Struggling to find what activewear to wear while pregnant? Don’t worry! I have done the research and here are my top styles and brands.

With over 100 pairs of leggings and mostly matching crops, I can definitely say I have done my research testing out what is the best activewear to wear during pregnancy (and post). I wanted to share this with you as I have been getting so many requests from you guys asking about what I am wearing and what I recommend.

I actually haven’t worn “maternity leggings” so the best part is most of my picks are leggings you will wear pre and post. Here are 4 of my go-to’s. I have included the brand, style, why I love it and sizing tips.

NIMBLE ACTIVEWEAR

I am a huge fan of Australian-based activewear label Nimble Activewear. have been through my fair share of brands and worked with the gorgeous ladies at Nimble for over 7 years. I love how the material and quality last the test of time. Unlike some of the brands that trend and I end up not wearing after a season, I still love and wear all of my Nimbles. So definitely rate the brand as a must-have for your wardrobe. They have different styles and I size up/down depending on the style. I recommend for pregnancy the “In Motion”

Why I love it:

  • Material buttery soft and super stretchy
  • High Waisted (fits over bump comfortably) without cutting in or rolling up/down.
  • Stretches as you grow. Love that I could wear the same size and it would stretch with me.
  • Still thick enough to feel covered/not sheer.
  • Comes in cute colours – I have I think every one.

Sizing:

  • I am an XXS in pants pre-pregnancy but think they run very true to size so if you want a bit more room size up one.
  • I love how they size. Some activewear brands XS are too big on me but Nimble fit well. I think the tops are on the smaller size so if you are unsure or want a bigger fit, size up.

BEYOND YOGA

I was introduced to Beyond Yoga by the beautiful ladies at Motion Lifestyle in Cottesloe. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Wendy and Jane from Motion and you are local to Perth then please do yourself a favour and go and visit them at either their Cottesloe or South Perth store. If you are not local, drop them an instagram DM or email if you need any support and shop their curated collection via their online store. You can be confident that these women have only chosen styles and brands that tick all the boxes (quality, comfort, style). They have the magic touch in helping you choose exactly the right fit for your goals and body AND they are two super mummas and gorgeous humans inside and out. 

Back to Beyond Yoga. Wendy and Jane recommended the High Rise Midi Legging which I have linked. I chose the Midnight Blue which I love, but they have so many gorgeous colours to check out. 

Why I love it: 

  • Buttery soft comfort. It is like wearing PJS – so incredibly soft and stretchy.
  • No outside seams which I love.
  • High-waisted which for me is a non-negotiable pre and post-baby. They can actually sit below bump or over bump without digging in or rolling. 
  • Thick yet breathable fabric kept me feeling warm (Winter pregnancy) and they are flattering and cover-up don’t show the lines etc. 
  • Lots of cute colours to choose from and come with matching crops, tops, tees and long sleeves. I love this for creating outfit staples and sets I wear over and over. Love pairing it with the crew long sleeve for winter and one of their tanks of tees for warmer months.
  • Slightly higher price point, but you will LIVE in them.

Sizing: 

  • I stuck to my original size (XS pants) due to the four way stretch. The sizing runs slightly bigger so they recommend you size down for a tighter fit. 

I noticed Beyond Yoga also have a maternity cut, so if you like the extra bump coverage you should try their “love the bump” style linked here.

LULULEMON ALIGN

IYKYK. I feel like every girl should have a pair of black Lululemon Aligns in her wardrobe. I lived in these during my first pregnancy and they are on rotation with the other brands mentioned in my second. I recommend the Align fit for pregnancy.

Why I love it:

  • Fabric is super soft and stretchy making it comfortable (key for pregnancy).
  • Designed for low-impact exercise like Pilates, Yoga and lying on the couch (I lived in leggings or trackies even when not working out during my pregnancy).
  • They offer multiple lengths – which for shorties like me is key. I chose the 25-inch AND if you go into the store you can get them tailored.
  • High-waisted but like the other brands mentioned doesn’t cut in or roll up/down. They also offer extra high waist options if you want the leggings to sit above bump.
  • Minimal seams which I love. They also offer the align with pockets if that is your jam.

Sizing:

  • I squeezed into my pre-baby size 0 but as bub and belly grew I feel like I would have liked to size up to at least a 2.
  • Tops run small so size up if boobies grow.
  • Probably worth popping into your local Lululemon store and trying them on if that is an option.

COTTON ON BODY

I crush on the seamless ribbed bike shorts. Cotton On Body is super affordable at $40 and often goes on sale. I like to buy from The Iconic because of their fabulous return policy. The only thing I find annoying about Cotton On Body Active is they don’t always have the matching crop colour and I love buying in sets. If you are the same, you can often find the matching sets if you shop between the Cotton On App and Iconic App. Here is the link to what I chose. Because they sell out and restock, if this link is sold out search “seamless ribbed bike short”.

Why I love it:

  • Affordable $40 price point. AND often goes on sale on Cotton On and The Iconic.
  • Thick fabric hugs you in and fitted style feels supportive.
  • High rise and not too short on leg. They do offer different lengths if you prefer longer/shorter but often comes down to what is in stock.
  • Seamless sides which clearly I love. They also have options with pockets which for some reason I didn’t love and also found didn’t stretch as well so recommend the seamless
  • Super stretchy

Sizing:

  • For the seamless biker shorts I stayed my same size. But once pockets are added I needed to size up.
  • I sized up to a S in top/crops. (Usually wear an XS).
  • If you order from The Iconic you can get multiple sizes and even styles and return (free) whatever doesn’t suit.

Are you looking for ways to keep moving throughout your pregnancy?

We’ve combined our knowledge of prenatal Pilates AND Yoga to bring you a fun, informative, supportive, and love-filled program… all from the comfort of your own home.

We’re here to support and empower you through your entire pregnancy journey and beyond with our Prenatal Movement Program.