The Best Swimsuits for Post Baby Body

The gorgeous glow of pregnancy is often followed by a long list of far less appealing realities that hit postpartum, ranging from C-section scars and stretch marks to leaky boobs and saggy bottoms. My son was born in late spring, putting me square into swimsuit season in tandem with a post-pregnancy, breastfeeding bod.

It felt brutal, until I found the right swimsuit. And trust me, once I found it, there was no amount of money keeping me from buying it. It made me feel great, and I didn’t have to spend the entire summer far away from the beach.

For every problem area, there’s a swimsuit with a solution. Here are ten of the best swimsuits for post baby, each designed to fix and flatter a different part of your bodacious mom bod. Supersized breastfeeding boobs? Broad hips? Varicose veins? No problem! I’ve got the perfect suit to tackle every issue.

More Maternity Style:

10 Swimsuits for Post Pregnancy Bodies

Full-Body Flattering
Some women’s bodies bounce back immediately after birth (Heidi Klum, we hate you!), but for most of us it takes time to get back to feeling strong and sexy. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for all-over camouflaging and flattering, a one-piece halter with a down-to-there V-neck is just the ticket. Go for black, which is stylish and super slimming.

My picks:
Baby Belly
"Baby belly"—that lovely, leftover padding around your tummy—is something most moms deal with after giving birth. To flatter your midsection, look for high-waist brief bottoms or one-pieces with ruching.

My picks:
C-Section Scar
Doctors have gotten very adept at minimizing C-section scars—still, if you have a scar, it's probably not something you want to flaunt at the beach. Look for high-waist bottoms as well as tops with patterns to pull the eye up and focus attention elsewhere.

My picks:
Larger Boobs
If you’re breastfeeding, you not only want “the girls” contained, but you also don’t want leakage while you’re lounging poolside. Look for a full-cup top that’s lined. Underwires and bustier styles offer added support and a splash of sexiness.

My picks:
Smaller Boobs
For some women, pregnancy hormones enlarge boobs, only to shrink them a size or two post-birth. If you’re trying to enhance a small bosom for summer, look for built-in padding and details at the bust like bows or gathering. Stripes and patterns on your swim top can also add focus and shape.

My picks:
Stretch Marks
One of the more infamous side effects of pregnancy is stretch marks. For moms with lines or streaks along their midsection, bikinis aren’t the best choice. Instead, opt for a one-piece with plenty of coverage but also a bit of sexy styling…nothing dowdy, thank you very much!

My picks:
Varicose Veins
Increased blood volume during pregnancy is good for baby, but not so great for your gorgeous gams. Varicose veins can pop up, and when they do, tailor your beach wardrobe with a flowy pair of coverup pants in place of the standard teeny bikini.

My picks:
Bulky Bottom
In addition to expanding your belly, pregnancy can expand your derrière. A skirted-style bikini or one-piece goes a long way toward improving your bottom line.

My picks:
Cellulite
There’s nothing good to say about cellulite (added pregnancy weight can lead to it), but you can still look good even if you’re dealing with a few extras rolls and dimples. Swim skirts are genius at hiding problem areas on the butt and upper thighs.

My picks:
Wide Hips
We know all about how women’s hips expand when they’re pregnant in order to prepare for the birth. But once bikini season hits, those hips may be less of a help and more something you want to hide under a sarong. Shop for swim bottoms with high-cut legs to elongate and streamline your figure.

My picks: