Maternity Activewear Favorites

I've officially hit the second half of my pregnancy! Yay :) It's at this point in pregnancy that I've really started swapping out some of my go-to outfits for something a bit more comfortable for my growing belly. From personal experience investing in actual maternity activewear is 100% worth it. Maternity workout clothes are designed to support and flatter the bump and growing body, with extra support and length. I also find they are incredibly comfortable, giving me extra confidence during my workouts. If the material is tight or uncomfortable, it's hard to move and breathe (SO important during pregnancy).

Are maternity activewear pieces worth it?

Maternity activewear lasts even after you deliver your baby. I wore my maternity leggings, bras, and tops for months after Benji was born. My pre-pregnancy clothes didn't quite fit, my belly was still swollen, and I liked the extra room and over the belly support. The good news is you don't need to buy a new wardrobe or spend a ton on maternity workout clothes. Just a few key pieces are all you need. Below are a few recommendations, compiled from personal experience and recommendations from other mamas and friends. If you're looking for some great bra recommendations, head on over to this post for my favorites!

Maternity Workout Tops

A maternity workout top is so helpful as belly continues to grow. Look for something comfortable and light with a stretchy fabric that won't ride up on your belly.

Old Navy -Maternity Breathe ON Mesh-Back Tank Top

This top wasn't available when I was pregnant with Benji, but I love the cute back! Old Navy has an entire Maternity section, available online only. I purchased several of the comfortable bottoms and tops during my pregnancy. For the price the options are a great investment, and I continued to wear them post-baby too.

Senita Athletics - Bumpin' Maternity Tank

Senita is quickly becoming one of my go-to maternity activewear brands.  I love this top, which comes in a variety of colors.

Maternity GapFit Breathe Racerback Tank Top

This tank is comfy and breathable. I love the racerback cut and moisture-wicking fabric, so I can get sweaty and not feel like a total sweat monster :) The ruched fabric along the sides will accommodate a growing bump throughout all nine months. Available in multiple colors too!

Beyond Yoga -Spacedye Grow and Glow Maternity Tank

Beyond Yoga is known for their beyond comfortable activewear. This top is buttery soft, and ideal for everyday wear, a comfortable prenatal flow, and after pregnancy. Extra bonus: The top comes with a built in bra.

Ingrid & Isabel - Side Zip Active Jacket

Not a tank top, but I love seeing a trendy and comfortable maternity activewear jacket! So great for long walks during the fall or winter time. How does it work? Open up the side zipper as your belly grows, and you can zip it back in place after pregnancy. Genius :)Ingrid & Isabel has some trendy maternity options in general. I picked up a dress for a wedding during my first pregnancy with Benji.

Maternity Workout Bottoms

For maternity bottoms I recommend having a few go-to options. Depending on the time of year, two capris/pants and two pair of shorts should do the trick.  When deciding what to purchase, it's all about having an easily expandable and comfy waist. I prefer the over-the-belly style, particularly as belly grows in the third trimester. There are a lot of options that are elastic on the belly (like the lululemon Align pant), but at a certain point, the sides start to slide off. Trust me, the extra support with the over-the-belly option will become your best friend in the second half of pregnancy, particularly during workouts.

Senita - Rio Maternity Shorts

These have been my go-to shorts during my second pregnancy. The over-the-belly design is comfortable, and they come with side pockets. I loved them so much I ordered a second pair. I am also a fan of the 5" inseam, which is the perfect length for everyday wear and workouts. They come in four colors too!I also recently purchased the Senita Amara Pants and I love them. They are great for workouts, everyday, and I'm loving the side pockets.

Beyond Yoga -Spacedye Love The Bump Capri Maternity Legging

These pants are SO soft! The capri length and over-the-belly waistband can be worn up or folded down. Extra bonus: the pants are moisture wicking, quick dry, and offer UV protection. These are a bit more on the expensive side, but if you're looking to treat yourself, you'll be wearing the buttery soft bottoms all the time.

Ingrid & Isabel - Moto Maternity Workout Legging With Crossover Panel

These maternity pants are fashionable and functional and great for a workout, or just on-the-go.

Blanqi - Sportsupport Hipster Contour Legging

Blanqi is one brand I didn't want to miss. They aren't an activewear brand specifically, but I love all of top and bottom options they offer. This design is like a "second-skin" for mom, offering some great breathability and compression. Something to note is the over-the-belly support is a bit less than other options, so if you wanted a bit less belly coverage, Blanqi may be a good option for you. Blanqi also offers Everyday Belly Support Leggings  and a Sportsupport Maternity Support Crossback tank, which has come highly recommended from other moms.

Old Navy - Maternity Full-Panel Elevate Compression Crops

Old Navy offers has a bunch of great options for moms-to-be. I love the compression crops for higher intensity workouts. They keep belly cool, comfortable, and supported. At $29/pair I recommend grabbing a few you can wear in rotation. If you prefer another option, there are a few to choose from, such as the Full-Panel Elevate Compression Leggings, Full-Panel Elevate Powersoft 7/8-Length Jogger Pants, and the Full-Panel Color-Blocked Balance 7/8-Length Leggings. 

Bao Bei Maternity - Sculpt & Support Maternity Belly Crop Pants - Black

Bao Bei is one brand I've heard recommended several times by Pelvic Floor PT's and other moms. These extra supportive maternity crop leggings offer 360 degrees of complete core coverage with a stretchy breathable fabric. Postpartum I'll also be snatching up a pair of their Support Leggings.About Bao Bei: "Bao Bei Maternity was created by a Women's Health Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor. Our products are inspired by your active pregnancy and Motherhood journey! Proudly made in the USA. 100% designed & manufactured in California."There are a TON of options when it comes to maternity activewear, but the above are a few of my favorite tops + bottoms. A few honorable mentions for bottoms include Gap Maternity Blackout Full Panel Full Length Leggings, Zella Mamasana Live in Maternity Ankle Leggings, and Maacie Active Workout pants a top ranked option on Amazon. For tops I also wanted to mention the Athleta Momentum tank. Although not maternity specific, this top has become my favorite in my second pregnancy. I find this top is great for workouts and everyday wear, and fits over the growing bump (I went up a size).At the time of this blog post I also learned that Nike is releasing a Maternity line too! I can't wait to try out their styles myself.Big things to consider for selecting activewear include:

• Over-the-belly support
• Fabric breathability and compression
• Comfort
• Price
• Length
• Accessibility during entire pregnancy and postpartum (can you wear into your third trimester or will you be limited?)

I'd love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite pregnancy activewear brands? Let me know in the comment section below :)