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The health coach and real mothers share the most suitable sportswear for pregnancy and beyond.

When you are pregnant, it is indeed comfortable to wear, especially when you want to exercise. Although clothes should not be tight-fitting, pregnant women do need sportswear to provide support for a rapidly growing and changing body, and shopping in categories you never needed before can be daunting.

Fiber scientists at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate all kinds of maternity wear, from maternity leggings and jeans to nursing bras and more. In order to find the best fitness clothing for pregnant women, we combined our fabric and clothing expertise with the opinions of multiple fitness experts including prenatal trainers and coaches. They shared how to buy the best pants, tops, Bras, leggings, socks, etc. You will need them in this unique period of your life.

“For most people, it’s important to keep exercising during pregnancy,” says health coach Aimee Nicotera. “As your body changes, you still want to feel good in your gear. Clothes should fit and provide support. , Breathable, and of course functional."

Katie Breard, an online pre- and post-natal coach, added: “Choosing fitness equipment during pregnancy can be daunting. But when you feel confident and comfortable with fitness equipment, you are more likely to start exercising-things This is so good for your own health and the health of your growing baby."

The most important tip is that you feel good and motivated to move when it may be uncomfortable. Prenatal and postnatal coach Ilyse Baker said: "In general, your clothing choices should make you feel like a strong, confident, and sexy prospective parent!"

Here are the best maternity workout clothes for your growing lumps:

Even though these are not specifically designed for maternity wear, Lululemon Align pants are repeatedly highly recommended when talking to moms about their favorite pregnancy sportswear. These super soft leggings are high-waisted and regular styles, available in full length and short styles, as well as a variety of colors to choose from. 

They fit but don't provide tight compression. Gia Calhoun has trained countless pregnant women to serve as vice presidents of Pilates. She said this is important: "When looking for maternity clothes, the ideal thing is to find something that is both comfortable and supportive. If the clothing is too tight or too tight, it will restrict movement and cause discomfort. Similarly, if the clothing is too loose, it will not provide the support that may be needed as the lump grows."

Although these pants are more expensive, they will fit and stretch comfortably with your changing body at each stage. Lexie Sachs, head of textiles at the Good Housekeeping Institute, pointed out that she wore them for the entire three months and continued to wear them for many years after giving birth.

These leggings use a slightly thicker fabric to provide good comfort and elasticity. They also have a complete panel that can be pulled across the abdomen for maximum support. Although their prices are already lower than many other brands, moms point out that if you want to snap up multiple pairs, they are usually discounted.

A high waist can come in handy for many reasons, even after you have given birth. The prenatal and postnatal coach Katie Breard (she herself is a mother) pointed out, “When I breastfeed, I like to wear super high waist leggings, so when I pull up my shirt to breastfeed, I don’t expose my entire belly. "

Related: 10 best nursing covers to breastfeed your baby comfortably

Our expert sources are full of praise for Beyond Yoga, which is used for pregnant women's sportswear, and its collection offers a variety of tops with different sleeve lengths. We found that this short-sleeved T-shirt is versatile and suitable for different purposes. It appealed to almost everyone we interviewed. It also provides important side folds. Desi Bartlett, author of "Your Strong and Sexy Pregnancy," said: "Maternity clothes should have folds on the sides to promote baby's growth."

The length of the top is also very long (meaning it is long enough not to suddenly feel too short as the abdomen grows), and it can be worn in all different types of exercises. "As your belly gets bigger, longer tops and tank tops will be more comfortable for many moms," says health coach and mom Aimee Nicotera.

Compression is the key to maternity socks. "You want blood circulation to avoid numbness, soreness and pain," said Jess Rose McDowell, a certified trainer and Kinetic Sweat founder. "Compressed materials can improve your overall performance and recovery capabilities."

McDowell also said that this special brand of socks works well for her pregnant clients, both in and out of the gym. As a bonus, they have a lot of beautiful colors, and even interesting gradients and tie-dye patterns, so they are fashionable, rather than look like medical socks.

This popular vest is a favorite of pregnant women. It is particularly outstanding that it provides good bust support and makes you feel safe. "You want to wear a top that keeps everything in place and allows you to get in and out easily," said certified coach Jess Rose McDowell. In addition, Lexie Sachs, director of GH Textiles, suggests that racer vests provide a good range of motion during exercise.

Trainer Katie Breard also said that she finds this tank very comfortable during pregnancy and after a C-section. The disadvantage is that it is more expensive, but it is worth the splurge because it stretches to fit your body shape.

Many of the experts we consulted recommended high-waist fitted biker shorts. "The high-waisted cut complements the body and fits tightly above the hips," coach Jess Ross McDowell said. McDowell also recommends checking the length, because you will want a wider inseam than usual so you don't have to worry about your shorts getting up.

This special style can cover the entire abdomen, and many expectant mothers find it very comfortable, because this style can reduce the pressure on the ligaments and back. Hidden side pockets for storing mobile phones or keys are also a bonus! 

Even if you are not pregnant, finding a comfortable sports bra can be a chore, but expect moms to have more specific needs in this category. Several experts we consulted recommended this brand because it is both comfortable and practical. Made of breathable mesh, it helps keep cool and is perfect for moderate-intensity activities during pregnancy.

It has multiple back hook-and-eye buckles to adapt to your changing sizes, and a comfortable shoulder strap can be converted into a racer back. Our source recommends using this method to provide additional support. "As your breasts get bigger, especially in the last three months, it is important to wear a bra that can provide you with enough support to maintain an upright posture," said Patricia Friberg, founder of Belly Beautiful Workout. Bonus: This special sports bra can also be used as a nursing bra, so you can continue to wear it after delivery.

Remember: sports bras should be compressible to provide support, but should not be too tight. "I always tell my clients that if you wear a sports bra and see a jagged line after taking it off, it's too tight," coach Katie Bradd said. 

If you want a high-quality sports bra for pregnant women and don't want to invest too much, our research strongly recommends this bra. "I discovered this brand during my last pregnancy," said Sara Haley, a prenatal fitness guru (and mother of four). "It has super affordable care and maternity bras. It works very well. I don't think I'm going bankrupt."

This bra also has good coverage, adjustable side straps and clip-on openings for nursing care, so you can make the most of it compared to some other maternity exercises. Please note that it is made of cotton, not made of high-performance fabrics, which is very suitable for people who like the feel of natural fibers, but "will not absorb sweat, take longer to dry, and cannot maintain its shape. "Advising Lexie Sachs, GH textile expert.

If jogging is your first choice for exercise during pregnancy, consider these shorts that are well-received by prenatal fitness experts. Affordable but cute and practical, they have a loose version and a multifunctional panel that can be rolled up or rolled up, depending on how comfortable your body is.

They have a 3-inch inseam on the short side, so if you are not satisfied with the shorter length, these may not be suitable for you. Old Navy also offers 8-inch inseam motorcycle shorts to provide longer coverage.

For those who are pregnant in cold weather, you may want something comfortable for brisk walking or hiking. This stylish pullover is chic, super soft, has pockets, and is made of Dri-FIT moisture wicking fabric. The most important thing is that it can be worn forwards or backwards, which means that the slit hem will be very comfortable when worn at the back during pregnancy, and after you have given birth, wear it at the front to facilitate breastfeeding. 

For prenatal yoga or any other low-impact workout where you want a looser fit, try these super soft jogging pants. The fabric is smooth and the trousers have straps at the ankles, so they won't hinder you when you move. 

They fit under the abdomen, rather than the bulge that some people prefer. Sara Haley, the mother of four, is also the creator of Expecting More, a prenatal exercise program. She said: "My note on maternity workout pants is to try to find out what feels best for your abdomen. I have had several pregnancies, I prefer to wear my pants on my bumps, and then I have some places where I want them to lie down." 

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even have heard of girth, let alone know what it does. But trainer Sara Haley said: “The best investment to support your bulge during exercise is the belly band.” She and several other health experts we interviewed recommended this specific band from Belly Bandit, which offers Plenty of support, very suitable to wear under the top, as your lump grows, the top may become uncomfortable. As a bonus, it can also be used as a comfortable nursing cover after childbirth. 

This running jacket is very popular with many real-life mothers we interviewed, and they are full of praise for the comfortable fabric and fit tailoring. It comes in three fashionable colors and is affordable. In addition, it has a thumb hole to prevent the sleeves from turning up, a reflective function for safety and visibility, and a pleated panel suitable for your growing abdomen.

Although you don’t need a style specific to pregnant women, good shoes are essential for prenatal exercise. Especially this one performed best in the Good Housekeeping test and provides a flexible fabric to adapt to swollen feet. "Users praise it for its lightness and comfort, while podiatrists and sports medicine doctors appreciate its flexibility," said Lexie Sachs, director of GH Institute Textiles.

Prefer three-quarter leggings more than full length? These leggings are highly praised by real moms. They have an elastic panel that can expand with your growing body size, they are supportive but not too compressed. They do extend all the way to your bumps, which many people like. Ilyse Baker, an antenatal and post-natal coach, said: “Tights for pregnant women over belly can support your lower back and buttocks.” In addition to exercise, these are also very suitable for daily wear. 

If you think the vest is too cold, but the sweatshirt is too warm, then this lightweight long-sleeved round neck shirt is your best choice. Beyond Yoga is praised by many of our experts for its super soft fabric, and this top is no exception. Although its tops are expensive, its high-performance fabrics and classic designs are very suitable for daily wear.

Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean you can't be popular in the gym! This loose-cut, fitted long-sleeved T-shirt can be paired with a pair of over-the-knee leggings for a stylish and comfortable look. After giving birth, you can continue to wear it as a stacking item.

These stretch flared pants are perfect for mothers-to-be who like yoga or anyone who likes loose legs. The design uses cute boot cuts and supporting webs. Critics are full of praise for the fit of these pants, which is very important, coach McDowell said: "You should not consider your sportswear is too tight or too big, or fidgeting during exercise."

During exercise, the last thing you don’t want to worry about is that your underwear will turn up or put you on wedge shoes. The pair of sleek backpacks fit flat on your skin, thanks in part to their unique crossover design under the abdomen. It is also made of soft, elastic and breathable fabric, which is comfortable for sports and daily wear. 

Very suitable for brisk outdoor walks or just lying on the sofa and watching TV. This is one of the most versatile exercise items for pregnant women we have found. It is soft, comes in eight different colors, and is long enough to cover your back. The wrap type can also be used as an easy-to-access nursing top and cover, so you can make full use of it after you give birth to your baby.