Gear Notes: Arctic Lynx Maternity Baselayers

When Michelle Boyer was pregnant, she and her husband moved to Maine. Excited to get outside and explore, Boyer soon found that finding baselayers, or long underwear, to fit her expanding body was going to be tricky. 

(For more on skiing during pregnancy, click here.)

As she puts it, “I wanted something to wear under my snowpants or jeans to stay warm during the winter months. My husband offered to share his baselayers, but they were way too big.” 

And thus was born, not only a baby, but a big idea — well-made, comfortable baselayers for pregnant women.

Introducing Arctic Lynx Maternity Base Layers

Boyer’s big idea is now a reality, in the form of a company called Arctic Lynx Maternity, offering black maternity baselayer bottoms and black maternity baselayer tops for pregnant and postpartum women.

Made of a midweight technical fabric, the layers feel substantial. They are definitely not see-through and it’s easy to slide pants, sweaters and tops over the smooth fabric.

In addition to feeling and looking really good, the fabric, which is a blend of 76% polyester and 24% spandex, is moisture wicking and stretchy, providing  plenty of room for growth without being alternatively too loose or too tight. 

Technical features include thumb holes and flat seams. 

Special maternity features include side ruching on the top that stretches and expands as you stretch and expand. This prevents the top from being overly baggy and tent-like and ensures that it is comfortable and flattering to wear, even when you’re smaller.

Likewise, the bottoms have an extended extra-stretchy band that rises from just above the pelvis to cover and support a pregnant belly. And, they are manufactured in the U.S.

Smart, smart, smart. 

What I Like About Arctic Lynx Maternity Base Layers

It’s been a long time since I’ve worn maternity clothes, but I remember wanting several things from these garments: I wanted to be able to get a lot of use out of them and I wanted them to be comfortable and look good. 

Focusing on their versatility, the number one use for Arctic Lynx Maternity baselayers is providing warmth, wicking and insulation during outdoor activity. If you’re skiing during pregnancy, you will want these. 

Other ways to use them include yoga, hiking, snowshoeing and just staying warm and cuddly before the baby is born and afterward too, as your body adjusts to normal size. 

Frankly, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear either the top or bottoms as casual streetwear, using the bottoms as leggings under a skirt and the top as a stand alone black shirt or layer under a sweater. 

As for comfort, when I tried the maternity top on, I thought the lower arms were a bit tight. This was a bit surprising because I have small wrists. 

Arctic Lynx recommends ordering your pre-pregnancy size and I found that despite my distinct lack of pregnancy, the layers fit appropriately. 

The Upshot: Useful, Well-Made and Smart Baselayers for Pregnant Women

Overall, I think Arctic Lynx baselayers are fantastic and an important addition to maternity clothing for active pregnant women, especially those who ski and love being outdoors in the winter. 

I think they’ll stand up to as much use as you throw at them, easily lasting for several pregnancies. 

And while I’m usually a wool baselayer aficionado, in this case, I think the fabric is perfect, with absolutely no chance of itchiness. 

Good job Michelle!

As always, all opinions are my own and exactly what I would tell my family and friends. 

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