The Best Postpartum Clothes You’ll Actually Want to Wear, From A New Mom
Like other first-time moms, I spent months preparing for the arrival of my baby, arranging her bassinet and glider in a corner of our bedroom, setting up diaper stations throughout the house, organizing bottles, and––arguably the most fun––meticulously folding all her clothes and arranging them in order of size. Of course, I also made sure I had a few essentials ready for myself in those immediate postpartum days. Sisters and friends had told me how intense those first few days and months can be. I wanted to make sure I had pieces on hand that would be comfortable and practical, but still a step up from flimsy leggings and an increasingly ragged t-shirt.
Having gone through postpartum, I can say it’s hard to overstate how important it is to be gentle with yourself. Postpartum clothes, I found, could play a surprisingly big role in that. I leaned on pieces that felt easy to wear––matching sets, soft leggings and elevated loungewear, along with a few dresses and items that could pass for work clothes. In those first couple of months, having postpartum clothes that kept me comfortable and supported, made feeding easier and didn’t require constant changing made a real difference. Most importantly, they helped me––in those fragile early days––feel a little more put together, awake and like myself during a time that can feel anything but. Here’s what worked for me––and what might work for you, too.
When building my postpartum wardrobe, comfort was the priority—but I also focused on pieces that felt practical and easy to wear day-to-day. When creating this guide:
- I looked for pants with stretchy waistbands as well as some with light compression
- For tops I looked for nursing-specific options as well as pieces that made feeding my baby easier, such as shirts with snap closures and oversized fits.
- I focused on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, along with moisture-wicking materials. (The postpartum sweats are very real, as I discovered, and I wanted to be prepared.)
- I stocked up on disposable underwear that was ultra-comfortable and didn’t feel too much like I was wearing a diaper.
- I interviewed a personal stylist to better understand how fit, fabric and silhouette can support comfort, function and confidence during postpartum recovery.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Your clothing needs will, of course, change throughout postpartum and what works, and what you will need, in the first few days will vary considerably by what works a little later on.
Best Postpartum Clothing Immediately After Giving Birth
Immediately after giving birth, it was hard for me to fathom wearing anything else for all time besides the incredibly comfortable Frida delivery and nursing gown a friend had given me—I wore it through my labor and the next 24 hours. But after you have your first shower after giving birth––which I’ll argue will probably be one of the best of your life––you will 100% look forward to putting on something clean, fresh and roomy.
Comfy loungewear set
- Luxuriously soft, stretchy material
- Feels chic and put together
- Easy nursing access
- Some quality complaints from reviewers
Chances are you’ll feel sore, exhausted and a little out of it—while also completely in love—all at once. In those early days, comfort is non-negotiable, and choosing pieces that make recovery and nursing easier can make a real difference. Many women don’t want any kind of waistband pressing on their stomach at first—and for good reason. In those cases, a nightgown is often the most practical option.
I brought an Old Navy nightgown and robe set to the hospital and put it on after my first (now forever memorable) shower. Somehow it made me feel chic (perhaps it was the hormones!) and the open front made learning how to nurse much easier. The longer length, paired with the robe, gave me enough coverage to feel comfortable taking short walks around the recovery floor.
Size range: XS to XXL | Material: Viscose/rayon/spandex blend | Care instructions: Machine wash
Postpartum underwear
- Soft, stretchy material
- Multiple size offering
- High-waisted design
- Doesn’t feel bulky under clothes
- Some complaints about durability
The underwear the hospital provides are perfectly adequate for the first few days, but once I got home I wanted something that had a slightly better fit and felt more substantial. I opted for the Frida Mom disposable underwear and appreciated being able to choose a specific size that worked for me, rather than relying on the one-size-fits-all versions from the hospital––which in reality don’t quite fit anyone. And while underwear isn't going to be the most glamorous or exciting purchase on this list, I liked that the Frida undies felt closer to regular ones, offered full coverage for those early recovery days and didn’t feel bulky under pants.
Size range: XS to XL+ | Material: Paper fiber and spandex | Care instructions: N/A (disposable)
Soft nursing Bras/bralettes
- Easy feeding access
- One-clip design
- Soft cotton material
- Some complaints about discomfort
Exclusive offer from The Bump: Get 10% off sitewide at Momcozy with the code AFTBUMP10.
One thing you may not fully anticipate is how much time you’ll spend in a bra after giving birth. In those early days and weeks, it can easily become a 24/7 situation. I collected a few nursing bras (like this one from Quince) before having my daughter, and one pumping bra, assuming I’d switch between them as needed.
What I didn’t anticipate was that I would be doing triple feeding—nursing, bottle feeding and pumping around the clock. Within days it became clear changing from a nursing bra to a pumping bra multiple times a day wasn’t realistic. I needed something that could handle both.
Luckily, I found the Momcozy pumping and nursing bra. I ordered a pack of three and wore them nonstop. The single-clip design made a big difference compared to other combo bras––during feeding, I didn't have to fiddle with a tangle of clips while my daughter cried in frustration. I also found that my pump flange easily fit in the bra’s openings without awkward gaps or adjustments.
Size range: S to 2XL | Material: Cotton and spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash gentle
Best Postpartum Clothing for Those Early Weeks At Home
After the first few days at home, I found myself reaching for pieces that felt a bit more “real” while still being completely comfortable––after all, I didn’t want to show up to my daughter’s first pediatrician appointment in pajamas. During pregnancy, I invested in a few good button-downs and elevated leggings, which quickly became my go-to uniform for the early weeks.
Stretchy elevated leggings
- Super stretchy
- Moisture-wicking material
- More elevated than a traditional legging
- Light supportive compression
- Fabric might be heavy for warmer months
- Some say they slip down
Personally I’ve never been a leggings-in-public girl––I usually reserve them for yoga. But during those early weeks postpartum when I wanted something that felt like a step up from pajamas but wouldn't sacrifice comfort, these were exactly what I reached for. Beyond Yoga’s kick flare pants have the stretch and ease of leggings but slightly more coverage and a more polished silhouette. The space-dye fabric keeps them casual while the front pintuck detail really elevates them. They quickly became my go-to from late pregnancy through early postpartum, and I honestly can’t imagine that stretch of time without them.
Size range: XXS to XXL | Material: 87% polyester/13% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold and gentle, tumble dry low
Nursing tank
- Easy to use nursing clasp
- Supportive yet comfortable built in bra
- Made with non-toxic (Oeko-tex® 100) materials
- Runs small/fitted
Most people spend their postpartum living in nursing tanks with an oversized layer on top––and for good reason. It’s comfortable, practical and makes feeding much easier. I tried a few different options, but kept coming back to this soft ribbed tank from Embrace. It has a bit more support than your average sleep top, thanks to the built-in bra, but still feels lightweight and easy to wear.
The fabric is what truly sets it apart––a stretchy, cotton-modal blend that feels breathable and lightweight, but still has enough structure to offer gentle support. It’s soft against sensitive skin (a big win postpartum) and doesn’t cling or feel restrictive. “I still love Embrace bra tanks even several years postpartum,” says Christine C., mom of two and contributing editor for The Bump. “They’re comfortable, supportive and the material is like butter.” And I agree—this soft bra tank quickly became my go-to for sleeping and lounging, especially when I wanted something simple that didn’t require extra layers.
Size range S to XXL | Material: 56% supima cotton/38% micromodal/6% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, dry flat
Oversized button shirt
- Snaps for easy nursing access
- Slightly oversized fit
- Expensive
An oversized button down is one of those pieces that you'll reach for constantly postpartum. It offers easy nursing access, layers effortlessly over tanks and leggings and helps even the simplest outfit feel a bit more put-together.
I particularly loved this splurge-worthy option from AYR for its slightly oversized yet still flattering fit and soft, 100% cotton fabric, which feels breathable and comfortable even on long days at home. The snap closures are what really set it apart—they make feeding much easier than dealing with traditional buttons which can feel cumbersome, especially when you’re in a hurry to feed baby.
Worn over a nursing tank for quick outings or worn open at home for easy layering, this piece was one of my staples. It’s polished enough to wear out but comfortable enough to live in––exactly what you want in your postpartum wardrobe.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Postpartum Clothing for Leaving The House or Returning to Work
One thing I didn’t expect was how quickly my sense of style would shift in those first few weeks after having my baby. Becoming a mom felt like a natural moment to reassess what I wanted to wear—and what actually worked for this new phase of life. You may find yourself wondering if your pre-baby wardrobe still feels right, or if it truly serves you now.
Whether you’re heading back to work or just leaving the house more, the goal is to find pieces that feel comfortable and supportive while still helping you feel like yourself. These are the items I reached for as I started easing back out into the world.
Matching lounge set
- Pants come in various lengths
- Super soft material
- Expensive for both pieces
Matching lounge sets were made for postpartum.They’re comfortable enough for recovery but still look intentional, which makes getting dressed feel easier. As a frequent traveler, I’ve owned plenty over the years, but never felt totally comfortable wearing them out—until after having a baby, when I realized that a polished set of sweatpants looks far more put-together than pajamas. There are so many great options—I loved this LAKE set for lounging at home, but found myself reaching for the Spanx set more often when I went out. The fabric is incredibly soft and lightweight, with a smooth, almost silky feel. The wide-leg pants are relaxed without looking sloppy, and the half-zip adds just enough structure to make the whole outfit feel more elevated.
This set was so easy to wear on daily walks––the small moments that can make a big difference for postpartum mental health. It’s the kind of set that feels as comfortable as loungewear but looks polished enough to wear outside without a second thought.
Size range: XXS to 3XL; pants come in regular, petite and tall lengths | Material: 47% lenzing modal/46% polyester/7% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle; tumble dry
Flowy dress
- Extensive size range
- Ideal for nursing/pumping
- Breathable 100% cotton
- Investment piece
Exclusive offer from The Bump: New customers receive 15% off $100 minimum cart value at Hill House Home with the code BUMP15.
This is definitely not the time for structured dresses––a lesson I learned while trying to plan a postpartum Easter outfit. Flowy styles are your friend, especially ones that button up the front or pull down easily for feeding.
I had heard great things about Hill House nap dresses and this felt like the right moment in life to try one (after all, there were a lot of naps happening in my house, just not for me!). I went with the Azaela style, which has longer smocking through the torso and a slightly longer length, which worked well for me at 5'9". I loved that I could easily pull down the straps for nursing, and unlike other flowy dresses I’ve seen, it still hid my nursing bra straps underneath.
Hill House has maternity and postpartum specific styles on their website, though I found the regular sizing worked just fine for me. It’s definitely an investment piece, but it’s also available to rent on Nuuly, which makes it easy to try out and see if it works for you.
Size: XXXS to XXXXL | Material: 100% Cotton | Care instructions: Wash less often, use cold water and wash with a full load; tumble dry low
Affordable loungewear set
- Ideal for nursing/pumping
- Comfortable yet stylish
- Extensive size range
- Transparent in lighter colors
- Some say pieces run large
There are so many loungewear options now that feel comfortable but still look put-together, which is exactly what you want postpartum. I found myself reaching for easy sets that felt relaxed but still appropriate to wear out of the house––without spending a lot.
This Old Navy set strikes that balance. It's affordable, easy to mix and match, and made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that feel comfortable for long days. The loose, airy fit makes it easy to move in, and 100% double-weave cotton is especially breezy for those postpartum night sweats. The button-down shirt adds a bit of structure (and works well for nursing), while the high-waisted pants feel polished without being restrictive.
It’s the kind of outfit that looks pulled together with very little effort and is ideal for days when you’re easing back into regular routines but still want to stay comfortable.
Size range (shirt): XS to 4XL in petite, regular and tall | Size range (pants): S to XXL in petite, regular and tall | Material: 100% double-weave cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash
Discreet nursing-friendly top
- Side opening for discreet nursing
- Classic style
- Affordable
- Runs large, according to some reviews
As I mentioned above, I often gravitated toward button-downs for discreet nursing and easy pumping access––but it’s nice to have a classic option in the mix. These classic striped tops from H&M feel especially chic while still being practical for everyday wear. The soft cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable, which makes a difference when you’re wearing something all day. What really stands out are the discreet side openings—this thoughtful feature makes nursing easier without feeling obvious or restrictive and works well for a range of body types.
Available in two striped options and solid black, it's a postpartum clothing staple that can easily pair with jeans or loungewear, and one that feels a bit more elevated than a basic tee––but just as comfortable.
Size range: XS to XXL | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cool
Supportive but forgiving pants
- Range of inseam lengths
- Comfortable stretch with light support
- Easy to dress up or down
- Some complaints about shape changing after laundering
It’s hard to know what kind of pants will feel best postpartum. After those early healing days, I found that the super-soft options I initially reached for didn’t always offer the support I wanted. I started looking for something that felt comfortable but still had a bit more structure––and looked like “real” pants rather than loungewear.
These ponte pants from Quince struck the right in-between. The fabric has enough stretch to feel easy and forgiving, while still offering light support and a more elevated look. They’re comfortable enough for everyday wear but structured enough to pair with a nicer top or wear out of the house without feeling underdressed.
Size range: XS to XL (inseam 28 to 34) |Material: Rayon/nylon/spandex blend | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, delicate; dry flat
High-Rise Barrel Jeans
- Extensive size range
- 4-way stretch denim
- Provides medium compression
- Higher price point
When I was ready to think about jeans again, these Spanx felt like a natural piece to transition back. This barrel-leg jean option is not only on trend, but the silhouette is more forgiving than a traditional option and the fabric's 4-way stretch gives them a level of comfort that makes the transition back into jeans far less intimidating. With an available size range from XS to 3X with an option to choose regular, petite or small inseams, there’s no squeezing into this wardrobe staple.
These high-rise barrel jeans are the kind you ease into––they look polished enough to wear out, yet you won’t be counting down the minutes until you can change out of them. After several weeks in softer, stretchier postpartum clothes, that balance makes a real difference.
“I’ve always been a jeans person––I have a whole collection—and while most of them didn’t fit for a while postpartum, I was okay with that,” says Christine C., mom of two and contributing editor for The Bump. “But the moment I could put a pair on again after having my babies, I finally felt like myself again.”
Size range: XS to 3X (petite, small and regular) | Materials: 91% cotton/8% polyester/1% spandex (body); 68% polyester/32% cotton (lining) | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle; tumble dry low
As I prepared for my postpartum wardrobe, I learned a lot through trial and error. For additional perspective, I spoke with Dana Weinstein, a personal stylist based in Washington, DC. Through her company, Something Good Style, Weinstein helps her clients––including postpartum moms––build confidence by refining their personal style and creating a closet that supports their lifestyle and day-to-day needs.
Weinstein emphasized the importance of dressing for your body as it is now, not how it was before pregnancy. She even suggests packing away pre-baby clothes for a while. “Your body is going to continue to change (especially if you’re breastfeeding),” she says, “and you aren’t going to be able to figure out a new style overnight. Accept that you can take as much time as you need to figure out your wardrobe.”
When building a postpartum wardrobe, Weinstein suggests focusing on a few key strategies:
- Prioritize soft, comfortable fabrics. “Jersey knits and items that are 100 percent cotton tend to be big winners in this category,” she says.
- Choose wide leg or stretch-waist pants. “I always recommend wide leg pants with a stretch waist to clients,” she says. They can be dressed up or down and they’re incredibly comfortable.” She also notes that if you are recovering from a C-section, make sure to choose loose pants with a high rise that won’t irritate your incision.
- Look for flexible dress silhouettes: When it comes to dresses, seek out a fit and flare silhouette. “[It’s] a great option because it will give you a defined waist.”
- Pay attention to fit. “Loose, flowy clothing is great,” Weinstein says, “but make sure that the pieces are the correct fit. You will always look better in pieces that actually fit you as opposed to being too big or too small (this really applies to everyone).”
Most importantly, focus on what makes you feel good. “I know that when you’re in the newborn trenches, thinking about getting dressed can feel like a battle,” Weinstein says. “It can be tempting to just put on sweats or leggings and call it a day (and there’s nothing wrong with that). But, putting on clothes that make you feel more like yourself, even if it’s just to wear around the house […] can help you feel better and more confident.”
In the end, the best postpartum clothes aren’t about stylish trends or fitting back into your old wardrobe. They’re about feeling comfortable, capable and a little more like yourself as you adjust to this entirely new chapter of life. If a soft matching set, an easy dress, or a cozy button-down helps you feel more together, and more empowered in your new role as mom, then it’s doing exactly what it should.
About the writer Madeline Weinfield is a new mom and seasoned writer based in Washington, DC. Her work has taken her around the world, and to all seven continents. She’s looking forward to continuing to explore the world with her daughter in tow.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Dana Weinstein is a personal stylist focused on helping clients build confidence through uncovering their personal style and creating a closet that supports their lifestyle, goals, and day-to-day reality. Though her company, Something Good Style, is based in Washington, DC, she works with clients across the United States.
Target Baby Registry
Free $100+ Value Welcome KitFree $100+ Value Welcome Kit
15% Completion Discount15% Completion Discount
Free 1-Year ReturnsFree 1-Year Returns
20+ Exclusive 20% Off
Deals For Mom & Baby20+ Exclusive 20% Off Deals For Mom & Baby1:1 Concierge With
Baby Gear Specialists1:1 Concierge With Baby Gear Specialists
*Subject to availability and Retailer's terms.
We earn commissions from these links.
