Pregnant Swimwear
From LoveToKnow Swimsuits
If you're expecting a baby, do you really need pregnant swimwear?
This is a question many pregnant women ask when looking at their summer clothing options. We spoke with Rebecca Matthias, President and Creative Director of A Pea in the Pod®, Mimi Maternity® and Motherhood® Maternity to get the low down on why maternity swimwear is an expectant mother's best option.
Expectant Mothers and Pregnant Swimwear
Pregnant Swimwear vs. Plus Size
One of the questions we hear the most often is what makes maternity swimwear different from plus size swimwear? After all, aren't both genres designed for a fuller figure? Is there really that much of a difference?
The fact is, maternity swimwear is specifically designed and cut to fit the unique shape of an expectant woman. Maternity swimsuits tend to offer the exact kind of support and coverage a mom-to-be wants and needs to help her look and feel her best during this very special time in her life.
According to Rebecca Matthias, "The best maternity swimwear brands are specifically constructed to fit the proportions of a pregnant belly". This shape can be significantly different from other full figure body types. Maternity swimsuits offer support right where the expectant woman needs it. For instance, a woman's bust line can increase dramatically during the course of a pregnancy, so extra support is often needed to keep the suit fitting correctly.
Additionally, most pregnant swimwear has bodice detailing to accentuate rather than de-emphasise the expectant woman's blossoming waistline. This is a time to show off your natural beauty.
Maternity swimsuit bottoms are also specifically shaped so that they hug the backside and stay in place when moving around both in and out of the water. According to Matthias, "Our swimwear is form-fitting, while at the same time it truly flatters the pregnant silhouette".
A Fit that Lasts
The best pregnant swimwear can seem rather pricey when compared to other styles, so it may seem tempting to try to make due with your pre-pregnancy swimsuit or simply buy a larger size. This usually isn't your best option. According to Matthias, "A woman's body will change throughout her pregnancy. Some women try to squeeze into pre-pregnancy swimwear, but this certainly will not flatter their new silhouette."
The greatest advantage to pregnancy swimwear is that, unlike outer swimsuit styles, it's meant to grow with your changing proportions. This means that investing in a high quality maternity bathing suit can actually save you money over the course of the pregnancy. Just imagine how many suits you could outgrow in the course of nine months.
Fashion or Fiction?
There seems to be a myth out there that pregnant swimwear can't be fashionable. Let's lay that myth to rest right here. Although some retailers stock insufficient varieties of maternity swimwear, you do not have to settle for the standard navy blue one piece.
Brands like A Pea in the Pod®, Mimi Maternity® and Motherhood® offer styles that rival anything you'll find in standard swimwear, including bikinis, tankinis and attractive one piece swimsuits. Yes, it's possible to be pregnant and trendy!
According to Matthias, "All of our fashions follow the trends of the season, and the same is true for our swimwear. Some of the main tends for 2008 include all shades of green, from olive green to Kelly. Black & white continues to be very popular, especially with pops of red, gold and silver. We also offer beautiful prints and lots of detailing."
Post-Pregnancy
Experts also advise not to be in a rush to pack your maternity bathing suit away once the pregnancy is over. The fact is, it usually takes at least a little time to drop the excess baby weight and regain muscle tone. According to Matthias, "A maternity swimsuit is great to wear while a new mom is working to get back into her pre-pregnancy figure".
Why rush back into a swimsuit style you may not be ready for? Seeing your post-pregnancy body in a swimsuit that wasn't designed for it can be discouraging. It's better to allow yourself some natural recovery time instead of feeling pressured to fit back into the traditional swimsuit "mold".
Find Your Suit
LoveToKnow Swimsuits would like to thank Rebecca Matthias for sharing her time and expertise with us. If you would like to see the latest in maternity swimwear, visit:
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This page has been accessed 9,919 times. This page was last modified 20:44, 23 October 2008.
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