The Best Maternity Swimwear to Wear During Pregnancy (and Beyond!)

Two-piece maternity swimsuits fall into two main categories when it comes to the bikini bottoms—above the bump and under the bump. Depending on how much of your belly you want to show, you can choose one that hangs below your bump but covers the essentials or you can go for a high-waisted option that pulls up over your belly, sitting under your bustline. As far as sizing goes, many brands offer two pieces separately so you can find the right size for your bottom and top. Otherwise, you can use your pre-pregnancy size as a guide.

And if you find a suit that you absolutely love but it’s not maternity, you can go up a size (so the sides aren’t digging into your skin and the bra band is comfortable). Just keep in mind that the bottoms will likely hang below the bump. Here are some that we love:

You truly can’t go wrong with a stylish one-piece swimsuit. They offer comfortable compression, look great on everyone and many can be worn during the fourth trimester too. Here are a few of our favorites:

We’re seeing more size inclusivity in maternity clothes lately, which we love, and swimsuits are no exception. Stylish and functional, plus-size maternity swimwear is available in a variety of cuts and designs, making it easier to find one that you’ll want to wear. Here are a few of the ones we really like:

If the thought of a swimsuit clinging to your bump sends chills down your spine, a tankini might be the solution for you. The tank top style suit still offers bust support without the compression-like tightness of a suit. It’s almost like wearing a comfy maternity tank to the beach. Plus, if you’ll be pregnant for the majority of the summer, a tankini top will have room for your bump to grow into. Here are some of our favorites:

Heading to the beach or hanging by the pool during the fourth trimester with your breastfed newborn? A nursing-friendly swimsuit that is comfortable to wear during those initial postpartum months will make feeding your baby easier. Here are some stylish options that we like:

Truth be told, you don’t have to wear a traditional swimsuit at all if you don’t want to. Instead, you can go for a pair of water-friendly swim shorts, a swim skirt (that would put your lower half in a vice grip) or a swim dress (that’ll encourage a cool breeze to swing through every once in a while). The best part is you can mix and match these pieces to craft a pool day outfit you feel good in. Here are some that we like:

When you think of a rash guard, tiny baby swimsuits may come to mind but they are useful for everyone. Rash guards are extra layers of protection against the sun, which is important since pregnancy skin can be so sensitive. Here are some we love

Whether you’re heading to the pool (kiddie pools count) in the first month of your pregnancy, your final days before labor, or your first few weeks into postpartum—a swimsuit cover-up is a must-have. Not only do they add a cute flair to your swimwear, but they also offer some coverage. The best part is you don’t have to stick with maternity-only styles, as they’re made to have a flowy fit already, so sizing up one (or sticking with your pre-pregnancy size) will do the trick. Here are a few we’d pack for ourselves: