How to Shop for Swimwear When You’re Expecting

May 14, 2018

Shopping for swimwear was never something that is fun for me. I’m always stuck between that conundrum of getting the cool shaped suit vs not wanting to get a funky tan line. Also you gotta think about whether how that suit’s gonna hold up after lunch (what? I like my poolside snacks). Add pregnancy to the list of suit requirements, and dayumn the search seems to be impossible. But no worries, I got a list of practical tips that will make shopping for maternity swimwear a cinch.

My outfit Combo: sunshine bikini from Live Love Bikini, denim long sleeve shirt from American Apparel, hat from Obey Clothing.

Want a one piece? Then you’ll have to buy a maternity specific swimwear. Swimsuit may seem to be made out of materials that’s stretchy enough to cover your baby bump. But trust me, it’s not. I’ve tested this with comical results as the top of the suit comes up just shy of my boobs. Yeah that would be a critical part of my body I want covered up LOL. So if you’re going for a one piece, you’re gonna have to shell out the dough for a maternity specialized swimsuit.
Want one that’ll last post-partum? Get a two piece. Or maybe you just don’t wan’t to spend the money buying a new suit? You might have a two piece bikini somewhere in your closet that’ll work out just fine. You’ll of course never know until you try it out.
Going for a two-piece? Make sure your belly is in the clear. You’re going to want to avoid anything high waisted (which is counter intuitive to how I usually shop for bikinis) and any top that comes too much down your torso.
Don’t forget your sizes have changed, and not just in the most obvious way. Like I’ve mentioned in my previous blog, it wasn’t just my belly that got bigger. My boobs got scary big and I had to order a large for the Live Love Bikini yellow two piece from above. I typically wear size small!
When in doubt, order two (or three) sizes online. In all likelihood, you will not be the same size as before. And you just never know how your body is going to change. Plus maternity sizing is so weird. It drives me nuts that it’s virtually impossible to find these items actually in the store so you can try them on. My solution? Order two or three sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on one. Especially if you’re planning on buying a one piece that you’re only going to wear during the pregnancy. ASOS, Old Navy, and Target has tons of options that won’t break the bank. Or if you’re planning on getting a bikini, you have even more affordable options (Rainbow and Live Love Bikini are two of them).

Also, don’t forget about the cover-ups. Aside from belly and chest, my tush definitely grew in size during the pregnancy. And although I’m pretty comfortable baring my belly, for some reason I feel like my booty needs a lil’ more coverage. Oh, and husband’s oversized chambray shirts totally counts as coverups too!

My outfit Combo: ruffled bikini top from Rainbow (find similar here), bikini bottom from Rainbow, straw boater hat from Nordstrom, cover up from Pia Rossini.