The best maternity swimwear for every shape

A pregnant woman holding her bump while wearing maternity swimwear

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop feeling stylish, even when you're ready for a dip in the pool, and luckily for mammas-to-be, just like there are lots of fab maternity clothes options, there are many maternity swimwear options available. Whether you’re shopping for a babymoon or just looking for a tankini or swimsuit that will flatter your growing bump when you go swimming, we are here to help you find maternity swimwear.

Designed to last through the nine months of pregnancy (and beyond!), there are a bunch of beautiful designs when it comes to maternity swimwear, which means you can feel stylish and summery in the pool and at the beach. With each swimming cossie made to feel comfortable and supportive for you and your bump.

It's understandable that you may feel a little self-conscious wearing swimwear while pregnant, and you may want to just stick to your favourite maternity summer dress, but you deserve to feel your best, no matter what you're up to. As long as you find a style and fit that works for you and your body, your choice of maternity swimwear should make you feel fabulous.

Editor's Choice

Best overall maternity swimwear: Striped Super-Stretch Maternity Swimsuit
Best maternity swimwear for adjustability: Navy and White Stripe Tankini
Best maternity swimwear for swimming: SpeedoWomen's Maternity Swimsuit Black

Here are our top maternity swimwear picks that will ensure you feel fabulous this summer. Just add flip-flops, some sunnies, and your favourite SPF! We've taken price, design, and comfort into consideration with every one of our picks, so you can make the best decision for you.

Best maternity swimwear 2024

Best overall maternity swimwear

Description

The stylish swimsuit from Seraphine is designed to flatter your shape throughout the nine months thanks to the impressive stretch. The under-band elasticated seam has hidden support and fixed light foam cups to support your growing breasts.

Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert said: "I was in need of a swimsuit before starting aqua-natal yoga classes and an upcoming babymoon trip and instantly fell in love with this swimsuit from Seraphine. It's so stylish and flattering and unlike a lot of maternity clothes, makes me feel really good about myself. You can really feel the support and I'll definitely be wearing it beyond pregnancy."

Pros

  • Scoop neck
  • Stretchy fabric to grow with you
  • Supportive design

Cons

  • Not tumble drier friendly

Best tankini style maternity swimwear

Palm Print Maternity Swimwear Tankini
Price: £29 (Was £35)

www.seraphine.com

Description

Bring tropical vibes to the beach with this summery two-piece that will look great with sunkissed skin. Designed to fit and flatter your figure, this tankini is stylishly ruched in at the sides with a supportive band under the bust. We love that the padded cups are removable, plus the fact it's made with recycled fibres. Sounds like a winning choice to us.

You can get the matching bottoms here.

Pros

  • Removable padded cups
  • Adjustable cross over straps

Cons

  • No reviews yet

Best maternity swimwear for style

MAMA Flounce-trimmed swimsuit
Price: £24.99

www2.hm.com

Description

We love the flounce-trimmed V-neck front and back of this fully lined swimsuit. The cups have removable inserts that can easily shape your bust and provide good support where you need it. It stylishly gathers in at the sides to ensure the best fit over your bump, plus the colour looks good on anyone.

One reviewer said: "Lovely swimsuit, with a good length to the body (I usually find swimsuits too short) The colour and pattern is really nice and the flounce on the shoulders is a lovely touch. This swimsuit has a very deep V so shows a lot of cleavage, particularly for those with a larger bust. I popped a safety pin in to hold it together as it was a little too much for me as someone busty. It is also not supportive for a larger bust but this was expected. My only problem was the coverage on the bum wasn’t very good, this swimsuit isn’t cut high in the leg but I found the fabric loose and gaping a little on the bum and I spent a lot of time tugging at it to keep covered!"

Pros

  • Removable inserts
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

  • The V-neck was a little low-cut for some reviewers

Best maternity swimwear with a print

Description

A must-have for the pool and for wearing on sunny holidays and weekend getaways, this stylish tankini gives you the freedom of a two-piece but with all the coverage and support of a one-piece. It's also designed with wide waistband to give your bump lots of support. We love the spring-inspired daisy print, and even better, you can coordinate with your little ones!

If your bump has an older sibling, they can wear a matching swimsuit and hat.

Pros

  • Removable padded cups
  • Full inner shelf bra support

Cons

  • Don't iron

Best maternity swimwear for swimming

Description

If you're a keen swimmer, you can enjoy the sport you love in this comfortable swimsuit from Speedo designed for your changing shape. It's super soft, stretchy, features flattering side-ruched detailing and the Speedo Endurance10 fabric contains Creora HighClo, ensuring your suit will fit like new for longer.

One reviewer said: "I’m 14 weeks pregnant with my second so already packing on the pounds. This swimsuit is great and should last my whole pregnancy. Has good bust and belly support. I’m usually a size 12 when I’m not pregnant and they only had an xl in stock. It fits fine as it’s stretchy - it’s not too big. Could have gotten away with the L as well I reckon."

Pros

  • Great size range
  • Super stretchy

Cons

  • Only one colour available

Best bikini style maternity swimwear

Description

Looking for a maternity bikini to wear during your pregnancy and postpartum? This gorgeous Juice Maternity Bikini from Rosewater is bold, bright, and super comfy with supportive triangle cups, cup ruching, and halter neck design to accommodate breast fluctuations. We love that this is such a fun and flirty number.

Pros

  • High-retention stretchy fabric
  • Offer UPF and UV protection

Cons

  • Size selection could wider

Best eco-friendly maternity swimwear

Description

With a deep V neckline for a flattering fit and frill detail for a touch of fun, this fun animal-inspired spot print swimsuit in a stylish khaki tone is perfect for your next beach holiday. It has removable padded cups, adjustable straps, and gathered detail at the bust and sides for a flattering fit. We love that this is made with recycled plastics.

Pros

  • Removable padded cups
  • Adjustable straps

Cons

  • Can't tumble dry or iron

Best maternity swimwear for colour

Bloom Maternity Tankini
Price: £42.75 (was £57)

www.laredoute.co.uk

Description

Available in black, burgundy, and copper, we love the way the fabric of this tankini flows over the bump. It's non-padded, non-underwired, and comes with detachable straps, an open back, and Broderie Anglaise detailing along the bust frill and hem. Basically, this is designed to be as comfortable as possible, throughout your pregnancy.

One reviewer said: "Very practical and adaptable to the body - I am very satisfied, the back is open and allows for the evolution and growth of my belly."

Pros

  • Detachable straps
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Non-padded

Best maternity swimwear for support

Description

Designed to fit through pregnancy, this cute tankini has a vibrant red and white spot fabric and is a chic way to wear prints, ensuring you look and feel your best while pregnant. It has removable padded cups, gathering details, and a wide waistband to wear under or over the bump, giving you extra support.

Pros

  • Wide waistband 
  • Designed to fit throughout pregnancy

Cons

  • Be gentle when washing

Best two-piece maternity swimwear

Description

Available in floral or navy, this two-piece bikini set can be worn as a high-waisted design to sit over the bump, or the contrast stripe band can be folded down for a lower cut. Adjustable to fit every week of pregnancy and beyond, the top has been shaped like a bra for extra support.

You can get the matching bottoms here.

Pros

  • Supportive triangle shape
  • Made with recycled fibres

Cons

  • Not sold as a set

Best modern maternity swimwear

Description

This Konges Sløjd Fresia Pregnancy swimsuit allows room for your growing baby bump and easy breastfeeding access too. Designed with removable bust pads and a soft seersucker effect, it features a front, back, and back neckline tie fastening that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. We love how flattering this is.

Pros

  • Soft seersucker effect
  • Easy to adjust

Cons

  • Limited size range

What should you consider when choosing maternity swimwear?

The Style - Of course, make sure that the swimwear you pick is in a colour/print and design that you love. You'll want to feel your best and maternity doesn't necessarily have to mean that you lose your personal sense of style

The Material - You'll want soft and stretchy material, that feels right when you put it on. If you're wearing it in a hotter temperature, then you'll also want something a bit more breathable.

The Size - A good piece of maternity swimwear will fit you well in your regular dress size. Obviously, every brand is different, so stay open minded when selecting the right size for you.

The Price - You don't have to break the bank to find a beautiful maternity swimwear piece, so set yourself a reasonable budget and stick to it the best you can.

The Support - Your bust and bump will both need some support while you're out and about, so bear that in mind when picking out maternity swimwear for yourself.

Can you wear a regular swimsuit while pregnant?

In your first trimester, it's unlikely that you'll need maternity swimwear just yet, so you'll be able to stick to your regular cossie or bikini. As your pregnancy progresses, the support and stretch that maternity swimwear offers will make you more comfortable but, of course, everyone is different. Do what's best for you and your body.

At what point in pregnancy should you stop swimming?

Good news! Unless you're unwell or have any complications, you can keep swimming throughout your pregnancy, for the whole 9 months. Swimming is a fabulous low-impact exercise option for pregnancy, and can keep you feeling at your best too.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor and has been a writer for titles such as Mother&Baby and Yours. In her role, she has researched and recommended the best products for parents, from breast pumps to toys, nursery décor to car seats. She's also kept a keen eye on celeb mums and influencers to share what they've been using to help make parenting that little bit easier.

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