The Plus Size Maternity Swimming Costume That Made Me Feel Beautiful Again

It was raining the day my package arrived—a soft gray afternoon typical of Seattle in late April. I tore open the tissue paper with the kind of cautious hope you reserve for swimwear when your body has changed in ways you still don't fully understand. The plus size maternity swimming costume inside was from a brand I'd never tried before, but something about the deep navy color and the stretchy, matte fabric made me think, maybe this time I'd found the one.

That day marked a turning point. For months I had been dreading the beach trip my sister planned for Memorial Day weekend. The thought of squeezing into my old swimsuit—or worse, settling for something that screamed "I gave up"—had me half-considering a raincoat excuse. But there I was, holding a plus size maternity swimming costume that actually looked like it was designed for a pregnant body, not just a scaled-up version of a straight-size suit. The rails of my local store had failed me time and again: too little support, too much fabric in the wrong places, colors that drained my skin of warmth. I had almost given up on ever feeling confident in swimwear again.

Why Most Maternity Swimwear Fails Us

Let me tell you something: the maternity swimwear aisle can be a cruel place for plus-size women. Straight-size suits that claim to "stretch" are the first offenders—they cinch at the thighs and sag at the bust, leaving you with a silhouette that's both squeezed and bunchy. Then there are the specialty plus-size maternity suits that seem to be designed by someone who has never seen a real pregnant body. I tried a halter-style suit from a popular chain last spring; the straps were so thin they dug into my shoulders like dental floss, and the cups were shaped for a B-cup at most. After an hour of adjusting, I took it off and cried.

What makes these failures so frustrating is that the solution isn't complicated. A good plus size maternity swimming costume needs structure: underwire or wide bands for chest support, adjustable straps that won't slip, and fabric that holds its shape when wet. It also needs to account for the belly—not with a sad elastic panel, but with intelligent ruching or draped fabric that grows with you. And please, give us colors that spark joy, not just black and basic navy. I want a deep burgundy, a forest green, a rich mustard—colors that say "I chose this outfit, I didn't settle."

What to Look for in a Plus Size Maternity Swimming Costume

Over the past few months, I've tried on over a dozen suits and returned most of them. Here are the features that separated the keepers from the failures:

• **Bust support:** Look for underwire, molded cups, or a wide shelf bra. Brands like Torrid and Lane Bryant often build these into their plus-size maternity lines. I'm a 38F and the Torrid underwire halter (around $65) actually held me without spillage.
• **Belly accommodation:** Side ruching is your friend—it stretches as you grow without looking like a tent. A good example is the "Wrap Yourself" suit from Mama's Got Curves, which uses a cross-front drape that skims the bump beautifully.
• **Fabric quality:** Chlorine-resistant nylon-spandex blends last longer and resist pilling. Avoid suits that are mostly polyester—they go sheer and baggy after a few wears.
• **Coverage you choose:** Some days you want a full-cheek bottom, other days you want to cover more. Look for suits that offer multiple bottom styles or adjustable sides.

When you shop for a plus size maternity swimming costume, don't hesitate to order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. Your body is doing something miraculous—it deserves a swimsuit that honors that, not one that fights it.

My Top Three Picks for This Season

After all that trying on, three suits won a permanent spot in my drawer. Here they are:

**1. The "One-Piece Wonder" by Mama's Got Curves ($68)**
This was the suit in my opening story. Deep plum, with a subtle sheen, underwire cups, and full-coverage bottom with a moderate leg cut. The straps are fully adjustable and wide enough to not dig. I wore it to a pool party and didn't adjust once. The fabric is thick enough that you don't need to worry about transparency, even when wet. Available in sizes 14–28, and they have a true one-piece maternity option that actually has enough length for a long torso.

**2. The "Tankini Freedom" by Asos Curve ($52)**
I'm not usually a tankini person—I worry about the top riding up—but this set won me over. The top has a hidden underwire and a crossover front that creates a flattering neckline. The bottom is high-waisted with a soft tummy panel that smooths without compressing. I bought it in black with white polka dots and paired it with a sheer cover-up. It's perfect for beach days when you want to remove the top without getting fully undressed. Sizing runs a bit small, so I recommend going up one size from your usual.

**3. The "Retro Wrap" by Old Navy Plus Maternity ($45)**
Don't sleep on Old Navy's maternity line—this wrap-style one-piece is a steal. It comes in emerald green, cherry red, and navy. The wrap effect creates a deep V that elongates the torso, and the side ties let you adjust the fit around your belly. The material is a soft double-layer that feels substantial. My only complaint is that the built-in shelf bra is best for C cups and under; larger busts might need an extra layer or a different style. Still, for the price and color range, it's worth trying.

A Note on Sizing and Comfort

One thing I've learned the hard way: your swimsuit size will change throughout pregnancy. What fits at five months may be too tight at eight. That's okay. When you buy a plus size maternity swimming costume, look for styles with generous stretch and adjustable features. Order early in your second trimester so you have time to test it. And always check the return policy—some stores like Target offer free returns for swimwear, but others like Torrid only give store credit.

If you're between sizes, size up. A suit that's slightly loose is better than one that digs into your shoulders or leaves red marks on your thighs. You're going to be moving, swimming, eating watermelon, and laughing with the people you love. The last thing you need is a costume you have to fix every ten minutes.

Final Thoughts

I won't pretend the search for the perfect swimsuit is easy. It took me months and more than a few tears. But when I finally pulled on that deep plum plus size maternity swimming costume from Mama's Got Curves and saw myself in the mirror—belly round, shoulders relaxed, a small smile on my face—I knew I had found something more than a swimsuit. I had found permission to show up as I am.

You don't need to shrink to shine. You need a swimsuit that lets you float, laugh, and splash without a single tug or check. That plus size maternity swimming costume exists—I promise. Keep looking, or start with one of my picks. And when you find it, wear it like the beautiful, growing woman you are. The water is waiting.