There are many benefits to moving your body while pregnant. 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, stylish, breathable and adjustable to accommodate an expanding belly and changing body.
The best maternity workout clothes adapt to your changing body and help you feel supported and … [+] secure.
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“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 an impressive 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.
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Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging
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.
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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.
These ultra-chic, sweat-wicking maternity leggings are made from recycled plastic and feature a foldable, over-the-belly rise and barely-there feel. “They’re lightweight, stretchy, seamless, and are the most versatile on this list, taking you from the gym to lunch effortlessly,” says Cates. They come in an incredibly inclusive size range, are Oeko-Tex and Bluesign certified, meaning they’re free from a long list of harmful substances—making them especially appealing for pregnant women. Perfect for outdoor sweat sessions, they’re extra breathable and equipped with UPF 50+ protection.
While Lululemon’s beloved Align Leggings aren’t maternity specific, so many moms swear by them, myself 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.”
Vuori makes some of the softest and chicest workout essentials, and the quality is unparalleled—I’ve owned plenty of pieces myself. 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 will 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.”
Sweat & Milk
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 girls 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.
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Sizes: S to XL | Colors: 3 | Materials: 82% nylon, 18% spandex
Bao Bei may not have the big name recognition of Beyond Yoga or Lululemon, but our fitness experts praised the brand. These mid-length athletic biker shorts, in particular, are a favorite of Erica Ziel, a deep core exercise specialist. “Designed by a physical therapist with postpartum mom’s recovery needs in mind, they help give more feedback and support for the abdominals and pelvic floor after birth without being too restrictive, which could help with pelvic floor and core recovery postpartum,” she says. They’re flattering, comfortable and super slimming too, helping you feel more secure in your body after birth.
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 short has a convenient hidden side pocket to stash your phone, keys or wallet. Size down if you’re in between sizes for the best fit.
Sizes: S to XL | Colors: 5 | Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
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Loiacono loves the price, selection and style, especially the cute side ruching, of these fitted maternity workout tanks. They accentuate your bump without being uncomfortable, and the ruching at the waist stretches as your stomach stretches outward. “They allow for the perfect amount of coverage along with the perfect fit,” she says. They’re also lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking to beat the heat and keep you cool and dry when you’re breaking a sweat.
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Keep Your Cool Maternity Tank
Both Ziel and Perry recommend the Beyond Yoga workout tops. This buttery-soft and breathable racerback tank is great for layering on a cold morning or can be paired with matching bottoms to hit the gym. “It moves with you during your workouts and is so comfy you’ll want to wear it all day,” adds Perry. It features a convenient built-in bra, UPF 50+ protection and shirred sides for a great fit at any size. It’s also a piece you can easily rock without a pregnant belly, helping justify the premium price tag.
Nike is known for its quality activewear, and this reversible maternity pullover is frankly genius. You can wear it with the split hem in the front for easy breastfeeding access or to warm up when babywearing on stroller walks. It can also be easily turned around so the split hem is in the back. We like that it’s sustainable and composed of 75% recycled polyester fibers. It’s long and loose-fitting, for those who don’t want anything pressing their bump.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
While pregnancy may be uncomfortable, as parents ourselves, we strongly believe your maternity clothes shouldn’t. Our team is composed of many moms who have not only tested the best maternity workout clothes firsthand, but have extensively researched all the top brands, collected countless recommendations from fellow pregnant parents, and read through hundreds of reviews to gauge what activewear is worth investing in and what’s not.
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For a story like this, we consult multiple fitness professionals specializing in pre and postnatal fitness to learn what types of clothes pregnant women should be working out in from a comfort, quality and health/safety perspective. We asked our experts about the activewear brands they know and love and the pieces they can’t live without.
How We Chose The Best Maternity Workout Clothes
While we used our own personal experience owning and wearing many of the brands included on this list, we leaned in to the expertise and product suggestions of seven highly-respected fitness professionals, many of whom are either currently expecting or moms themselves, to curate our list. These experts include the founder of leading pre and postnatal fitness app The Bloom Method, the former CEO of fan-fave women’s activewear brand Beyond Yoga, and a fit pregnancy coach with a sizable following on Instagram, and a deep core exercise specialist just to name a few.
All of these women live in workout wear (literally) and have tried countless maternity activewear tops, sports bras, compression shorts and over and under-the-bump leggings.
What To Look For In The Best Maternity Workout Clothes
There’s no one brand or style fits all when it comes to the best maternity workout clothes. “Choosing workout wear is such an individualized experience and is usually based not only on the activity being done but also the desired fit and feel of each individual,” says Cates. Whether you’re hitting the treadmill or the yoga mat, here are some key factors to consider prior to stocking up.
Fit And Feel
Newly-postpartum mom Hannah Eden, a certified Girls Gone Strong pre and postnatal coach, iFIT and Nordictrack trainer, recommends opting for maternity workout clothes that feel comfy, but not too tight. “From personal experience, the changes in our bodies can often affect our self-esteem, so it’s important to feel confident in the clothes you choose,” she says. “Don’t try to fit into pre-pregnancy clothing; this can leave us feeling pretty low.”
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Michelle Wahler, co-founder and former CEO of Beyond Yoga, agrees. “Treat yourself to quality clothing that celebrates your body during your new chapter. Paying attention to fit and fabrics you like and enjoy being in is key.”
Adjustability
While you don’t want to be constantly adjusting leggings or pulling up your pants, workout wear that can adjust to grow with you is important. “Get gear with elastic waistbands and drawstrings,” advises Eden.
Fabric
Do you prefer a buttery-soft organic legging you can rock around the clock, something loose, lightweight and breathable, or compression apparel for running? “Moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon will help keep you feeling cool and dry, while lycra, spandex and elastane blends offer a softer material,” explains Perry.
To limit exposure to PFAS (forever chemicals), found in many sweat-wicking, water-repellent pieces like leggings and sports bras, always check labels and shop sustainably-made styles in organic and natural fabrics where possible.
“Most workout wear is not PFAS free but it is becoming more common,” says Cates. “I also tell women that while wearing intentionally-made clothing that isn’t full of harmful chemicals is important, you don’t have to throw away all your favorite leggings that might not be that ‘clean.’” Instead, she recommends prioritizing underwear with natural fabrics, because they have the most contact with your most intimate parts.
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Cates says there are some amazing companies making really clean and innovative underwear for women, “some even fused with zinc that can help to prevent yeast infections and UTI’s.” Esme, Pact and Huha are her top favorites in this category. We also recommend the Bodily All-In Panty, which tops our list of the best postpartum underwear.
Support Vs. Stretch
“Higher impact exercises like running and crossfit will require more support, while activities like yoga, pilates and barre will need more stretch,” says Perry.
Cates adds that a higher waist band is ideal for expecting women to help to create a “holding the belly” type of sensation. “While some women love maternity leggings with higher waist bands designed specifically for pregnant women, some non-maternity designs also prove to support women throughout pregnancy and beyond.” A belly band can offer extra support for pregnant women who need it too.
What Should I Wear To The Gym During Pregnancy?
According to Wahler, “whatever makes you feel good and supported!” Everyone and every body is so different. “The key is being good to your body and allowing your body to be in whatever form it wants to be, and it might be different each day. Don’t try to cram yourself into something from your past. Don’t focus on size or numbers. Look for clothes that will grow and evolve with you and through your new stages of life.”
A good place to start is a with a great pair of maternity leggings (like our top pick from Beyond Yoga), a supportive and soft sports bra (like the Vuori Yosemite Bra) and a maternity tank top (like this one from Fitglam). Depending on the weather, you can add layers or swap leggings for shorts.
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“Also, as women progress through their pregnancy, they may want to consider compression shorts or leggings,” says Loiacono. “This type of fitness apparel offers just the right amount of compression for the abdominal, back and pelvic floor muscles, allowing for more support as those muscles become overstretched.”
How Many Months Pregnant Do You Start Wearing Maternity Clothes?
This can vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. “I’ve had mothers tell me they began wearing our Beyond the Bump line as early as two months pregnant, all the way through one year postpartum and beyond,” says Wahler. “The most important thing is that you’re creating a safe space for yourself and your baby to feel supported, comfortable and safe throughout the pregnancy.”
For maternity workout wear that can go the distance, Cates recommends looking for versatile pieces and styles that are flattering and work well from workout to lunch with girlfriends or bustling kids to and from after-school activities. “Women want leggings they can live in, workout in, and feel great in, and if they stretch beyond the pregnancy period they often get extra points.”
Members of the United States Marine Corps and the Bangladesh Army took part in a joint fitness and camaraderie-building exercise organized by the US Embassy. The Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test strengthened teamwork, trust and operational readiness among personnel from both…
How many times have you said, “I can’t believe it’s December already,” this year? If your answer veers somewhere between “a fair few” and “honestly, I’ve lost count”, you’re in good company. It’s become the seasonal equivalent of asking about the weather – a reliable go-to as the year starts winding down. And while I’ll spare you the usual cosy festive clichés, December is the month when gym plans loosen, and most of us swap weighted plates for quality time and mince pies.
Still, if moving your body is something that helps you feel grounded, there’s no reason you can’t carve out little pockets for it over the festive period (just as there’s absolutely no shame in pressing pause altogether). Research consistently shows that even short bursts of exercise can support both mental and physical health, which is why keeping one or two genuinely effective, at-home moves in your back pocket can be a lifesaver when festive stress starts simmering.
“Fitness is built over weeks and months, so a short break over Christmas won’t erase your progress,” says Ania Gabb, personal trainer and Frontrunner Community Manager at ASICS. “But maintaining some kind of gentle movement will be good for your body and mind – and is even more fun when you get friends and family involved.”
So, consider this your cue to rally the group for some shoulder taps (the workout move, not a new routine your eccentric uncle unveils after lunch). Below, two top PTs break down why plank shoulder taps deserve a spot in your festive toolkit: a simple, equipment-free, full-body exercise you can squeeze in from the comfort of your living room.
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For more festive movement inspiration, head to our guides to Christmas Yoga, the best Christmas workouts, and five holiday workouts you can do from anywhere. Read how writers got on trying the Copenhagen plank, hover plank, and a regular old plank, here.
Plank Shoulder Taps Are The Perfect Festive Full-Body Move To Try This Christmas. Your Guide
What are plank shoulder taps?
If you’ve ever tried a YouTube HIIT session, you’ve almost certainly met the plank shoulder tap. They’re wonderfully faff-free but sneakily challenging – essentially a progression of the classic high plank, which has long reigned as one of the most reliable core-strengtheners out there.
“The plank shoulder tap challenges you to lift one hand and reach it across to tap the opposite shoulder, all whilst resisting the urge to let the hips sway, or the torso rotate,” says Les Mills personal trainer and presenter, Dan Raynor.
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In other words, it’s less about big, dramatic movements and more about control. A strong core isn’t built solely from endless crunches – in fact, studies continually show that these kinds of ‘anti-movement’ exercises (where you’re working to resist rotation) can do more for your posture and balance than dynamic moves alone.
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“The aim is to keep your body as still as possible whilst moving the arm,” says Hannah Wilkie, Trainer at Barry’s UK. She explains that it’s easy to pike your hips up or let them dip to the side, but that’s not where the strength is built. The slow, controlled hold is the magic.
What are the benefits of plank shoulder taps?
First up, they tick the big festive fitness box: they’re equipment-free and can be done in the smallest of living rooms (pyjamas optional).
But when you’ve got a Christmas film to get back to, and someone’s shouting that you’re up next in charades, efficiency matters too. Luckily, plank shoulder taps deliver a lot in a little time.
“Shoulder taps are a deceptively powerful full-body movement,” says Raynor. “They engage the shoulders and upper back for stability, while the deep core muscles (particularly the transverse abdominis) work hard to prevent rotation. The glutes also play a key role in maintaining hip alignment.”
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They’re also a brilliantly functional exercise – meaning the strength you build translates straight into real life. Think: carrying shopping bags, picking up little ones, or simply standing taller. Core strength underpins almost every daily movement, and shoulder taps train the particularly important kind: anti-rotational strength.
“Plank shoulder taps build anti-rotational strength, which is your body resisting the urge to twist,” explains Wilkie. “That move is essential for everyday movement, stability and balance.”
How to perform plank shoulder taps with good form, according to a PT
As with most strength exercises, but especially those targeting the core, the smallest tweaks can turn a move from ‘meh’ to ‘oh wow, that’s working’. That’s why both trainers agree: your setup matters.
“Set yourself up well,” says Wilkie. “Place your hands under your shoulders, with a long line from your head to your heels.”
From there, she adds, “tuck your pelvis to switch the core on.”
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Once you’re tapping, focus on staying steady. “Try to avoid the hips rocking, arching the lower back or shrugging your shoulders towards the ears,” she says.
And remember: modifying isn’t cheating. In fact, it can help you build strength far more effectively in the long run. “A half plank on your knees is a great place to start building strength safely,” Wilkie explains. If your wrists aren’t thrilled with the position, “elevating your hands on dumbbells can reduce pressure.”
Still not clear? Watch the handy tutorial below.
How To Properly Do a Plank with Shoulder Taps – Strength Exercises – Wellen – YouTube
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I have genuinely lived in this hoodie over the past few weeks. It’s the perfect thing for a low-intensity cosy core workout or yoga flow. And the best part? You can snuggle on the sofa in it, too.
These buttery soft, stretchy flares are made for home workouts – whether you’re doing a gentle flow, getting out for a walk or turning up the heat with a HIIT workout, thanks to their moisture wicking material. We’ll take one in both colours.
Bala’s ankle weights are viral for good reason. Simple to use, comfy to wear and chic to look at, they’re the perfect way to add a little resistance to your workout.
How can I make plank shoulder taps harder?
If you’ve already mastered a steady set of taps without wobbling, there are plenty of ways to level up, and none of them require any fancy kit.
The simplest progression? Add more reps or sets. But if you want something a little more creative, try narrowing your base.
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“Bringing your feet closer together makes shoulder taps harder because you have less stability to rely on,” says Hannah Wilkie, Trainer at Barry’s UK.
Feeling confident? She also suggests swapping taps for drags: “Pull a dumbbell or kettlebell across your body instead of tapping your shoulder. It’s a simple way to make the core work even harder.”
Les Mills personal trainer and presenter Dan Raynor also recommends playing with tempo. “Slowing down the movement forces the core to work harder to resist rotation,” he explains, “whilst adding speed to your taps can elevate the heart rate and add in an element of conditioning.”
Making healthy, sustainable choices for our health and fitness can often feel like a secondary goal, always on the back burner. The philosophy of Stoicism, originating in Greece and refined in Rome, offers a timeless framework for living well. Its four cardinal virtues, taught by philosophers such as Plato, are wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. These virtues can help you navigate health, wellness and fitness decisions with clarity and purpose by helping you:
Make healthier choices (moderation in food/drink; exercise)
Reduce stress through focusing on what’s controllable
Push outside your comfort zone to grow
Act responsibly for our community
Find peace by accepting mortality
Together, these lead to a more virtuous, less anxious, and purposeful life, which inherently supports well-being and longer, better living.
Wisdom (Understanding/Learning)
Wisdom starts with learning, but it also requires understanding what is truly within your control: your judgments, actions and responses. Working out for an hour a day is the easy part of the fitness goal. The other waking hours of making healthy choices are the more challenging parts of the goal. In health and fitness, this means focusing on your habits and mindset rather than worrying about uncontrollable outcomes such as genetics or trendy social media posts from fitness influencers selling supplements. In a nutshell, use wisdom in these three ways to improve health, fitness and wellness:
Control what you can control. Do thisespecially when faced with setbacks, such as a missed workout or a slip in diet. Redirect your energy toward what you can do next, not what you cannot change.
Seek facts, not opinions.Approach nutrition, exercise plans and wellness advice with an objective mind that is based on science. Avoid emotional reactions and look for evidence-based information.
Make sound choices. Use reason to evaluate what’s beneficial or harmful for your training and nutrition, avoiding extreme diets or fad workout routines.
Courage (to Push Outside Your Comfort Zone)
Courage is not just about bravery. Courage is more about enduring discomfort and doing the right thing, especially when it’s hard. In your fitness journey, this means pushing through challenges and facing fears, such as trying a new activity or simply walking into a gym for the first time. The courage to challenge yourself with activities you are new to or not good at doing will help you become a well-rounded exerciser with performance and longevity goals. Try these three ways to add courage that enables you to make better decisions:
Accept the discomfort that comes with growth, whether it’s physical strain in exercise or emotional struggle in changing habits.
Remain focused on your goals and health commitments. Prioritize sleep, rest or recovery, and along with not skipping training days, even when external pressures tempt you otherwise.
Act objectively and see your circumstances as they are, not how you wish them to be, and respond realistically to challenges. Assess your progress regularly.
Justice (Fairness and Kindness)
Justice is about treating others and yourself with fairness, kindness and respect. In fitness, much is passed down from the older generation to the younger. Be that person who shares what you know with the next generation. This means supporting a positive training environment, whether at the gym, in group classes or among friends and family.
Treat others well by showing encouragement to people at every stage of their health journey, regardless of ability or background. This is powerful in people’s lives and makes you feel good, too.
Serve others by sharing knowledge, motivating workout partners, family members, and contributing to a supportive culture of activity to help others build the habit of fitness. Justice is also holding each other accountable.
Teach and communicate about your experiences, failures, and successes with humility. Having others learn from your mistakes and experiences is a smart way to communicate with the younger generation and beginners to fitness.
Temperance (Moderation and Discipline)
Temperance is discipline. None of these works can be done without discipline. We must learn to manage desires, impulses and habits to avoid excess in anything. In fitness and wellness, this virtue is vital for long-term success and well being. Training needs to be balanced with recovery, and this takes discipline to make some days easier than others. Too much of any good thing becomes a bad thing.
Avoid too much food, social media, supplements or even exercise. Balance is key to optimal performance, longevity and long-term goal achievement.
Manage impulsive responses to stress, frustration or temptation, choosing actions that keep you on track with your values and goals.
Practice discipline by doing things that are good for you, even when you do not want to. Working out daily is often the easy part. The rest of the day, when food choices are tempting us to cheat on our diet, is the hardest for most people.
For many who find comfort in making the easy options or cheating on diets, you can also experience the same comfort (dopamine hit) by not doing it and choosing the healthier choice. These four virtues work together to flip the switch on how your body responds to new disciplined actions. For example, justice requires wisdom to discern the right action. Then, it takes courage to act on those insights and push yourself outside the comfort zone. Finally, deciding to be disciplined and hold firm is the temperance that avoids selfishness or excess. In your health journey, applying all four virtues helps you stay resilient, make thoughtful choices, and build a sense of purpose and connection.
You can also use the Military.com Fitness Section to aid your health, wellness, and fitness journey. There are thousands of articles and videos full of practical tools for building resilience, mitigating stress and disciplined living for optimal performance and longevity. By focusing on what you can control, acting with courage and kindness to others, and practicing self-discipline, you create a foundation for lasting health and wellness, not just for yourself, but for the wider community as well.
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