The Best Postpartum Swimsuit, According to the New York Post—and a Postpartum Founder

By Hartley, Founder of SABAL Swim

This summer feels different for me.

I recently welcomed my son, Knox, and this is my first full summer navigating swimwear after pregnancy and postpartum. Like so many new moms, I have been figuring out what feels comfortable, what works with my changing body and, most importantly, what makes me feel like myself again.

That is why the timing of the New York Post naming SABAL Swim the Best Swimwear Brand for Postpartum feels especially meaningful.

I created SABAL before becoming a mom because I understood how frustrating it was to shop for a small bust. Now that I have experienced pregnancy, postpartum changes and my own first full summer dressing a postpartum body, I understand the problem from an entirely new perspective.

This summer, I have personally been reaching for two styles most often:

• The Laguna One-Piece in Seersucker when I want more coverage, ease and a polished one-piece silhouette.

• The Hampton Triangle Halter when I want a comfortable, everyday push-up bikini that makes me feel lifted and feminine.

Postpartum swimwear is incredibly personal. Our bodies do not all change in the same way, and there is no single swimsuit every new mom is supposed to wear.

But every woman deserves a swimsuit that fits the body she has now—not one that makes her feel as though she is waiting to get her old body back.

Why the New York Post Named SABAL Best for Postpartum

In its guide to the best maternity and postpartum swimwear, the New York Post named SABAL Swim Best for Postpartum.

The writer tested our Cleavage-Enhancing Seaside Bikini Top and highlighted something that has always been central to SABAL: our tops do not rely on thin, removable pads that shift, fold or disappear in the wash.

Instead, we use permanently sewn-in silicone boosters designed to stay in place and create natural-looking lift and volume.

The New York Post specifically recognized SABAL for:

• Supporting postpartum women who want additional lift

• Creating the appearance of one to two additional cup sizes

• Using sewn-in silicone boosters rather than removable pads

• Producing a noticeable but natural-looking result

• Offering styles that can work for wider rib cages

• Designing specifically for women with AA, A and B cups

The reviewer tested the Seaside and said its built-in enhancement provided noticeable lift and volume while still drying relatively quickly after wear.

As the founder of SABAL—and now a postpartum mom myself—that recognition feels deeply personal.

Why Finding a Postpartum Swimsuit Can Be So Difficult

Postpartum is not one fixed stage.

Your body may continue changing for months after giving birth, especially while breastfeeding, pumping, weaning or adjusting hormonally. Your current bra size may not match your pre-pregnancy size, and the swimsuit styles you once loved may suddenly fit very differently.

Some women gain breast volume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Others experience a loss of upper-bust fullness after weaning. Rib cages can remain wider, even when cup volume decreases.

That combination creates a difficult swimwear fit problem:

• Your rib cage may be wider than before pregnancy.

• Your breasts may feel softer or less full at the top.

• Your old bikini band may feel too tight.

• Cups that once fit may now gape.

• Triangle tops may flatten the chest or pull the breasts apart.

• Removable pads may shift rather than provide real support.

• You may want more coverage without feeling hidden.

• You may want lift without wearing an uncomfortable, heavily padded bra-style top.

These are not flaws in a postpartum body.

They are signs that conventional swimwear is often not designed around the ways women’s bodies actually change.

What Is the Best Swimsuit for Postpartum?

The best postpartum swimsuit is one that fits your current body, provides the level of coverage and support you want and helps you feel comfortable enough to enjoy the beach or pool.

For many postpartum women, helpful swimsuit features include:

• Adjustable straps and bands

• Support placed underneath the breast

• Cups that sit flush against the chest

• Secure, sewn-in enhancement

• Flexible sizing for a changed rib cage

• Bottoms that stay in place while moving

• Coverage that feels intentional rather than matronly

• Styles that still feel feminine and personal

There is no rule that postpartum women must wear a one-piece.

There is also no rule that you should immediately feel comfortable in a bikini.

Some days I want the coverage and simplicity of the Laguna One-Piece. Other days I want the lift and familiarity of the Hampton bikini top.

The right swimsuit is the one that makes you feel most like yourself that day.

My Postpartum Favorite: The Laguna One-Piece in Seersucker

This summer, I have been favoring the Laguna One-Piece in Seersucker when I want a complete, easy outfit that still feels special.

After having Knox, there are days when I do not want to spend time coordinating a top and bottom or thinking about how everything is sitting. I want to put on one beautiful piece and move on with my day.

That is what the Laguna gives me.

The seersucker texture makes it feel elevated and feminine, while the one-piece silhouette gives me the coverage I sometimes want postpartum. It feels polished enough for a resort or vacation but practical enough for a pool day with a baby.

And practicality matters in a completely new way once you are a mom.

I am no longer just lying on a lounge chair. I am carrying Knox, bending down, reaching into a diaper bag, sitting on the pool deck and moving constantly.

A postpartum swimsuit needs to work when you are actually parenting in it.

Why I Reach for the Laguna Postpartum

I love the Laguna when I want:

• The ease of a one-piece

• More coverage through the torso

• A feminine, textured fabric

• A polished resort look

• A suit that feels secure while carrying and playing with Knox

• Something that looks intentional without requiring much styling

A one-piece does not have to mean hiding your body.

For me, the Laguna is about feeling pulled together while still having the freedom to move through a real day as a mom.

My Postpartum Bikini Favorite: The Hampton Top

When I want to wear a bikini, I have been reaching for the Hampton Triangle Halter.

The Hampton is SABAL’s everyday push-up top, made specifically for AA–B cups.

It gives me the lift and shape I want without feeling overly structured. The halter design is adjustable, the center construction helps keep the cups from sliding too far apart and the built-in boosters create a perkier, fuller-looking shape.

That matters postpartum because breast volume can change significantly after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

A traditional triangle bikini can make softer or less-full breasts look flatter by allowing the cups and breast tissue to move outward. The Hampton is designed to create the opposite effect: comfortable lift, secure shaping and a more centered silhouette.

Why the Hampton Works for Postpartum Breasts

The Hampton includes several features that can be especially helpful after pregnancy:

• Adjustable halter ties for customizable lift

• An adjustable back that accommodates different rib-cage widths

• A secured center front that helps prevent the cups from separating

• Sewn-in boosters that stay beneath the breast tissue

• A triangle silhouette that feels familiar and comfortable

• Small-bust-specific cup proportions that help reduce gaping

For me, the Hampton strikes the balance I want most often this summer.

It provides visible lift, but it still feels like an easy bikini I can wear all day.

Seaside: SABAL’s Postpartum Cleavage Maximizer

The New York Post tested our Seaside Bikini Top, which is SABAL’s cleavage-maximizing style.

The Seaside is best for women who want the most dramatic, centered cleavage without an underwire.

Its sewn-in silicone boosters lift the natural breast tissue from underneath, while the adjustable straps and back let the wearer customize the fit and level of push-up.

This can be especially helpful after breastfeeding or postpartum volume loss, when the breasts may feel softer or have less fullness through the upper portion.

Instead of simply placing thick padding over the chest, the Seaside is designed to work with the breast tissue that is already there—lifting it and guiding it toward the center.

Who Is the Seaside Best For?

The Seaside is a strong postpartum option for women who:

• Wear AA, A or B cups

• Have experienced upper-bust volume loss

• Want maximum cleavage

• Prefer a wire-free bikini top

• Need adjustable straps and band tension

• Dislike removable pads

• Want a more dramatic transformation

The Seaside provides SABAL’s strongest cleavage-focused result.

The Hampton is our everyday push-up top, while the Seaside is designed for the days when maximizing cleavage is the goal.

Why Postpartum Breast Volume Changes Swimsuit Fit

Many women notice that their breasts look or feel different after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Common changes can include:

• Reduced upper-bust fullness

• Softer breast tissue

• A smaller cup volume after weaning

• Greater breast spacing

• Changes in breast shape

• A wider rib cage

• Different volume between the two breasts

These changes can make traditional bikini tops gape or sit incorrectly.

A molded cup may retain its own shape instead of adapting to the breast. If there is not enough natural volume to completely fill that mold, empty space can appear along the neckline.

A sliding triangle top may adapt more easily, but it may not offer any meaningful support or lift.

SABAL is designed to bridge that gap.

Our tops use adjustable fits, small-bust-specific proportions and permanently positioned boosters to create support and shaping without relying on a rigid, oversized molded cup.

Why Sewn-In Boosters Matter After Pregnancy

Removable bikini pads can be frustrating at any stage of life, but they can be especially ineffective when the goal is restoring the appearance of lost fullness.

Loose pads often:

• Move away from the base of the breast

• Rotate inside the lining

• Fold after washing

• Create uneven volume

• Become visible through the fabric

• Shift when the top gets wet

• Require constant repositioning

SABAL’s silicone boosters are permanently sewn into the top.

That means the enhancement stays in the position where it was designed to work: beneath the natural breast tissue.

This creates more consistent lift and eliminates the ritual of trying to flatten, rotate or reposition removable pads every time you wear a swimsuit.

Can SABAL Help With Postpartum Breast Volume Loss?

SABAL bikini tops can help create the appearance of greater lift, shape and fullness after postpartum breast changes.

They cannot change the body itself, and results will vary depending on anatomy. But the correct construction can significantly change how natural breast tissue is supported and presented.

The combination of sewn-in boosters, adjustable tension and small-bust-specific cups can help:

• Lift softer breast tissue

• Restore the appearance of upper-bust fullness

• Create a rounder silhouette

• Bring the breasts toward the center

• Reduce cup gaping

• Add the visual appearance of one to two cup sizes

Some women will see more cleavage, while others will experience more rounded fullness and lift.

Both are valid results.

Can SABAL Fit a Wider Postpartum Rib Cage?

Yes. SABAL offers adjustable styles and specific fits that can accommodate women whose rib cages are wider after pregnancy.

This was one of the benefits specifically recognized by the New York Post.

Cup volume and band size are separate measurements. A woman may have an A or B cup with a broader rib cage, and she should not have to size into an overly deep cup just to get enough width around the torso.

Adjustable neck, shoulder and back ties can help create a more personalized fit.

When choosing a SABAL size, use your current measurements rather than your pre-pregnancy bra size. Your body may have changed even if your clothing size appears similar.

Which SABAL Swimsuit Is Best for Postpartum?

The best option depends on what you want from your swimsuit.

Choose the Laguna One-Piece for Coverage and Ease

The Laguna is the style I have been favoring when I want:

• More torso coverage

• The simplicity of a one-piece

• A secure option for active days with Knox

• Feminine seersucker texture

• An elevated but practical silhouette

Choose the Hampton for Everyday Push-Up

The Hampton is best when you want:

• Comfortable everyday lift

• A natural-looking boost

• An adjustable triangle halter

• A secure center front

• A bikini made specifically for AA–B cups

Choose the Seaside for Maximum Cleavage

The Seaside is best when you want:

• SABAL’s strongest cleavage effect

• Centered, dramatic push-up

• A wire-free silhouette

• Adjustable straps and band tension

• Lift after upper-bust volume loss

Choose the Montauk for Elevated Underwire Support

The Montauk is best when you want:

• A structured underwire bikini

• A polished balconette silhouette

• Rounded lift and definition

• More traditional bra-like support

• An elevated alternative to a triangle top

Laguna vs. Hampton vs. Seaside vs. Montauk

My personal postpartum rotation this summer has been the Laguna One-Piece in Seersucker and the Hampton Top.

The Laguna gives me the coverage and simplicity I want on busy days with Knox. The Hampton gives me comfortable, everyday lift when I want to wear a bikini.

The Seaside and Montauk offer two additional solutions depending on whether your priority is maximum cleavage or elevated underwire support.

Do I Need to Wear a One-Piece Postpartum?

Absolutely not.

Postpartum women are often subtly told that they should cover more of their bodies. But giving birth does not mean you have to abandon bikinis, wear only dark colors or hide behind oversized silhouettes.

You may genuinely prefer a one-piece. I often do.

But it should be a choice based on what feels good—not an obligation based on what you think a postpartum body is allowed to wear.

Some days I feel best in the Laguna. Other days, I prefer the Hampton.

Both choices are postpartum swimwear because I am postpartum and I am wearing them.

When Should I Buy a Postpartum Swimsuit?

There is no perfect timeline.

Your body may continue changing throughout breastfeeding and after weaning. Rather than waiting for your body to settle into a final size, look for adjustable styles that can accommodate some variation.

Consider shopping based on:

• Your current measurements

• Whether you are breastfeeding

• How much bust support you want

• Your preferred level of coverage

• Whether your rib cage has changed

• The activities you will be doing

• What makes you feel comfortable now

Do not buy for the body you expect to have several months from now.

Buy for the body that deserves to enjoy this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Swimsuits

What is the best swimsuit brand for postpartum?

The New York Post named SABAL Swim the Best Swimwear Brand for Postpartum in its 2026 guide to maternity and postpartum swimsuits. The publication highlighted SABAL’s sewn-in silicone boosters, natural-looking lift and designs for AA–B cups.

What is the best bikini top after breastfeeding?

The best top depends on the desired result. Choose the Hampton for comfortable everyday push-up, the Seaside for maximum cleavage and the Montauk for elevated underwire support.

What swimsuit helps with postpartum breast volume loss?

A swimsuit with enhancement positioned underneath the natural breast tissue can help restore the appearance of lift and upper-bust fullness. SABAL uses permanently sewn-in silicone boosters designed specifically for smaller cup volumes.

What is the best one-piece swimsuit for postpartum?

The SABAL Laguna One-Piece is a strong option for postpartum women who want more coverage, a secure fit and a polished silhouette. Founder Hartley has been favoring the Laguna in Seersucker during her first full summer postpartum.

What postpartum swimsuit does SABAL’s founder wear?

SABAL founder Hartley has been wearing the Laguna One-Piece in Seersucker and the Hampton Triangle Halter during her first full summer postpartum after welcoming her son, Knox.

Can I wear a bikini postpartum?

Yes. You can wear any style that makes you feel comfortable and confident. A postpartum body does not need to be hidden. Adjustable bikini tops can also make it easier to fit changes in breast volume and rib-cage width.

Which SABAL top creates the most cleavage?

The Seaside is SABAL’s cleavage maximizer. It uses sewn-in silicone boosters and an adjustable fit to lift the breast tissue and guide it toward the center.

Which SABAL top is best for everyday push-up?

The Hampton is SABAL’s everyday push-up bikini top. It is designed specifically for AA–B cups and provides natural-looking lift in a comfortable triangle halter silhouette.

Does SABAL use removable padding?

No. SABAL uses permanently sewn-in boosters that remain in their intended position and do not fold, rotate or fall out.

Does SABAL make tops for wider rib cages?

Yes. SABAL offers adjustable styles and fits that can work for AA–B cup women with wider rib cages, including women whose proportions have changed after pregnancy.

A Personal Note to Other Postpartum Moms

Becoming Knox’s mom has changed almost every part of my life, including the way I think about swimwear.

Before having him, I understood SABAL’s purpose through my own experience as a small-busted woman. I knew the frustration of gaping cups, flattening triangle tops and push-up padding that did not actually work.

Now I understand another layer of the problem.

Postpartum can make your body feel familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. You may feel grateful for what your body has done while still wanting to recognize yourself when you get dressed.

Those feelings can exist together.

Wanting lift does not mean you dislike your postpartum body. Wanting coverage does not mean you are hiding. Wanting to wear a bikini does not mean you have to feel completely confident every moment.

For me, the Laguna and Hampton have helped make this first full summer postpartum feel easier. They let me focus less on adjusting my swimsuit and more on enjoying the summer with Knox.

Having the New York Post name SABAL the Best Swimwear Brand for Postpartum is an incredible honor. But what matters most to me is knowing that our suits can help another mom step onto the beach, look in the mirror and feel a little more like herself again.

Your body does not need to return to who it was before.

Your swimsuit should meet you where you are now.

Discover SABAL swimwear designed to help postpartum women feel supported, lifted and beautifully themselves.