Swimwear For Women

When you’re expecting, you don’t always have to run out and buy new clothes. As you start to get a little bigger, you can always wear your husband’s larger t-shirts and sweatpants, or borrow larger-sized clothing from a friend. There is also something called a “BellaBand” that will allow you to get a bit more wear out of your pre-pregnancy tops and jeans.

However, there’s one thing you’ll have to buy- a maternity swimsuit. It doesn’t really matter how stretchy or accommodating your pre-pregnancy swimsuit is, you won’t be wearing it for long. Besides, wearing clothing that’s too tight or constricting isn’t good for you or the baby.

Thankfully, buying a maternity swimsuit doesn’t mean that you have to settle for something that’s frumpy or matronly. There are many designers that cater to expectant mothers- brands like Prego, Bella BumBum, and Maternal America are there for you.

You can buy suits with extra room in the midsection and bust, or you can buy them with extra coverage on the bottom and the hips and thighs. No matter your preference, there is a maternity swimsuit that will “suit” you perfectly.

For those moms-to-be that love to swim, and swim a lot, the empire tank is an ideal choice. These practical but stylish suits provide a lot of support for a growing bust, as well as room for an expanding belly. They hug your curves, allowing you to guide through the water with ease.

If you aren’t quite so competitive in the water- say, you’re taking a “mommy and me” swim class with your toddler, or a water fitness class- a suit made of a lighter fabric may be good for you. You won’t be moving through the water as vigorously, so you won’t need as much support.

These suits are all-purpose, and they are also very stretchy. Most come with a built-in shelf bra, and on many styles, the straps cross in the back for a bit of added support.

There are many online shops that sell maternity swimwear, but if it’s possible, you should go to the boutique or store to try the suit on for yourself. Just because it looks good online does not mean that it will be right for you. Also, beware of online vendors selling “designer” knockoffs- it may seem like a bargain, but remember, you usually get what you pay for.

If you are self-conscious about your hips or your bottom, then a halter style or a baby-doll style may be ideal. A halter style will support a growing bustline, as well as drawing attention up and away from that baby bump. A baby-doll or skirted style will provide coverage on the bottom, and most have an adjustable fit for a pregnant belly.

Most of these styles have a built-in padded bra, also. If you want a little more hip room, then a tie tankini or bikini style has adjustable ties so that you can get just the right fit.

There are also strapless maternity swimsuits, which are great for light swimming and lounging. These often come with a removable strap for extra support, and most cover the hips and butt and have a padded bra. You bikini wearers aren’t left out- there are maternity bikinis that will fit you throughout your pregnancy, because the fabric is extra-stretchy.

If you are looking for a maternity swimsuit, you should buy one that will grow with you and carry you through the swimsuit season.