Stylish maternity swimwear *does* exist – here are 17 buys to prove it

Maternity swimwear is just one of many things to plan for when you’re pregnant. From the nursery to your maternity leave and how you’ll be able to afford childcare, it can all seem very overwhelming and – as excited as you may be for your new bundle of joy to arrive – rather stressful. But don’t let your maternity swimwear wardrobe become something that causes you anxiety. 

I spent the early days of my pregnancy daydreaming about my ideal babymoon: one last relaxing break, just me and my partner. All you need is a sunny destination, a selection of the best maternity swimwear packed, and a great book – and its finally time to *relax*. Yep: before I’d even booked anything (do we go somewhere exotic and off the beaten track, like Oman? Or is countryside spa escape a safer, but no-less exciting option?) I had bought a few too many maternity swimsuits. Needless to say, I am pretty well-versed in the most stylish maternity swimsuits and bikinis out there. 

Unfortunately, most of us won’t be able to spend the 40 weeks of pregnancy in vintage Chanel and knee high leather boots a là Rihanna, but that doesn’t mean forgoing all your pre-pregnancy style. It does, however, mean adding a few, carefully selected pieces of maternity clothing to your wardrobe – and a chic maternity bikini or one-piece, should be high on your list. Because – just in case you thought your itsy bitsy Ibiza bikini will still fit as you get deeper into each trimester – I’m here to tell you, it won’t. 

Swimwear shopping is right up there with jeans shopping – that is, something most of us avoid like the plague. But, our guide to the best maternity swimwear has narrowed things down to 17 chic styles from the best swimwear brands to suit all bumps and tastes, so we can pretty much *guarantee* you’ll find a style you love. So, where to start? 

Even if you’ve spent your life being a bikini refusenik, wanting to have your bun in the oven on show may change your mind – and there are a host of options to choose from. This tie dye New Look set is a steal at under £30, but if you don’t mind splurging, this Liberty print bikini is a seriously stylish buy for your poolside lounging. 

If, you’d prefer bikini bottoms to sit under your bump, options are slightly more limited, but this coral set should be top of your wish list. It’ll fit up to a DD cup, with the triangle bikini top adjusting to any cup size fluctuations and the ruched bottoms sitting comfortably under your bump. 

If you’re more of a one-piece gal and are worrying about whether – or for how long – a full swimsuit can stretch over your tummy, all of our best maternity swimwear picks have ruching to accommodate your growing bump. There are plenty of classic black styles to choose from – but this Figleaves number with a plunging neckline and ladder detail is one of the best. If you’re looking for something more a little bit more eye-catching, add this one shoulder, animal print style to bag. At under £30 it’s going to fly off the (virtual) ASOS shelves. 

And if all of these options still haven’t convinced you to buy a maternity swimsuit, I’ll let you in on a style secret of some of the most stylish mamas to be. Hunza G’s one size fits all crinkle cut styles are loved by pregnant influencers and celebs not only for their stylish aesthetic, but for their ability to stretch and accommodate a growing bump. Even better? They’ll fit your post-partum body just as well, all while ensuring you don’t look like a regular mom, but a cool one.

After more maternity content? Head this way for maternity knickers, maternity dresses, maternity trousers and maternity nightwear. We’ve also got new mum gifts, breastfeeding tops, maternity loungewear, maternity leggings and baby-changing bags (yep, including designer ones). 

Scroll down for our edit of the very best maternity swimwear to shop now.