After months of testing across all three trimesters, we pulled together our top picks for the absolute best maternity workout wear. Every item on this list, from leggings with pockets to workout tops, has been worn, stretched, sweat in, and lived in by our team—and fully approved by the moms of the group. If you’re expecting, you can feel confident these pieces aren’t just gym-ready, but also cozy enough to wear all day (because no one wants to change outfits three times a day during pregnancy). Keep reading to find your bump’s new best gym companions.
What To Consider
Materials
- Polyester: Polyester is lightweight, durable, and moisture-wicking, helping to keep you dry during sweaty workouts. It also holds its shape well and resists shrinking, making it great for activewear that needs to stretch and move with your body.
- Nylon: A soft, stretchy, and durable fabric that’s moisture-wicking—perfect for when you want to stay dry and keep sweat stains at bay during your workout.
- Elastane: Many maternity activewear has elastane for baby bumps, as it’s a lightweight, stretchy fabric that will give your clothing that elastic, stretchy feel.
Size
Pregnancy will change your body a lot over the next few months. That’s why you need to keep your activewear’s sizing at the top of mind. We usually recommend going one size up from your pre-pregnancy size—this gives you a better chance of wearing the same piece throughout all three trimesters as your bump grows. With stretchy workout gear, you can probably stick with your regular size for the first trimester or two, but you’ll definitely appreciate the extra room later on.
How We Chose
For the past year, the mama’s-to-be and existing mamas at Women’s Health, including lifestyle director Lindsay Geller and executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, have been testing the bestselling and top-rated maternity workout clothes. Throughout their pregnancies, they wore the below clothing on long walks, runs, at the gym, and just lounging at home (because, let’s be real, that’s what pregnancy is all about!). They rated all the workout clothes on comfort, versatility, sizing, stretch, moisture-wicking abilities, compression, and the list goes on. The options that got the highest marks from our choosy mamas are the ones that made it onto this list.
So, are you ready to shop our fave activewear to compliment your baby bump? Look no further than this curated list of the best maternity-approved workout gear from real life mothers, below.
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Best Workout Dress
Old Navy Maternity Sleeveless PowerSoft Mini Skort Dress
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Compressive but still buttery-soft
- Sweat-wicking
- Can be worn during workouts or casual wear
Cons
- Have to fully take it off to pee
Geller was hesitant to try this workout dress at first for fear that a snug dress was going to be “unflattering,” for her bump, but the second she tried it on all of her doubts washed away. It’s on the slightly looser side, so it doesn’t over accentuate anything. Plus, it’s a bit longer so you don’t have to worry about it riding up too much. She wears it on long walks with her dog, but she tells me it’s also one of the few maternity activewear pieces that she feels cute enough wearing casually as well. She’ll throw a jean jacket over it, pair it with flats or flip flops, and wear it to a backyard hang at a friend’s house.
This dress is suitable for pregnant workouts because it’s equipped with all the necessary bits: a built-in shelf bra and built-in briefs for extra protection, wide shoulder straps for support, removable cups, and a moisture-wicking fabric comprised of nylon and spandex to step in when things start to get sweaty. While it does have slight compression, it’s buttery-soft, so you’re always comfortable and never claustrophobic.
Geller notes that the only downside to this dress is that, like a normal workout dress, you have to take it fully off to pee, which she’s doing more often these days, but that’s to be expected with this type of one-piece outfit.
| Sizes | XS—2XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Materials | 77% Nylon, 23% spandex |
Pros
- Buttery-soft fabric
- High quality
- Not too tight, but supportive during workouts
Cons
- Can be thick in the summer, better to opt for a short
The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Leggings with pockets came highly recommended by both Geller and Andriakos. “Whenever someone asks me if I recommend any must-buy maternity items, these are my number-one suggestion,” says Andriakos. She lived in these during her third trimester because they were more comfortable than any other maternity legging she tried on. As far as workouts go, she loved doing low-impact exercises in them, but she also wore them during long travel days and to the office with an oversized sweater. “I couldn’t live without a clean pair, so I invested in two,” she says. “Can’t recommend them enough.”
For Geller, these leggings stand out because they’re buttery soft (hi, polyester and elastane!). While they still feel tight enough to be supportive during workouts, Geller says wearing them feels like you’re wearing nothing. And, although they’re a bit more of a splurge at $110, she says they’re def worth investing in, as the quality is “better than anything else on the market” so you’ll get a lot of use out of them. Wash after wash, they’re good as new and they never lose their softness.
She says these leggings may be a little too warm for a pregnant woman in the summer, so you may want to opt for the Beyond Yoga Maternity Biker Short once temps heat up.
| Sizes | XS—2XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 6 |
| Materials | 87% polyester, 13% elastane |
Pros
- High neck and long length offer nice coverage
- Super stretchy and soft
- Can be worn for many different types of workouts
Cons
- May need to size up to keep length longer in third trimester
When it comes to pregnancy-friendly workout tops, you want something that’s supportive, soft, and stretchy—and Lululemon’s Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank checks all the boxes. It’s made from the brand’s cult-favorite Align fabric, a nylon and elastane blend that’s buttery soft with just enough compression to offer light support without feeling tight.
One standout feature: the high neckline. It’s especially great for those with a growing chest, keeping everything secure and in place—no unwanted spillage during workout classes. The waist-length cut also gives full bump coverage, even in the third trimester. Geller wore it through her last trimester without any belly peeking out; you just might want to size up to ensure it stays long enough throughout your pregnancy.
Like most Lululemon gear, it’s moisture-wicking, so it holds up during everything from strength training to sweaty HIIT workouts. Pair it with a high-impact sports bra and you’re good to go for a run, too. If you want a top that moves with you, offers great coverage, and still feels supportive, this one’s a solid pick.
Read More: Best Workout Tops
| Sizes | 0—20 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 12 |
| Materials | 81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane |
Pros
- Can be worn through entire pregnancy
- Stretchy and moisture-wicking
- Buttery-soft fabric
Cons
- You have to size up for it to last through entire pregnancy, so might be loose during the first trimester
“I’ve been a longtime fan of Vuori—and I even got my husband hooked on the brand—all thanks to its sweatpants,” says Geller. “I love the leggings too, but the joggers are just insanely soft and lightweight, which is ideal during pregnancy when you’re already carrying extra weight and don’t want anything heavy or bulky.” The fabric’s softness comes from a polyester and elastane blend that gives it plenty of stretch but also moisture-wicking properties. That makes it perfect for post-gym wear or anytime you’re feeling a little sweaty.
It’s so stretchy, Geller says she’s worn it for walks, light cardio, strength training, and plenty of lounging—which, she adds, should absolutely be a regular part of growing another human! And because the material is so forgiving, it comfortably stretches to accommodate a growing bump. “I’d recommend sizing up one size from your usual because that way you’ll get tons of wear out of it,” she says.
Geller also points out how hard it can be to justify buying maternity clothes you’ll only wear for a few months. “That’s why this jogger is such a great find,” she says. “I could wear it in every trimester just by adjusting the waistband.” It might be a little loose in the first trimester, but still totally wearable for lounging or low-impact movement.
Pros
- Can be worn during pregnancy or not
- Not too tight
- Great for running
Cons
- Lighter colors can be see-through
Geller says finding a good pair of shorts during pregnancy felt nearly impossible. Most were too tight on the thighs, rode up constantly, or didn’t fit over her bump. That all changed when she discovered this pair from FP Movement. “Even though it’s not technically maternity, the stretchy waistband fully covers my bump,” she says. The loose legs keep things light and airy, which is crucial in her pregnancy playbook. And because it’s not made just for maternity, she loves that she can keep wearing it postpartum too.
Another win? It stays in place while running, so no need to constantly tug it down. Geller also feels fully supported thanks to the built-in briefs under the flowy outer layer. Made with a breathable polyester-elastane blend, it’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and comes in a bunch of fun colors, not just the usual black or navy. “I love that I can choose red, green, even yellow,” she says. One note: The lighter colors can be a bit see-through.
| Sizes | XS—XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 22 |
| Materials | 100% polyester |
Throughout her entire pregnancy, Andriakos hit the gym consistently. And, the leggings that got her through the high-intensity sweat sessions was this pair from Reebok. “These leggings are made of a thicker, slightly more compressive fabric than a standard legging, which makes them perfect for sweatier, more intense workouts during pregnancy,” she says. While they def hold you in, Andriakos confirms that the over-the-bum waistband isn’t too tight over the bump (this is a pet peeve of hers with any maternity leggings). They’re made from nylon, but there’s also a 20 percent concentration of elastane mixed into the fabric, so you can count on them for some solid stretchiness.
These leggings only come in one color (we know, a bit of a letdown), but Andriakos points out that the brown-gray shade hides sweat completely—a major plus. They’re also made with odor-fighting tech, so you don’t have to stress about breaking a sweat during intense workouts. You’ve got enough on your plate with the bump! Just a heads-up: they’re not seamless, so if you’re all about that smooth, second-skin feel, you might want to explore other options.
| Sizes | 2XS—XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
| Materials | 80% nylon, 20% elastane |
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Convenient front pockets
- Built-in bodysuit for extra protection
Cons
- Not meant for high-impact activity
This is Amazon’s top-selling maternity workout dress, and with over 2,000 glowing reviews, it’s safe to say it fits like a dream over a growing bump. The built-in bodysuit means you’re fully covered, whether you’re bending over or caught in a breeze during a walk. While we wouldn’t suggest it for a high-intensity gym session, it’s perfect for pickleball or a breezy summer stroll. Made from a soft, breathable polyester-spandex blend, it’s stretchy and lightweight—no feeling hot or squeezed in. I have a similar one from FP Movement and wear it constantly on super hot days when I want to be comfortable but still look put-together. I’m not pregnant, so I can confirm this works just as well for anyone, bump or no bump. Bonus: the sleek front pockets are more than ideal for stashing keys or small essentials if you’re heading out for a quick errand.
| Sizes | XS—2XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 24 |
| Materials | 60% polyester, 35% rayon, 5% spandex |
Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
Lindsay Geller is the lifestyle director at Women’s Health, where she oversees the Sex & Love, Relationships, and Life sections and manages Women’s Health+ content. She has 10 years of experience covering sex, relationships, health, fitness, and general lifestyle topics for print and digital publications. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and loves going on runs around her local park with her rescue dog.
Jacqueline Andriakos, CPT, is the executive health and fitness director at Women’s Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has more than a decade of experience covering the wellness space and has edited ASME-nominated health features, spearheaded brand packages such as Fitness Awards, and represented the brand on the TODAY show, podcasts, and more. Before Women’s Health, Jacqueline was the deputy health features editor at Self.com, and previously worked as the senior editor at Health magazine. As a writer-reporter, she has contributed to print and online publications including TIME, Real Simple, and People, among others. A dancer throughout her youth, Jacqueline went on to study journalism at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and stoked her passion for health and fitness during her college years, ultimately inspiring her to make women’s health content the focus of her media career. She is constantly researching the latest health and wellness trends, trying a buzzy new workout class, hiking and snowboarding, or browsing athleisure. Her friends would describe her as the confidant to turn to for fitness and wellness advice, not to mention answers to any weird body questions. Jacqueline is also a former group exercise instructor and is a certified personal trainer via the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
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