Jordan Gambaccini/ New York Post Composite Suns out, bumps out…
Between obsessing over playpens and stockpiling pull-ups, a mom’s brain is basically a warehouse for baby gear. Then the sun hits, and the realization strikes: “Wait… do I even have a swimsuit that still fits?”
As a mom myself, I’ve lived through the struggle of finding a swimsuit that actually works for my changing body. From the final sprint of pregnancy to the days of chasing a toddler around the beach, my needs have certainly shifted. Now, it’s all about the essentials: support that holds up, structure that stays put, and hopefully, something that still keeps my personal style intact.
To help find the best swimwear for moms, I have also consulted many women with similar experiences, including Shelby Packer Karivalis — a NYC mom-of-two and fashion expert formerly of Alice & Olivia — to get her insight into what to look for in pregnancy and postpartum swimwear.
“I think every mom deserves a swimsuit that makes her feel genuinely excited to get dressed and go sit at the beach or pool again,” Karivalis shared. “Postpartum can be such a strange transition because you’re slowly starting to feel like yourself again and reconnect with your body, so I love the idea of investing in a beautiful swimsuit that feels special and like something that’s just for you.”
According to Karivalis, the best maternity swimwear should “prioritize comfort, flexibility, and support.” She also emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality, skin-friendly materials.
Some studies suggest that pregnancy-related hormonal changes can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and UV damage — making UPF-protective swimwear especially important. Brands like Spanx and Andie Swim have built-in sun protection, making them more popular choices among moms-to-be.
Below, find out edit of the best maternity and postpartum swim brands that include options for every style preference and budget; picks that are seamless, comfortable and still on-trend.
For moms looking for true maternity-focused swimwear, Karivalis suggests Hatch. Hatch uses a specific maternity sizing system (from 0 through 4) that is based on your pre-pregnancy size to simplify finding the best fit for you.
“It is specially designed for maternity and postpartum, so the pieces really prioritize comfort, flexibility, and support,” Karivalis explained. She adds that some moms may gravitate towards Hatch in the last trimester when they crave more room to breathe. The adjustable Zanzibar Maternity Bikini is a great choice for that.
“One of the things I especially love is that many of the pieces have adjustable straps, which is surprisingly uncommon in swimwear and makes a huge difference during pregnancy as your body is constantly changing.” She also loves the high-waisted bottoms, which provide support without feeling too restrictive.
It’s no surprise that Spanx sits near the top of the list for maternity swimwear. Built on the foundation of sculpting and support without restriction, the brand delivers exactly what many pregnant and postpartum moms are looking for in swimwear.
There’s a selection of one-pieces and bikinis built for changing bodies, crafted from premium Italian fabrics which offer UPF 50+ protection — an important feature given that pregnancy hormones can increase sun sensitivity. Beyond the fabric, the designs are thoughtfully bump-friendly, featuring wide waistbands that sit comfortably and straps engineered not to dig into the skin. The Swim Scoop Neck One Piece is ideal for changing chest sizes, as it features adjustable straps and removable cups.
Just consider skipping some of the higher compression pieces. While they offer an ample amount of support, the material is noticeably stiffer. Getting into them can require a bit of jumping around, which isn’t exactly ideal toward the end of your pregnancy.
With its curated Mom Edit, Andie Swim is a standout choice for expecting and new moms. The brand excels at creating suits that flatter various figures and style preferences, offering a wide array of colors and timeless designs.
One of their most practical features is the long torso option; a game-changer during pregnancy, providing extra fabric to comfortably cover a growing bump. For the postpartum phase, their nursing-friendly styles are also incredibly convenient. The Malibu is a personal favorite. It’s sleek, sporty and has a simple snap-front neckline for easy access.
The one downside, based on experience, is that the material is a bit lighter than some competitors. While it’s soft and comfortable, it might not offer the same “locked-in” support you might crave toward the end of your third trimester.
Baobab might be a less expected choice for this list, but it has come up in recommendations from multiple moms, and now I can see why. They are certainly investment pieces, but if you want a high-quality swimsuit you can wear for a long time, you are likely to find it here.
The suits are crafted with the brand’s signature glossy Lycra fabric, which is exceptionally stretchy thanks to Elastane. It expands significantly to cover a growing bump without losing its shape — a major plus for postpartum, too. The fabric is essentially made to snap back, so it should accommodate your post-baby shape. The Selena One Piece is one of my favorites; it’s fully lined for comfort and provides coverage where it counts, while still showing off your figure.
Karivalis also recommends brands like Baobab, where the tops and bottoms are sold separately, “so you can mix and match sizing depending on what your body needs during pregnancy and postpartum.” And these bold, sexier separates are perfect for any mom who still wants to express her style and break the standard maternity aesthetic.
Another recommendation from Karivalis is Solid & Striped. Although it’s not specifically known as a maternity brand, she says that many of their cuts are ideal for the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, as well as postpartum. She emphasizes that the “adjustable silhouettes are what really make it stand out,” as well as the fact that the designs still feel youthful and fun.
“When you’re pregnant, it can be really hard to find swimwear that still feels fun and sexy without looking overly maternity,” Karivalis explained. “A lot of maternity swim brands can feel overly conservative or matronly, but Solid & Striped still gives that cool-girl, hot mom energy while being genuinely comfortable for a changing body.”
She also points out that many of the tops have functional, adjustable ties that allow you to customize the fit. The brand also offers an assortment of underwire options that offer more structure and support for postpartum. The Eva Bikini Top is among the best-sellers; the underwire cups and adjustable straps provide a little extra shape, ideal for volume loss.
When you’re pregnant, it’s hard to get comfortable, especially toward the end. If there is one brand that understands comfort, it’s Hunza G. The maternity section is filled to the brim with styles that the brand says “molds to your body as it changes” — and from testing, we can confirm it’s true.
Their one-size-fit is designed to support every shape, so you’re set with a single suit that can take you from the first trimester through the fourth. The unique crinkled fabric retains its shape beautifully while stretching to accommodate a growing bump. Additionally, the completely seamless construction means you don’t have to worry about any parts poking or digging into sensitive spots.
While these suits lack the underwire that would provide a bit of lift, they offer great coverage (see the Coverage Xandra Bikini), and when you’re heavily pregnant, coverage often equals comfort. If you’re less concerned with bust support and more focused on pure comfort, Hunza G is the easy answer.
If you’re planning your babymoon, Hutch is the brand you’ll want on your wishlist. The label offers feminine, resort-ready silhouettes in modern yet timeless designs, with playful pops of color and flattering cuts that show off the bump while still offering coverage where you want it.
There’s a strong mix of one-pieces and high-waisted bikinis to choose from, but one standout is the Tawnie suit. The ruched overlay skirt bikini bottom offers a little extra comfort and coverage for lounging poolside or wading into the water. It’s essentially a swimsuit and cover-up in one. The ruching is also astoundingly stretchy to accommodate a changing body. Since the brand offers standard sizing, I would still suggest sizing up for more room during pregnancy.
For pregnant or postpartum moms, a little extra coverage can go a long way for comfort and confidence. While Hutch pieces are more fashion-forward than sporty, they’re ideal for laid-back vacations and feel more polished and elevated than many other swim brands.
When I heard about Sabal Swim’s “Better Than a Boob Job” swimwear, I knew I had to see if it lived up to the hype. The designs cater to postpartum moms, who might be looking for a little extra support and a lift. But, unlike traditional push-up tops, Sabal doesn’t use those removable pads that shift around or come out in the dryer. Instead, they opt for sewn-in silicone boosters that stay perfectly in place.
The result is an instant, natural-looking one to two cup lift that mimics real breast tissue. I tried the Cleavage-Enhancing Seaside Bikini Top and was shocked at just how well it worked. While the top does have a bit of weight to it because of the high-quality silicone, it definitely provides a noticeable lift and more volume, and despite the extra material, it actually dries pretty fast. The one con for me is the limited size range; Sabal is strictly designed for AA, A and B cups.
Sabal also offers specific cuts that are ideal for women with wider rib cages, which is another major draw for those whose bodies have changed after having children. Their styles range from solid neutrals to stripes and colorful patterns, so there is plenty to choose from regardless of your aesthetic — standard mom styles and sexier cuts, too.
While testing the best swimwear brands for postpartum and pregnancy, we considered four main factors in our review: comfort and support level, adjustability, quality and durability and style options.
New York Post Composite Comfort and Support Level: Comfort is pivotal during pregnancy, especially toward the final trimester. We looked for brands that use soft, breathable, skin-friendly materials and prioritize designs that won’t dig into the back, hips or belly. We also considered styles with seamless construction that are meant to follow the body’s natural shape for optimal comfort. Quality and Durability: While quality is always important with swimwear, it’s crucial during the pregnancy and postpartum stages. We looked for brands offering UPF protection and durable materials designed to stand the test of time as your silhouette evolves. Adjustability: During pregnancy and postpartum, finding an adjustable suit is essential. Adjustable shoulder and back straps accommodate room to grow and provide a customized fit as the body changes. We also prioritized brands that utilize high-quality elastane and spandex for added stretch that “snaps back” over time, ensuring the suit remains wearable throughout the postpartum journey. Style Options: Maternity swimwear doesn’t have to feel frumpy or overly modest. We selected brands that offer a wide range of aesthetics to cater to every mother’s style, whether you prefer something traditional, flashy and colorful or understated and neutral. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
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