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These 16 Swimsuits Make Nursing By The Water So Much Easier
Even pumping is a breeze in these suits.
As anyone who’s ever tried to wriggle out of a one-piece bathing suit in a public bathroom already knows, bathing suits aren’t typically designed with comfort or discretion in mind. This reality only gets more pronounced when you’re trying to breastfeed without a nursing cover at the beach or pool, but the best nursing swimsuits take the stress out of feeding your baby waterside.
With these comfy nursing suits, you won’t need to sit in a gross bathroom or try to cover yourself with a towel. They’re designed for nursing comfortably, and they won’t require you to fully take off your top (because there’s nothing worse than peeling off a wet bathing suit). From hidden panels to deep V-necks, overlays, and clip-down straps, these suits are designed with new moms in mind. You’ll find bikini tops you can pair with shorts or a bottom you already have, and plenty of one-pieces in both solids and prints. Many of them also have space for breast pads or are double-layered, so leaks are no biggie. There are also options available here that aren’t made to specifically be breastfeeding or nursing suits, but can work even when you’re done nourishing a baby with your own body.
So if you’re planning to soak up all of summer outside this year, know that breastfeeding can be relaxing and enjoyable, even in a wet bathing suit.
1A halter maternity and nursing one-piece
This maternity suit works just as well postpartum as it does for pregnancy. The colorblock halter swimsuit style is available several different colorways and it has the look of a two-piece with the ease of a one-piece. The plunge neckline makes it easy to move the panels aside for nursing, and an adjustable halter neck and ruched sides helps this accommodate your body at different sizes.
Review: “Adorable suit! My only complaint was that the bust portion did not provide quite enough coverage for side boob coverage, so if you are larger chested, keep in mind or order a size up.”
2A color-block nursing swimsuit
Why choose one color for a swimsuit when you can have three? This tie side wrap swimsuit isn’t necessarily designed for nursing specifically but it’s a great style for it; you can pull the V-neck to the side, or untie the wrap. I have a swimsuit from Cupshe and I love the material and the fit.
Review: “Looks exactly as it does in the photo - bright color and very very flattering. I just had a baby and it is perfect for our beach trip. The straps are easy to pull down for breastfeeding also. Also, full booty coverage!”
3A plunging swimsuit for breastfeeding
While this plunge style swimsuit from Amazon wasn’t specifically made with nursing in mind, it’s low neck makes it a good option for breastfeeding at the beach or pool. It has ruching on the stomach and this retro-inspired suits comes in tons of solid colors and fun prints.
Review: “I was looking for a swimsuit I could breastfeed my daughter in at the beach and this will work! I’m able to pull the cups over to the side and have easy access. I love the material. Fits as expected.”
4A ruffled one piece bathing suit
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting than basic black, this cute V-neck ruffled swimsuit is a great option. It has a ruched stomach which makes it maternity friendly and an adjustable tie in the back so it can grow or shrink with you. There’s also removable padded cups and it comes in several great jewel-toned colors.
Review: “I am currently 7.5 months pregnant & plan to wear this at the pool for the remainder of my pregnancy, as well as postpartum because it is nursing friendly! The fit is comfortable & so flattering. I already ordered a second suit in a different color.”
5A breastfeeding swimsuit with buttons
This Summer Mae maternity swimsuit received a bunch of great reviews from both pregnant and nursing women. It has extra room in the belly to accommodate the bump, and the button up style is great for breastfeeding at the pool or beach. It’s available in several colors including the fun pink shown as well as other bright solids, and more subdued black or dark green as well.
Review: “Love this bathing suit! I am usually a medium but decided to get a large based on the reviews and it fits perfect. Room for my belly to grow. Great bum and front coverage. Usable button so you could nurse in it post baby. I will likely wear this post baby as well.”
6A double-layered nursing swimsuit
This cute printed nursing swimsuit has an outer panel that pulls up to reveal a deep V-neck that makes breastfeeding a breeze. The X-shape back has a tie that’s adjustable which can be helpful if your breasts fluctuate in size. The brand has another nursing friendly suit in black that’s a slightly different style but also offers easy nursing access.
Review: “This suit is a great option for nursing moms! It’s cute and has easy, discreet access for breastfeeding.”
7A gathered swim tank
This gathered nursing swim tank will take you from pregnancy to postpartum. It’s hard to tell in the picture but this tank is double layered so you can pull up the top layer when it’s time to breastfeed, but you still get the comfort of a high neck. Just note that this top does not come with a swim bottom, but you can pair it with shorts or your favorite bottom.
Review: “This tank is fantastic. I feel like I needed a size smaller than the chart recommended especially since swimsuit fabric tends to loosen when wet. But I love the nursing access, the prints are adorable and I like that it's long, it doesn't ride up - you can gather it wherever you need to. Also - THANK YOU for sewing in the cups.”
8A wrap-style swimsuit for larger chests
Nursing-friendly swim styles don’t have to be boring as this ruffled styled proves. One of the cool things about this Kindred Bravely bathing suit is that each size (S-XXL) comes with a “busty” option which is the same size but with wider straps for more support. To nurse waterside in this, just pull aside the inner layer that under the wrap top.
Review: “I am a 36E so it’s hard finding things that fit but this suit was so comfortable! I ordered an XL. It was very easy to breastfeed and be discreet while my family was at an indoor water park. I plan on using this suit even after I’m done breastfeeding as well.”
9A nursing-friendly swim dress
If your day at the beach will likely involve more bending, playing, and chasing a toddler than it does sitting in a lounge chair, then a swim dress, which offers a bit more coverage than a traditional suit could be a good option. This V-neck suit can be pulled aside for nursing without having to fully take the strap down. This one is on the pricier side, but the material is high quality and it should last for several seasons.
Review: “It is supportive and comfortable without using underwired or stiff staves on the sides. The arm bands stay on my shoulder.”
10A crossover nursing bikini top
A custom made swim top specifically for breastfeeding that won’t break the bank, this cute top has a crossover style and can double as a bra depending on your needs. It’s available in several fun patterns, including this galaxy one shown here. It has the hold of a sports bra and the ease of a nursing bra, and some people even choose to deliver in this style, so you know it’s comfy.
Review: “Perfect for my summer breastfeeding needs! Fits great and honestly I could wear it every day!”
11A double-layer swimsuit for breastfeeding
Your fellow beachgoers will never know that this tankini top actually does double duty as a nursing swimsuit, too. From Etsy seller NursingQueenClothing, the swimsuit top keeps your tummy covered while you nurse. Underneath the top layer is a criss-cross design that can be pulled aside to breastfeed. The top also has an adjustable back clip so that you can get the right fit for your figure.
Review: “Fits over my pregnant belly for now, and will be great fit postpartum and breastfeeding. Easy access but sturdy and nice looking. I think it is a great product for breastfeeding moms but also moms that have a summer transition from pregnancy to having baby.”
12A maternity and nursing bikini top
This bikini top from Etsy seller BikiniMamas boasts boob support while you’re breastfeeding. You can start nursing right away, thanks to the convenient nursing clips that allow you to do it with one hand. The bikini straps are adjustable so that you feel supported and comfortable while you’re playing at the pool. It comes in solids such as black and pink, as well as black and white or turquoise polka dots.
Review: “This bathing suit top is amazing. Haven’t seen anything like It. Totally recommend to all mamas that need to nurse but also need to live their lives/”
13A swimsuit that’s pumping-friendly
This crossover cut tankini works from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, designed so you can pull it over to the side with one hand to nurse. And if you need to pump, you can pull the outer layer aside and insert your flanges into the inner layer’s openings. This style comes in coastal stripe, blue, or shell pink, all with UPF 50 protection.
Review: “Fit is perfect! I’m 8 weeks pp and usually go up to an XL in bath suits and this fits great! I’m also currently breastfeeding/pumping and allows for easy access along with providing support to my large chest.”
14A nursing swim crop top
The Ruffle Nursing Swim Crop Top from Latched Mama has sewn-in cups that provide support for your boobs, and easy lift-up v-neck access for nursing. And no one will know that this swimsuit is made specifically with breastfeeding in mind, since double layers make it look like your normal, adorable swim crop top. Pair it with your favorite swimsuit bottoms or even a skirt or shorts for an easy summer look.
Review: “Amazing supportive top that I can easily wear in and out of the pool. Crops are super trendy right now, so I didn’t feel the need for a coverup bc it looks like a normal top. I’m almost done with my nursing journey, so haven’t actually used it for nursing… but my post partum bod requires new swim suits this season. I think I’ll get the print in this bc I love it that much!”
15A henley bathing suit that’s breastfeeding-friendly
While not technically billed as a nursing bathing suit, this henley-style suit from Andie makes breastfeeding a breeze, just like your favorite button-up shirt. It’s available in several fabrics too, like flat, ribbed, sustainable eco, and more, so you get to decide what’s right for you, and it comes in black, red, or navy.
Review: “I love that it has high leg cut but still a good amount of bum coverage (and I got a booty). The snap button chest opening is very practical for breastfeeding. I can pair this with shorts and it looks like a tank top.”
16A cut-out swimsuit with easy nursing access
If you’re looking to make the most out of your swimsuit, this Sea Breeze cut-out one-piece from Summersalt is perfect to transition you through breastfeeding days at the pool and days where your body isn’t being used to nourish another human. With adjustable shoulder straps and soft, sewn-in cups, this swimsuit will last all day long and keep you comfortable while making it easy for you to nurse your baby.
Review: “I love the color and fit of this swimsuit. I haven’t worn a one-piece for many years, so this was out of my comfort zone. I feel so confident wearing this, which is unusual for swimsuits! I love it!”
Going to the beach with young children can be stressful (so much sand on everything) but figuring out how to comfortable nurse doesn’t have to be an issue. These nursing swimsuits will take you from pregnancy through postpartum, and they all make breastfeeding or pumping by the water as easy as it can be (which is certainly easier than wriggling out of a wet bathing suit).
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