Best maternity sportswear

We’re talking tummy-cradling waistbands, elastic panels that support your changing shape and cuts that fit and flatter. Best of all, you won’t be spending on kit that can only be used until you give birth. Every item can be worn in the weeks and months after birth, while others are designed to double-up as breastfeeding tops and baby-carrier covers, making them great investment pieces.

Here’s our pick of the best maternity sportswear pieces for mums-to-be…

1. FittaMamma Ultimate Maternity Sportswear top, £59.99 – best for working up a sweat / high-impact exercise

Sizes: XS - XL

Colours: Pink and Black

This superbly supportive top is a great activewear option if you’re continuing with high-impact exercise, such as running, throughout pregnancy because it’s said to reduce bump movement, according to FittaMamma.

With an extra-firm waistband and triple-layer shape-retaining fabric, the top lifts and supports where you need it most – breasts, back and bump – as MFM home tester Claire discovered: “The inner bra kept my boobs in place and it supported my bump so well and stopped it bouncing around during movement.”

It also features a sweat-wicking back panel that helps keep you cool while you’re working up a sweat. It’s the most expensive piece in our line-up, but a worthwhile investment as you can wear it from 10 weeks into your pregnancy until you no longer need extra support.

Available from: FittaMamma

2. Maternity GapFit Breathe V-Neck T-Shirt, £19.95 – best for coverage

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Colours: Deep Grape, True Black, Heather Grey, Optic White, Teal

Unlike the brand’s general activewear range, Maternity GapFit is only available online. But just like the regular sportswear collection, it’s made of a comprehensive selection of tops, bottoms and bras in a range of solid colours.

This V-neck t-shirt is a great example of Maternity GapFit – functional, comfortable and reasonably priced. Made with Lyocell for softness and breathability, the hem is designed to sit below your bump and on your bum and won’t ride up during exercise.

It comes in several different colours including black and white as well as grey, but what sets this tee apart are the sleeves, which are longer and looser than most – ideal if you’re not keen on vest tops.

Available from: Gap

3. Cake Zest Flexi Wire Maternity & Nursing Sports Bra, £46.90 – best for bigger busts / banishing bounce

Sizes: 32B to 40H

Colours: Grey/White, Blue/Orange, Navy Blue

This versatile and incredibly supportive bra will take you from the early stages of pregnancy right the way through to breastfeeding thanks to its flexible fit and durable, moisture-absorbing fabric.

Available in three colours and multiple sizes (32-40 band, B-H cup), the structured bra is ideal for high-impact exercise as it's constructed to minimise bounce without compressing the breasts. Dashing home to a hungry baby? The drop-down clips make breastfeeding during or after workouts a doddle. See our full review of the Cake Zest Flexi Wire Sports Bra

Available from: Amazon

4. Seraphine 3 in 1 Maternity Hoodie, £59.00 – best for versatility / use after birth / baby-wearing

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

Colours: Grey and Navy Blue

Once you’ve zipped up this classic hoodie and slipped your thumbs through the holes in the cuffs, you won’t want to take it off. So it’s just as well that it’s designed to be worn during and after pregnancy, including while wearing your baby in a sling.

Stretch panels at the side allow the hoodie to expand as you grow, while the brushed fleece fabric inside keeps you and your bump cosy, making it perfect for layering over gym gear or yoga clothes.

When baby arrives, zip on the extra panel (included) at the front and the hoodie fits easily over a baby carrier or sling, keeping you both snug while you stroll.

Available from: Seraphine and John Lewis

5. Mamalicious maternity ¾ sports legging, £22 – best for gym workouts

Sizes: 10 to 14

Colours: Grey

No maternity sportswear kit is complete without a pair of cropped or Capri leggings – simply because your body temperature rises when you’re pregnant. Exercising will make you feel even warmer so you may be more comfortable trading your usual full-length bottoms for a shorter pair.

These ¾ maternity gym leggings from Mamalicious have a high-rise elasticated waistband that will hug your blossoming bump and are made from super stretchy fabric that will move with you during your workout.

Available from: ASOS, Mamalicious and Amazon

6. JoJo Maman Bebe Burgundy Maternity & Nursing Active Feeding Top, £25 – best for breastfeeding

Sizes: S, M, L

Thoughtfully designed to perform as both a pregnancy and post-partum breastfeeding top, this strappy vest has side ruching that allows the top to grow with your bump then offers extra room while your body readjusts.

Quick-release clips on the straps mean you can breastfeed easily without having to wriggle out of your top or pull it out of shape. And while it won’t support your bust during high-intensity workouts, it’s great for lower-impact activities such as yoga and Pilates.

Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe

7. Figleaves Belle Maternity swimsuit, £38 (now £26.60) – best for swimming

Sizes: One size (16)

Colours: Black and Polka Dot

This simple one-piece receives consistently high ratings, with reviewers keen to share how supportive, comfortable and flattering it is.

Adjustable straps allow you to get the perfect fit as your body changes and grows, while padded cups and ruching enhance your shape.

The scoop back is high enough to offset the plunge on the front of the costume, providing support and control. And while it’s not structured enough for very large chests or suitable for leaping and jumping in a water aerobics class, it is perfect for swimming lengths.

Available from: Figleaves

8. ASOS 4505 Maternity icon legging with bum sculpt seam detail, £18.00 – best for body sculpting / form fitting

Sizes: 6 to 20

When your favourite and most flattering leggings no longer fit, head to ASOS and check out their range of performance kit, ASOS 4505. The maternity selection is small but updated regularly so snap up these well-priced maternity gym leggings while you can.

They come in three colours – black, navy and burgundy – and feature mesh panels on the lower leg and strategically placed seams on the thigh and seat to sculpt your rear.

They fit over the bump but are quite snug so you may not be able to wear them towards the end of your pregnancy – but keep them to wear post-partum when you need a ‘lift’.

Available from: ASOS

9. Isabella Oliver Maternity Yoga Top, £49 – best for layering / covering up after class

Sizes: 4 to 18

This pretty pastel top is made from the softest modal jersey and feels super soft next to your skin. The keyhole cut-out back looks beautiful over strappy vests – and the fluid shape is perfect over leggings and Capri pants.

It’s machine washable up to 40 degrees so is great for exercise or you may want to keep it for after class, once you’ve cooled down.

Yes, it’s pricey but like the hoodie featured above, this is a versatile piece – wear it loose or tie it at the side to create a fitted shape around your bump. Plus post-pregnancy, the side splits make it an easy top to nurse in.

Available from: Isabella Oliver

10. H&M MAMA joggers, £17.99 – best for yoga

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Colours: Black and Light Grey

With a relaxed fit and deep waistband, these jogging bottoms in sweatshirt material will be one of the most comfortable pieces in your workout wardrobe.

You can wear them to the gym, to walk round the park or to chill out in. The tapered legs and ribbed hems make them ideal for yoga as there’s no chance of them getting caught under your feet.

MFM Consumer & Reviews Editor Christy says, "These are the most comfortable and well-fitting maternity joggers I've found, perfect for exercise or loungewear. They also have impressively thick fabric for the price."

It’s worth taking a look at the rest of H&M’s maternity range which includes other maternity workout clothes and leisurewear, including everything from nursing sports bras to cycling shorts.

Available from: H&M

11. Bump Activewear Flawless Mesh Leggings, £43

Size: XS, S, M, L

Colours: Black and Khaki

Another great option to add to your selection of maternity gym clothes are these mesh leggings from Bump Activewear. They're pricer than the ASOS 4505 leggings but are made from a moisture wicking fabric, meaning they should stay dry from sweat.

As well as being a unique style feature, the mesh panels on the leggings also offer extra ventilation - great if you're doing high intensity workouts.

MFM tester Natalie says, "The quality of these leggings is really good - they didn't go see through when exercising and support the bump really well."

There's only 4 sizes available (extra small to large) so it's worth checking your waist and height measurements against Bump Activewear's size guide, to make sure you're getting the right fit for you.

Available from: Bump Activewear

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