My Favourite Activewear Pieces for Pregnancy
I thought finding supportive and comfortable activewear that could survive my workouts was difficult…and then I got pregnant. Now it’s a battle with my sports bra every time I’m teaching a class. After going up 2 cup sizes in my first trimester alone, I’m down to only a few of my original sports bras, and they aren’t exactly the most supportive. My leggings and biker shorts have stuck with me for the most part, but there are certain pieces that I keep going back to for their comfort and support. If you’re looking to invest in some activewear for pregnancy, these are my go-to maternity activewear pieces and sizing recommendations.
Bottoms
These ultra-soft leggings are high-rise and will grow with you throughout your pregnancy, no need to size up so I would recommend purchasing your normal size. These leggings are great for yoga and low-impact exercise like Pilates and Barre. The fabric is slightly warmer making them comfortable for long walks in the Fall and Winter.
2. Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waisted Midi Leggings
I love that these leggings have a criss-cross design in the front — it allows more room for your bump and there is less pressure around the belly button which can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating. You can also wear your normal size with these leggings, they will grow with you, but if you do like more room then I recommend sizing up one. These leggings are plush and comfortable, making them perfect for Yoga, low-impact exercise, and hanging around the house. Beyond yoga also has a beautiful line of maternity activewear!
3. Lululemon Align Super High-Rise
When I polled my moms on Instagram on the best activewear leggings, the resounding response was the Lulu Align Super High-Rise. I can confirm that these leggings are incredibly soft while offering support for all forms of workouts. Most moms had kept their pre-pregnancy size throughout all trimesters, with a few who chose to size up one. I’m 22 weeks and I’m still wearing my size comfortably, with room to grow!
4. Spiritual Gangster Love Sculpt Seamless Leggings
I love the quality of these leggings - the fabric is soft but provides just the right amount of compression giving more support around the belly while still allowing you to breathe. The fit of these leggings is also super flattering. My regular size was perfect for my first trimester, but now that I’m 22 weeks I’m finding them a bit snug. If you want more support for medium-intensity workouts during your second and third trimester, I would recommend these leggings in a size up from your normal.
5. TnaBUTTER™ Cheeky Hi-Rise 7" Short
Every season, every occasion, and every trimester. Whether you want to workout or go for a walk, these shorts are ride-or-die. They are versatile and great for all types of workouts. You may be able to get away with your normal size in these throughout your pregnancy, but I’m finding them a bit snug now so I’m moving from a S to a M for extra comfort.
6. Spiritual Gangster Ruffle Seamless Biker Short
These shorts are both cute and supportive, with the same soft and compressive fabric similar to their Love Sculpt leggings. The frill design around the hem allows more room for your thighs which I find important for comfort but also much more aesthetically-pleasing.
18 weeks!
Tops
This sports bra is for great for all levels of workout intensity. The straps are thick and the cut completely covers without any overflows. If you are like me and love a variety of workouts (strength, spinning, yoga, Pilates), this is the bra for you. I am still wearing my pre-pregnancy size comfortably at 22 weeks.
2. Alo Yoga Cover Long Sleeve Top
I probably wear this crop every time I practice yoga now. I also wear it on walks, around the house, and running errands. The design is flattering and the fabric is soft. With majority of my sports bras no longer fitting me well, I like to wear this crop for extra security knowing that if there is a slip during downward dog at least no one will notice! I’ve continued to wear my pre-pregnancy size with no need to size up (it’s very stretchy).
3. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank
Since becoming pregnant, I find myself reaching more for activewear tanks with built-in support rather than sports bras — they allow more room for cup growth, they are less restricting around your waist, and they look good. This tank from Beyond Yoga checks all the boxes. It’s great for Yoga and low-intensity exercise, but you may want to layer it with a crop for extra security. For this top, you can get away with your pre-pregnancy size up until your second trimester, and then you may need to size up one (especially postpartum if you’re planning on breastfeeding!).
This tank has built-in bra support, the straps are slightly thicker, and the fabric is sweat-wicking so you can wear this for light-to-medium intensity workouts. You can also expect the same softness, comfort, and support as the Lulu Align leggings making this a perfect match. I find this tank runs on the smaller side so I would recommend sizing up 1-2 sizes to last you throughout your pregnancy and after birth.
5. Spiritual Gangster Amor Seamless Crop Tank
This cute tank has matching shorts (above) with a frill design around the hem making it breathable and flattering around your bump. Since it’s a tank, it will grow with you, but you may need to size one up from your pre-pregnancy size for third trimester and postpartum.
13 weeks!
Onesies
Wilfred Free Divinity 7" Romper
I purchased this suit in both the light pink and black shades and they have been a closet staple for me throughout my pregnancy. I’m normally a size XS-S, but I purchased a M and they fit me perfectly with lots of room to grow. The fabric is ultra-soft and the shorts are roomy around my thighs, giving me the feel that I’m naked (IMO). I also like that I can get enough support in the top without needing to wear a bra underneath, despite going up 2 cup sizes. It’s also a super cute outfit to show off your baby bump. I like to wear these on fit-mom walks, when traveling, when doing Yoga, and when lounging around the house. These will be staying in my weekly rotation after the baby arrives.
