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Quick summary
The best maternity swimsuit is the Tempotrek One Piece Maternity Suit, according to moms in the What to Expect community. This suit is loved for its comfort, bump support and overall attractive style.
If you plan on heading to a beach or pool while pregnant, there are two items you’ll need: pregnancy-safe sunscreen and a stylish maternity swimsuit. Ok, the latter may not be a necessity for every expectant mom: Some prefer to wear their favorite two pieces from pre-pregnancy, while others may not need the special sizing if they’re in their first or second trimester during the summer. However, maternity swimsuits are great for pregnant people who want extra support and coverage while lounging by the water during the summer or heading out on a babymoon somewhere warm.
The best maternity swimsuit will make you feel comfortable while also looking cute, and will be designed to accommodate your growing bump. If you don’t want to spend a lot, you can find a versatile option (or a few favorites) to wear over and over, like I did.
As someone who was pregnant throughout an entire summer and spends most of her time at the beach, I have purchased several swimsuits and found them to be worth it, especially because I was far enough along that I risked stretching out my pre-pregnancy suits if I wore them. I also wore my maternity bathing suits after I gave birth, as they were the ideal swimsuit for nursing and were overall more comfortable for my postpartum body.
How we chose the best maternity swimsuits
In order to find the maternity swimsuits that look and feel best, I relied heavily on my own experience as a mom of two who frequently went to the beach during both of my summer pregnancies. In fact, I ended up amassing quite a little collection for myself, trying out dozens of different suits before settling on my favorites and stocking my closet with them.
But, because no two pregnancies — or bodies — are the same, I also sought input from moms in the What to Expect community to get a larger consensus on the best maternity bathing suits for a variety of styles and body types. Of the dozens of maternity swimsuits that were considered, these 14 were deemed the best based on their fit, style and support.
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Moms found the Tempotrek Maternity Swimsuit flattering, comfortable and budget-friendly at under $50. The swimsuit features a cross-over tie that can be adjusted to fit (and show off!) your belly. It also includes other features for added comfort, such as padded cups that you can remove if needed and ruched sides that allow for more space as you grow. The V-neck and open back allows for a little breathability, which is helpful in the summertime.
Note that several reviewers said the suit was a little “cheeky” when it came to their bums, so if you’re looking for full coverage over your bottom, this might not be the best suit for you. Also, because some moms said that it can run small, especially for those with a large bust, you may need to order up a size.
"Just got this one off Amazon, and I love! I’m 195lbs at 17 weeks pregnant & 5”3’. It’s so flattering, thick enough to hide any lumps/dimples & lots of support up top!"
If you’re after the perfect maternity bikini, try this Pink Blush two-piece. It includes many mom-approved features, such as a snap closure instead of a tie, which might make you feel more secure as you swim around. Plus, the cross-front style provides more breast support than a classic string bikini. The bottom's thick design provides plenty of coverage, and rests just under the belly for those who don’t want material pressing on their bum. The bottoms are especially great because they feature ruched sides and drawstrings, ensuring they will grow with your body.
This Kindred Bravely one-piece is one of their top-selling swimsuits for several reasons. First, it supports and adjusts to your changing body thanks to features like adjustable straps, side ruching, a full-shelf bra and extra lining in the rear. Then there’s the cute, supportive wrap design that flatters your body from maternity to postpartum. It’s made with recycled UPF materials to protect your covered skin from the sun’s harsh rays. We also love that Kindred Bravely includes a “Busty” version of each size to provide a better fit for those who have bigger chests.
Leah Rocketto, What to Expects’ Associate Commerce Director and mom of a 2-year-old wore this bathing suit both during pregnancy and postpartum. “The wrap element makes it very easy to nurse in without feeling overly exposed,” she says. “It’s obviously a little more expensive, but the longevity makes it worth it. I still wear mine 2 years after originally buying it and it looks good as new.”
Shopping for plus size maternity clothing can be limiting, especially when it comes to swimwear. That’s why What to Expect moms love MeetCurve, a dedicated plus-size swimwear brand that sells bathing suits up to 4XL. Although they aren’t specifically maternity suits, moms-to-be found that they could be worn during pregnancy. (Though you may need to size up, depending on your trimester.) This tye-dyed suit in particular offers full belly coverage, plus a flattering V-neck and low back. And, as with all MeetCurve swimsuits, this one has a shelf bra with a durable band and cups that provide support without being uncomfortable. This bathing suit also has side ruching that offers space to grow.
“My Meet.Curve suits arrived! So cute and comfortable! Highly recommend for a maternity suit. I sized up to a 2XL. They’re so flattering and cute! Such different and unique styles to what you typically see. Very well made and comfortable. These are the 2 I got. But it was hard to choose.”
Best Maternity Tankini Swimsuit
Kindred Bravely Crossover Nursing & Maternity Tankini Top
A tankini is the best of two popular swimsuit styles. Like a two-piece, it’s easy to put on and take off, but it provides coverage that’s comparable to a one-piece. This Kindred Bravely Crossover Tankini is a highly-rated option that features supportive details like a full shelf bra, ruching and adjustable straps. And the crossover bust makes this ideal for nursing after the baby is born, extending the suit's longevity. (Although some reviewers feel that it might be a little too revealing, so it depends on your comfort level). Because the top and matching black bottoms are sold separately, you can easily pair it with bottoms you already own, saving you some money.
Whether you’re already running after a little one or want a little extra coverage, a pair of swim shorts can be a great option to wear while pregnant. This Maacie Maternity Tankini is a two-piece suit with small shorts and an athletic style top that allows you to move around without worrying about anything slipping out or moving around. It’s made of a soft, stretchy material with ruched sides, adjustable shoulder straps and removable pads. The shorts can be worn high-waisted or rolled down to sit under your belly, which you may adjust depending on your trimester. Plus, the drawstrings let you adjust the shorts as you grow.
Not into tankinis or one-pieces but also don’t want to go full bikini? Opt for a high-waisted option like Summer Mae high waisted bikini. Made of a soft, stretchy nylon and Spandex blend, this is a comfortable choice that you’ll be able to wear as you grow. It features a high waist with ruched sides and essentially provides full coverage with just a little bit of skin between the top and bottom. The more sporty style top has a U-neck with removable bra padding to help keep everything in place if you’re moving around a lot.
The unique ribbed knit fabric and buttons down the front adds some nice style to a fairly simple (cut super cute) suit. Those buttons are also functional, making this a convenient nursing-friendly swimsuit.
“I like them and bought 2 (of the same but different patterns). Can’t really beat the cost and decent quality. I am 5’6’’ and 175 lbs and got a large and it fits and the bottom. Is still very roomy at 28 weeks.”
Your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, which means a sunburn could be more likely (and more painful.) In addition to lathering on pregnancy-safe sunscreen, you can try to avoid the skin damage by wearing a long-sleeve swimsuit or rashguard. This Oceanlily Long Sleeve Maternity Swim Shirt is a highly rated option that is also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of bottoms, including ones you already own. It’s made with UPF 50 for added sun protection and has a lightweight feel that will help keep you cool despite the long sleeves. Side ruching and drawstrings mean it will grow with you without getting uncomfortably stretched out.
“girl I am a 46G prepregnancy! I ended up buying a tank-kini off Amazon. the shop is called Ocean Lily, I was able to get both pieces separately so that I could customize sizing. it was actually delivered today, I tried it on, and it fit so much better than any non maternity suit I've ever owned”
Best Maternity Swim Skirt
Oceanlily High Waist Over-the-Belly Maternity Swim Skirt
A swim skirt is another full coverage option that is both comfortable and functional. This Oceanlily maternity skirt has a high waist and fully lined shorts underneath, so you can swim or move around on land as much as you want. (There are also options without shorts, if you want a skirt to pull over bottoms you already own). Reviewers rave about how comfortable the soft, stretchy material is, especially against sensitive pregnancy skin. It’s also chlorine-resistant, so you can wear it in the pool without fear of colors fading. You can easily pair this with a tee or tank top and wear it outside of the beach as well for sweat-resistant fabric on a walk or hike.
“I have a two-piece one from oceanlily I bought on amazon, and it’s not so cute, but it’s actually very supportive, comfortable, and more modest (particularly up top)”
A halter is a cute way to add a little extra chest support, and this Seraphine Halter Neck Maternity Swimsuit is a favorite for that. It has an adjustable halter neckline and lightly padded cups for added support that won’t feel bulky. This suit is very stretchy and features side ruching to help it grow with you. The V-neck shows a little bit of skin, which is a good if you don’t want to feel completely covered up or want a nursing-friendly suit to wear postpartum. Moms also like that they can buy their pre-pregnancy size at Seraphine, as they typically run true-to-size.
“I ordered maternity specific suits from Seraphine and love them! Just order normal size in the maternity line. I went one piece because I hat high waisted things and my boobs outgrew my regular bikini. Lol.”
If you have a large bust, many What ot Expect moms recommend shopping at Torrid for a swimsuit top. This Torrid bikini top is completely wireless, yet offers plenty of support according to reviewers. You can get the best fit for your top thanks to the adjustable straps, plus the lightly lined top provides some shape without being restricting. Although this doesn’t include a bottom, you can match it with an existing one or shop around for a cheaper find somewhere else. Many What to Expect moms recommend going up one size because Torrid clothes aren’t designed specifically for maternity wear.
“Check out Torrid! I work there and we have really good swim and it’s all on sale right now. Bottoms you can probably get at Target. They have good maternity swim bottoms and I just got some in an XXL too. :)”
“I was coming to recommend torrid I have a two piece that I love that is very complimentary to my bump and just upsize my bottoms to accommodate bump… (actually have a couple tops hehe)”
“They're kinda pricey but Torrid carries up to size 30 in their stores and online. I think they just put up their collection for this year - I haven't seen it yet but I plan on getting another suit for this summer.”
Best Affordable Maternity Swimsuit
Motherhood Maternity Beach Bump Maternity One Piece Swimsuit
This cute, simple Motherhood Maternity one-piece is a great budget-friendly. The polka dot pattern is fun and attractive, while the nylon and Spandex blend fabric feels perfectly stretchy for your growing belly. And, unlike many maternity one-piece bathing suits, the sides of this suit are entirely adjustable thanks to the handy drawstrings. The straps are also adjustable for added versatility and support.
"I got a really comfortable one piece from Motherhood Maternity, it’s freaking adorable I wore it last summer when I was pregnant with my son and will wear it again this summer I love it."
“I ordered two from motherhood maternity that are comfy and flattering. Didn’t love the print options for the style, but they weren’t deal breakers either.”
This Pink Blush Waist Tie Maternity One-Piece can be worn during pregnancy and postpartum, making it a popular pick. It will easily stretch to accommodate your belly but won’t stretch out thanks to side ruching. Meanwhile, the crossover V-neckline makes it extra flatter and, for moms who hope to breastfeed, makes breastfeeding easier.
I wore this constantly throughout my summer pregnancy, due to the soft and stretchy fabric and comfortable fit. I also appreciate that the neckline added a little style; I’m always weary about a V-neck because they can be so revealing, but this one never felt that way. I continued to wear this postpartum because, aside from the ruching, I didn’t think it looked like a maternity suit.
Modest, feminine, and still cute, this Old Navy Maternity Halter Swim Dress is a great choice for moms-to-be who prioritize coverage. It has a flattering V-neck and ties at the back so you have total control over how tight or loose it is. The back comes up pretty high and stays there thanks to the elastic band. There are removable padded cups for extra support if needed and built-in UPF protection for your skin.
“Old Navy! They always have some sort of sale and the bathing suit is surprisingly good quality. At least the one I got.”
What to look for in a maternity swimsuit
According to my own experience testing and buying maternity swimsuits, plus the experience of numerous What to Expect moms, here are the most important factors to consider in a maternity swimsuit:
Comfort: Your maternity swimsuit should make you feel comfortable, especially as your body changes. Many one-piece maternity swimsuits feature ruched sides that offer more space as you grow, something I found helpful during my second pregnancy when my bump reached its max by the end of summer. You may also want to look for two-pieces with adjustable straps and bottoms, so you can change the fit as needed.
Support: Those same straps that can be adjusted for size can also be adjusted to provide extra support to your growing breasts. Additionally, you might want to look for bathing suit tops with underwire for extra support.
Functionality: Maternity swimsuits should be easy to wear and, ideally, make your life more convenient. If you’re giving birth during the summer, look for a maternity swimsuit that doubles as something you can wear while nursing to get the most out of your money.
Material: Most expecting moms do not want a bathing suit that is too tight or restrictive on their bump. Instead, look for options made with stretchy material like nylon, spandex or a mix of the two, providing just enough stretch to grow with you and your belly, but not too much that it’ll wear out. And because your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, you may want to look for swimsuits with a UPF 50 or more for extra protection.
FAQs
When should I start wearing maternity swimsuits?
You can start wearing maternity swimsuits whenever you feel you need them — even if your belly hasn’t really grown yet. Although maternity swimsuits are designed to stretch and offer some extra comfort while your belly grows, they can also be worn before you’re really showing, in case you need a little extra room from features like side ruching and adjustable tops and bottoms.
Can you wear normal swimsuits while pregnant?
Whether or not to wear your pre-pregnancy swimsuits depends on your comfort level and what you’re looking for out of a bathing suit. Some expectant moms are just fine with wearing their pre-pregnancy two-piece suit or even a one-piece that is extra stretchy. Maternity swimsuits are designed with bumps in mind, however, so they’ll have specific features to support your body, such as side ruching, adjustable drawstrings, built-in shelf bras and more. You may also choose to wear your pre-pregnancy suit if you’ll only be in your first trimester while wearing it, but may want to opt for a maternity-specific one if in your late second or third trimester.
How do I size maternity swimsuits?
Just like maternity clothes, maternity swimsuits should generally match your pre-pregnancy size. However, be sure to check the size chart and do some measuring if needed. Also, consider where you are in your pregnancy and how much room you think you need. You may feel more comfortable going a size up.