13 best maternity swimwear styles 2026, according to mums
Whether you're newly pregnant, have been pregnant for (what feels like) 827 months or you're freshly postpartum, you'll know that even the thought of shopping for maternity swimwear is not a particularly appealing one.
Sure, you're in dire need of a break and lying by the pool with a book sounds idyllic, but sometimes the unfamiliar and ever-changing body that comes alongside pregnancy can throw up some obstacles. You might adore your new shape but find the idea of trying on endless swimsuits in a changing room about as tempting as a week-long, unmedicated labour. You might have developed new insecurities or new aches and pains, or you might just find dressing this entirely new shape a bit daunting.
Admittedly, shopping for maternity swimwear filled me with dread when I was expecting my first baby. In fact, the idea of kicking back on a beach with this enormous bump - seemingly never-ending in it's growth - briefly put me off holidaying altogether.
Luckily, after a bit of research, I soon discovered that the best swimwear brands really do cater to every body. Including the ones growing life inside.
That said, maternity swimsuits and maternity bikinis have to tick a few boxes before they can be considered worthy of a purchase, IMO. They need to flatter your growing bump (obviously), support growing boobs, and ideally be made from breathable, flexible fabric.
Thankfully, maternity swimwear is finally not only about comfort and function but is also tapping into seasonal trends, too.
Having spoken to friends during their pregnancies over recent years, a frequent complaint was that they could only find boring, black maternity swimsuits. During my own pregnancy recently, however, I was delighted to stumble across really fun, flattering, trend-led and affordable swimwear.
If you've got the budget for a treat, splurging on a Hunza G suit or two is the ultimate pre-baby investment, as you can wear it postpartum with total 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, for an added bonus if you're having a girl, they do mummy-and-me styles, too, so you can match with your little one next summer. I'm a boy mum, so until I find the perfect dinosaur-embellished one-piece our matching swimwear moment is on hold…
Whether you're seeking a few swimwear pieces for your babymoon, or you're optimistically prepping your third trimester wardrobe for some warm UK weather next summer, shop our edit of the best maternity swimwear to shop right now…
Why you can trust us
Contributing Editor, Bianca London, Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, and and Freelance Contributor, Rebecca Cope, have all become first or second-time mums over the last few years, and – alongside, you know, prepping for one of humankind's toughest physical feats and the subsequent life-altering reality of a tiny new human to care for 24/7 – rediscovering how to dress a body that was changing every single day posed a real challenge.
We didn't want to lose our personal style identities - which, conveniently for those of you reading this for inspo, are all very different to one another's - but we also wanted to celebrate and not just ‘disguise’ this incredible moment in our lives. And if we were finding this balance hard to strike, after working our whole adult lives in the fashion and magazine industry, we figured others must be too. So, we made it something of a personal/professional mission to compile the ultimate maternity clothes guides. If for nothing more than for us to refer back to if/when we ever do this pregnancy thing again, because (spoiler alert) baby brain is no joke, people…
How we tested the best maternity swimwear
The editors who co-wrote this guide are mums themselves, and have tested a plethora of maternity swimwear styles to know which ones are worth writing home about – and, crucially, which ones aren't. Paying particular attention to specifics like cost, fabrics, wearability, comfort, coverage and support, this maternity swimwear edit is as curated as it gets.
The very best maternity swimwear to shop now.
- Made from: 80% Recycled Nylon, 20% Elastane.
- Sizes available: S-L.
- Colours: 3.
Why we love it: Having never been one fore bikinis, I was surprised that the temptation to stray from a one-piece to the more revealing alternative came during pregnancy, no less. This high-waisted set is a great option, as not only do the pants have enough stretch to accommodate a growing bump throughout but the bra also has great support and coverage.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these Next discount codes at checkout.
- Made from: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane.
- Sizes available: 4-18.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: So often maternity wear focusses solely on function and neglects form altogether. Sure, the function here is a key consideration (no one wants tight fits, uncomfortable fabrics or overexposure less than a pregnant woman, let me assure you) but just because we're pregnant doesn't mean we've stopped caring for design. The resin beaded accents on the adjustable straps of this swimsuit paired with the tie-side detail and textured fabric all make dressing the belly a total joy.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
- Made from: 97% Polyamide 3% Elastane.
- Sizes available: One size.
- Colours: 3.
Why we love it: Hunza G can do no wrong when it comes to stretch. This time in bikini form, they're the ideal brand to shop from during pregnancy as they're one-size and therefore wearable pre-, during and post- baby's arrival.
- Made from: 83% polyamide, 17% elastane.
- Sizes available: UK 8-24.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: It can be easy to lose your sense of style during pregnancy, so for fans of bold colour splashes who love to stand out it can be a particularly tricky time when so much of traditional ‘maternity wear’ is so muted. Until you spot this scarlet red, square-neck side-tie swimsuit, that is.
- Made from: Polyamide 87%, Elastane 13%.
- Sizes available: S-XL.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: Super feminine and flattering, this is the perfect swimsuit should you be planning a babymoon at any point in your near future. The scalloped trim and cut-out keyhole feel particularly thoughtful design details - a feature that often lacks when it comes to maternity wear - while the gathered side seams, supportive straps and added bust support tick all the boxes for a growing body.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
- Made from: 84% Polyester, 16% Elastane.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Colours: 3.
Why we love it: Super soft and stretchy, this monochrome swimsuit is a great staple option for those of you heading abroad with a bump who want to avoid anything too fussy or frilly. The neckline's gentle v shape and two-tone fabrication give enough design detail to set it apart without screaming ‘look at me! I’m pregnant!' which - let's face it - isn't always the vibe when pregnancy symptoms are taking their toll.
- Made from: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane.
- Sizes available: XS-XL.
- Colours: 6.
Why we love it: Sometimes - particularly when we're feeling very pregnant and very overstimulated already - we just don't need fuss. But a ‘fuss-free’ swimsuit doesn't need to be boring, as proven by this low-key but incredibly chic taupe one-piece with contrast white stitching. Comfortable and full of stretch, it's a great option whether you're heading abroad for a babymoon or just to the local pool for a dip.
- Made from: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane.
- Sizes available: 6-14L.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: There's something about a frilled, ruffle swimsuit that is instantly appealing. The softness it creates around the shoulder and neckline is super flattering, and the extra detachable straps that come with this polka dot iteration are a great way to add a little more support as your chest grows.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
- Made from: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: Many pregnant people find that being in the pool is the only time you feel that physical weight of carrying a baby somewhat relieved, so discovering a great maternity swimsuit is paramount. This one is perfectly un-fussy, chic and comfortable, and one I reached for every time I could find a spare minute to run for a post-work swim.
- Made from: 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane.
- Sizes available: One size.
- Colours: 10.
Why we love it: No one does stretch like Hunza G, and if there was ever a time to lean into it it'd surely be when your body is growing by the day. A timeless silhouette in a smorgasbord of shades, it's one of the few swimsuits that you can truly wear ‘bump and beyond’.
- Made from: 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: Fuss-free, timeless and chic - this is actually everything I look for in a regular swimsuit, never mind one during pregnancy, so it was no wonder that this was an immediate winner. The super flattering - and slightly unexpected - square neckline sealed the deal.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these Next discount codes at checkout.
- Made from: 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane.
- Sizes available: UK 16-32.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: Halterneck styles are a particularly great option if you're feeling a little top heavy right now, as they lift and hold your chest in place and provide far less opportunity for any accidental exposing moments.
- Made from: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane.
- Sizes available: S-L.
- Colours: 1.
Why we love it: For anyone who's looking for a bold, fun swimsuit that feels celebratory in itself, enter Jojo Maman Bebe's florals and frills. There's no wallflowering going on here, but that is exactly its USP; perfect for a babymoon whose sole purpose is to celebrate the life you've been busy creating beneath those florals.
Save when you shop for the best maternity swimwear with these Jojo Maman discount codes at checkout.
Your maternity swimwear FAQs, answered:
What are the key features to look for in maternity swimwear?
Expandability, durability, longevity are the three key things to look for when shopping for maternity swimwear. Chelsey Oliver, Chief Creative Officer at maternity brand Seraphine, advises 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.
Chelsey also says 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.
Where to find plus-size maternity swimwear?
Generally speaking, it can be a good idea to head to the stores you usually shop from and simply size up once your bump really starts to grow, but Seraphine's brilliant maternity swimwear from Next also goes up to a 2XL, while H&M goes up to XL. Hunza G is another great, fashion-favourite option, as it is one-size and fits most body types.
More maternity content:
After more maternity content? Head this way for the best body pillows and in this direction for the best maternity jeans. We've also got nursing bras, maternity dresses, maternity loungewear and baby changing bags for your perusal.
