Sponsored by vineyard vines and ShopStyle Collective.

Considering how close we live to the beach, you’d think I’d own a ton of swimsuits. And I suppose I do own them. Whether I actually wear them or not is another story. You see, our beach isn’t what you’d necessarily call warm most of the year. It’s more of a…cute sweatshirt and joggers kinda situation. (Truth be told, most of the time it’s even a puffy jacket and jeans situation.) And while I’ve hung onto most of those bathing suits for a reason, none of them feel just right for my current body. You know, the one that is running after one child while whipping out a boob for the other.

So it figures that, during this particular postpartum season, we’ve seen a handful of really lovely beach days that undeniably call for a true-blue swimsuit. And happily, I’ve found one that is pretty dang perfect.

The Perfect Postpartum Combo for Breezy Beach Days

swimsuit (s) | bag | shirt (size 4)

I haven’t shopped vineyard vines before, but when I was on the hunt for the ideal postpartum swimsuit, their Sconset one-piece kept popping up in my search results. It’s supposedly ideally flattering, with good coverage yet not overly modest, and its adjustable straps offer a custom fit and support. I was intrigued by the idea that it’s actually well-suited (ha) to chasing down the 7-year-old while still offering relatively easy access for breastfeeding. Extra bonus points for being available in a few really flattering, classic color combos, including my perennial fave (hold onta yer butts here, friends!)…

…black seersucker.

Flattering, Practical & Nursing-Friendly: The Best Black Postpartum Swimsuit

swimsuit (s) | bag | shirt (size 4)

I know, I know, we’re playing things real safe, but did you see the second word up there? Seersucker! As in, the ultimate combination of preppy and sporty, country-clubby and retro.

Black seersucker, I’ve decided, might just make this the Unicorn of One-Piece Postpartum Swimsuits. It hugs everything in just enough, while the matte fabric and subtle texture distract from imperfections. That same texture also makes this swimsuit much more passable as a bodysuit when worn with jeans or a skirt. And it feels far less prone to snagging than some of the smoother, shinier swimwear fabrics out there. (No one likes a fuzzy, pilly rear end. You know what I’m talking about.)

Adjustable Straps + Black Seersucker = The Unicorn of Postpartum Swimwear

swimsuit (s) | shirt (size 4) | shorts (s, but I could have sized down to an xs)

True to what the description (and the glowing reviews) promised, the vineyard vines Sconset one-piece is hard to beat as an all-around swimsuit that does, indeed, check a whole lotta boxes:

• Flattering. It hugs just firmly enough without being compressive or overly “sculpting,” and the skinny, cinchable straps are as flirty as they are functional. On the modesty scale, this ranks somewhere around…”In-Law Friendly.” The leg could probably be a smidge higher, but as it stands I’d say we’ve got optimal bum coverage happening. Not too much, not too little, and nothing riding up. Which brings me to…
• Practical. As in, can you actually move about and do beach things in this suit? Absolutely. And it’s comfortable. The day we shot these images, in fact, I wore it for a couple hours at the beach; then the remainder of the day with shorts as a bodysuit; and then later again that afternoon for an epic water fight in the backyard. Throughout everything it didn’t dig or twist. Nothing creeping up the crack, either.
• Breastfeeding-friendly. The lightly lined cups are unstructured enough that you can tuck them to one side for quick access. If I know with certainty that I’m going to be pumping or nursing while wearing it, I leave the straps cinched a little more loosely so it’s easy to pop that sucker out.

The quality is great too. Substantial construction, and it doesn’t feel like it will stretch out or sag. In fact, the quality of everything I tried from vineyard vines was really superb, from the fabrics to the stitching to the incredible, thoughtfully designed details.

FIT NOTES: Sizing for the vineyard vines Sconset one-piece is pretty straightforward — and very forgiving since you can cinch things up more or less with the lacing in the back. I’m typically between an xs and s, 5’5″ with a slightly long torso and a 34C bust, and the size small in this suit is perfect. When the nursing stage is over and I’m less busty, I’m confident I can make it a little snugger if needed, too.

2 Practical vineyard vines Cover-Ups for Stylish Mom Moments

Of course, it would just be impractical for me to try one of vineyard vines’ swimsuits and not also try one of their signature cover-ups or half-zips, so I went ahead and picked up one of each to check out too. And friends, while the suit is real good, these two pieces shine, especially in a restrained neon-pink hue that feels super-playful, timeless, and almost a little retro when paired with the black swimsuit. (Think poodle-skirt-meets-the-beach vibes. See?)

Tickled Pink: The Vintage Wash Shep Shirt in Neon Rosa

swimsuit (s) | sweatshirt (s)

I can’t remember the last time I pulled on a piece of clothing and instantly smiled the way I did when I popped on the Vintage Wash Shep Shirt in Neon Rosa.

That color. The overdyed canvas at the shoulders and collar that feels oh-so coastal. The substantial weight of the 100% cotton fabrication — ideal for keeping the beach chill…at bay. (Here Lana would look at me with a not-at-all amused expression, accompanied by a tired, “Mommmmmm…“)

And while it’s seriously eye-catching, the vintage wash mutes the brightness just enough. 

sweatshirt (s) | bag | shorts (s, but I could have sized down to an xs)

Quite simply, this is a seriously good sweatshirt, and — as I mentioned above — exactly the kind of thing you’ll find me pairing with a swimsuit on most beach days. Worth noting: It’s been in heavy rotation with jeans too, and I’ve yet to wear it without getting stopped about the color. It just perks people right on up.

As Practical As It Is Pretty: Harbor Shirt Cover-Up

swimsuit (s) | bag | shirt (size 4)

And this Harbor Shirt Cover-Up is so dang smart, folks. For the record, I’m not a classic cover-up kinda gal (as much as I love a caftan at home or on the street, it’s just not what I reach for at the beach) — but an overshirt? That I can get down with. Especially one laden with so many cool features.

Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, lightweight seersucker. (There it is again!) Built-in UPF 30+ sun protection. Rollable sleeves. Inseam pockets (plus Velcro chest pockets!). Breathable back vent. A little loop on which to hook your sunnies (or at least that’s what I found myself using it for). And maybe my favorite feature: an interior sunglass wipe at the hem of the button placket. Maybe shirts like this are common among the sailing community, but I was, for lack of a better word, delighted by its ingenuity. The Swiss Army knife of cover-ups, cleverly disguised as a preppy, oversize button-up.

swimsuit (s) | bag | shirt (size 4)

And since it’s nice and long, it’s ideal for tying around your waist when you want to park yourself on the beach without ending up with a sand-encrusted bum. (The sand brushes right off the technical fabric too.)

Color me smitten.

Shop All My Summer Picks from vineyard vines

Vineyard vines is new to me, and I was quickly drawn in by its playful, preppy appeal. Below, everything I’m wearing here, plus a few other pieces I’m eyeing for a casual summer on the coast. Use code: MomEdit15 for an extra 15% off, now through 7/20!

Of course, as I write this, the fog has rolled in, all but eliminating the opportunity to rock a swimsuit for the remainder of the day (they call it June Gloom for a reason), but the fall here is glorious, so there are plenty of opportunities ahead to hit the sand wearing what just might be some of my favorite beach pieces, ever.

xo,
Em

Thank you so much to vineyard vines and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post. I’m so glad for the introduction to vineyard vines’ super high-quality, thoughtfully designed pieces, and their casual coastal vibes are right at home here in Half Moon Bay. And thank you so much for reading along and supporting brand partners like this. We love doing what we do so much, and we genuinely appreciate you being here.

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