11 Best Postpartum Swimsuits To Make You Feel Like Your Best Self

By Brigitt Earley

Swimsuit shopping isn’t exactly a beloved activity - no matter how body positive you are. Add pregnancy and giving birth to the mix and even the best postpartum swimsuits will likely have you frustratedly closing tabs or dashing out of the dressing room as fast as you can.

“A woman’s body goes through many changes with pregnancy and then postpartum,” says Amy Wetter of the Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta. “Some of these changes are physical and some are emotional.” Swimsuit shopping during the postpartum period touches both of those elements. You may not recognize the body staring back at you… and that may stir up some unpleasant feelings made even more poignant thanks to raging hormones.

“[After pregnancy] the uterus slowly returns to its normal size just as it slowly grew to accommodate a growing baby,” says Dr. Wetter. “Many women also have an issue with the large abdominal muscles in the middle of the abdomen, which can be separated during pregnancy due to the expanding uterus.” (The medical term for this is diastasis recti).

The pelvis also has to expand to accommodate the pregnancy, and this can be permanent. Plus, skin changes during pregnancy (hyperpigmentation issues or stretch marks, for example) are very common. Not to mention the breasts probably already increased in size during pregnancy and will continue to do so postpartum, especially if you’re breastfeeding or expressing. (You should check out our edit of maternity bras if you're in the market).

Knowing where to shop for maternity clothes - and spending time to find pieces that still make you feel confident throughout all these changes - is key, so be sure to hit up the best maternity swimwear.

“Postpartum abdomens, hips, and breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no one-size-fits-all swimsuit for the postpartum body,” says Dr. Wetter. But, in general, most women in their fourth trimester feel more secure and supported in a swimsuit with built-in tummy control, a one-piece, or full-coverage bikini bottoms. “Higher-waist suits are also more comfortable if you have a C-section scar, as you do not want a suit to put too much pressure or dig into your scar,” she adds. Underwire or padded cups can also help provide bust support. And breastfeeding mums may appreciate the convenience of clip-down straps for easy access come feeding time.

Don’t be afraid to size up, either. You may need to go up a size - or even two - in order to nail the correct fit. The best advice we can give you? Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident and ignore the number on the label. To help jump-start your search for the best postpartum swimsuits, we searched all the top retailers and used Dr. Wetter’s advice to ensure each option on this list was built with features suited for the postpartum body. We also assessed overall style and value to ensure we’re only recommending the best of the best.

Flounced Shaping Swimsuit, £29.99

With one of the widest size ranges available, this pretty swimsuit isn't designed for breastfeeding but the cut offers easy access. There is a shaping detail across the tummy from the tight fit around the waist and the adjustable shoulder straps and padded cups also provide good bust support. It's available in four colours, too.

Boden Levanzo Ruched Halter Swimsuit, £70

Diastasis recti can cause visible spacing between the ab muscles, plus bulging on the tummy. A ruched swimsuit like this one can help mask these issues to increase your confidence when you strip down for the beach. It has plenty of coverage all around, too

Black Polka Dot Maternity & Nursing Swimsuit, £52

Specially designed to take you all the way through pregnancy to breast-feeding, this polka dot swimsuit has all the features postpartum mums want. The fabric is a comfortable stretch material that won't constrict your changing body, without compromising the post-pregnancy fit. When it’s time to feed your little one, the nursing clips can be hidden inside the straps' ruffles when not in use, making them ultra-discreet. The drop down access makes breast-feeding an easy task.

CUPSHE Women Swimsuit, £34.99

Cupshe swimsuits are exceptionally popular with postpartum mums because they’re well designed yet affordable. You can easily find something you’ll be comfortable in during that weird transitional time and there are plenty of sweet and stylish details - like the centre cutout - to help you feel ultra feminine. And although it looks great, there is also serious tummy control and support while the cups come with removable pads. Winner, winner.

Willow High Waisted Pant - Black, £70

If you’re looking for something with enough tummy control to make you feel more confident but are concerned about a C-section scar, bikinis are a great call. They can be more comfortable than a one-piece as you can step into them with more ease than swimming costumes and these high waisted bottoms sit high enough so they won’t rub that sensitive spot.

Peony Vacation Ruched Floral-Print Stretch-ECONYL Swimsuit, £210

This swimsuit has ruching in all the right places - namely around your tummy - which works like a waist-cinching belt to add definition to your postpartum belly. The sweet floral pattern has a vintage-inspired feel that will also disguise any bumps (which are totally normal!) but which you might not feel confident about. There's medium coverage across your bum and partially adjustable shoulder straps.

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Cupped Underwired Swimsuit In Pastel Ditsy Floral, £36

If you're dealing with a bigger bust since having your baby, this swimsuit is cut specifically for large cup sizes, meaning your boobs will be fully covered and properly supported with the underwire detail. The printed pattern is totally on-trend and will help conceal any belly bulging or issues like diastasis recti.

Zimmermann Raie Ruched Tie-Detailed Lurex Halterneck Swimsuit, £295

As a reminder that being a new mum doesn't immediately equate to a frumpification of your wardrobe, this swimsuit is perfect for anyone who wants to cover up but doesn’t want to look totally covered up. The suit has a medium-coverage over the bum and enough fabric to ensure your boobs won't popping out. The ruching across the tummy will define your waist and it's easy to breastfeed in too - just slip down the narrow straps for access.

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Figleaves Fiji Ruched Detail Underwired Bikini Top, £30

This bikini top might be strapless but it features a supportive, yet comfortable, underwire to help give shape and hold to bigger busts. Of course it comes with detachable and adjustable straps if you want to style it as a classic bikini top, too. The deep sides offer proper coverage to larger cup sizes while the ruched detail is pretty and practical.

Hunza G Nancy One-shoulder Striped Seersucker Swimsuit, £155

Chances are you’ve seen this one-size-fits-most swimsuit on your social media feeds - mums everywhere love the textured suit, since the allover smocking helps smooth without uncomfortable compression. It offers plenty of coverage but isn’t at all frumpy.

Postnatal Support & Nursing Swimsuit, £38

This chic black postnatal support and nursing swimsuit was designed to help you regain your pre-pregnancy figure while swimming. There is a tummy control panel which gently supports you in the water, while the adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit around your bust to fit perfectly. You can wear it while pregnant but the wide, adjustable straps drop down for easy breastfeeding access, once your baby is here.

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