Maternity Swimwear = Cruel Joke

Swimsuit Season. Two words that strike fear in the hearts of most women I know. Now, add to that a summer spent in Alabama during which time you will be in your third trimester of pregnancy. It isn’t a pretty picture but the alternative is to spend your summer indoors and that’s REALLY not an option if you have a 4-year-old. So to the pool we go!
[sws_pullquote_right]The point I’m making here is that as beautiful as the miracle of pregnancy and birth are, they don’t go hand in hand with looking good in a swimsuit. [/sws_pullquote_right] This means that I’ve spent the last two months searching the internet for good options that would cover my expanding girth without making me look like…well, you know. I’ll confess now to being a bit of a prude when it comes to swimsuits. I’ve never been comfortable at the pool or beach and I blame it entirely on my conservative, land-locked Midwest upbringing.Then, a couple of years ago I found Lands’ End. Obviously, I’d heard of the company before that but I’d always assumed their swimwear was for old ladies (and maybe it still is and I’m just in denial). But I had already had a baby, and I wasn’t looking to impress anyone, just be comfortable. Their suits were cute but still covered me enough that I felt confident none of my “assets” were going to pop out unexpectedly. Alas, they do not make maternity wear.
Before I share what I found out there on the interwebs, let’s just discuss what the average pregnant lady needs in a swimsuit. Actually, better yet, let’s discuss what the well-above-average woman can get away with. Here is a picture of Jessica Alba in a bikini nearing the end of her first pregnancy.
Now, this is a woman who arguably has one of the best bodies in Hollywood and while I’m not saying she looks terrible here, it’s not her best look. I certainly have no illusions that I ever looked like Jessica Alba and I haven’t worn a bikini since I was 21. The point I’m making here is that as beautiful as the miracle of pregnancy and birth are, they don’t go hand in hand with looking good in a swimsuit.
Add to that the incredibly awful choices out there for maternity swimwear and you can understand why some women choose to just give up. Here are a couple gems I found in my search.
I’m not sure where to start with this one. If you actually get in the water, wouldn’t the whole front just float to the top to surround you like a giant black lilypad? Who would choose this as a good option? Maybe someone whose only other choice was this one…
I HAVE to believe the person who designed this actually hates women and specifically pregnant women. The ruffles, the vague resemblance to a napkin, THE FLOWER!
Luckily, I found a site called Mermaid Maternity that had several options for prudes like myself. Women that are looking for support for our heavy boobs and giant belly.
It’s black. It will cover all my bits. It in no way resembles a kimono. SOLD.
So for all my fellow pregnant ladies out there getting ready to tackle swimsuit season 2012, I offer this advice – Pinterest and patience. You’ll find what you’re looking for but you’ll likely have to view a lot of lemons during your search.
Do you have a favorite brand or store that sells good maternity swimsuits? Be a doll and share it in the comments.
Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.
The Gap had great maternity suits to choose from when I was preggo ! I wore Gap swimsuits with all my pregnancies, very supportive, great coverage, while still having cute options to choose from 🙂
i was a huge fan of target’s maternity suits.
I had a similar swim suit in my pregnancies, and I loved it for the ample coverage. But I must warn you, it was very heavy when wet. So much (and rightly so) fabric!!!
That yellow suit is a crime;)
I also bought my preggo suits at Target!!!
I found one I liked at Motherhood Maternity…although I never ended up wearing it. That yellow bathing suit is hilarious. Thanks for posting!
When I was pregnant 3 years ago, I had great luck finding swimsuits at Ross. I feel the same way about swimsuits as you do Jennifer and have often had a hard time finding a suit anyway because of that. I ended up buying a regular (not maternity) two-piece swimdress that had both a flowy skirt and top (neither of which floated up much in the water). Since the suit wasn’t clinging to my swelling belly or my ever expanding thighs, I felt comfortable (well as comfortable as I get in a swimsuit anyway). The two-piece also made it easier for those necessary bathroom breaks, since I didn’t have to take the whole suit off to go!
As a fellow pregnant prude, I can relate to this! Only to add and additional level of frustration, I’m 6′-1″ with a long torso. Finding suits in one piece that are long enough is tough when I’m not
Pregnant. The two pieces of a tankini barely meet. Add a gigantasaurus belly and the pickin’s get slim.
Last time I was lucky enough to have a tankini with a skirted bottom that I pushed to the limit and made work the couple times I needed it. This time im not due till October, and I’m already overheating and it’s only in the 80s outside! Lol I think I’ll be a permanent fixture in my neighbors pool.
Anyway, Thanks for the tips. I’ll be searching these swim sites soon myself!
Mine is from Gap also – although I haven’t tried it out this time and I’m worried it’s just not going to fit. Time to go shopping 🙂
I am due in september, so I feel your summer Inside or in a pool pain! I have a couple from target and one from pea In a pod ( I never wear though bc it is really hot and heavy)…. I’ll have to try the gap! Never thought to look there!
I agree with author , many good article I read about Mermaid Maternity , also Hollywood famous mothers like Jennifer Garner wear Mermaid Maternity swimwear. all above brand names like Target or JP. sell made in overseas , Mermaid Maternity made in USA. big plus for me.
Elegant , best fabric & like custom made strong stitching to all summer long wear without fears. Thanks for Author.