It’s crucial to stay comfortable when breastfeeding. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, either, because there are plenty of tops that offer both. Here are our picks for soft, cozy breastfeeding tops:
The classic button-down shirt is a good choice during the postpartum period. This shirt style allows for easy accessibility, and it comes in sizes to fit any body. For maximum comfort, choose a button-down top made from a soft, breathable fabric such as Supima cotton. Supima cotton has a long-staple fiber that makes it stronger than regular cotton, and it’s colorfast for enduring vibrancy.
This type of top is also recommended during the breastfeeding period because it withstands repeated washings. Rather than breaking down after being laundered, Supima cotton gets softer while retaining its structural integrity. There are a variety of colors from which to choose, including white and light blue.
Another option is the linen button-front utility shirt. Linen is a soft, airy fabric that’s ideal for spring and summer, and it feels soft against the skin. Like Supima cotton, linen softens with every wash. The longer you wear a linen button-down, the more comfortable it gets. These shirts come in solid colors and prints, so you can find one or more that works with your other wardrobe pieces.
You can wear buttoned shirts with almost any type of pants. For cozy comfort, wear a linen or cotton shirt with women’s pajama pants. If you’re going out, you can pair them with leggings or jeggings. The most important thing when choosing pants during the postpartum period is comfort. Look for bottoms with elastic around the waist; you’ll also want to choose soft, stretchy fabrics such as a cotton/spandex blend.
For a semi-dressy variation on the buttoned shirt, reach for a mid-length shirt dress. Choose a dress made from cotton chambray for casual comfort. A full button-down style is ideal for breastfeeding and has a laid-back look that’s on-trend for spring and summer. This type of dress can be belted to change the look, or you can wear it as is.
A cotton poplin button front is another breezy shirt dress that works for breastfeeding. It has a lighter texture than chambray and shares many of the same features, such as softness and breathability. You can wear either of these shirt dress styles with tights or leggings if you want more coverage, but they’re also super-comfortable to wear on their own.
When it comes to shoes, there are lots of options. You can wear canvas sneakers with a cotton dress or opt for a pair of ballet flats. Any type of slip-on shoe is a good choice, as they’re easy to get on and off and keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Women's tunic tops are also good for breastfeeding and the postpartum period. You’ll find stylish tunics in various materials, including cool cotton and smooth jersey knit. There are buttoned tunics and pullover styles; they all provide all-day comfort and most fall to the mid-hip area for ample coverage and a flattering look.
There’s a breastfeeding tunic for every season. In spring and summer, choose a lightweight, machine washable fabric such as any type of cotton or linen. Fall and winter call for heavier material. Tunic sweaters provide warmth and come in various styles including V-necks, scoop necks, and turtlenecks.
Tunics are a versatile top style that goes with any type of bottoms. You can wear them with women’s sweatpants, or pair them with your favorite leggings. For a dressier look, wear a tunic top with a skirt. One option is a flowy jersey knit midi skirt with an elastic waist; this skirt style flatters every figure and is light and comfortable.
Women’s t-shirts are always a good choice. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and they come in fitted and roomy styles. You’ll find plenty of Supima cotton tees in a rainbow of colors, so it’s easy to find your favorite. Wear your tee by itself, or layer it under a sweatshirt if you need extra warmth.
You can wear a T-shirt with virtually any bottoms. Tees always go with jeans and jeggings, and they’re also a stylish choice with khaki shorts and skirts. You can pair a tee with women’s yoga pants or joggers for a casual look that’s super-comfy. T-shirts even work with skirts for when you want an outfit that falls between casual and dressy.
If you want a breastfeeding top that’s perfect for a day at home, you can’t go wrong with a cotton pajama top. Choose a buttoned style for comfort and convenience; these cotton sleep shirts come in different colors and prints to suit your preferences. You can wear them with matching PJ bottoms or pair them with your favorite sweats or another type of lounge pants.
All these tops can be integrated into your post-breastfeeding wardrobe, and many can work for all seasons when you layer them with other pieces. Experiment with different top styles to find the ones that are right for you.