Cantaloop Support Belt review

With an RRP of £12.99, it’s reasonably priced, in line with other products in the market (the Emma Jane maternity support belt retails around £12 also, as does the Blooming Marvellous Maternity Support Belt), is easily washable and looks more attractive than some on the market with big Velcro bands running down the side. Coming in a range of colours and sizes, the support belt is probably best described as the stretchy bit of a pair of over-the-bump maternity jeans. But the material is thicker, which Cantaloop describes as ‘in-woven support’, under and over the top of the bump, giving more support and allowing stretch in the growing areas. It’s also recommended for those suffering with Braxton Hicks.

As someone who is still at a stage where my bump isn’t massively defined and sometimes looks, well, a bit flabby, it did ‘neaten’ up my bump and make it look more attractive. I also worried it would move around and roll around, but it stayed in place, which – after years of wearing different types of Spanx – I was pleasantly surprised by. The band remained comfortable enough throughout the day, though after a day at work I did want to take it off when I came home.

While the band was no trouble, the main issue I had was that I didn’t yet get any massive benefits from the band – I don’t yet feel in need of that support which it gives. That’s not the band’s fault though, and I think it will definitely come into its own later in the pregnancy, when I try it again. It also was just another layer of clothing to wear – I tested the belt in the summer and so wasn’t keen on more clothes if I didn’t have to wear them. If you have a good pair of over the bump jeans, I don’t think these offer much more and could be annoying to have underneath, especially if you’re already warm. I did find though, that they could be pulled over my jeans and held them in place better – this is something I’ll probably be grateful of when it’s cooler weather.

How we reviewed the product:

A first-time mum-to-be, Rhiannon Evans is five months pregnant, with some pelvic pain and a just starting-to-show bump. She tested the belt under her clothes all day, while commuting, at work and at home.

What were your first impressions of the product?

The packaging for the support belt gives little information on what it is for, so I was clueless as to what it was actually for. After a Google search, I realised it’s designed to lend support, but as I’ve not been suffering with back pain, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. However, it did look comfortable and felt really soft to the touch.

How easy was it to put on the Cantaloop support belt?

The first time I pulled on the belt, it got a bit rolled up and tangled, but I soon developed a slower technique and found the band to be instantly comfortable. It felt like having a nice hug around my bump, that was reassuring, but not too tight.

We’ve previously tested it, has this new version been updated or changed much?

There’s no change to the product, but I would say that testing them in a heatwave makes you see them differently and assess whether they’re worth wearing.

Do you need instructions on how to use it? Does it include instructions?

It doesn’t include instructions, or probably need them, but I think they could offer more information on the packaging about what the belt is best used for.

How comfortable is the Cantaloop support belt?

The material is really soft and not having a seam or labels is really smart. The band doesn’t feel too tight in any position, but does feel like it’s offering support.

Does it give you enough room to grow throughout your pregnancy?

Yes, the material where the bump grows feels soft and like there’s plenty of room to move into.

Does it make you feel hot or impact your body temperature?

Yes, I felt it made me feel warm and was an extra layer to have around my torso, which was uncomfortable in the summer, but might be nice in the colder weather.

What do you think of the tightness?

I think Cantaloop has managed a really difficult balance in designing the support belt, making it not too being baggy, but also not too tight or restrictive.

Does it fit under your clothes seamlessly?

Yes, it has no seams and if anything will probably make some clothes look nicer.

Does it give you the support you need?

Yes, the way it fits across the back I imagine it would be able take the weight of a bigger bump nicely.

Is the Cantaloop support belt as effective as the company says?

Unfortunately, this is difficult to judge without having any specific problems carrying a larger belly weight, but comfort-wise it fulfills its promises.

What do you think of the design?

I think it’s clever that the brand managed to create the support belt without seams and that it stays put all day, even for the most wriggly person.

Is it machine washable?

Yes

Would you recommend this band?

I would recommend someone with back pain that felt like their belly was weighing heavy on them to give it a go.

How robust/durable did it seem?

The Cantaloop belt felt very durable. It’s unlikely it would tear, get holes or lose its shape – it hasn’t so far.

Do you need any extra accessories?

No

What’s in the box?

Just one band

Do you need extra accessories?

No

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

What stage of pregnancy it’s useful for and how it would help me.

Who would the product be most useful for?

Women struggling to carry their bump and getting back pains.

Is the product value for money?

It’s a lot of money if you need to wear them every day and want to wash them regularly as you would need several – but it’s a very reasonable price, at the lower end of the market. So for those who need it, it’s good value for money.

Has the product or the parent company won any awards? Is it a top seller in the market?

Yes, the product has won lots of awards, including the Loved By Parents awards and Best Baby And Toddler Gear Awards.

MadeForMums verdict:

On the whole, this type of product is one of those you’re told to buy when pregnant but might not actually need. But if you feel in need of a support belt, I would recommend this product for its comfort, softness and ease of washing. This product also makes the bump look nicer and could be really useful under a thin or tight outfit – especially in the winter. I’d recommend buying just one pair to see if you need it first.

See more articles like this:

• 10 of the best pregnancy belts
• Maternity wear: Topshop baxter maternity jeans

MadeForMums product reviews are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.