After having my first baby, I wanted so desperately to feel like myself again. Not the new “mama” version of myself, with all of the new roles and rolls that come along with that title, but my previous self – the one that could sleep in if she wanted to or go for a run at 6 am on a whim. The new rolls I acquired did not make me feel like myself and were even more prominent after the baby was born. Now I had to dress this new body when none of my old clothes fit. Yikes!
After doing a ton of research on all of the top-rated nursing bras, tops, and dresses I soon realized that similar to most maternity wear, postpartum clothing is all about function and very little about fashion. Putting on frumpy, baggy, stretchy clothing made me feel more bummed about all of the (some would say “beautiful”) changes that happened overnight to my body and my life. Once I found a few items that made me feel more ‘normal’ I felt more comfortable leaving the house!
And, honestly, over time I started feeling more empowered when I nursed in public. I want people to see me nursing, to show that this is what people with little babies (who can and choose to) do!
I’m sure you’ve done your research too. Did you notice that the first thing that comes up when you google “nursing tops” are scrubs? Ha!
So here is my review of what I found to be the best nursing clothes out there – perfect for comfort, easy access, semi-fashionable, and great for traveling or just being on the go.
Best Nursing Bra
My priorities for nursing bras were 1) easy to latch/unlatch in a hurry, 2) maintained the shape of a bra so no pointy boobs, 3) flattering look, 4) would last throughout a few years of nursing or multiple pregnancies/postpartum periods. If you’re purchasing prenatal, don’t forget to go up a size because your milk-filled boobs will be bigger, as will your chest size. I ended up needing a larger bra right after birth then returned closer to my regular chest size about a year postpartum. Everyone’s body adjusts differently, so it might make sense to buy something that will fit you while pregnant with a slightly larger bust size to accommodate the new milk jugs or a bra that comes with an extender.
1. Best All Around Bra – Boob Design
Made of sustainable organic cotton or wool, Boob Design has the best nursing bras out there.
Designed in Sweden, their bras are comfortable, flattering, eco-friendly, and provide easy access without too much fuss.
I love the Fast Food Classic Bras ($29.50 on sale at the time of writing) so much I purchased two.
These bras are not the cheapest, but they are made of high-quality materials, won’t stretch out, and will last you through multiple pregnancies if you take care of them.
2. Best Bra for Working Out – Senita Athletics
Senita Athletics has a following – they make reasonably priced athletic wear that sells out quickly.
I purchased some of their high-waisted leggings (see below) as well as a few of the Go With the Flow sports bras ($35).
Why have a workout bra designed specifically for nursing?
Well, when you’re postpartum and trying to work out again and all of a sudden your baby wakes up and says “I NEED TO EAT NOW!!!” or you’re hiking with your little one and need to make a nursing stop – this bra will let you breastfeed on the go.
3. Best Nursing Bra with an Underwire – ThirdLove
ThirdLove bras were my go-to pre-pregnancy and then became my favorite bras for feeling fancy while nursing.
Their 24.7 Classic Nursing Bra ($65) has an underwire, which most lactation consultants would say “no!” to, however it is comfy, stretchy, easy to latch and unlatch, and provides more support and coverage on those days you want to feel like you’re wearing a normal bra.
I like to wear this bra under white shirts or when I’m trying to look fancier. You know, the days when you finally get out of yoga pants? This is the bra!
I have this bra in plum and taupe, both fit perfectly and are very flattering. The cups are not ‘full coverage’, so be mindful of which nursing pads you’re using as they may be too big for the cup size (see nursing accessories below).
Just OK Bras:
Bamboobies Bra – Very soft material, but so soft that it does not provide much support. Padding is very thick but removable. More of a halter-top cut so not usable with most tops unless you’re ok with the straps showing.
Knix Leak-Proof Bra – Very seek material. Does not provide much support and creeps up my chest with a lot of movement. High cut so sometimes shows if you’re wearing a low cut top.
Best Nursing Tops and Dresses
Nursing tops are not all created equal. Companies often create maternity/nursing wear that you can wear while pregnant which in theory is great because you don’t have to buy two sets of clothes, but in reality, it means you are wearing clothes postpartum that have a baggy space for a bump that is (partially) gone! These clothes are post-baby bump-friendly and cozy, but not flattering later when you no longer want to look pregnant or recently postpartum…
I would advise investing in some nursing-only tops or purchasing items that are nursing-friendly such as:
1. Best Long & Short Sleeve Shirts – Boob Design
Boob Design’s long ($79) and short ($69) sleeve classic shirts are flattering, comfortable, and hold up to many washes.
They are also stretchy around the waist if you’d like to wear them while pregnant, but not too loose that you look pregnant while postpartum. They are expensive, but good quality, made from 92% organic cotton, GOTS certified and can last multiple nurslings.
I own two long-sleeve (white and black) and two short sleeve classic shirts.
2. Best Dressy Tops – Mama Wear
Are you located in the East Bay Area?
Alameda’s own Mommy’s Trading Post also has an amazing nursing wear line called Mama Wear. The material is super soft, flowy, and flattering.
I own a few of the 3/4 sleeve shirts ($34.99).
I may have modeled for them for a discount…but this is honestly my unbiased opinion.
Support local!
3. Best Nursing Dresses – Latched Mama
The swingy and flowy material used in Latched Mama’s style does not work for me in their tops or sweatshirts, but it looks great as a dress!
I’ve received a ton of compliments on their “Momper” romper ($56), and nursing sundress ($54) which I own with both short and long sleeves.
I love that this company is woman-owned and features women of color and women of all sizes as models. The designs are also pregnant belly friendly!
The material is not the most durable and will most likely not survive through multiple pregnancies/nurslings without some visible wear and tear.
Just OK Tops & Dresses:
Gap Maternity– Offers a selection of nursing tops that were not my style. I would recommend their sleepwear for nursing!
H&M– I loved H&M’s maternity clothing but felt their nursing styles were too basic (same wrap front top, spaghetti strap tanks…). The tops I purchased lasted through only a few washes.
Bears Land on Amazon – Plain and simple, these inexpensive cotton dresses do the trick but might not last more than one season.
Best Nursing Clothes for Hiking and Working Out
1. Best Long Sleeve
Patagonia Mid-Weight Capilene is great for chilly hikes, for wearing at night in your sleeping bag, or for your day-to-day athleisure wear. This is not a “nursing” specific shirt however the zipper goes so deep that it is perfect for accessing your chest. I think it is designed for a climbing helmet but, helmets/breasts are of the same molds! The shirt is made of 50-100% recycled content, is fair trade sewn, lasts forever, and has a great resale value.
Another not-nursing-specific shirt I recommend is the REI Co-Op Farlands Henley which offers a row of buttons for chest access and is made of organic cotton. It is soft and durable, and a shirt I often wear around the campsite with a pair of yoga pants or with jeans.
2. Best Hoodie – Boob Design
I bet you’re tired of me talking about Boob Design…but I’m telling you – I’m a fan. For outerwear, I would recommend their Be Warmer Hoodie ($119). It is not thick, but serves as a comfortable and stylish mid-layer. I’ve worn this both to workout with some yoga pants and also casually with jeans and a vest on colder days.
Nursing Accessories for Travel
1. Best Nursing Cover – Jasemet
I was never a fan of the nursing covers with wires. I get the functionality of the wire so you can check on baby while they nurse, but it just wasn’t my style. My favorite nursing covers are those that look like you’re wearing something you might normally wear – the scarf kind of nursing covers!
These allow you to wear the cover around your neck if you need, pull them down when you need them, and pack away small if you don’t. The colors are simple and beautiful, and the fabric soft and stretchy. I’ve also put this cover on to keep baby and me warm when I forgot a jacket!
Check out Jasemet on Etsy for a WOC small business and handmade item. The cover can multitask too! I can be a nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, scarf, and so much more!
2. Bamboobies Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a must when your milk comes in and continue to be necessary as long as you have a heavy flow.
They protect your bra if you have a letdown before you start nursing if you’re nursing on one side and your other breast is leaking, and also catch milk dribble under your baby’s chin while they are nursing so it doesn’t drip all over your bra/shirt/stomach.
After 1 year of nursing, I still find myself wearing them during the day at least to catch milk when baby decides she is done nursing but my breast is not done feeding her!
For travel, make sure you bring at least 1 breast pad set per day and a couple of extras if you are extra milky. I would also recommend buying disposable ones if you are going to be somewhere you won’t have access to laundry.
Although more inexpensive nursing wear is available, most often the clothing wears out quickly, stains easily, or starts to pill after only a few washes. Your money will last longer with more quality choices and the earth will thank you for it!
Now that you know some quality brands for long-lasting nursing clothing check out sites like Mercari.com, Poshmark, and ThredUp to find the best deals on second-hand clothing. Or, check out your local Facebook mama’s groups and consignment shops for more second-hand deals and reduce some of the clothing waste in our world! If you’re local to the East Bay Area, please check out Mommy’s Trading Post in Alameda for the best selection of second-hand maternity and nursing wear around!
What are your favorite nursing shirts and dresses? Please share any I should check out in the comments below.
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
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