Women and swimwear is a loaded relationship. Sadly, it’s often how we feel about ourselves in a swimsuit that can dictate a whole host of subsequent feelings. Now, throw in one baby bump, a pair of rapidly growing boobs, and a full set of hormones, and putting on a bikini can take on even more meaning. We’re talking biblical level. But we’re flipping the script. In celebration of sunny days ahead and HATCH’s new summer collection – an easy, effortless assortment of beach-ready styles and feel-good swimwear, included – we spoke to a few women in our orbit on how they felt wearing swim while pregnancy and postpartum.

Executive Vice President, Brand, goop

Can you recall how you felt wearing swimwear while you were pregnant? Do you have a memory of a babymoon or trip, or time during a summer pregnancy when you were rocking swimwear? What did that feel like for you?

This might sound counterintuitive, but I loved being in a bathing suit when pregnant. I felt so much more kindness towards my body than I usually do (it also helps that you can’t judge your abs while pregnant). I was pregnant in the height of covid, and we ended up spending a month in Hawaii with another couple. It was a spontaneous few day trip that I kept extending, and some of my best pregnant memories are reading on the beach in a bathing suit and hiking in Lanai.

How did you feel the first time you put on swimwear postpartum?

It was a nightmare. I had a really tough postpartum recovery, and it took me two years to feel confident again. But it had a silver lining… I used to be a hot yoga and hikes girl, and I had to become disciplined about actually working out to get back into shape. But now, I’m stronger and happier with my body than I ever was pre-pregnancy.

Do you feel like swimwear can sometimes be a loaded thing for women and their bodies, specifically on or after the pregnancy journey? What did you do to maintain body positivity throughout? 

It’s so easy to feel dejected about your body pre or post pregnancy. Everything is changing, and oftentimes, everything hurts. And seeing those women who are in a bikini with perfect abs on Instagram two months postpartum was beyond frustrating (god bless them but I was not one of them).

One of the best things about having a child is it forces you to be in the present, and so I did exactly that. I put away my phone (after muting a few of those pitch perfect abs), and spend hours being in the moment – whether that’s playing a silly game or listening to Baby Shark for the 1000^th time. That influx of dopamine is much greater for me than a six pack.

What’s your favorite swim style and why?

I love the HATCH Antigua Maillot. It’s stretchy and super flattering, but has enough coverage. And the ruffle is such a sweet touch.

Co-Founder of Make It Cute Kids

Can you recall how you felt wearing swimwear while you were pregnant?

For both of my pregnancies, I was pregnant over the summer, so I was in a swimsuit often. I really tried to embrace my changing body and be proud, but some days were better than others as I often felt self-conscious about my new shape and tone.

Do you remember a babymoon or time during a summer pregnancy when you were rocking swimwear? What did that feel like for you?

My husband and I went to Bald Head Island, North Carolina, for our babymoon. I was around eight months pregnant and it was in the Carolina heat of the summer. I always wore one-pieces or tankini styles for my pregnancy, but I distinctly remember putting a two-piece on for the first time during this trip. It felt good to let my bump hang out and embrace the new look.

How did you feel the first time you put on swimwear postpartum?

I gave birth in October with both children, so I had some time before beach season. I did nurse my children, and more than my changed body, I found this part to be the most self-conscious aspect while in a bathing suit. At the time, it was really hard to find a bathing suit that looked good and allowed for nursing. I also distinctly remember having very body-conscious days and then other days marveling at how even though over the past year my body changed so drastically, I was actually the most confident I ever was in a bathing suit. 

What did you do to maintain body positivity throughout?

I tried to work out when I could but not put too much pressure on myself-especially being a new mother. I also concentrated on a healthy balance of food. I love to run but it was tough while pregnant. After pregnancy, I was thankful that I could get back into it because it helped make me feel more positive about my body and calm me in the parenthood journey. 

What’s your favorite HATCH swim style and why?

I love the Zanzibar bikini– an excellent high-waisted suit is my favorite- pregnant, postpartum, or none of the above!

co-founder STYLEST and former editor at Harper’s Bazaar

How did you feel wearing swimwear while you were pregnant?

I loved swimming when I was pregnant. Sienna was a September baby, and I vividly remember floating away the month of August in our deep end. It was the lightest I had felt in 9 months! I mostly wore two pieces, I had a Melissa Odabash one that had decent coverage for my growing chest, and the bottoms were not too itty bitty. However, I don’t remember being set up for success if I had been required to bare my belly around others. This was just me at home alone, floating away, not caring. 

How did you feel the first time you put on swimwear postpartum? 

Like a nightmare. I love fashion, prints, and colors. I am a summer-style lover and really feel like my best-dressed self in these months. I could not deal with swimwear. My boobs were heavy, my nipples were big, my middle was still finding its way back, and the only thing that worked was a way-too-expensive black ruched (ewww) suit. I will not name the designer, but it was grandmotherly—not my best look. I had an ah-ha moment at a pool party wearing this suit, and it motivated me to leave my job as a magazine editor and start a swimwear brand that promised solutions and style.

What’s your favorite swim style and why? 

I have two secret weapon STYLEST pairings that make me feel like mom of the year—and chic! Our classic square neck sculpting tank in cocoa (add belt) and our kiddie pool wrap in caviar. It’s such a sophisticated combo and completely kid-friendly. And then our super sexy and SPF+ puff sleeve zip suit in hot pepper red and matching scoop bra (I wear it a little unzipped). Add a MAC Lady Danger red lip, and you will never feel hotter!

Senior Director of Marketing at The New York Times

How did you feel wearing swimwear while you were pregnant?

I’d love to say I was channeling mama goddess vibes during my pregnancy but in reality, I was joking at the end that I was a water buffalo who showed up at the water hole. What most surprised me was that the boobs I had been praying for since my tweens, appeared overnight, and… I hated them! Sporting a belly already was enough attention for me, so I opted for sturdier one-pieces and more sporty looks to balance out my newfound womanhood. 

Do you have a memory of when you were rocking swimwear?

My husband and I did a YOLO babymoon trip to Sicily in my second trimester, and it was pure bliss. I was in the early belly stages where I thought I could fool people into thinking that maybe, just maybe, I had just eaten a bowl of pasta instead of growing a little person. But let me tell you, I didn’t fool those Italian women, they caught on immediately and I came to love their unadulterated passion to chat about babies, which helped me embrace my new body. I ate all of the pasta. I proudly puffed out my belly for pictures and I’ll never forget sitting by the sea in my bikini, watching the kicks ripple across my burgeoning belly. 

How did you feel the first time you put on swimwear postpartum?

Suiting up with my new body is a lesson in patience, humility, and grace. I’m so grateful for women sharing more real stories about how long of a road it is to recover from pregnancy fully. The old me would immediately spring into a workout plan. The new me just wants a good nights sleep. I’m taking the long view and focusing on what’s important— nourishing my son. 

What did you do to maintain body positivity throughout?

I kept moving. By my third trimester, I got into a really great workout groove of doing a long walk to start the day and ending the day with a barre or yoga class. I indulged in whatever I wanted (vegan carrot cake thanks!), but I also frontloaded the day with a mega smoothie to keep myself grounded. Doing nice things for my body helped me be nicer to myself.

What’s your favorite swim style and why?

You can never go wrong with a high-rise bottom and a timeless square-neck top. And, of course… being absolutely slathered in SPF 🙂 

Co-Founder of Expectful

How did you feel wearing swimwear during pregnancy?

For me, pregnancy was rather uncomfortable. I felt great wearing swimwear while pregnant, mainly because being in the water while pregnant was liberating. When I entered a warm pool or the ocean, I could float and relax in a way that being on land does not permit. If the cost of feeling more comfortable in my body is the awkwardness of my belly poking out in a swimsuit, it’s a trade I will happily make. 

How did you feel the first time you put on swimwear postpartum?

I first put on swimwear postpartum at a hot springs retreat.  I was so grateful to submerge myself in a hot tub after being separated from hot steamy water my entire pregnancy that my only focus was the missed sensation of heat hitting my face.

Do you feel like swim can sometimes be a loaded thing for women and their bodies, specifically on or after the pregnancy journey? What did you do to maintain body positivity? 

Absolutely. Swimwear, particularly in the U.S., is loaded for women and their bodies- there is so much pressure to look and feel perfect. I maintained body positivity throughout my pregnancy by accepting that my changing body was necessary to deliver a healthy baby.

As someone carrying a smaller baby, I had to deal with people telling me I didn’t look that pregnant. People thought they were complimenting me by telling me I didn’t look that pregnant. In reality, I had a health challenge that prevented me from having a large belly, and these “compliments” caused anxiety.

I maintained body positivity by giving my body the needed nutrients and focusing on my baby’s health. 

What’s your favorite swim style and why?

My favorite swim style is any style that matches my toddlers. I have a weak spot for matching swimwear.