The best maternity swimwear that will make you feel confident and empowered whilst pregnant
The idea of shopping for maternity swimwear filled me with horror when I found out I was expecting, but trust me: there are so many amazing pieces from the best swimwear brands on offer. The best part? We've done the scouring for you.
Swimwear shopping is right up there with jeans shopping – that is, something that can fill us with dread - but you just need to know how to shop. Our guide to the best maternity swimwear has narrowed things down to 17 chic styles to suit all bumps and tastes, so we can pretty much *guarantee* you’ll find a style you love.
The best maternity swimwear has to tick a few boxes: it needs to flatter your burgeoning bump, support growing boobs and ideally be made from breathable, flexible fabric. Thankfully, the maternity swimwear we found also looks really damn good. I remember when I was pregnant with my first baby, I could only find boring black maternity swimsuits. This time around, however, I was delighted to stumble across flattering, trend-led and affordable swimwear - including a vibrant pink ruched number that could pass as a Hunza G piece (and if you've got the budget, splurging on the real deal is the ultimate pre-baby investment).
If, like me, you're seeking a few swimwear pieces for your babymoon, or you're looking to take advantage of this glorious weather in your back garden, we've got you covered.
I also carried on wearing my maternity swimwear long after baby was born - whether it was on family holidays or at baby swim classes - so I've included lots of pieces that will carry you through the post-partum period.
What to look for in the best maternity swimwear
Expandability, durability, longevity are the three key things to look for when shopping for maternity swimwear. When we grilled Chelsey Oliver, Chief Creative Officer at maternity brand Seraphine, she advised pregnant women to “look for super-stretchy swimwear fabrics to accommodate your growing bump" and to look out for gentle side ruching, which will give you even extra room to grow and will ensure the swimsuit doesn't constrict you. They also say it's important to look for extra features that will give your swimsuit longevity, meaning it can be worn beyond your pregnancy journey. “If the swimsuit has easy access for breastfeeding, this will give you an extra reason to keep wearing after your baby is born!” It's also important to look for high-quality swimwear fabric that will last a long time and wash well, and straps that can be adjusted for better support.
How we tested the best maternity swimwear
We scoured a plethora of brands, from high street to higher-end, to find the best maternity swimwear that offers great coverage, comfort and support and, most importantly, made us feel empowered. We’ve also paid particular attention to specifics like cost, fabrics, sustainability and wearability in order to narrow it down because we know that stuff is important.
We also trawled our favourite mumfluencers' Instagram accounts to see what they've been buying, asked our mum mates for their go-to styles and tracked down the best-sellers from a range of retailers.
Combining our expert knowledge on fashion - including which brands are worth spending your money on and what trends are living up to the hype - with customer reviews and data on what you’ve been searching for, we’ve curated what we feel is a selection of the best maternity swimwear on the market. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last, and, as a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, with more than a handful who have been pregnant, we’ve tried our fair share of maternity swimwear to know which brands are worth shouting about. Happy shopping!
After more maternity content? Head this way for maternity knickers, maternity dresses and pregnancy friendly dresses, maternity trousers and maternity nightwear. We've also got new mum gifts, breastfeeding tops, maternity loungewear, maternity leggings and baby-changing bags (yep, including designer ones).
Because what new mum has the time to sit still for an hour plus?
What swimsuit is best for pregnancy? Scroll down for our edit of the very best maternity swimwear to shop now.
Most luxe maternity swimwear
HUNZA G + NET SUSTAIN Pamela Seersucker Swimsuit, £155, Net-A-Porter
Why we love it: “Cult swimwear brand Hunza G might not be a maternity brand, but there’s a reason that it’s loved by some of the most stylish mamas to be. With their unique crinkle-stretch fabrication and one size fits all designs, their one pieces are perfect for stretching along with your growing bump.”
Pros: It’ll fit your post-pregnancy body just as well, so it's a more sustainable buy.
Cons: The straps aren't adjustable and it's not the most nursing friendly design.
Save when you shop for maternity swimwear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Best red maternity swimsuit
Front Twist Red Maternity Swimsuit, £39, Seraphine
Why we love it: “Have your Baywatch moment whilst pregnant courtesy of this super stylish and affordable swimsuit from our go-to maternity brand. It has all the makings of a well-made maternity piece, with front twist detailing, a comfortable crossover back with adjustable straps.”
Pros: It's ideal for those with growing (and sore!) boobs thanks to built-in bust support and removable padded cups that you can chop and change as your breasts change size.
Cons: None to note.
Most stylish maternity swimsuit
Mamalicious Maternity Nursing Swimsuit in Spot Print Sage, £38, ASOS
Why we love it: “Sage green isn't reserved as the most popular bridesmaid dress colour choice, it can translate to your maternity wardrobe too. We love the scoop neck design of this one and would layer a white linen shirt over the top for extra sartorial points.”
Pros: Subtle adjustable straps have been added to make this a fully functioning nursing swimsuit so it's an investment piece, too.
Cons: It has a cut-out back, which isn't ideal for women seeking something a bit more modest.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these ASOS discount codes.
Best black maternity swimsuit
The Frolic Maternity jade tie strap gathered bust swimsuit in black, £30, ASOS
Why we love it: “If, like me, you feel most comfortable in black then this is the swimsuit for you. Firstly black doesn't = boring, and this gathered bust swimsuit is proof of that. The square neck is one of the most flattering styles for any bust size.”
Pros: Tie straps double as a stylish addition and genius breastfeeding hack
Cons: Some people might find the tie straps a bit of a hassle and prefer a more simple clip design.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these ASOS discount codes.
Best bold maternity swimsuit
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Halter Wrap Swimsuit, £34, ASOS
Why we love it: “This colour is everything, but if we're talking design then my favourite feature has got to be the halterneck and subtle ruching to the sides. Super flattering on a pregnant body.”
Pros: It features an open back for easy tanning.
Cons: The neckline is quite plunging if you prefer something with more coverage.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these ASOS discount vouchers at checkout.
Most practical maternity swimsuit
Women's Maternity Swimsuit Black, £42, Speedo
Why we love it: “Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do whilst pregnant and this swimsuit will help you maximise your workouts. It's designed for your changing shape with a stretchy, comfortable fit and also has flattering side ruched detailing. It's also made with something nifty called ‘Endurance10 fabric’, which will apparently keep it in prime condition for the whole nine months.”
Pros: It's really soft and stretchy, meaning you can focus on your swimming without feeling restricted.
Cons: It isn't the most stylish of our edit but if you're looking for a practical design, it ticks the boxes.
Most trend-led maternity bikini
The Frolic Maternity Ray bikini top in hot pink, £22, ASOS
Why we love it: “Who says you can't embrace bold colours when you're pregnant? Absolutely no one. This vibrant hot pink bikini top and bottom combo has super supportive fixed straps that are ideal for anyone with big boobs (or those who find their boobs grow during pregnancy.”
Pros: The punchy pink hue is bang on trend and is a fantastic departure from generic black maternity swimsuits.
Cons: The straps are fixed so it won't last into your breastfeeding era.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these ASOS discount codes.
Best maternity swimsuit for small boobs
MAMA Frill-Trimmed Swimsuit, £24.99, H&M
Why we love it: “From the frill neckline to the nautical stripe and the fact it's so purse-friendly, there's not much I don't love about this swimsuit.”
Pros: The padded cups are removable if you prefer to go without, plus the bum is shaped to a fuller coverage.
Cons: The straps aren't adjustable.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these H&M discount vouchers at checkout.
Best modest maternity swimwear
Maternity Tankini & Swim Skirt Set, £55, Seraphine
Why we love it: “This swim set is two separate pieces, but you wouldn't know. They look seamless when worn together and create a dress appearance which is perfect for conscious new mummas or those who just want a bit more coverage.”
Pros: It features an adjustable drawstring waist for a personalised finish, and crossover straps for more support.
Cons: The straps aren't detachable which would be a handy feature for nursing.
Best ruffle maternity swimwear
Maternity Black Heart Frill Bardot Swimsuit, £29.99, New Look
Why we love it: “It's so pretty I want to wear it when I go out for dinner on holiday just as much as I will in the pool. The straps are totally detachable too, for more of a bodysuit effect if you're thinking of doing the same.”
Pros: The frill bust extends across the arms to create an off-the-shoulder look.
Cons: It's bound to sell out.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these Marks and Spencer discount vouchers at checkout.
Best black maternity swimwear
Black Chain Detail Maternity Swimsuit, £38, River Island
Why we love it: Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to forgo the glamour while on holiday. River Island presents the perfect case for showing off your bump with this chain-detail one-piece.
Pros: All sizes are currently in stock.
Cons: Straps aren't adjustable and it only goes up to a size 18.
Save when you shop for maternity swimwear with these River Island discount codes.
Best animal print maternity swimwear
Maternity Printed Scoop Neck Swimsuit, £29.50, Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: “The tie at the neckline of this swimsuit means you can easily access your breasts when it comes to feeding your baby on holiday. No need for that awkward shimmy out of your straps. Game changing!”
Pros: The fabric is chlorine resistant and features UPF50+ Sun Smart technology which helps with sun protection for all covered areas.
Cons: Its currently only available in one colourway/pattern.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these Marks and Spencer discount vouchers at checkout.
Best maternity swimsuit with detachable straps
Cache Couer Bamboo Maternity Swimsuit, £85, La Redoute
Why we love it: With detachable straps, this maternity swimsuit is set to be one of your favourites while you're pregnant. It's also completely wire free for comfort.
Pros: Open back for tanning.
Cons: The cups are padded which may make nursing more difficult.
Save when you shop for maternity swimwear with these La Redoute discount codes.
Best maternity bikini top and bikini bottoms
High Waisted Two Piece Maternity Bikini Made with Liberty Fabric, £130, A Pea in the Pod
Why we love it: “There’s just *something* about Liberty fabrics that makes them both timeless and always on trend. And this vibrant, Liberty print bikini from A Pea in the Pod is no different. Eye catching print aside, the cut is designed to flatter with ruching on the high waisted bottoms and a scoop neckline bikini top. Swoon.”
Pros: It has five-star reviews that say it feels very supportive on.
Cons: It's over £100.
Best halterneck maternity swimsuit
The Frolic Maternity Halter Plunge Swimsuit, £34, ASOS
Why we love it: “There's something so flattering about polka dots, especially for women who usually shy away from patterns when it comes to their swimwear. This isn't so ‘in your face’ but offers a subtle change from usual plain black maternity swimsuits.”
Pros: A halterneck neckline means you can nurse your baby easily.
Cons: It only goes up to a size UK 16.
Best tie-dye maternity bikini
Maternity Pink Tie Dye Ruched Bandeau Bikini Top, £14.99, New Look
Why we love it: “Make a splash (sorry), in this pink tie dye maternity bikini from New Look. The top may not have any underwire but the halterneck design provides medium support, and the ruching at the side allows for changes in cup sizes. The matching bottoms will fit comfortably over your bump and for less £30 for the set, it’s worth adding to bag before it sells out.”
Pros: It makes a comeback on the website every summer, so it must be a customer favourite.
Cons: You have to buy the top and bottoms separately.
Save when you shop for maternity swimwear with these New Look discount codes.
Best V-neck maternity swimwear
Floral Print Ruched Maternity Tankini Set, £52, Seraphine
Why we love it: Pull the draw cords at the sides for a defining two piece, or loosen them for a design that could pass as a swimsuit. Two styles of swimwear for the price of one.
Pros: It's made from recycled fabrics so it's a sustainable choice, plus the foldable bottoms can be worn over bump or under bump - however you feel most comfortable.
Cons: The straps are adjustable but not detachable.
Best high cut maternity swimwear
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Crinkle Scoop Swimsuit, £30, ASOS
Why we love it: Keen to find a swimsuit that you can wear well beyond your nine months? ASOS has the solution with its crinkle-effect scoop neck design - an affordable alternative to Hunza G. It comes in plenty of colours, but you really can't go wrong with black.
Pros: High cut leg, scoop back.
Cons: The straps are fixed so if you're particularly tall you may find this too short for you.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these ASOS discount vouchers at checkout.
Best affordable maternity swimwear
Maternity Blue Spot Ruched Wrap Swimsuit, £29.99, New Look
Why we love it: “I'm yet to come across a more flattering looking maternity swimsuit that's also less than £30. Bravo, New Look, bravo. The adjustable straps are a huge bonus, too.”
Pros: Machine washable, ruched sides.
Cons: The straps are fixed in place making feeding slightly trickier, but the wrap bust may help.
Best tie back maternity swimwear
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Gathered Halter Wrap Swimsuit, £30, ASOS
Why we love it: “When you're pregnant you'll quickly realise just how much you depend on wrap silhouettes and easy-to-nurse necklines, and this swimsuit features both. Snap it up immediately.”
Pros: Full coverage cups for a supportive feel.
Cons: It's only available in three colours; sage green, floral and black.
Save when you shop for maternity swimsuits with these ASOS discount vouchers at checkout.
Best striped maternity swimwear
Cutout Nautical Maternity Swimsuit, £49, Seraphine
Why we love it: Featuring a flattering stripe print and gathered detailing to the bust area, this swimsuit is pretty but its also clever; its designed to grow with your bump.
Pros: The extra panel across the back provides more support and a cutout detail.
Cons: It only goes up to an XL.
