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Maternity Workout Clothes That Are as Great for Spin Class as They Are for Stopping for Ice Cream

Running miles or running errands, you'll find something just right.

Headshot of Cat BowenBy Cat Bowen
beyond yoga spacedye beyond the bump maternity midi jogger, lululemon align high rise pant, pinkblush black scoop front low back ruched one piece maternity swimsuit
Best Products; Beyond Yoga, PinkBlush, lululemon

As busy as life can get as an expecting mother, I still found time to work out during my pregnancy. Even on the days I didn't work out, comfortable maternity workout clothes became a staple in my wardrobe — but I learned quickly that finding the best options was a tall order. I found that a lot of maternity workout clothes either had too much material or not enough stretch — while other uncomfortable options just made me excessively sweat (which is all the more dreadful when you're pregnant).

Eventually, through lots of trial and error, I found some real gems that stood out from the rest. Whether you're in the market to treat yourself or are shopping for a loved one, I rounded up the very best maternity workout clothes in the crowded maternity market. Here are a few things to consider before you hit “Add to Cart.”

Best Maternity Workout Clothes

  • 1
    Women's 7-Inch Biker Shorts

    Best for Runners

    nike Women's 7-Inch Biker Shorts

    Shop at Nike
    Read more
  • 2
    Moss Seamless Maternity Legging

    Best for Yogi's

    Girlfriend Collective Moss Seamless Maternity Legging

    Read more
  • 3
    Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity

    Comfy Extended Sizing

    Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity

    Read more
  • 4
    Align High-Rise Pant

    Best for Postpartum

    Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

    Read more
  • 5
    Black One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit

    Best for Swimmers

    pinkblush Black One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit

    Read more

What to Consider

Pregnant or not, staying active is so much easier when you’re comfortable. And let’s be real — pregnancy all on its own comes with a lot of discomfort. There are, however, a few things that are critical to making maternity workout clothes comfortable and useful. First, they need to be breathable, because pregnancy can be stiflingly hot without adding cardio. Second, they need to stretch and have a lot of give. Whether you opt for clothes that sit over or under the belly bump, room for expansion and movement is critical. Third, they need to fit the activity. In other words, what might be great for lounging or yoga likely won’t be the best option for heading to go on a run or out for a bike ride.

  • Breathability/Materials: Manufactured materials are not all created alike. Some are designed to wick away moisture by adding a solution that prevents absorption. Typically, it's nylon or polyester. Contrary to popular belief, cotton blends can actually make you hotter because cotton absorbs everything.
  • Stretch: What's the percentage of lycra or spandex in the clothing? Most shoppers opt for a firmer hold from bras or running pants than yoga sweats, but even those need to move, and they need to fit the bump.
  • Purpose: Maternity workout clothing has come a long way, and there are more options than ever. There are now options to match your activity to your clothes, with everything from spinning to swimming to athleisure. There are specialty bras, pants, suits, and more.

How We Chose

Every item on this list has either been worn and loved by me, personally or by pregnant people I know. I made sure to include a diverse range of body sizes and choices of activities to ensure that there is something for everyone. Fitness clothing is notoriously not often the most accessible or inclusive, and we get that. They can also be prohibitively expensive for many families. Thankfully, that, too, is changing.

Check out the best maternity workout clothes loved and tested by real parents.

1
Best for Runners

nike Women's 7-Inch Biker Shorts

Women's 7-Inch Biker Shorts
1
Best for Runners

nike Women's 7-Inch Biker Shorts

$45 at Nike$45 at Dick's Sporting Goods$40 at Nordstrom
Pros
  • Fits over or under the belly
  • Just the right length
Cons
  • Not the most size-inclusive

These Nike maternity workout shorts can be worn over or under the bump with a generous crossover belly band that folds comfortably — and the way moms raved about them, you'd think they were made of gold. The 7-inch length covers a good chunk of your thigh without cutting you at a weird place, making it uncomfortable or bulging.

The material is Nike's proprietary weave that wicks sweat away quickly, meaning that it won't cause chafing thighs or unfortunate yeast issues.

More: Best Belly Bands for Pregnant People

Key Specs

MaterialsMoisture-wicking polyester and spandex
Amount of Stretch22% spandex
SportAny
2
Best for Yogi's

Girlfriend Collective Moss Seamless Maternity Legging

Moss Seamless Maternity Legging
2
Best for Yogi's

Girlfriend Collective Moss Seamless Maternity Legging

Pros
  • Ultra-comfortable seamless fit
  • Size-inclusive
  • Made of sustainable materials
Cons
  • Not great for running

Moms like me with sensory issues adore these yoga leggings because they truly feel seamless — each area where the fabric joins is placed in such a way that you can’t feel them. These particular leggings weren’t testers’ favorites for running due to where they hit at the ankle, but for yoga, weightlifting, lounging, and more, they were a huge hit.

I like these over the Lululemon Aligns because Girlfriend Collective is a size-inclusive brand that uses more sustainable materials, and they’re designed for pregnant bodies specifically.

Key Specs

MaterialsNylon and spandex, Oeko-Tex certified, moisture-wicking
Amount of Stretch17% spandex
SportHIIT, lifting
3
Comfy Extended Sizing

Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity

Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity
3
Comfy Extended Sizing

Motherhood Maternity Plus Size Essential Stretch Secret Fit Belly Maternity

Now 17% Off
Pros
  • Super stetchy yet opaque
  • Sizes go up to 3XL
Cons
  • Not as wicking

The stretch on these maternity leggings is fantastic, according to people I spoke with. They're soft and durable, and while they are less moisture-wicking than some of the more performance brands, they don't keep you hot and sweaty.

One reviewer told me that she loved how opaque they are — there's absolutely no sheen when they stretch, nor hint at what lies beneath.

Key Specs

MaterialsCotton, poly, spandex
Amount of Stretch14% spandex
SportRunning and cross-training
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Pros
  • Versitile fit and cute design
  • Feels seamless
Cons
  • Not specifically designed for maternity

This is the one pair of non-maternity leggings that multiple reliable sources told me that was a must for this list. Moms told me that they wore these leggings throughout their entire pregnancy and beyond. I also personally wore these my entire pregnancy, through postpartum, and well after. They sit at the perfect height on the belly and can be worn comfortably while running, snuggling, and pretty much everything in between.

My favorite part of these leggings is that you can't feel the seams. They don't rub or come apart, and the inside of the seams is stitched in a way that it's covered.

Key Specs

MaterialsNylon, polyester, and lycra
Amount of Stretch21% lycra
SportAll sports
5
Best for Swimmers

pinkblush Black One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit

Best Tested
Black One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit
5
Best for Swimmers

pinkblush Black One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit

Pros
  • Adjustable fit
  • Ruching on the sides allows room to grow
Cons
  • Not enough sizes

Swimming was my favorite exercise when pregnant. It's the one activity that really felt good and loosened me up — and part of what allowed me to enjoy it so much is this swimsuit.

This maternity bathing suit is the perfect example of why maternity workout clothes are so essential. Sure, you could go with a regular two-piece, but swimming laps in a two-piece is a misery. This Pink Blush suit keeps moms comfortable throughout pregnancy, thanks to the ruching on the sides that gives it room to grow.

Key Specs

MaterialsNylon and spandex
Amount of Stretch18% spandex
SportSwimming
6
Best High-Impact Bra

Old Navy Maternity High Support Nursing Sports Bra

On Sale
Maternity High Support Nursing Sports Bra
6
Best High-Impact Bra

Old Navy Maternity High Support Nursing Sports Bra

Pros
  • Can be used for both pregnancy and nursing
  • Great for running
Cons
  • The adjustable straps can be irritating

Finding a decent bra for running or dancing can be a huge ask. Fortunately, Old Navy delivers in this area, even for the larger-busted among us. This high-impact bra isn't just great for maternity but also for nursing, with easy access and a place for the pads that are inevitably required.

Key Specs

MaterialsPolyester and spandex, moisture-wicking
Amount of Stretch23% spandex
SportRunning
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7
Best Tops

fitglam Women's Maternity Tank Tops Workout

Women's Maternity Tank Tops Workout
7
Best Tops

fitglam Women's Maternity Tank Tops Workout

Now 15% Off
Pros
  • Extra-long length
  • Racerback makes it ideal for most workouts
Cons
  • Some reviewers say the color fades easily

Although it’s all that popular, hundreds of women have discovered this brand and absolutely love it. Moms told me that this top is their go-to favorite because it’s extra long and doesn’t leave that “strip of belly” between your pants and your shirt. (Though I am team #showoffyourbump.) Mothers with longer torsos said that even they had no issues with it.

It’s also extremely breathable thanks to the blend of fibers, with loads of stretch that won’t become challenged when things start to grow.

Key Specs

MaterialsPolyester and spandex with moisture wicking technology
Amount of Stretch8% spandex
SportAll
8
Best for Joggers

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger

On Sale
Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger
8
Best for Joggers

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Beyond the Bump Maternity Midi Jogger

Now 50% Off
Pros
  • Maximum comfort
  • Great bump band
Cons
  • Can be a bit short on longer legs

Jogging, walking, and other light activities are best done when completely comfortable — and, thankfully, Beyond Yoga found a way to combine fashion and function with these joggers. They sit atop your bump with a strong, stretchy band, and the relaxed fit of the pants themselves is like “your dream pregnancy pant,” according to one mom. And hey, sweats are stylish now.

Key Specs

MaterialsPolyester and elastane
Amount of Stretch14% elastane
SportYoga, walking
Headshot of Cat Bowen
Cat Bowen
Parenting Editor

Cat Bowen has been writing about all things parenting for well over a decade. She spends her days researching, reviewing, and testing everything from strollers to breast pumps to changing tables. Her work has been featured in Romper, Bustle, and franchised across dozens of media outlets. In her spare time she loves volunteering at her kids' schools, reading everything she can get her hands on, running, and cooking for her family.

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