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Considering that pregnancy lasts for 9 months, depending on when you conceived, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be pregnant during the summer months. Or, you might decide to take a babymoon to a warm spot before your bundle of joy arrives.

Whichever scenario applies, if you’re pregnant and planning on hitting the beach or pool, you’re probably wondering whether you should just size up in a standard-sized swimsuit or if you should opt for a specially designed maternity swimsuit.

We’ve got the lowdown on whether you need a maternity suit and some cute picks if you decide to snag one!

The tl;dr (too long; didn’t read) answer is, it depends on the style you pick and where you are in your pregnancy.

With a traditional bikini that features a bra top and a simple underwear bottom, regardless of what pregnancy stage you’re in, you can probably make do by simply going up a size to accommodate your growing bust.

And if you’re in the camp that isn’t a fan of investing in a large maternity wardrobe, this might be the way to go as you can still wear that bikini even after you have your baby.

The same can’t be said for other types of swimsuits, especially once you enter your third trimester. Specifically, any one-piece or bikini style with a longer top — such as a tankini — isn’t going to be an option that you can pull from standard sizes as the fit isn’t meant to accommodate an expanding belly.

So, if one-pieces, tankinis, or swim dresses, are your style, you’re going to want to look for a maternity swimsuit.

Using the same criteria we recommended above, we came up with a few selections that we think are going to be a great fit for your next beach vacation or day at the pool. We also made sure to poll our Healthcare Website family for top recommendations.

Price guide

  • $ = under $40
  • $$ = $40–$70
  • $$$ = $70–$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best maternity one piece

Seraphine Front Twist Black Maternity Swimsuit

Price: $$

Like we mentioned earlier, one-piece maternity swimsuits can be tricky because the fit through the torso varies between moms-to-be. But this pick from the very-trendy Seraphine offers ample room in the belly (thanks to the ruched sides) without compromising on style.

You’ll appreciate the front twist in the bodice along with the metal ring accents at the straps, and the cross back for a fun and sporty look. Plus, as is common with maternity swimwear, the bottom offers modest coverage.

Buy the Seraphine Front Twist Black Maternity Swimsuit online.

Best maternity two-piece

The Maternity Ribbed Voyager Top and Classic High-Rise Bottom from Summersalt

Price: $$$

This Summersalt cross back halter bikini top still gives you plenty of coverage, while the adjustable straps mean that you can use this top for every stage of your pregnancy. You’ll also appreciate the built-in cups to give your girls added support — which will come in handy — along with the microribbed fabric for added gentle compression.

The Classic High Rise bottoms are exactly what they sound like — the same ribbed material in a high-rise cut that shows just a peek of bum. Fans of this suit say they love that the elastic doesn’t cut into their bump and that the suit is true to their pre-pregnancy size.

Buy The Maternity Ribbed Voyager Top from Summersalt online.

Buy The Maternity Ribbed Classic High-Rise Bottom from Summersalt online.

Most supportive maternity swimsuit

Seraphine Palm Print Maternity Tankini

Price: $$

If you’ve done any online browsing for maternity clothes, you know that Seraphine is a popular brand for stylish options to clothe your bump. In addition to being stylish, their Palm Print tankini top comes with a supportive band under the bust and with removable padding in the cups.

The matching bottom is designed to fit just under your bump. Plus, this flowy-style top can probably be worn even after you have your baby.

Buy the Seraphine Palm Print Maternity Tankini online.

Best maternity swimsuit with UPF fabric

A Pea in the Pod One Piece Maternity Swimsuit with UPF 50+

Price: $$$

Sun protection is important — especially if your goal is to spend a lot of time by the pool or at the beach. This cute one piece from A Pea in a Pod has UPF 50 in the fabric, giving you protection to areas of your body that normally don’t get that much sun exposure.

Our editorial director has been rocking this suit and loves the adorable shoulder ties and cute vertical stripes (hey, vertical stripes are slimming — even in your third trimester!).

Buy the A Pea in the Pod One Piece Maternity Swimsuit with UPF 50+ online.

Best maternity swim dress

Momo Maternity UPF 50+ Colorblock One Piece Swim Bathing Suit

Price: $$$

If you prefer a more modest pick, this option from Momo Maternity is the way to go. This fun color block maternity swim dress features a majority navy hue with bold hot pink accents at the bust and in the hem.

The top has wide, adjustable, convertible straps so you can customize the style without compromising bust support. And if sun protection is on your priority list, this is another option with UPF 50+ infused in the fabric.

Buy the Momo Maternity UPF 50+ Colorblock One Piece Swim Bathing Suit online.

Best under-the-belly maternity swimsuit

Seraphine Adjustable Polka Dot Maternity Bikini

Price: $

If your mantra is “sun’s out, bump’s out” then this cute polka dot bikini from Seraphine should be on your shortlist. The halter top features a tie back closure so you can rock it well into your third trimester.

Likewise, the adjustable bikini bottom means you can create a few different looks. When you feel like showing off your growing bump, wear the bottoms low. Or, raise the band for an over-the-belly look.

Buy the Seraphine Adjustable Polka Dot Maternity Bikini online.

Best basic black maternity swimsuit

Old Navy Maternity Halter V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit

Price: $-$$

For the mama who wants something simple, you can’t go wrong with Old Navy. This budget-friendly solution still gives you a bit of style thanks to the tie accent at the bust and the halter design.

It’s only available in black and doesn’t offer a ton of support bust-wise, but if you’re looking for a simple maternity suit at a great price, it’s worth a shot.

Buy the Old Navy Maternity Halter V-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit online.

Best larger-sized maternity swimsuit

PinkBlush Black Ruffle Trim Ruched One-Piece Maternity Plus Swimsuit

Price: $$

This maternity plus swimsuit from PinkBlush takes a simple one-piece style and makes it fashion-forward thanks to the convertible style ruffle design. The adjustable straps are removable, giving you the freedom to opt for a cute off the shoulder style if you prefer. We especially like that this pick is available in 1X, 2X, and 3X.

Buy the PinkBlush Black Ruffle Trim Ruched One-Piece Maternity Plus Swimsuit online.

Best budget-friendly maternity swimsuit

MiYang Off-Shoulder Maternity Swimsuit

Price: $

Whether you prefer solids or prints, this cute one piece from MiYang on Amazon comes in 14 colors/prints, so you’re bound to find one you’ll like. This is another ruched one-piece option that can convert from a ruffle style with straps to a strapless pick. There are also removable cups if you prefer not to have the extra padding.

Buy the MiYang Off-Shoulder Maternity Swimsuit online.

Best maternity tankini

Motherhood Maternity Ruffle Front Maternity Tankini Swimsuit

Price: $$

If you’re torn between a one-piece and a bikini, a maternity tankini should give you a good blend of flexibility and coverage where you want it. This option from Motherhood Maternity combines an adorable striped pattern with ruffles and cross back straps for a tankini that will almost fool you into thinking that it’s a one piece. As is common, the straps are adjustable to help you achieve the perfect fit.

Buy the Motherhood Maternity Ruffle Front Maternity Tankini Swimsuit online.

Best maternity rash guard

Mermaid Maternity Women’s Maternity Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt

Price: $

You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to protect your skin while you’re at the beach. Made with UPF 50+ sun protection, this rash guard swim shirt from Mermaid Maternity is perfect for people who want a little extra coverage over their suit. Note that this is designed to be fitted, so if you want a relaxed look, go up a size.

Buy the Mermaid Maternity Women’s Maternity Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt online.

Best splurge maternity swimsuit

Hatch Mallorca Maillot One-Piece

Price: $$$$

If money is no object, then you need to make a beeline to Hatch to shop for a maternity swimsuit. Their Mallorca Maillot is a one-piece swimsuit with color block accents that’s available in two colorways. It’s a truly modest pick that’s ideal for the third trimester, while still playing up fun elements with the functional tie accents at the shoulders.

You’ll get plenty of support thanks to the built-in shelf bra and ruched seams at the bust and in the torso. The back also has a fun scoop and the fabric also contains UPF 50+.

Buy the Hatch Mallorca Maillot One-Piece online.

Much like if you’re shopping for other maternity clothing, you’re going to want to consider the fit, the material, the price, design, and style.

Price

With maternity clothing, prices can vary widely depending on the store you select and the style. More intricate styles will understandably cost more than a simple, solid-hued two-piece.

Fit

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck beyond simply focusing on the price, you need to consider the fit. If you’re shopping from standard sizes, look for bottoms that have adjustable ties so that you don’t need to keep buying more bottoms as your belly grows.

And as for the top, a supportive halter style will work through all three trimesters while a good tankini option is best for the second and third trimesters.

If you’re more comfortable in a one-piece, keep in mind that sometimes the fit here can be tricky. Everyone carries their pregnancy differently, so if you find that your hunt for the perfect one-piece isn’t working, move on to a two-piece instead.

Style

You can find a maternity swimsuit in all the same configurations that you would a standard-sized swimsuit. So, that includes one-pieces, two-pieces (i.e. bikinis, tankinis), swim dresses, and swim bottoms. There’s no right or wrong choice here as long as you pick something that you feel comfortable wearing!

Design

You’re pregnant — that doesn’t mean that your sense of fashion has gone out the window. Just like before you got that BFP (big fat positive), you want a swimsuit that reflects your personality and style. Maybe you’ve always preferred solid colors over patterns, or maybe you like tie-side bikinis with fun accents on the strings. The sky’s the limit, mama.