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Swimsuit shopping has never been known as women’s favorite past time, and postpartum swimsuits add totally new frustration to the mix.
Postpartum bodies are amazing–those stretch mark-filled bellies and loose skin have performed amazing feats, and they deserve to be celebrated. And yet, they aren’t the bodies we’re used to, and many women struggle with postpartum body image.
Swimsuit season, understandably, is hard for anyone who’s grown up in a society that either lauds or shames women for their bodies. And that’s most of us, unfortunately.
While we think your skin is beautiful, we also want to help you feel comfortable in it. So whether you’re looking for nursing bathing suits or just swimsuits to hide belly pooch, we got you covered on different flattering, beautiful styles!
Why Find a Beautiful Postpartum Swimsuit
Some mamas struggle to find postpartum swimsuits they love, while others don’t want to invest in such a purchase at all. But if you want pool or beach days with baby, we think you deserve it.
For a lot of reasons!
- You deserve to have fun playing in the water with your child, and they deserve that from you;
- If you’re uncomfortable with your body because you GREW A HUMAN, we need to take a serious look at the social norms that are causing your discomfort. Because your body is badass, and you deserve to feel good in it;
- Honestly, you deserve to feel good in your body even if you didn’t recently grow a human. All our bodies do amazing things for us.
That’s why we’re creating this list of postpartum swimsuits, including nursing bathing suits, to help you feel comfortable.
Believe me–we think you have nothing to hide, so if you decide to get out there in a STRING BIKINI, then GO FOR IT. We think all bodies are beach bodies.
But we also want you to feel good in your own skin, whatever that means for you, so we’ve done the research to help make that happen!
Bathing Suit Styles to Rock Your Postpartum Body
Okay, so now that we’re on the same page that every mama should be able to feel good (or at least decent) in a swimsuit, where do we go from here?
We suggest ordering a few different swimsuits to try on from the comfort of your own home before you hit the pool or the beach.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s go online shopping together. Here are our favorite styles to look for when choosing your new postpartum swimsuit:
Tankini
We love tankinis. They’re in fashion and super forgiving if you find the right one. Plus, many of us find two pieces to be more comfortable, and it gives you that feel while covering the belly that many postpartum moms want to hide.
Here are a few of our favorites:
(1) Yonique Blouson Tankini
We love this lightweight, stylish swimsuit for its comfort, loose fit around the waist, and adorable colors and patterns.
It also has a mesh sports bra inside, giving you the support you need for your chest that may be–well–a bit larger than you’re used to.
(2) IMIDO Womens V Neck Retro
Awesome coverage, gorgeous print, and so colorful!
(3) Pointed Hem Tankini Top by Miracle Brands at Target
I’ll admit it–I can’t normally wear swimsuits from Target because they don’t cover my E-cups. But everyone else I know LOVES them, and this print is a gorgeous maternity and postpartum option.
Also, it comes in a plus size option, which means I CAN wear it!
(4) Helen John Textured Bandini
Splurge-worthy option! I always have to throw in a splurge choice, and I love this one because it’s so versatile. You can go strapless if your current breast situation allows, or cross the straps in different patterns to change up the suit.
The ruching around the waist is great for nervous pooches. Wear a different colored bottom, and you have a whole new look! AND, the color selection is AMAZING.
(5) Becca Plus-Size Over-the-Shoulder Tankini
Best plus-size option! Becca is one of my favorite swimsuit brands because of their many DD+ AND plus-size options. Helen Jon also makes amazing D-DD tops; they’re a little pricier, but hold up really well.
I will admit, I freaking hate that they use the word plus size to describe totally average bodies! But I love their suits, and that’s the phrase we know to look for, so I get it.
(6) Miraclesuit Tankini with Underwire
Need some extra support under in the chest? Mama, you’re not alone! Just don’t choose this option if you’re nursing because underwires can cause mastitis.
We love this gorgeous number for its full coverage, adorable silhouette, and support for large-chested mamas!
Pro-tip: Make sure you take your measurements and read the lengths provided in the description. You want the tank to provide full coverage for your midsection and doesn’t ride up.
High-Waisted Bikinis
If you’re ready to rock it, we support you! High-waisted suits are very en vogue, and they also cover pretty much everything from the belly button down. Excellenttttt.
Here are a few of our favorites:
(1) Angerella Vintage High Waisted
This suit comes in tons of different sizes and colors, which makes it a really great option. Not the best for nursing moms only because it has underwire.
(2) Marina Prime High Waisted Flounce Tankini
I’ll be honest, I love high waisted suits on others but hate them on me. But these flounce tops are some of my favorites. This one comes in tons of colors, and I’m obsessed. I may have just ordered one. Shhh.
And if you don’t want your belly to show (I let mine show, but that’s to my comfort level), then pairing them with a high waisted bottom is just the way to feel and look ADORABLE!
(3) Becca High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
I’ve already said how much I love this brand, and I also love the ability to buy SEPARATES! My E cups do not match my tiny booty, friends.
You can pair these high-waisted bottoms with basically any top you already have and look super stylish.
Pro tip: High-waisted suits can hide loose skin, but be aware that they might emphasize your belly if you’re 6-8 weeks out from giving birth and your uterus is still swollen.
Slimming One-Pieces with Accents or Ruching
Not ready for either a tankini or a high waist? We get it! One-piece swimsuits are a great way to get a lot of coverage and still look super cute.
If you go with a one-piece, choose one that accents your amazing boobs (thanks, pregnancy!) or your gorgeous collar bones.
Here are a few of our favorites:
(1) Smismivo Halter
Super flattering with tummy control, and good control for your boobs, however they’re behaving these days.
Of course, the ruching on the belly and one side is fantastic for a mama who’s tummy conscious. We just love this option!
(2) Holipick Off-Shoulder Ruffle
I felt SO cute in my off-shoulder ruffle during the postpartum stage, and I still do.
This one has belly control, which makes us feel better about ourselves and just physically feels more supportive during the postpartum period.
(3) Helen Jon Twist Front One-Piece Mallorca
I’m totally obsessed with this gorgeous suit and its beautiful pattern. The twist front is just the accent needed to draw your attention upward and give the belly a lifted look.
It’s definitely more of a splurge, but the high quality makes it worth it if it’s doable!
(4) Tummy-Control Miraclesuit
Everything about this suit is adorable IF you can pull off the open chest with your postpartum boobs!
The solid bottom gives it the feel of a two-piece but in one piece of fabric with tummy control, an underwire bra for breast support, AND a pattern that’s super slimming on the tummy!
(5) Hilor Shirred Halter w/ Macrame Back
Ruching on the front, gorgeous detail on the back, tummy control, AND gorgeous colors? Yes, please!
This suit is an amazing fit for mamas all around!
(6) A pop of color from Target
We love a colorful swimsuit, and postpartum mamas definitely deserve to feel beautiful in some gorgeous color.
This suit is totally affordable AND a gorgeous color with a summery pattern, so it’s a win in our book!
Swim Skirts or Dresses
Swim skirts are a great way to have extra coverage if you need it. My favorite thing about them is that I don’t have to worry about whether I managed the perfect bikini line shave.
No more wrapping yourself in a towel to build a sandcastle with your kid; with a swim skirt, you can just throw it on and go!
(1) Hilor Women’s Skirted Bikini Bottom
We love mixing and matching tops and bottoms, so this is an amazing way to add a little bottom coverage to a precious top.
The flounce in this skirt is adorable, and it comes in tons of different colors.
(2) MiracleSuit Swim Dress
This suit is AHHHHmazing and gorgeous.
It’s definitely a splurge purchase, but worth it if it’s in your budget!
(3) Exlura Ruched Swim Dress
This beautiful, simple swim dress has supportive straps, ruching, and tummy control. A win-win-win for a postpartum mama!
We love that the straps are adjustable. Plus, they’re wide for added support!
Nursing Bathing Suits
Are you still nursing and need to breastfeed your baby on the beach or poolside? We have you covered there, too (or uncovered… #sorrynotsorry).
(1) Movemama Halter
We love this super cute on piece. It has nursing clips that are integrated into the (adjustable) halter top, and the pads are removable for washing in case you find yourself leaking.
Plus, it’s super cute, and hardly anyone will notice that it’s not a normal suit! Do note the plunging neckline. Larger chested mamas may not be comfortable here.
(2) Movemama Ruffled One Piece
This option is great for larger chested mamas who need more coverage. Nursing clips are located under the ruffle, and the straps are fully adjustable in the back.
This suit was tested in women up to an f-cup, which is a major win in my book!
(3) Latched Mama Nursing Swim Top
Latched Mama is known for their nursing wear and asymmetrical looks, and this suit is no different. We especially love the pop of color for summertime!
Pro tip: All these options are great, or we wouldn’t have given them to you. But if you buy a suit that crosses at the chest so it’s easy to access your boobs, you can nurse in it without paying extra for the having specific nursing swimwear! Pair literally any swimsuit you can pull down with a coverup that you can pull up, and you’re set!
(4) Moloco
Not a suit, but a company. Moloco is focused entirely on breastfeeding swimsuits!
And while they wouldn’t work for my E-cup chest, smaller chested mamas will love their beautiful styles!
Cover Ups: The Perfect Addition to Postpartum Swimwear
One thing we tend to forget about when planning our swimwear is a cover-up. No one wants to walk around in just a swimsuit all day, and feeling cute in my cover-up makes a world of difference in my confidence.
Do I like that I place so much of my self worth on appearance? NO! Am I constantly working to change that? Yes! But do I still love a good cover-up? Indeed, I do.
Target has amazing cover-ups for just the right price. I highly suggest browsing their selection to see what fits your style.
Here are a few of my favorites to rock over your postpartum bathing suit.
(1) Elif crochet bell-sleeve tunic
Seriously, I wear this baby everywhere. Size up if you don’t want it to be short.
It’s a perfect option when you want to stay cool underneath your cover-up, and I get compliments constantly!
(2) Helen Jon hooded terry cloth coverup
It’s a coverup, a towel, and has a hood for wet hair, PLUS it’s cute. I’ll be wearing it this summer.
I wear this cover up constantly and everyone wants to know where I got it!
(3) Avidlove Oversize Beach Coverup
Nothing is better in a coverup than oversize, which is why I love this one so much!
Final Thoughts on Choosing Postpartum Swimwear
We know that the postpartum experience can suck in as many ways as it can be beautiful–trust us. Putting your body back out there after everything it’s been through can be really scary.
Perhaps you’re one of those women who is so body positive that she can get out there without even worrying about it. If so, please write to us and tell us how you accomplished this!
And if not, we hope these postpartum and nursing swimsuit tips and examples will help you get out there and enjoy swimming and playing with your children. You deserve it.
Have you found any great postpartum swimsuits not mentioned here? Tell us all about them in the comments!
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Katy Huie Harrison, PhD, is an author, mom, recurrent miscarriage survivor, & owner of Undefining Motherhood. She lives in Atlanta with her husband (affectionately known on the internet as “Husband,”) son (Jack), and dog (Charlotte). She believes our society puts too many expectations on women that make womanhood and motherhood restrictive. Her goal is to shift the paradigm about what it means to be a woman and mother, giving all women a greater sense of agency over their own lives. You can find Katy and her work featured in places like CNN’s Headline News, Romper, Scary Mommy, Demeter Press’s Motherhood and Social Exclusion, & more.
