Being pregnant and giving birth both change your body. However, your postpartum body may take some getting used to, especially when it comes to choosing swimwear. It’s natural to feel trepidatious about stepping out in a bikini following the birth of a baby, but you can regain your confidence in your body. It involves embracing the way your body looks now and knowing that your body is beautiful. It housed a little miracle. It nourished a growing life for months. There’s no reason you should ever feel embarrassed or shy about showing off your postpartum figure – even in a bikini. Whether it’s summertime or you’re heading off on a much-needed post-pregnancy vacation, you should feel comfortable and confident in a two-piece swimsuit. Here are some tips to help you love the new skin you’re in.
Get to Know Your Body Again
Getting back to a body-confident position involves learning how to love your new body. That can be hard postpartum. Everything in your life has changed. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a betrayal that your body has changed so much, too. At the very least, embracing the differences can take a minute. That’s completely okay, but don’t shy away from looking at yourself. Take it back to the self-love of the ‘60s and ‘70s by examining your body in the mirror. Trace the shape of every tiger stripe, knowing that you earned each one. Your body is beautiful. Give yourself time to see it.
Ditch Your Existing Swimsuits
Do you have dreams of fitting into your pre-pregnancy one-pieces and two-pieces? It’s good to have a dream, but it may be better to let this one die, for no other reason than that it puts you under a tremendous amount of pressure. It doesn’t mean that you can’t or won’t fit in them, but you shouldn’t be worrying about that after giving birth. Besides, your body changes during pregnancy. Not even your maternity swimsuits will fit right after you have the baby. Postpartum, you may need or want more support, a little more coverage, or a different silhouette.
Consider a New Bikini Style
Speaking of which, get inspired to try something new. Check out your favorite stores to find sexy two-piece swimwear. Browse your favorite fashion blogs and magazines to see what’s trendy for the season. Discover a new silhouette that sparks your interest. There’s no right choice; there’s only your choice.
If you want to wear a Baywatch-style bikini and the style makes you feel gorgeous, then go for it. You can also consider a twist on the two-piece, such as a tankini, which can provide more coverage in addition to supporting your breasts. The best part is that tankinis and similar designs are also beyond cute.
That goes for high-waisted bikinis, as well. The bottoms come up a bit higher, which can support your tummy while hiding areas that may cause insecurity. Wear high-waisted bottoms with a tankini top or a bra-style top. You can even look for boy shorts that cover the tops of your thighs.
Look for Flattering Colors
The right color will make you look dynamite, regardless of anything else. If purple is your color, then you could wear a purple bikini, sweater, dress, or burlap sack, and still look like a million bucks. Solid colors can also be slimming, particularly if they’re darker. Try a tankini or a high-waisted bikini in a color that flatters your skin tone, eye color, and hair color. Not only will you enjoy lounging by the pool and frolicking in the water with your bundle of love, but you may never want to take off your swimsuit!
Pick Out an Eye-Popping Pattern
Patterns can help you to dive in with confidence because they take your body out of the spotlight, so to speak. A fun pattern draws attention to itself, keeping the focus so that it doesn’t stray to your breasts, hips, or stomach. Certain patterns can even be quite slimming. Color block designs, for example, can create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Whatever you choose, know that there’s nothing more stylish than a smart, polka dot bikini or a two-piece with a dazzling checkered pattern.
Find Something Fabulous to Go with Your Suit
A bit more coverage may give you more confidence to wear a bikini. You can still rock a two-piece, but you might feel better with a coverup. Obviously, there are always plenty of coverups to go with the trendiest swimsuits of the season. From full-length sarongs to short, crocheted pieces, you won’t have any trouble finding something you like. However, you can also get inventive with your favorite beachwear accessories. Fashionable women’s scarves, for instance, can tie around the waist perfectly, creating a quirky but stylish coverup.
Shop for Flattering Accessories
Putting together a look that’s a complete package can automatically increase your confidence. That’s an idea that works for more than eveningwear and everyday ensembles. It goes for swimwear, too. In addition to a coverup, you can accessorize your bikini with a pair of sunglasses, a chic sun hat, and stylish sandals from a women’s shoe boutique. You get an instant confidence boost when you’re dressed flawlessly from head to toe.
You gave birth to a baby. Your tiger stripes are marks of courage and love. Don’t let a lack of confidence keep you from enjoying yourself or loving your body. Feel confident enough to lounge by the pool in a two-piece while you enjoy a postpartum vacay. What helped you to embrace your postpartum?
Author Bio:

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.