Cora Finding the right swimsuit, cover-up, and shoes for summer beach and pool situations can be tricky enough. And when you’re pregnant? A bump can complicate things even more. Do you do bikini or one-piece? How do you find something that fits? Where do you find these things, and will they even be cute? The answers depend on a lot of things: how far along you are and what your personal comfort zone is. We went to a few experts, asking them to break it down and share some tips for looking and feeling as cool and stylish and comfortable as humanly possible when you’re pregnant poolside or at the beach and it’s hot.
- The Swimsuit
There are two camps when it comes to the swimsuit: Those who cover the bump and those who don’t. I asked Glamour’s fashion news director, Jane Keltner de Valle, and style and accessories director, Jessica Sailer Van Lith, what they wore to the beach when pregnant. Jane says, “I never bought any maternity suits, and I don’t think it’s necessary. I liked wearing a bikini, so there was nothing restricting on my belly. Also, a bikini is adaptable to a growing belly. String bikinis, in particular, are adjustable, so they work well when you’re pregnant. It’s such a beautiful and magical moment. My advice would be to embrace it and show it off!” Jessica seconded that. “Use string bikinis—adjustable in every direction. So easy, and I find the least amount of fabric actually the more flattering.”
Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, the founder of Marysia swim, the line that basically the whole world is obsessed with (you should have seen the line at the sample sale recently), says, “If you feel comfortable, I’m all for belly out. You’re so hot when you’re pregnant—another layer of fabric could make it worse.” Venice Beach-based Marysia wore regular bikinis from her line for both of her pregnancies, but she’s also designed swimsuits for chic maternity wear company Hatch, founded by Ariane Goldman. Ariane advises, “Invest in a bathing suit that can be folded under or over depending on how you’re feeling—something that allows you options.”
- The Cover-Up
Ariane, who recently launched a pretty collection of cover-ups at Hatch called Plage, makes a great point about them: “The beauty is that mums are all the rage right now, whether you’re pregnant or not. You don’t feel like a house because caftans are the standard.” Yes. Aside from the obvious advice that anything with an elastic waistband is your friend, she also shares some tips you might not think about (especially if this is your first pregnancy): Go for something that’s as light and easy to get on and off as possible. It can be hard enough to maneuver clothes with a bump. But, make sure it’s not too, too see through so that you don’t have to change out of it for lunch at a restaurant. Marysia agrees; “Bigger is better,” she says. “You want freedom.” Our editor Jessica, who’s expecting her third child in the fall, boys shorts a couple of sizes up and wears Vita Kin dresses (the latter can be a splurge; here’s how to get that look for less!)
- The Shoes
Step away from the fussy sandals. You do not want to be messing around with laces, ties, or even the teeniest little buckles. The ideal pregnancy shoe to go with your swimwear is a something you can slip or slide into without having to bend over or even sit down. Think slip-on espadrilles or even a sporty shower slide.