The best maternity bathing suits provide support, utility and are specifically designed for shifting shapes and changing needs. But perhaps just as importantly, they should be chic and help you look your best, too. Thankfully, maternity fashion is—dare we say—the most stylish it’s ever been. Whether you’re looking for something to accommodate your changing body or on the hunt for a nursing-friendly suit, the options are suddenly many in the maternity bathing suit category.
The best maternity swimsuits are flattering and still supportive.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Many swimsuits even work postpartum as nursing-friendly options (look for snaps, zippers or a soft top that pulls down or to the side easily). Whether you’re a two-piece kind of a person or a fan of statement-making one-pieces, we’ve gathered a selection of the best options that can keep you comfortable this summer and for years to come. So read on and grab one of these pregnancy swimsuits while they’re still in stock.
When it comes to bathing suits, Summersalt is an all-around favorite—including of moms-to-be (it also takes the top spot on our list of the best swimsuit brands). It isn’t just because Summersalt makes maternity swimsuits that are just as cute as standard ones, but it’s also the quality and comfort.
The Summersalt Maternity Cinched Current one-piece offers light compression to help your bump and your chest feel supported but not suffocated. It’s incredibly durable and features extra stretchy, buttery-soft ribbed fabric, as well as cinched ties at the legs and bust to tailor the fit specifically to your body. Moms also love that the square neckline and empire waist are flattering and that its adaptable fit makes it suitable for postpartum wear, too.
Best Maternity One-Piece Swimsuit
A Classic Suit In Solid Colors
Target
Cupshe Maternity Ruched One-Piece
At a cost far more palatable than most maternity swimsuits (ahem, $35), this one-piece has a classic silhouette and a flattering deep v-neck. The spaghetti straps offer support, and a ruched belly means your baby bump can comfortably grow in this suit. It’s available in five solid colors and two different floral prints. Reviewers note that there are removable cups–if you’ve got a larger bust, this suit does provide some support, but the V-cut may be more revealing than some prefer.
Whether you’re on a budget or not, this classic but textured black one-piece from H&M is great value at just $25. Available in S-XL, this consciously-made maternity bathing suit is fully lined and is outfitted with removable cup inserts for support and shaping. It ruches at the side, so it highlights bumps small and large. The bottom’s medium coverage lets new moms stay covered while moving around the pool with ease, whether it’s their first child or fifth. The crinkle fabric and thin straps make it an affordable alternative to more pricey on-trend swim brands. We also love that it’s made with recycled fabrics—especially since you might not be wearing it for an extended period of time.
Best Bathing Suit For Early Pregnancy
A Ruffled Suit That Takes The Attention Off Your New Bump
Tanya Taylor
Tanya Taylor Sarita One-Piece
Often the early stages of pregnancy are an opportunity for moms and dads to enjoy their exciting news in private. So, when looking for a maternity bathing suit to camouflage your bump, an interesting ruffle accent is always helpful. This gorgeous Tanya Taylor swimsuit isn’t specifically maternity, but it can easily be sized up for the first trimester and on. The straps are removable, making it a nursing-friendly option once baby has arrived. The cutout in the back is another swoon-worthy detail. Plus, it’smade with recycled materials.
Best Maternity Swimsuit For Large Busts
A Wrap Top That’s Both Flattering And Practical
Kindred Bravely
Kindred Bravely Nursing & Maternity Swimsuit
This Kindred Bravely option is a true standout when it comes to maternity sizing. It offers extended sizing, standard and “busty,” options, from XL to busty—and we all know how important flexibility in the bust is during pregnancy and the nursing months. The nursing-friendly, crossover-wrap top not only flatters the bust, but also ties at the side for additional support. You can also undo the tie to allow for nursing. If you opt for a busty size, the straps are wider to offer even more support. This one-piece includes a full shelf bra for support, ruching to highlight your bump and UPF 50 protection.
Best Two-Piece Maternity Swimsuit
An Affordable Tankini
Amazon
Motherhood Maternity 2-Piece
Swim in style with this affordable two-piece. The flattering tankini is made from fabric with UPF 50 sun protection. The adjustable straps are removable if you prefer a strapless look. Sewn-in cups provide plenty of support, and the back has a keyhole back, thanks to a strap that helps keep the girls supported. Front seam ruching is stylish and helps make room for a growing baby bump.
Best Maternity Rash Guard
Smart Sun Protection
Amazon
Maacie Maternity Suit
Sun protection is a must. This rash guard provides beneficial sun protection for your sensitive skin. We love that, unlike other rashguard tops, this one has built-in cups, so you don’t necessarily need to wear another suit under this one. While this provides good coverage, a front zipper goes halfway down your chest to give fresh air and a little more breathing room. The side ruching is stylish and provides plenty of room for your belly bump. We love a two-piece in the summer, especially since you can count on extra bathroom breaks, which are a pain in a wet one-piece suit.
Best Maternity Swimsuit For Nursing
An Award-Winning Option
Davin & Adley
Davin & Adley 3-In-1 Printed Cami
An award-winning option, this versatile printed cami can be worn for both nursing and or pumping. The top layer lifts to reveal a built-in liner that either provides a modest cover for nursing or a pump liner that supports the flanges if you pump. The printed fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so you can wear it around the house or to swim. Wire-free, with no padding, we love that this top provides easy access without pesky clips.
However, one downside is that Davin & Adley doesn’t sell a matching swim bottom, so you need to pair this top with something or your own or find a compatible match from another brand.
Best Post-Pregnancy Bathing Suit
A Simple Suit
Seraphine
Seraphine Post Maternity Shaping Swimsuit
Post-pregnancy may not be a time in your life when you’re jumping at the chance to get back in a bathing suit, but we’ve got you covered. Thankfully, this suit is made to be smooth and supportive. The fabric is crafted from recycled fibers, and there’s power mesh and shaping seams, so the suit works from the inside out to provide targeted tummy control and the ruched look is flattering. The triangle top has removable pads and can easily be pulled aside for nursing. The straps are adjustable, and a tie in the back provides a customizable fit and a stylish detail. Available in six sizes, this suit only comes in black.
To select the best maternity swimsuits for this list, we considered bathing suits that were highly rated, readily available, relatively affordable and come in inclusive sizing. We also looked to expert advice and firsthand experience in what maternity swimsuits were great (and which were not).
Bestseller research: We choose maternity bathing suits from reputable brands that were highly rated and reviewed.
Expert insights: We incorporated stylist and mom Liz Teich's firsthand recommendations for shopping insights into our selections.
Specs and features: We extensively evaluated maternity swimsuits, assessing them for value, size ranges, color options and fit.
Online reviews: We read customer reviews and looked for highly rated and well-reviewed products.
What To Consider When Buying A Maternity Swimsuit
As you determine what sort of maternity swimsuit best suits your needs, consider a couple pieces of advice from Liz Teich, a New York-based stylist and mom who’s been there personally and professionally speaking. It’s important to note that in most cases a maternity swimsuit is not one-size-fits-all.
“When shopping for maternity and postpartum friendly swimwear, it’s important to remember that your body will continue to change,” says Teich. While it may often seem like it’s physically impossible for your bump or breasts to get any larger, things get really wild toward the 40-week mark. Teich suggests that you make sure whatever maternity bathing suit you select “will continue to work with your growing bump and that it’s compatible with nursing if you choose to do so.”
She adds, “Luckily there are so many great maternity swimwear options now so that they don’t have to just be for this part of your life.”
How To Pick The Best Fit And Style
When it comes to investing in maternity bathing suits, it’s important to think a bit more long-term. “I wish someone had told me the first time around that something I purchased in the first trimester may not necessarily work by the third,” Teich noted. Not only that, but consider whether you’re comfortable with your maternity swimsuit looking very much like a maternity option or if you’d like something that you’ll be able to use for a longer period of time.
“If it looked too ‘maternity,’ I couldn't even look at it postpartum—most women just want to get back into regular clothes again,” Teich explains. “Some of my favorite swimwear wasn’t actually intended for these purposes, but details like ruching at the midsection and lower necklines make it work.” As noted with a few options above, if “maternity” isn’t your bag, you can purchase a standard women’s bathing suit and size up. While this may not work with every form of swimsuit, it is an option in some cases.
UPF Protection
Sun protection is always important but especially so during pregnancy. Pregnant women’s skin is often more sensitive in general, as well as to light. It can be prone to hyper-pigmentation and the formation of new stretch marks. Luckily, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is now integrated into many swimwear options.
“UPF is important to consider in swimwear because there have been studies that pregnancy hormones may fuel the most deadly type of skin cancer,” Teich says. However, if you find an option that doesn’t include UPF protection but is a must-have, you’ll just need to be diligent about applying sunscreen and potentially accessorize with an oversized beach hat. Of course, hats can even offer “great for coverage for the baby when nursing,” according to Teich.
Longevity
In many cases, maternity clothes and swimwear are only utilized for a short stretch of time. So being thoughtful about your purchases as you build your maternity wardrobe will pay in dividends. Will it work for nursing? Is it something you could alter or simply wear again postpartum? Does it suit your evolving style? Will it last through another pregnancy? Does it need to?
Teich recommends opting for maternity bathing suits “that you can continue to wear for years to come rather than buying a bunch that only serve a purpose during pregnancy.”
