The best maternity swimwear that will make you feel confident and empowered whilst pregnant

The idea of shopping for maternity swimwear filled me with fear 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 bring on the dread – but you just need to know how to shop. Our guide to the best maternity swimsuits 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.

If you’ve got the budget, splurging on a Hunza G suit or two is the ultimate pre-baby investment, as you can wear it postpartum with ease, too – thanks to its stretchy, crinkle material. These were definitely the best things I bought while pregnant that I’m still wearing now. Also, bonus, they do mummy-and-me styles, too, so I can match with my daughter one day.

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.

Best maternity swimsuits at a glance:

Hunza G Square Neck Swimsuit

Superstretch Maternity Swimsuit

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.