No need to fret finding a maternity swimsuit. Pregnancy is a time for celebration, but it can also perpetuate a woman's fear of swimsuits. While the rest of the world will see a woman on the cusp of welcoming in new life, many pregnant women look in the mirror and imagine that they will look like a beached whale on the beach. Fear not, however, because it's not that hard to find the right maternity swimsuit for your special nine-month needs.
The Fit
The most important aspect of any maternity swimsuit is the overall design. The swimsuit design must be supportive to the breasts and belly without pushing against them too much. Make sure the leg and arm holes are also the right size and don't cause any chaffing. If you're planning on wearing the swimsuit all summer, remember to get a very stretchy and loose suit that can accommodate your belly growth.
The best swimsuit designs allow some adjustment in the shoulder straps. This is an important detail, since loose straps will always be falling down and tight straps will dig into your skin. Make sure the straps will also be comfortable. Skinny straps tend to cut into your shoulders, so look for wider or padded straps for the most comfort.
If you're having problems with swollen or sensitive breasts, look for a swimsuit with built-in padded cups. This helps with support and cushioning. Pay close attention to how the cups are built into the suit, though. Make sure they fit perfectly. Check that any underwire has caps at the ends to prevent poking and is padded to prevent digging into your ribs.
If a swimsuit has plenty of room, support and is adjustable but still doesn't fit, it's probably the wrong torso size. If it is tight, you probably need a suit with a longer torso. Loose may mean you need a suit with a shorter torso. If you still cannot find the right fit, look into buying a maternity tankini. The separate top and bottom will give you much more versatile fit.
The Look
When you're more concerned with looks rather than fit, remember that the louder the color and busier the pattern, the more pronounced your appearance will be. The softer the color and more simple the pattern, the more demure your appearance will be. If it's not attention, but covering up that worries you most, grab a skirted swimsuit or sarong to help make you feel more comfortable.
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