|
Now that you have to tuck last year’s string bikini back into the drawer (way back!), you may be wondering what’s out there for
you in maternity swimwear!
The answer is...
…lots! There are more options today than ever before - styles and prints that can be as conservative or daring as you choose to be!
There are, of course, the traditional one piece basics, with low leg cuts and front pouch bellies. Some manufacturers have added new contemporary twists, such as a
flirty skirt bottom to flatter a spectrum of leg and hip shapes. Some have turned the one piece into two, with a long skirted top and maternity brief underneath (super
convenient in restrooms!) But in today’s maternity world, you can now take a walk on the wilder side with new two-piece suit styling, with either the non-maternity
classic, under-the-belly bottoms, or a little less bold over-the-belly bands. 
There are a wide variety of leg cuts too. The skirted bottoms provide simple yet sexy top leg coverage, and can reduce possible
self-consciousness over widening hips. Lower leg cuts tend to be more comfortable, but a slight French cut in the front may make you feel very stylish. Barbie White,
owner of Japanese Weekend, advises to look for a suit with ample back leg coverage to prevent ride-ups as pregnant hips tend to widen. Boy cut legs are another very
90’s option, and one great for those hard to reach bikini lines!
What kind of support can I get?
In addition to the overall style, suits are made with different levels of support. A soft cup bra may look more shapely on the beach, while
a shelf bra may give you more support. A shelf bra usually has an elastic underneath and most resembles an athletic bra. If you are looking for extra support, select a
strap style that will help as well. Racer backs, t-backs, and halter tops can lend a helping hand. Japanese Weekend incorporates their patented OK® flip-it band to
offer extra abdominal support when flipped up, and extra back support when flipped down. Barbie points out that their one piece flip-it suit also offers cross-back
straps for extra comfort and security. She also suggests, for a maximum feeling of femininity, look for a low cut back to accentuate the one area that seems to elude
pregnancy weight gain!
What material should I look for?
Most suits range in various material blends of such fabrics as cotton or nylon, with some degree of spandex for expandability. Fabric
choices are really a matter of personal preference. Cotton can be softer, but does tend to lose its color faster. Nylon will hold up better in chlorine and tends to dry
faster than cotton.
Either way, experts advise: rinse your suit often and line dry! Chlorine will break down the threads as well as the elastic, so it is very
important to rinse out your suit with a non-abrasive soap after every swim. Since you will probably buy only one or two maternity suits at the most and wear them over
and over again, it’s important to continuously rinse out the chlorine to extend the life of the suit. Line drying will help keep the elasticity of the spandex in
tact, as heat (as well as bleach) will break it down and accelerate disintegration of the elastic. Excessive sunlight may also cause the fabric to fade.
What types of colors and prints are available? 
Like cuts and styles, there are numerous color and print options to accommodate every personality. Basic black is probably still the most
popular color because of its slimming effect. But, first choose a suit with a great fit, and then your color and print options are many - solid bright colors, tropical
floral prints, bright solids or stripes, mini-prints... whatever color or print best reflects your own personal style, you can probably find it out there!
Most of your local maternity stores should have a selection of maternity swimwear, but if you prefer to shop online, you can try Japanese
Weekend at http://www.japaneseweekend.com or Abracadabra Maternity at http://www.momshop.com.
So... there it goes... your last excuse for not getting into a swimsuit! You are now armed and ready to face your moment of truth! With all
the options in today’s maternity swimwear market, there’s a suit out there for you that can reflect your own shape, personal preference, and, above all,
personality! Feel confident in your choices and know that you look and feel great! Happy swimming!
Related links:
About the Authors: Teresa Gallagher and Maria G. Mueller are the owners of Annacris Maternity and also
Pregnancy Today's Lifestyle fashion experts. Learn more about Teresa and Maria and their company here!
|
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families. 
