The Best Postpartum Clothes to See You Through Early Motherhood
Now that baby is finally here, you can start adjusting to life with your growing family. While you’ll no doubt slide into a new routine, fitting into your old clothes so soon after giving birth is a challenge. That’s where postpartum clothes come in. Postpartum outfits are specially designed with a little extra room and stretch to accommodate your changing body, and some even have subtle features that allow for easy nursing. Many postpartum dresses, jeans and shirts can also be worn during your pregnancy and well after baby arrives, giving you plenty of mileage out of these items.
Ready to upgrade your postpartum wardrobe? Keep reading for some of our favorite fashion picks.
Carving out time for a good in-person shop can be hard when you don’t have a brand new person to take care of. For clothes that are specifically designed for this time in your life, check out these online retailers:
- Kindred Bravely: The nursing and maternity wear retailer is packed with comfortable items you need during the postpartum period, from tops and dresses to jumpsuits and soft pajamas.
- HATCH Collection: HATCH is your go-to destination for high-end items that’ll see you through pregnancy, the postpartum period and beyond. While many retailers offer clothes designed for pregnancy and postpartum, HATCH has a special post-maternity section for this time in your life.
- Nordstrom: From staple pieces to fun dresses and tops for nights out, Nordstrom offers a range of designer postpartum clothes.
Dresses and jumpsuits are instant outfits that allow you to slip on something and go about your day. Consider these must-have options.
Wrap dress
This short sleeve wrap dress is designed for the maternity months and after, thanks to a wrap style that you can adjust as your belly grows and shrinks. A mid-length hem makes this work for just about any plans you have ahead.
Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 54% viscose/46% polyester | Washing instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Ribbed dress
This polo dress features wide ribbing that stretches and moves with you through all phases. Buttons down the front allow for easy nursing access, and you can choose from stone and ivy shades—very chic.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 72% viscose/28% nylon | Washing instructions: Hand wash, dry flat
Wear-everywhere jumpsuit
As nursing moms know, it can feel like you’re a 24/7 snack stand when you’re breastfeeding. This cheekily-named jumpsuit is made from soft cotton with a pointelle pattern and front pockets for the essentials. It’s cute enough to wear out and comfortable enough to lounge around the house in. Choose from blue, black and pink shades.
Size range: 0 to 3 | Material: 100% cotton | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
Slouchy dress
Visitors are common after baby arrives. This one size fits all dress allows you to dress up and receive guests without putting in much effort. It’s made from slouchy French terry fabric for a relaxed-yet-flattering fit with a neckline you can easily nurse out of. Dress it up with flats or down with slippers—it’s up to you!
Size range: Petite to one size | Material: 95% lyocell/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Wrap-front jumpsuit
This chic navy jumper is designed to be worn during your pregnancy, the postpartum period and beyond. It features a faux wrap silhouette and stretchy back to change with you. The v-neck easily moves down for nursing—that’s a bonus we’ll take!
Size range: S to L | Material: 95% rayon/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, dry flat
Date night dress
This sleek long-sleeved dress has several features to make it a perfect choice for a special occasion or even work. The stretchy fabric is designed to move with you, while a hidden flap in front is perfect for discreetly nursing baby.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 72% viscose/28% nylon | Washing instructions: Hand wash, dry flat
Postpartum jeans and everyday pants are wardrobe staples. Browse our picks of the best ones.
Everyday postpartum pants
This sleek pair of tapered, ankle-length pants are designed for ultimate versatility. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them to the office or just around the house. The stretchy waistband and ponte fabric are designed to work through all four trimesters.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 69% modal/29% nylon/2% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Supportive jeans
Blanqi’s postpartum jeans have a pull-on design, hidden belly band, and gentle compression to support you throughout your day. The jeans have a leggings-like feel thanks to soft cotton and polyester fabric.
Size range: 0 to 14 | Material: 87% cotton/12% polyester/1% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Wear with everything leggings
Even if you’re in the postpartum period, you can still live in a quality pair of leggings. This pair from Kindred Bravely has a stretchy high-waisted panel you can wear up for extra support or flip down, depending on your needs. Side pockets are roomy enough to carry your phone and keys—score!
Size range: S to XXL | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Stretchy jeans
Spanx’s 70s-style flare jeans have a flattering silhouette to visually slim you out. There’s no button or zipper—you just pull them on like leggings and go! Made from stretch denim with hidden core-shaping technology, you’ll want to live in these jeans (and you just might end up doing so!).
Size range: XS to 3X | Material: 91% cotton/7% polyester/2% spandex | Washing instructions: Hand wash, dry flat
Perfect joggers
Joggers are having a fashion moment, and this pair from HATCH is here for it. The lightweight pants are crafted from French terry and have a semi-fitted look that works for nearly every body type. The wide waistband can be worn high or low on your stomach, which is the flexibility we’re looking for!
Size range: 0 to 3 | Material: 95% lyocell/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Slim-cut jeans
Seraphine’s shaping jeans are crafted from soft denim with a high-waist compression band to help hold you in. The jeans are designed to smooth, support and shape you, while also offering a little back support.
Size range: 2 to 14 | Material: 83% cotton/15% polyester/2% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash, dry flat
From roomy silhouettes to stretchy tops, these postpartum shirts are perfect for here and now.
Stretchy blouse
The Amelie blouse can go from hanging around at home to a night out, with buttons down the front for easy nursing access. Made from stretch jersey with roll-top sleeves, this shirt is oh-so-comfortable. Choose from black, navy, black striped and ochre shades.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 95% rayon/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash, dry flat
Super soft wrap top
Skin-to-skin sessions are important for bonding. This wrap top makes it easy to get in your snuggle sessions without you needing to strip down. Just tuck baby inside and tie it back up when cuddle time is over. Simple as that!
Size range: S to XXL | Material: 95% organic cotton/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Soft v-neck
This v-neck Angel Maternity top can be worn during pregnancy and the postpartum period thanks to stretchy fabric that hugs your body. A drapey front provides give while the criss-cross front opens easily for nursing access.
Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 93% rayon/7% spandex | Washing instructions: Hand wash, dry flat
Classic henley
This henley top is perfect for laid-back days. It’s crafted from a soft rib fabric, with a snap front that’s easily opened for nursing. Choose from ivory or black shades that make for excellent basics.
Size range: 0 to 3 | Material: 95% rayon/5% elastane | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, dry flat
Highly layerable shirt
A good tank is a vital part of your wardrobe, especially if you’re nursing. HATCH’s 24/7 Nursing Tank has a built-in bra, front-strap adjuster and plush backing. You can also unsnap the front for quick access for baby. Choose from four different shades, which you can layer under a sweater or wear as-is.
Size range: S to XL | Material: 91% Pima cotton/9% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Long sleeve with a hidden side zip
This scoop-neck top from Kindred Bravely has a hidden underlayer for discreet breastfeeding, along with a drapey fit to keep you comfortable. Breathable fabric helps keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather. Pair this shirt with just about everything!
Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 95% viscose from bamboo/5% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
The right postpartum clothes are important to help you look and feel your best as you navigate life as a new mom. To select the best postpartum outfits on the market, we looked at the most popular postpartum dresses, shirts and pants, and analyzed each for elements like fabric, fit, style and value. Reviews from users were considered as well—all items selected had an average rating of at least four stars or higher.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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