When should you start wearing maternity swimsuits? What size do you order? Do you show off the bump or hide it? Will your old cover-up still work? Do you even need a maternity swimsuit?
So many questions. Humor me while I answer you with a quick story. (I promise, you’ll walk away with the answers you need.)
I was 12 weeks pregnant with Branham, packing for a beach trip and trying on swimsuits to know what to take. And you know what fit? Get this . . . you ready? The same maternity suits I’d worn at 35 weeks pregnant with Jack.
It’d been 4 ½ years, but I’d held on to all things maternity and nursing in hopes I might need them again. What I didn’t imagine was needing a maternity swimsuit at 12 weeks pregnant.
Turns out, when you’ve never healed the diastasis recti from your last pregnancy, you start to show early. Like, early early. Like, I met a woman in Turks and Caicos and our bumps were the same size. When she told me she was 6 months along, I kinda wanted the sand to open up and swallow me whole so I wouldn’t have to admit to being 12 weeks.
But while I was unfairly harsh on myself in that moment, that’s also what’s really cool about pregnancy. Every body and every pregnancy are different. What matters is that we embrace swimsuits and styles that make us feel good and supported. Because summertime pregnancy is a whole new level of Dante’s inferno, and we deserve to feel comfy jumping into the water to cool off.
That’s what makes maternity swimsuits so great. Whenever your body says it’s time, you can make the switch. For me with Branham, that was 12 weeks. For lots of moms, it’s 20-24 weeks. For some, it’s never. There’s no rule; just what works for you.
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The quick answer
For the mom who just wants to know which suit to buy before her belly hits the beach:
- Best overall: Cache Coeur Tea Time
- Best trending style: Cache Coeur Toscane
- Best two-piece: Maacie Athletic Tankini
- Best budget-friendly on Amazon: EastElegant Halter
- Best swim dress: Charmo Ruffle Ribbed Swim Dress
- Best cover-up: Jeasona Crochet Beach Cover Up
- Best for D+ cup: Hilor Underwire Ruched
- To spend nothing at all: a stretchy pre-pregnancy tankini top pulled over your bump
What to Look For in a Maternity Swimsuit
Between two summertime pregnancies and supporting 40,000+ moms through pregnancy, I’ve learned a lot and heard all the feedback. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Ruched or smocked sides/tummy area. The gathered fabric looks cute while leaving room for your belly to grow. When you’re postpartum, it flexes back down, letting you wear the suit through multiple seasons.
2. Adjustable straps. Pregnancy boobs are weird. Nursing boobs are weirder. You may not always need the same size or support you need at this exact moment, so adjustable straps are lifesavers for fit and support.
3. Built-in cups or a shelf bra. We’re not teenagers anymore, and our bodies are changing rapidly. Most of us need more support than before. Bonus points for suits with the cups sewn in. Because we all know how obnoxious it is to reposition them after washing.
4. UPF 50+ fabric. Pregnancy skin gets more sun-sensitive, sunburns more easily, and pregnancy melasma is real. You’ll want to use safe sunscreen for pregnancy, but sun-protective fabric is an added layer of protection that’s 1000% worth it if you can find it.
Things to skip in a maternity swimsuit:
- Strapless anything (physics is not on your side)
- Rigid non-stretch waistbands
- Any suit that requires you to size up more than one full size to fit (this means it likely won’t work next summer)
Tips you may need
If you’re a second- or third-time mom with unresolved diastasis recti, you’ll probably show sooner. Ruching won’t do anything for the DR itself, but it will help with the fit of a suit on your unpredictable bump.
If you’re planning a babymoon, stock up on maternity swimwear before you leave. I recommend buying multiple suits from Amazon and returning the ones you don’t love.
Pregnant with a summer baby? Plan for your bump to peak right when the pool’s most inviting and you NEED it, both because it’s hot as Hades and water helps take pressure off your pelvis. Make sure you have a suit that’ll grow with your bump.
For my moms who are a D+ cup (that was me, so I feel you hard here), prioritize underwire or structured cup construction over shelf-bra styles. You may also be surprised by how well wrap-styles can work, as long as they have ties.
How I Chose This Year’s Top Maternity Swimwear
I’ve been testing maternity swimsuits for almost a decade and updating this list every summer based on what’s actually working for real moms right now. Here’s how I choose:
- Testing. By me, my team, or moms in my community. If a suit made this list, either lots of moms loved it or I lived in it during my own pregnancies.
- Stock: Inventory flies off the shelf in the maternity swimwear category, so I refresh the list each summer. I have brands I love but constantly re-vet their updated suits.
- Size range: When possible, I prioritize actual size inclusivity.
- Varied prices: I recommend options at all prices and don’t choose splurgeworthy suits when a budget suit works just as well.
Annoying note on size inclusivity: The sad truth is, maternity swimwear seems to be getting less size inclusive, not more. The best plus-size options right now are, without question:
- Maacie Athletic Tankini (sizes S-2XL)
- EastElegant Halter (XS-3XL)
- Cache Coeur Tea Time (XS-XXL)
The Best Maternity Swimsuits of the Year
1. Best Overall: Cache Coeur Tea Time Maternity Swimsuit
This is a maternity brand I keep coming back to for swimsuits because of their OEKO-TEX certified, UPF 50+ fabric that’s comfy, stylish, and supportive even for maddening pregnancy boobs.
Cache Coeur has been my fan-favorite maternity brand for years, and this is one I'd wear without a second thought. Cream floral, padded cups, adjustable straps.
Photographs beautifully for a babymoon, holds up through postpartum, and doesn't scream "maternity swim" in a photo. For the win!
- Padded cups + adjustable straps for real bust support
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Full size range S-XXL currently stocked
- European sizing runs small; size up
- Pricey (not your Target swimsuit)
- Available in this pattern only
I love this maternity one piece for its gorgeous floral print. But the best part is honestly the adjustable straps, which help it fit from early pregnancy through postpartum. The fabric’s high quality, so it’ll last through multiple pregnancies/postpartums. That, and the supportive fabric, make it worth the price tag.
Important sizing note: Cache Coeur runs small compared to your Target or Amazon suit, so size up one full size from your pre-pregnancy size.
2. Best One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit: PinkBlush Ruched Sides Front Cutout
Pregnancy boobs are weird. Nursing boobs are weirder. Adjustable straps mean you’re not stuck guessing how your crazy hormonal boobs will shift. I also love that the ruching here does double duty. It stretches with your bump as you grow, then flexes back down once baby’s here.
Probably the cutest maternity swimsuit on this list, mostly because it doesn't scream "maternity!"
Ruched sides accommodate a growing bump, and the front cutout keeps it feeling like a suit you'd wear pre-pregnancy.
Bonus: It works for postpartum, and it's ADORABLE!
- Ruched sides flex from early bump through postpartum
- Also available in Olive
- Front cutout isn't for everyone (but seriously, so cute)
- No structured bust support
- S-XL sizing only
The front cutout gives it a little edge without going full bikini, which I love for feeling the teensiest bit still like your pre-pregnant self.
3. Best Maternity Bikini: Summer Mae High-Waisted
Maternity bikinis are super hit or miss, depending on body shape and size, which seems to change every other week throughout pregnancy. I love this one because it fits most growing bodies well, and the high waist gives the support a lot of expecting moms really want when a human is crushing their pelvis.
Summer Mae was in my original 2022 article as the high-waisted pick, and it earned the same spot in 2026. That doesn't happen often.
High-waist bottom supports your bump AND covers a c-section incision if you end up having one. A legit two-piece that still photographs like a real bikini (not maternity/postpartum swim).
- Shirred bandeau for natural shaping
- High-waist bottom provide pregnancy & postpartum comfort
- 15+ colors and prints
- Sizes S-XXL
- Bandeau top gives shape but no structural support (skip if you're D+)
- Top & bottom can't be sized separately
Marie Claire named this their pick for best maternity swimsuit on Amazon. The wide, adjustable straps and crossback design keep everything in place. The one bummer is the removable pads, meaning you’ll be repositioning them after each wash.
4. Best Maternity Tankini: Maacie Athletic Tankini
A tankini solves a very specific problem that I kind of adore. Don’t want to feel stuck in a one-piece swimsuit, but want full coverage? Tankini for the win! This Maacie pick is super cute and comfy. That’s why it’s Amazon’s top-rated maternity tankini right now and has been featured by Women’s Health and ABC News/GMA.
The whole point of a maternity tankini flexibility. And this one delivers.
It grows with you, plus it's cute, comfy, and avoids thigh chafe. Wins all around!
- Ruched top adjusts to a growing bump week to week
- High-waist shorts tie above OR below your bump
- Adjustable straps plus removable bust pads
- Sizes S to 2XL + color options
- Amazon's #1 top-rated maternity tankini
- Amazon-only (no direct-brand website)
The ruched top adjusts as your bump grows, and the high-waist self-tie shorts support your belly and prevent the ever-dreaded thigh chafe. Tie so the shorts sit below your bump early, or above it if you’re further along.
5. Best Busty Maternity Swimsuit: Hilor Underwire Ruched
If you’re a D-cup or bigger, you already know most maternity suits (or any swimwear, for that matter) just weren’t built with you in mind. That was me too, and fun fact: this one was. It’s got TRUE underwire that’s actually supportive, plus a tummy control panel to support your bump.
The underrated Amazon pick with the real structural support you actually need for a growing bust (rare at this price).
The ruched twist front creates room for a growing bump without collapsing on your chest.
An easy win for the chesty expecting mom who wants real support.
- Underwire for good support
- Double-lined for opacity
- Sizes 6-18
- No plus sizing above 18
- Underwire can be annoying if you prefer soft support
The twist front adds some visual interest so it goes from “functional” to “cute and comfy.”
6. Best Amazon Maternity Swimsuit: EastElegant Halter
Remember how I said Amazon is your friend for maternity swim? This is exactly why. The halter neckline adjusts as your chest changes (because it will, repeatedly).
The budget one-piece with 3,000+ reviews holding it up. The tie straps adjust as your bust changes (which it will), and a loose abdominal panel is perfectly cut for a growing bump, so it works at all stages.
The buy two colors; wear all summer pick.
- Removable chest pad for light support
- Halter tie straps adjust as your bust changes
- Sizes XS-XXL
- Sizing is inconsistent; check recent reviews to choose
- No built-in bra (but cup structure + halter have the shape for support)
The boyshort legs mean you aren’t trying to see past a bump to shave your bikini line (hallelujah!), and it’s legit size inclusive. Finally!
7. Best Maternity Swim Dress: Charmo Ruffle Ribbed Swim Dress
Not gonna lie, friend. I LOVE a swim dress. They’re adorable, they move with you, and they give some bikini line coverage. This maternity swim dress flatters all body types thanks to a well-placed twist-front cutout that draws the eye up.
Maternity swim dresses are an amazing way to be cute, comfy, and stylish, and I love this one for its perfectly-placed cutout, bringing the eye to your smallest section while still letting that beautiful bump shine!
Oh, and did mention the ruffle straps are adorable?
- Ribbed stretchy fabric with ruched sides for bump growth
- Twist-front cutout flatters all body types
- Ruffle shoulder straps with adjustable wide-strap support
- Removable padding built in
- Sizes S to 2XL + color options
- 4.8-stars on Amazon (that's legit crazy high)
- Not for people who want full coverage
- Sizing up is often recommended
- Removable pads move around when washing
The ribbed fabric stabilizes a growing bump, and the ruched sides give real room to grow week to week. I adore a ruffled shoulder strap, which adds a little softness up top.
8. Best Maternity Cover-Up: Jeasona Crochet Beach Cover Up
I actually picked this coverup because it’s not a maternity coverup. It works during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, which means better cost-per-wear than a piece you retire the day you give birth.
This is the cover-up I'd throw over any maternity suit on this list. Not because it's maternity-specific (it isn't), but because that's exactly what makes it work so well.
The loose crochet drapes beautifully whether you're 28 weeks, 4 weeks postpartum, or somewhere in between.
Best cost-per-wear on this list by a mile.
- Loose crochet dress flexes over pregnancy AND postpartum bodies
- Available in 3 cute colors
- Sizes S through XL, all with a loose fit
- 25,000+ rave Amazon reviews
- Crochet fabric can snag on jewelry or chair edges
- Not maternity-specific (size up for length to work during the third trimester)
The loose crochet knit flexes over a bump AND over a postpartum body, so it earns its cost-per-wear multiple summers over.
9. Trendiest Maternity Swimsuit: Cache Coeur Toscane
If the cream floral from my Best Overall pick isn’t your vibe, this is the Cache Coeur option if you want something more fashion-forward. Same brand, same fabric quality; this is a maternity brand I keep coming back to because it’s OEKO-TEX certified and built from UPF 50+ fabric that holds up across multiple swim seasons, not just one.
The I still want to look amazing in pool photos pick. Sleek black one-piece with a princess neckline and an open-back detail that photographs like resort wear (because it is).
Grows with your bump through the whole pregnancy. It's the suit for the babymoon, pool party, or just lounging.
- Fixed cups + wide crossed straps for structural support
- UPF 50+ OEKO-TEX certified
- Straps can be worn on or off shoulders for different looks
- Full size range S-XXL currently stocked
- Adapts through all pregnancy stages
- French sizing runs small; size up
- Pricey (plan to use maternity & postpartum)
- Only available in black
The difference between this pick and my Best Overall is the print. Toscane leans into trending patterns instead of the classic floral, so if you want a suit that reads as a fashion statement, this is it.
Maternity Swimsuits FAQ
Whenever your body says it’s time. With my son it was near the third trimester. With my daughter, I needed one at 12 weeks. For lots of moms, it’s 20-24 weeks. Do whatever works for you.
Absolutely, especially early on. A stretchy option can often carry you well into the second trimester. The tricky part comes when your bump starts pushing at rigid waistbands or your chest changes past what your old suit’s cups can hold. When that happens, it’s maternity swim time.
No, but if you’re due during or after summer, you’ll probably want to. A properly designed maternity suit grows with your bump, accommodates a changing chest, and supports rather than compresses.
For most moms, one or two is plenty. If you’re swimming frequently or planning a vacation, three is a safer bet so you’re not stuck in a wet suit while one dries. Do what fits your needs and budget.
Snug but never tight. It should hold your bump without pressing on it, support your chest without digging in, and stretch (rather than pull) as your body changes. If you’re constantly adjusting straps or the fabric is stretched so thin you can see through it, size up. And if the leg holes are cutting into your thighs, that’s your sign the suit has hit its limit.
Absolutely. There’s no medical reason a bikini or tankini is unsafe during pregnancy; sun exposure is the actual concern, so use plenty of good sunscreen. Whether you want your bump out or covered is a personal call, not a safety one.
Wrap-Up
Here’s the truth: no single maternity swimsuit works for every pregnancy.
But somewhere in these 9 picks, you’ll find the suit that makes you smile, whether you need real underwire support, plus-size inclusivity, or just a suit that photographs well on your babymoon.
The best maternity swimsuit is the one you’ll actually wear in the water, comfortably, without tugging at it all afternoon. Bookmark this list and check back next summer; I refresh it every year based on what’s actually working for real moms.
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