Your body changes a lot over nine months, and your swimwear has to keep up. A swimsuit that felt perfect last summer can suddenly dig in, ride up or leave you tugging at straps. Whether you love swimming, have a beach holiday booked or just want to sit by the pool in comfort, the right maternity swimwear makes a real difference.
This guide focuses on comfort and fit: which styles adapt as your bump grows, which features are worth looking for, and how to choose a size when your measurements keep changing. It is not medical advice. If you have any questions about swimming, sun exposure or activity during pregnancy, check with your midwife or doctor.
Quick takeaways
- Choose swimwear for comfort first: soft, stretchy fabric with room through the bust and belly.
- Tankinis and two-pieces adapt most easily as your bump grows; maternity one-pieces offer extra ruching and length.
- Adjustable straps, wider bands and supportive tops help as your bust changes.
- Size according to your current measurements and the brand’s maternity size chart, not your pre-pregnancy size.
- Ask your midwife or doctor about anything health-related, including swimming, heat and sun.
Do you need maternity swimwear?
Not always. In the early weeks, many people find their usual swimwear still fits. As the bust and belly grow, though, regular swimsuits can become uncomfortable. One-pieces may pull down at the neckline or ride up at the back because there is simply not enough length in the torso, and bikini bottoms can dig in under the bump.
Maternity swimwear is cut with extra length, extra room and stretch where you need it. Some regular styles also work well during pregnancy, especially adjustable bikinis and tankinis, so it is worth checking what you already own before buying new.
How your fit needs change by trimester
Every pregnancy is different, so treat this as a loose guide rather than a timetable.
First trimester
You may not see much change on the outside yet, but your bust may feel fuller or more tender. Soft, non-wired tops, adjustable straps and a stretchy fabric often feel best. Your usual swimwear may still work, perhaps one size up in the top.
Second trimester
This is often when the bump becomes visible and regular one-pieces start to feel short in the torso. Many people move to maternity one-pieces, tankinis or bikinis with fold-over or low-rise bottoms during this stage.
Third trimester
Comfort is everything. You will likely want more room through the belly, good bust support and soft, wide straps. Styles that are easy to get on and off are a bonus when bending is harder.
The best maternity swimwear styles
Maternity one-pieces
A maternity one-piece has extra length and side ruching or gathered panels so it stretches over the bump without pulling at the neckline. It offers smooth coverage and stays in place well for swimming. Look for soft, wide straps and a built-in shelf bra or removable cups for support.
Tankinis
Tankinis are one of the most flexible choices. A long, stretchy top can sit over the bump or drape loosely, and you can mix and match top and bottom sizes as your body changes. They also make bathroom breaks easier. Our guide to one-piece vs bikini vs tankini compares these styles in more detail.
Bikinis
Plenty of people wear bikinis throughout pregnancy and love the comfort of nothing pressing on the belly. Choose bottoms that sit comfortably under the bump, or high-waisted ones with enough stretch to go over it, and a top with adjustable straps and good support. If you are unsure about cuts, see our guide to bikini bottom cuts.
Swim dresses and skirted styles
A swim dress or skirted one-piece gives a little extra coverage and a relaxed, flowing look. They tend to be loose through the middle, which many people find comfortable later in pregnancy.
Features that make a real difference
| Feature | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Side ruching or gathered panels | Lets the fabric expand over the bump without pulling |
| Extra torso length | Stops one-pieces riding up or pulling down at the neckline |
| Adjustable straps | Lets you adapt as your bust and shoulders change |
| Wide underbust band | Spreads support without digging in |
| Removable cups or soft shelf bra | Support without underwire that may feel uncomfortable |
| Fold-over or adjustable bottoms | Wear under or over the bump as you prefer |
| Soft, stretchy fabric | Moves with you and stays comfortable as you grow |
Bust support
Your bust can change size more than once during pregnancy. A top with adjustable straps, a supportive underbust band and room in the cups will go further than a fixed-size style. Many of the support features in our guide to swimwear for larger busts apply here too, such as wider straps, deeper cups and a firmer band.
Fabric
Look for a soft, stretchy fabric with good recovery, so it hugs comfortably without feeling tight. Matte fabrics and gentle ruching are forgiving, and full lining adds comfort and opacity. If you plan to spend time in the sun, swimwear made from fabric with a UPF rating gives an extra layer of protection, alongside sunscreen and shade.
Pro tip: Try your swimsuit on at different times of day if you can. Many people feel more swollen later in the day or in hot weather, so a swimsuit that fits in the morning may feel tighter by the afternoon.
Getting the size right
Maternity swimwear sizing varies by brand. Most maternity swimwear is sized according to your pre-pregnancy clothing size and designed to stretch, but some brands use current measurements instead. Always read the brand’s size chart and notes.
If you are measuring, take your current bust, underbust, waist (or fullest point of the belly) and hip measurements. Our guide on how to measure yourself for a swimsuit explains the method; just repeat it as your body changes.
If you are between sizes, the larger size is often more comfortable, especially if you expect to wear it later in your pregnancy.
Comfort tips for pool and beach days
These are commonsense comfort ideas. For anything health-related, including how much activity, heat or sun is right for you, check with your midwife or doctor.
- Pack a cover-up that is easy to slip on, such as a loose kaftan or a long shirt.
- Bring shade, such as a beach umbrella or a hat, and take breaks out of the sun.
- Wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming.
- Keep water with you and take your time getting in and out of the pool or sea.
- Choose footwear with good grip for wet poolside surfaces.
After the bump: postpartum swimwear
Many maternity swimsuits stay useful after birth. Tankinis and two-pieces are practical while your body adjusts, and soft, supportive tops can be comfortable if you are breastfeeding. Some swimwear has nursing-friendly features such as pull-aside cups or front openings. Again, comfort comes first, and there is no rush to get back into pre-pregnancy swimwear.
What to look for when you shop
- Soft, stretchy fabric with good recovery and full lining.
- Side ruching, gathered panels or extra length in one-pieces.
- Adjustable straps and a supportive, wide underbust band.
- Removable cups or a soft shelf bra rather than rigid structure.
- Bottoms you can wear under or over the bump.
- A clear maternity size chart and easy returns.
- Easy-on, easy-off styles for later in pregnancy.
FAQ
When should I start wearing maternity swimwear?
Whenever your regular swimwear stops being comfortable. For some people that is early in the second trimester; for others, much later. If your usual swimsuit pulls, rides up or digs in, it is time to switch.
Can I wear a regular bikini while pregnant?
Many people do. A bikini with adjustable straps and bottoms that sit comfortably under the bump can work throughout pregnancy. Choose what feels comfortable for you.
What size maternity swimsuit should I buy?
Check the brand’s size chart. Many maternity swimsuits are sized by your pre-pregnancy size and designed to stretch, but some use current measurements. If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually more comfortable.
Is it safe to swim while pregnant?
This is a question for your midwife or doctor, who can advise based on your health and pregnancy. This guide only covers swimwear comfort and fit.
Pregnancy is a time to prioritise comfort, and that includes what you wear in the water. Choose soft, adjustable styles, size for the body you have now, and you can enjoy the pool or beach in comfort through every trimester.
