly will be lifted a little, which lessens discomfort on your back, and you’ll also get some reprieve from pelvic and hip pain. This size can fit a belly up to 46 inches.


    Best Maternity Workout Underwear

    You don’t want your underwear riding up or slipping down when you’re working out. Choose ones with solid, stay-put elastic. And while cotton is typically your best bet for underwear, if you’re planning to work up a sweat you may want to opt for synthetic. However, avoid polyester as it can trap bacteria which will result in an odor.

    22. Kindred Bravely Pregnancy Panties

    Under the Bump, Full at the Back

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    These bikini-style briefs won’t cause you to overheat since there isn’t extra fabric covering your midsection, and the full bottoms won’t ride up and give you a wedgie. Made primarily of rayon they’ll wick sweat and moisture from your skin, which will help keep you cool and dry during your workout.


    23. KUCI Bamboo Fiber Maternity Underwear

    Smart Eco Option

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    Bamboo is a great fabric choice for workouts because it’s all-natural and wicks away moisture while not trapping bacteria that can cause odor or infections. These briefs fit all the way over the belly so they won’t fall down while you’re active, and also offer a little bit of support to your belly in the process


    Best Maternity Workout Shoes

    Don’t overlook your footwear when working out. A proper, supportive maternity shoe can be the difference between comfort and pain in your back, hips, and feet. Choose ones that feel supportive to prevent rolling your ankle, but have a little bit of wiggle room in the event your feet swell. And, most of all, make sure they have good arch support.

    24. Skechers Sport Empire Sneaker

    Slip-on Simplicity

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    These shoes have a bungee lace design, meaning you don’t have to be able to reach your feet to fasten them. Still, they are supportive and won’t slip off, and the fabric upper will allow your feet to breathe and allow a little “give” for feet that may swell a bit as pregnancy progresses. They also have Air Cooled memory foam so your feet don’t overheat, and a shock-absorbing midsole to help keep your joints happy.


    25. Champion Women’s Gusto Cross Trainer

    Wardrobe Workhorse

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    These comfy yet affordable shoes have a memory foam insole for good support and shock absorption, and a fabric exterior for easy cleaning and breathability. They do require you to tie them, but if you’re past the point in your pregnancy where you can comfortably tie your shoes, you can replace them with elastic ties and they become sporty slip-ons.


    Your Turn Mama

    Ladies, we all need to stay healthy, pregnant or not. But it’s hard to keep motivated if you’re in hot, scratchy, uncomfortable gear that bunches and rides up in all the wrong places. Get the right clothes to help keep your workouts on track, and it could help not only your energy levels, but also your postpartum recovery.

    Do you have any workout secrets for when carrying your giant belly already feels like a workout? Do you recommend any maternity activewear that are perfect for those of us keeping fit while pregnant? If so, share in the comments!

    The post Best Maternity Workout Clothes to Keep You Active During Pregnancy appeared first on Mom Loves Best.



    This post first appeared on Mom Loves Best - Helping You Navigate Motherhood, please read the originial post: here

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