Maternity Swimwear: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One for the Beach and Pool
Summer during pregnancy can be beautiful, and there is no reason to give up the beach or the pool.
In fact, water is particularly good for you during pregnancy: it relieves the feeling of heavy legs, reduces the heat, and gives a feeling of lightness that is worth its weight in gold in the final weeks.
The only thing you need is the right maternity swimsuit: one that fits your growing bump, doesn't constrict anywhere, and makes you feel comfortable.
This guide helps you understand what styles are available, how to choose the one that is right for you, and what to look for before buying.
Why a regular swimsuit isn't enough
In the very early months, if summer coincides with the first trimester, regular swimsuits may still work. But as your bump grows, the situation changes: the fabric stretches across the front, the swimsuit slips out of place, and the ties that used to hold up no longer support your enlarged bust.
It's not a matter of size: standard swimsuits simply aren't designed for a growing belly.
Maternity swimsuits solve these problems with more stretchy fabrics, cuts designed for the bump, front bands or draping that leave room without creating pressure, and adjustable straps or underwires to adapt to your changing bust.
Maternity swimsuit styles: which one is right for you
Maternity one-piece swimsuit
It's the most classic and popular style during pregnancy. The one-piece swimsuit covers the bump evenly, doesn't create pressure in the abdominal area, and offers good bust support.
The front is often made with extra fabric or draping that adapts to the belly without pulling. It's the most practical choice for going to the pool, doing aquagym, or simply wanting to be in the water without worries. It works well in all three trimesters, including the last.
On the style front, today's maternity one-piece swimsuits are very different from the plain versions of a few years ago: there are styles with deep necklines, crisscross details on the back, modern patterns, or simple lines that make them easy to wear and perfect to pair with a pareo or light shirts for an understated, polished look.
Maternity bikinis
Yes, wearing a bikini during pregnancy is absolutely possible.
The difference compared to a regular bikini is mainly in the bottom: maternity styles have high-waisted bottoms that wrap around the lower part of the bump without compressing it, or soft elastic bottoms that sit under the belly.
The top, on the other hand, is similar to that of a standard bikini, but with adjustable ties to adapt to your increased bust. It's the ideal choice for those who love to tan and be in the sun, and less practical for those who swim a lot or do aquagym.
Maternity tankinis
A tankini is a hybrid between a one-piece and a two-piece: the top covers the bump, and the bottom is a bikini bottom.
It's highly appreciated during pregnancy because it offers the practicality of a two-piece—for example, it's much more convenient to take off in the bathroom—with the coverage of a one-piece. The top is usually long enough to cover the bump even when you move, and it's made of stretchy fabric that adapts to your growth. It's a good choice for both the beach and the pool.
Two-piece swimsuit with high-waisted bottoms
An increasingly popular bikini variation during pregnancy is the two-piece with high-waisted bottoms: the bottoms cover the lower part of the bump, similar to high-waisted briefs, while the top is a regular bikini top.
It's comfortable, modern, and leaves the upper part of the bump visible. The high-waisted band gently supports the bump without compressing it and is a very practical solution for those who want something more covering than a classic bikini but cooler than a one-piece.
How to choose the right maternity swimsuit
Maternity swimsuit fabric
The first selection criterion for a maternity swimsuit is the fabric. It must be stretchy enough to adapt to the belly without pulling, but durable enough not to give out after a few uses. The best fabrics for maternity swimsuits are:
- Nylon and spandex blend: lightweight, resistant to water and chlorine, highly stretchy, and retains its shape over time. It's the most common combination in technical swimsuits.
- Lycra: synonymous with stretch and adaptability, it holds up well against salt water and chlorine.
- Fabrics with UV protection: particularly useful during pregnancy, when the skin is more sensitive to the sun and skin blemishes are more common.
Avoid swimsuits made of fabric that is too thin and becomes transparent in water, and those with rigid elements like non-adjustable underwires or tight elastic bands around the abdominal area.
Bust support
During pregnancy, your bust increases in volume as early as the first few weeks and becomes more sensitive. A swimsuit that doesn't offer enough support will be uncomfortable from day one, especially if you swim or do aquagym.
Look for styles with comfortable straps, soft built-in cups, or flexible underwires. If you have a larger bust, styles with crossed straps on the back or flexible underwires generally offer more support.
Fit around the bump
Every bump is different: some women carry theirs low, others high; some have a very round bump, others a smaller one. For this reason, there is no universal style.
The practical rule is simple: the swimsuit must not pull across the front when you are standing, it must not slip when you move, and it must not leave red marks on your skin after wearing it. If all three conditions are met, it's the right style.
Size
As with all maternity clothing, the starting point is your pre-pregnancy size. Maternity swimsuits are designed to adapt to your body's growth, so there's no need to size up.
If you want to know how to measure yourself correctly, consult the maternity size guide.
Which swimsuit to choose based on where you're going
Best maternity swimsuit for the pool
For the pool, especially if you swim regularly or do aquagym, a one-piece swimsuit is the most practical choice.
It stays in place during movement, requires no adjustments, and the fabric holds up better against chlorine over time.
Avoid bikinis with complicated ties: they shift easily in the water, and adjusting them with a large bump can be frustrating.
Best maternity swimsuit for the beach
At the beach, you have much more freedom of choice.
If you're mainly sunbathing and only getting in the water occasionally, a high-waisted bikini or a two-piece with a band is a comfortable and cool solution. If you swim a lot, however, a one-piece swimsuit or tankini will give you more stability and coverage.
At the beach, it's also worth considering sun protection: there are swimsuits with built-in UV filters, as skin can be more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy.
Best maternity swimsuit for aquagym and water activities
For aquagym, a one-piece swimsuit is almost always the best choice: it moves with you, doesn't slip during exercises, and offers even coverage in all positions.
Choose a style with straps that offer good bust support, as your bust needs more support during movement.
How many maternity swimsuits do you need?
In general, two are enough. One one-piece, understated and versatile, suitable for the pool, aquagym, and days when you simply want to be comfortable without thinking about it. And one more summery style, such as a high-waisted bikini or two-piece, for sunny days at the beach when you want to tan and show off your bump.
With these two pieces, you'll cover all occasions without needing anything else.
Frequently asked questions about maternity swimsuits
What swimsuits should I wear during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the best swimsuits are maternity styles, designed with stretchy fabrics and cuts made for a growing bump. There are mainly four styles available: one-piece swimsuits, high-waisted bikinis, tankinis, and high-waisted two-piece swimsuits.
The one-piece swimsuit is the most practical because it stays in place during movement and can be worn on various occasions, from the beach to the pool. The bikini and two-piece are ideal for those who want to be in the sun and show off their bump.
The tankini is an excellent middle ground: it covers the bump like a one-piece but is easier to put on and take off. The choice depends on personal taste, the stage of pregnancy, and the type of activity.
What swimsuit should I wear at the pool during pregnancy?
For the pool, a maternity one-piece swimsuit is the most practical choice. It stays in place while swimming and doing aquagym, requires no constant adjustments, and offers good coverage. The fabric must be resistant to chlorine, which degrades less technical fabrics over time.
Avoid bikinis with complicated ties or styles with many elements that could shift during movement in the water.
Can pregnant women go to the pool?
Yes, generally swimming and doing aquagym during pregnancy is safe and recommended in uncomplicated pregnancies. Water relieves pressure on the joints, improves circulation, and gives a feeling of lightness that is particularly beneficial in the final months.
As with any physical activity during pregnancy, it's always best to consult your doctor or midwife, especially if you have any particular conditions.
Pay attention to pool hygiene as well: choosing facilities with well-maintained water is important during pregnancy.
Take a look at our article on leg pain during pregnancy to understand the causes and remedies.
What is the best material for maternity swimsuits?
The best material for maternity swimsuits is a nylon and spandex blend or Lycra: stretchy, resistant to water and chlorine, lightweight, and retains its shape over time.
These fabrics adapt to the growing bump without giving out and are comfortable for extended use both in and out of the water. Swimsuits with built-in UV protection are particularly suitable during pregnancy, when the skin is more sensitive to the sun. Avoid fabrics that are too thin and become transparent in water, and those without sufficient stretch.
How to avoid showing your belly in a swimsuit?
If you prefer to cover your bump, a one-piece swimsuit is the best choice: it covers the entire belly evenly and, with dark-colored or strategically draped styles, can reduce the visibility of the bump. A tankini is another valid option: the long top covers the bump, leaving only the lower part exposed. That said, showing your bump during pregnancy is completely normal and increasingly common: many women choose a bikini specifically to show it off. There is no right or wrong choice, only the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
Can you go to the pool when you're pregnant?
Yes, going to the pool during pregnancy is safe and often recommended in uncomplicated pregnancies.
Swimming and doing aquagym are among the most recommended physical activities during pregnancy because water reduces pressure on the joints, relieves the feeling of heavy legs, and gives a feeling of lightness that is worth its weight in gold in the final months.
There are no contraindications related to the trimester: you can go to the pool from the beginning to the end of pregnancy, adapting the intensity of the activity to your energy levels.
The only precaution is to choose pools with well-maintained water and proper hygiene. As always, it's best to consult your doctor or midwife, especially if you have any particular conditions.
If you exercise often, you might also find our guide to sportswear during pregnancy useful, where you'll find all the advice on what to wear for every type of activity.