2026 edit: which of these lovelies is our fave pregnancy swimming suit? (Hint, it’s a before, during and after gem)

The weightlessness. The relief on your back. The way your bump feels held rather than pulled downwards. Whether you’re heading to your local pool before school pick-up or feeling a coastal holiday (check these babymoon ideas if you’re planning yours), a good pregnancy swimming suit is one of those pieces you’ll be grateful you invested in.

It needs to stretch without digging in. Support without compressing. Grow with you. And ideally, help you feel good. 

To be honest, the options can be uninspiring, if you’re just running a basic search. Asking my local parents’ WhatsApp for recommendations, so many mums said they’d actually just gone for a bigger top half bikini, and worn it to death.

‘Interestingly, I never once considered buying a pregnancy swimsuit,’ Gemma replied. I just got a normal bikini with a bigger top half and wore it afterwards until it fell apart!’

Gosia came back with the same, ‘I also found them all uninspiring. Hated them all! I went with a normal bikini, which fitted me perfectly.’

Challenge accepted – inspiring is absolutely front of mind. 

Below is our 2026 edit of the best swimming suit for pregnancy, plus everything you need to know about swimming safely, from early pregnancy to sea dips and cold water.

If you’re building your pregnancy toolkit, you might also want to bookmark our guide to 5 team must-have products for pregnancy.

But first, a few quick Q&As.

Is swimming safe during pregnancy?

In most uncomplicated pregnancies, swimming is not only safe, it’s actively recommended.

It’s low impact, supports your growing bump, can ease pelvic and back discomfort and helps reduce swelling. The buoyancy alone is relieving in the second and third trimesters.

Can I go swimming in early pregnancy?

Yes. Unless your midwife or consultant has advised otherwise, swimming in early pregnancy is absolutely fine. Those first-trimester fatigue waves can even feel lighter in water.

If you’re nauseous or dizzy, skip it. But gentle lengths, stretching or simply floating can feel restorative.

Are swimming pools safe during pregnancy?

Yes, with common sense.

• Avoid very hot jacuzzis and overheated hydrotherapy pools
• Stay hydrated
• Take care on slippery surfaces
• Don’t overexert yourself
• Try not to swallow huge amounts of water

Is chlorine in swimming pools bad for pregnancy?

There’s no strong evidence that normal chlorine levels in well-maintained public pools are harmful in pregnancy. UK pools are regulated and monitored carefully.

If you’re sensitive, shower after, moisturise well and change out of damp swimwear promptly.

Is sea swimming safe during pregnancy?

Generally, yes – but be cautious.

Check water quality (especially after heavy rain), avoid strong currents and never swim alone. Temperature is the key consideration.

Is cold water swimming safe during pregnancy?

There isn’t extensive research on cold water swimming specifically in pregnancy. Many experienced swimmers continue gentle dips, but this isn’t the time to experiment with extremes.

If you already cold water swim:

• Keep dips short
• Avoid sudden temperature shock
• Get out before shivering starts
• Warm up gradually

Outdoor swimming advocate Stay Outside Jen (check her out on Insta) shares grounded advice on respecting your body in open water, pregnancy included. 

If you’re new to cold water? Pregnancy probably isn’t the moment to start.

Recommended read: Can you do cold water plunges while pregnant? Here’s what the latest research says.

The best pregnancy swimming costume – TRB 2026 team edit

This year, we asked the TRB team to weigh in, and three brands kept coming up: Hunza G, HATCH and You Swim (in that order).

Emma Harpham, Editorial Lead:
“I really liked the cut and vintage 80s feel of the Hunza G.”

Same. The best-selling square neckline feels clean and strong. And the coverage version (also one of their most popular fits) gives extra reassurance over the bust.

Eloise Edington, Founder/CEO:
“I loved ruffles when I was pregnant, but this is gorgeous. Hunza are so nice – expensive, but good to have a range!”

They are an investment, yes. But they’re pieces you’ll wear before, during and after. I feel the same about Beyond Nine, (who sadly don’t do swimwear!) If you’re looking for ruffles, this New Look option is an easy win.

For me, the best pregnancy swimming suit is that balance between playful and elevated. One that feels special – I wanted to celebrate the bump and hold onto the photos – but has to be really functional, too.

THE RELIABLE ALL-ROUNDER: Seraphine at Next

Seraphine maternity swimsuits are consistently flattering, supportive and well-cut – without busting the budget. You can still get them through Next (Seraphine sadly closed their doors last August). 

US Intern Annabelle Earle-Hecht loved this option, saying “I feel like Seraphine’s Black Textured Maternity Swimsuit is simple, but made to fit really well and is super-flattering.”

If you’re swimming weekly at your local pool, this is dependable and practical.

THE FITNESS-FORWARD SUIT: Speedo 

The Women’s Maternity Fitness Swimsuit in black is a fan favourite, and comes out top on so many best-of lists, every year. 

If you’re lane swimming and in this for a ‘proper swim’, performance fabric matters. This is designed for movement, not just floating.

THE SIDE PANEL FAVE: Decathlon

Specifically, the Emy Zeb Maternity Swimsuit. Brilliant value and surprisingly supportive. Ideal for regular swims without the higher price tag.

Decathlon got WhatsApp mum Claudia’s vote and caught my eye, too. As she says, ‘I got one from Decathlon that was amazing and grew with my belly – I used it until I was 39 weeks pregnant. I also have one from Seraphine (now RIP, but available via Next) with a nursing panel that was very flattering, as a new mum.’

THE ‘HALFWAY’ OPTION: Davy J

If you don’t want a full pregnancy swimming costume, high-waisted separates can be perfect. I absolutely love the Jones High Waist Bikini Briefs from sustainable brand Davy J. I had to laugh – is ‘Jones’ a nod to the infamous Bridget Jones ‘absolutely enormous pants’? Either way, DJ’s product description says it all: 

“With plenty of stretch, this is a full brief providing the ultimate coverage and comfort. Super flattering and with loads of support over the tummy, these briefs are particularly popular with new mums and also work as maternity pieces.”

Pair with one of their tops for a chic mix-and-match look.

AND … FOR PURE JOY: Batoko 

Made to grow with your bump, before, during and after pregnancy. If I were treating myself to the Lobster Swimsuit design, I’d order my normal size and see how I get on.

This brand was brought to my attention by my school mum friend Elizabeth. And I’m so delighted – I will definitely be banking them for the future. Liz noted, ‘Batoko is a sustainable brand, not sure they do maternity sizing specifically but they do have a ‘bump’ highlight on their IG.’ 

That’s how I found them – check that Bump highlight for inspo.

Enjoy 

Honourable mentions also go to Boden for their gorgeous prints and super-flattering square necklines – not maternity specific, but you could mix and match. 

Also, classic budget options have a passionate following – WhatsApp mum Helen pinged me saying ‘I liked my Vinted H&M ones – they were great. Cheap option, even if new! Wore after my due date while trying to keep active and avoid an induction!’

And yes, back to business. Your body is doing something extraordinary, before, during and after pregnancy.

The right pregnancy swimming suit should support you, not restrict. Swim gently (if you’re in that Speedo suit, go strong!) Respect temperature. Hydrate. Move in ways that feel good.

And if all you do is float quietly for ten minutes or sit by the pool, for a cheeky scroll? Our edit and all the options work for that, too.

Before you swim: Can you do cold water plunges while pregnant? Here’s what the latest research says.