The Best Maternity Workout Clothes, Tested by an Active Mom-to-Be

Beyond Yoga is known for its soft, body-hugging fabrics and this maternity shirt is no exception. It earned high scores across the board and I'd strongly recommend this maternity tee to anyone, whether they're looking for workout clothing or just a cute top to wear comfortably over a bump.

It’s incredibly light and breathable, but provides full bump coverage thanks to the slightly longer length. Side ruching helps the shirt hug your bump and the four-way stretch fabric allows it to grow with you during pregnancy. The brand says it’s moisture-wicking, but it did get slightly damp during exercise, so I’m not sure if it lives up to these claims. Although it does dry quickly after being in the wash.

I wore this shirt for running, yoga and pickleball as well as around the house, and it was always comfortable. There’s no chafing or irritation along the seams, and the short sleeves are an appropriate length for working out. I also appreciated that it's not the least bit restrictive when you raise your arms, which is a non-negotiable for racket sports. The shirt is machine-washable and didn’t show signs of wear or pilling after several cycles. Plus, the material doesn’t cling to odors like some athletic fabrics can.

This maternity workout top comes in several color options and, though it’s more expensive than some T-shirts, the buttery-soft fabric and exercise-friendly design make it well worth the price in my opinion.

Size range: XS to XL | Material: 94% polyester/6% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash

This tank, with a built-in shelf bra and removable pads, is a highly versatile, comfortable workout top for pregnancy. It has a sleek, modern design and quality fabric that makes it look more expensive than it is and earned it a 10 out of 10 score for performance, design and value for money.

One of the biggest selling points of this top is the built-in bra. I found it very comfortable and love that I don't have to wear an additional bra underneath, which can feel very restrictive during pregnancy. On its own, the top is great for low-impact activities like weight-lifting, yoga, hiking and indoor cycling. For higher-impact activities like running I’d probably pair it with a more supportive sports bra, but smaller chested women may not need to. I loved that the shirt provided enough coverage and support sans bra for everyday activities with just enough support for a nice shape.

The fabric is a highly stretchy and soft performance fabric. It's moisture-wicking and dries quickly, and the black shirt didn't show any visible sweat stains. The material is thick and the tank has a figure-hugging cut. It’s tighter than lighter-weight maternity shirts I tested, but it’s breathable enough, and I never found it uncomfortably restrictive or hot. It also didn’t cause chafing or irritation and the tank’s stretch will help it fit for all three trimesters with full bump coverage.

The tank top is machine-washable, but the removable pads will likely remove themselves (or at least come out crumbled or folded) in the wash. It comes in an inclusive size range from XXS to XXL with plenty of color options. And it’s affordable, so you can invest in a few different colors to complete your maternity workout wardrobe.

Size range: XXS to XXL | Material: 81% polyamide/19% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash

Since I’ve been pregnant during the summer, I prefer to work out (and do pretty much everything) in shorts, and this pair has been my go-to option. The Vitality maternity bike shorts are flattering and kept up with my active lifestyle, achieving top scores across multiple categories.

The fabric is incredibly soft and stretchy, but the shorts still provide a good amount of support around the thighs and belly. The waistband covered my bump fully, and there’s a built-in panel for extra lower back support—a feature every pregnant person can appreciate. The waistband didn't budge while exercising and didn't dig in at all; it's very soft and light against the skin. Plus, these shorts are great for strength training and fitness classes as they’re fully opaque and squat-proof.

Unsurprisingly, these shorts scored a perfect 10 for comfort. They prevent chafing, don't press on your belly or bladder and stay in place. I wore them during my second and third trimesters and can confidently say that they’re comfortable and move with your body.

Though these biker shorts are on the pricier side compared to other maternity options, they’re made from a sleek, durable material that feels long-lasting and doesn’t pill or fray in the wash. And they’re highly functional in the gym for all kinds of activities while being stylish enough to wear as part of a casual look, so they offer excellent cost per wear.

Size range: 2XS to 4XL | Material: 77% recycled nylon/23% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold

Our community says:

If you prefer looser-fitting shorts for running, hiking and other activities, the Old Navy Maternity Rollover-Waist PowerSoft Shorts are a great option. During testing, the shorts scored top marks for fit, fabric, ease of washing and value—so they’re a great all-rounder for active moms.

These light and bouncy maternity athletic shorts have a secure and stretchy belly band that prevents them from riding down. I like that the belly band can be folded down in early pregnancy and rolled up for full bump coverage in later trimesters when your belly really starts to pop. They also have open zipper-free side pockets, though if you put anything heavy in the pockets it may weigh them down causing the shorts to slip a little.

The shorts have a 3 inch inseam and the leg openings are pretty wide, which can make them more revealing during certain kinds of activities. I’m 5’9” and likely wouldn’t wear them for yoga or pilates, for example, but they’re breezy and comfortable for jogging, hiking and racket sports. While the looser fit won’t protect against chafing during endurance sports like cycling as well as bike shorts, these are a great lightweight, breathable option with a small amount of belly support for other types of exercise.

Finally, the Old Navy maternity shorts offer a great value for the price, and many other parents report that they’re as comfortable postpartum as they are during pregnancy.

Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 92% polyester/8% spandex 8% | Care instructions: N/A

Maternity leggings are a mainstay of any workout wardrobe and this pair by CRZ Yoga earned high scores for comfort, fit, style and value for money. I wore them for a variety of workouts, including weight lifting, yoga and hiking and was suitably impressed by this pair’s performance and versatility.

The maternity workout leggings have several smart design features that make them a great choice for any kind of activity. First, the belly cover is breathable and forgiving; it doesn’t compress anything, nor does it trap heat to make you even hotter than you naturally are as a pregnant person. The pockets set these leggings apart (no other pair of maternity leggings I tested had them!). I could slip my phone, keys, headphones or cards into the hip side pockets for hands-free activity—a major bonus.

The leggings also fit true to size and are comfortable, stretchy and breathable. I'm on the taller side with long legs and they hit at the right part of my calf. (For reference, the pair I tested has a 25 inch inseam length, but they’re also available with a 28 inch inseam.) There was no bunching and they didn’t slip down or feel restrictive during exercise and everyday activities.

The CRZ leggings also don’t scream “maternity” like some other options for maternity workout attire do. They look like your average pair of comfortable, practical black leggings that are just as appropriate for a yoga class as they are lounging on the couch. Don’t expect a ton of compression or support from these leggings, if that’s what you’re looking for. The fabric is stretchy and soft, so it won’t necessarily reduce swelling in your legs, but you can wear them comfortably all day long.

Size range: XXS to XL | Material: 81% polyamide/19% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Your breasts may be more sensitive during pregnancy, and for some women a high-impact sports bra can feel far too restrictive. The Hofish Seamless Support Nursing Bra is soft and stretchy, with the perfect amount of support for low-impact activities.

The fit is snug, but not restrictive in the least. For that reason, it's comfortable for all-day wear and gentle exercise. I wore it for a yoga session, but it would work equally well for weight training. It has an adjustable band and seamlessly slips over your head; there’s no fighting or struggling with compressive straps to get in or out of your sports bra. (We all know that struggle!) The sports bra comes in sizes S to XXL, and given the adjustability and stretchiness, I think it would work for a range of body types.

The bra is reasonably priced, but it does require hand-washing, which can become another chore to add to the list during postpartum. It has removable padding that, if you break the rules and toss it in the washing machine, will become bunched up and often fall out. If you’d like to keep the pads in place, a hand wash is your best bet.

The bra doesn’t provide the support or structure for an especially attractive shape under non-exercise apparel, but the comfort and lack of compression around your rib cage make up for that. And another great feature is the built-in nursing access. Each breast cover is attached by an inconspicuous clip at the shoulder that’s easy to open and close with one hand.

Overall, this is a good low-impact maternity sports bra that I would recommend for moms that enjoy gentle exercise and crave comfort over all else.

Size range: S to XXL | Material: 92% nylon/8% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash only

Our community says:

When you want to do more high-impact exercise, like running or a HIIT class, you’ll certainly need something more supportive. The Kiss Active Ultimate Nursing Sports Bra is just the ticket. This full-coverage, compressive bra offers excellent support for chests of all sizes. This bra came highly recommended by parents in our research, and my real world testing backed up the claims.

The bra has a thick, sturdy under-bust band that hits just above the bump. Meanwhile, a racerback design and a fairly high neckline offer plenty of coverage and adjustable straps let you customize the fit. Another thing I liked about this sports bra were the clip-down flaps on each cup. It’s easy to access the nursing feature with one hand, and the clips are small so they don’t interfere with exercise.

The size options from Kiss Active are also highly inclusive, ranging from S to 4XL with cup sizes B through H. At a time when your bust size might fluctuate, it’s nice to have a range of options.

Over the course of my pregnancy, I’ve really struggled to find appropriately supportive bras that also look good and aren’t overly revealing—and this pick has been the best sports bra I’ve tried so far. In fact, it’s my preferred sports bra for running while pregnant. It minimizes bounce and is cute enough to wear solo to the gym. The fabric isn’t as stretchy or forgiving as other maternity bras, so it can be harder to get into and out of the Kiss Active bra, but once you’re in, you’re set to take on any workout.

Size range: S to 4XL | Cup size range: B-H cup | Material: 73% polyester/27% spandex | Care instructions: N/A