The ultimate maternity swimsuit buying guide

As the weather warms up and you head to the pool for the first time, pregnant parents everywhere might quickly realize their pre-pregnancy bikini isn’t cutting it with their growing body.

For some, it might be time to invest in a maternity swimsuit, specifically built for a baby bump. These suits tend to feature stretchy and forgiving fabric, extra length to accommodate the belly (unless it’s a bikini), and some even have nursing features for continued use if you are breastfeeding postpartum.

5 popular maternity swimsuits

1. Amelia Pumping & Nursing Swim Cami

Don’t let the name fool you; this cami from Davin and Adley isn’t just for postpartum, and not just for nursing mothers. Instead, it’s meant to take you from your first trimester through your fourth.

This is the best of both worlds when it comes to wanting a two piece but potentially needing a bit more coverage and support—achy breasts, anyone?

If you do end up nursing, it features a pull down neckline—not clips like other products—adjustable straps, and an inner layer with flange slits, so you can even pump pool side. Finally, the cups are lightly padded and wire-free, and some even use this to double as a fitness or lounge top, too.

It’s available in five colors and prints, in sizes small to 2X.

$54 at Davin and Adley

2. Latched Mama Sporty Swim Skirt and Ruffle Crop Top

Finally, a brand that allows us to purchase maternity swimwear tops and bottoms separately, because who says you have to be the same size on top and bottom?

This combo of a sporty swim skirt and a ruffle nursing swim crop top give a bit more coverage without sacrificing style.

Again, don’t let the name fool you—this brand is maternity friendly in addition to accommodating nursing parents.

Latched Mama also recently released multiple other styles of maternity suits, from a peplum tankini to a swim tank that can be mixed and matched.

$39 at Latched Mama

$49 at Latched Mama

3. Summer Mae Maternity High Waist Bikini Swimsuit

If you aren’t going to be spending most of your nine months in a swimsuit, and instead just heading to an occasional water park with your other kids or a poolside hangout with your bestie, you might not want to spend much money.

This two-piece high-rise ruffly suit feels both feminine and supportive in all the right places. And, it’s only $39.

Available in 17 color options, you can keep your bump sun protected and supported, while still rocking a two piece. There’s also no reason not to bust out that ruffly bandeau top again next season, pregnant or not.

$39 at Amazon

4. Motherhood Maternity’s Beach Bump Smocked Waist Maternity One Piece

While some mamas aren’t a fan of it others prefer some serious ruching on the sizes of their bump to accommodate their changing belly throughout pregnancy. This halter one-piece offers full ruching, from the chest to hip line, and enough stretch to go the distance.

Motherhood Maternity in general has extensive options on maternity swimwear. Whether you are looking for a clean and classic one piece, a frilly tankini, a skirt, or a long sleeve SPF 50+ top, you're sure to find a suit you love.

$55 at Motherhood

5. Maternity Textured Rollover-Waist Bikini Swim Bottoms

Sometimes you want to tan the bump, sometimes you want it fully covered and sun protected. Both are possible with this rollover option that you can pull up or roll down and that’s available in multiple colors. We are super into the textured look, which gives you a break from the typical swim suit material feel, and adds some dimension to this suit.

Pair with your own top from pre-pregnancy days, or with another option from Old Navy or Gap’s line up.

$30 at Old Navy

Do you need a maternity swimsuit?

Not all mamas will need a maternity suit, especially ones who find out they are pregnant at the end of summer, and deliver around the time the next summer starts. In addition, some moms prefer their old swimsuits, especially two-piece suits that don’t impact or restrict their bellies, so if your old bikini still fits, rock it.

For others, choosing a suit that covers their stomach—if they don’t want sun exposure on their stretching skin—or is more forgiving, might be more comfortable.

What size maternity swimsuit should you buy?

Maternity wear is typically sized to fit your pre-pregnancy size, but pay attention to both size guides and charts, and also reviews from other pregnant people online. Some brands run larger or smaller.

You can also opt for brands that sell separates, so for example you could still use a pre-pregnancy top you own, but could buy maternity swim bottoms alone.

You might want to size up one size if you are anticipating wearing it frequently toward your third trimester, or if you are between sizes.

How should a maternity swimsuit fit?

A maternity swimsuit should, first and foremost, be comfortable. This means it shouldn’t constrict your belly, waistline, under your chest, or behind your neck or shoulders. Pregnancy can already be uncomfortable enough without your poolside day being interrupted by an uncomfortable suit.

One piece maternity suits or dresses should be long enough so they aren’t pulling up on the crotch or down at the chest, with enough fabric to accommodate your bump.

Where to buy a maternity swimsuit

There are maternity suits available online for a variety of budgets. You might also score one that isn’t labeled maternity, but is low enough to fit under the belly, or flowy enough at the stomach for your bump, at your typical large stores such as Target, Walmart, and some department stores.

You can also look to Amazon for quick delivery options when you realize your suit doesn’t work anymore just a few days before a big trip.