Ask any breastfeeding mama and she’ll tell you: Nursing (in public) ain’t easy. Whether you’re a modest mom or as uninhibited as it gets, breastfeeding outside the comforts of your own home can get a little tricky. (Shout out to all those squirmy, easily distracted babies out there!) While nothing can compete with the serenity that a glider in baby’s nursery provides, feedings in the wild can be a little less stressful — and a lot more stylish — when you have the right nursing top.
How to choose the right nursing top
When shopping for nursingwear, there are four key elements to consider, according to Elisa Minsk Hartstein, founder of Milk Nursingwear: Access, comfort, care and style.
“A nursing top is first and foremost a functional garment,” she says. “You need to be able to access your breasts easily for feeding or pumping. Soft, stretchy tops with generous, well-placed openings that enable you to ‘get to the goods’ with minimal fuss are ideal.”
Here are some tips for selecting breastfeeding shirts:
Read the reviews
If you’re shopping for nursing shirts online, Hartstein recommends reading reviews since the placement of shirt openings aren’t always apparent in photos. And in addition to making sure the style suits you, take washing instructions into consideration, as well.
“With all that a mom has to do, she does not want to have to add ‘hand wash’ or ‘dry clean’ to her list,” Hartstein says. “Make sure your nursing tops are machine washable.”
Pay attention to the material
It’s also important to remember that, when you’re nursing, the clothing you wear may not just be impacting you, but it could be affecting your baby, as well. Mia Seipel, founder of Boob maternity and nursingwear, advises breastfeeding moms to be mindful of the materials that go into their clothes — especially their nursing tops.
“Looking for certificates like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and/or GOTS will guarantee that the final garment has been tested for harmful chemicals and that it is safe to wear closest to your skin and baby,” she says.
Check the sizing guides
When it comes to choosing a size, Seipel suggests going with what you normally wear but taking a peek at the sizing chart nevertheless.
“Many women can vary in size over pregnancy and nursing, which makes their regular size hard to relate to,” she says. “Because of this, it’s always a good idea to get a little help from the size guides.”
Get loose
And if your usual style errs on the side of form-fitting and/or restrictive, you may want to reconsider your wardrobe when you’re nursing — and not just for easy access sake.
“Wearing tight clothing that has no give while nursing may cause plugged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis and/or possible lowered milk supply,” says Leigh Anne O’Connor, a New York City-based lactation consultant. “Not to mention tight clothes when nursing can be quite uncomfortable.”
Ready to shop? Whether you’re breastfeeding, expecting or just looking for a great gift, you can’t go wrong with one of these 16 stylish, functional nursing tops. They have everything a nursing mom could need — except the milk!
1. Cozy comfort
Just because you’re nursing doesn’t mean you need to opt out of the athleisure-wear trend. In fact, comfort is more important than ever when you’re breastfeeding! Whether you’re running errands or headed out for a walk with baby, this fleece-lined sweatshirt with a discreet side opening will make putting baby to breast easy-peasy and keep you warm while you’re at it.
Where to buy: Heavy Hoodie ($65, Latched Mama)
2. The black staple
It’s black. It’s versatile. It creates a cozy little cocoon for baby to nurse. And it can take you from pregnancy to breastfeeding. Need we say more?
Where to buy: Motherhood Maternity Lift Up Nursing Tee ($30, Target)
3. Comfy cozy
This super-soft thermal top with fleece lining is perfect for layering as the weather turn cooler. It lifts at the front for quick, easy access that provides plenty of coverage for nursing in public — which, for many moms, is crucial.
“I like to be somewhat modest when breastfeeding in public, so I always try to wear nursing shirts that have an easy opening in the center,” says Ilene Palmieri, of Howell, New Jersey. “This way, I don’t have to worry about pulling my shirt up or using a nursing cover, which none of my babies have liked!”
Where to buy: Thermal Nursing Top ($55, Seraphine)
4. Cheery, casual comfort
Not only would this tie-dye tunic in soft French terry look adorable with a pair of ripped jeans, it provides very quick, cross-front access.
Where to buy: Tie-Dye Cross-Front Nursing Tunic Hoodie ($40, Old Navy)
5. Blouse-ish tee
Finally, a top that feels like a t-shirt but looks like a cute blouse with puffed sleeves. This soft knit top works well for both pregnancy and nursing. And you can feel good about the fact that you — and baby — are keeping cozy in high-quality organic cotton.
Where to buy: The-shirt Blouse ($89, Boob)
6. Polished and sophisticated
Never mind the fact that this wrap-tie style is universally flattering, how cute is this floral print? Whether you need to feed baby at a party or it’s time to pump at work, this wrap v-neck style provides quick access with zero fussing.
Where to buy: Mamalicious Floral Nursing Wrap Front Top ($51, ASOS)
7. Classic and cool
One can never have too many Breton striped pieces of clothing, and that includes nursingwear. This soft cotton tee with 3/4 sleeves and a hidden zipper for speedy feeding will keep you feeling stylish and baby well-fed.
Where to buy: Striped Nursing Top ($33, Nursing Queen)
8. The versatile piece
This leopard cardigan is a workhorse. Not only will it take you from pregnancy to nursing (and most likely life thereafter), it can be worn open for a waterfall style or snapped close for a sleek look that provides ample coverage for nursing in public. It even comes with a knit belt for when you want to go for a completely different look.
Where to buy: Leopard Print Nursing Cardigan ($62, Jojo Maman Bébé)
9. Understated and ultra cool
Doesn’t matter if you’re expecting, not expecting or breastfeeding, a comfy gray pocket tee is always a wardrobe staple. It goes without saying that you’ll get a ton of use out of this shirt, and people — perhaps even your baby — will be amazed with how subtle the side slits are when it’s time to nurse.
Where to buy: Perfect Nursing Tee ($59, Belly Bandit)
10. Cute and clever
To say this floral babydoll tank is “cute” is like saying your baby is “kind of adorable.” It just doesn’t do it justice. With its pretty print, peplum styling and hidden nursing access, this top is ideal for pumping on the go or heading somewhere sweet with your little one.
Where to buy: Babydoll Nursing Tank ($34, Latched Mama)
11. A layered look
What’s better than a super-soft tee? A super-soft tee with stripes! Guaranteed to become a go-to in your closet, this short-sleeve top with layers is the perfect basic and has easy access, which makes feeding your baby on the go a breeze. No buttons. No zippers. No problem.
Where to buy: Maison Nursing Tee ($59, Ripe)
12. Bright and convenient
In addition this this soft, stretchy shirt getting rave reviews on Amazon, it comes in 14 different colors and patterns — and at $20, you won’t feel guilty about stocking up. The deep v-neck design allows for super fast latch-on, and the gathered detailing is just plain cute.
Where to buy: LaClef Surplice Nursing Top ($20, Amazon)
13. Party perfect
Just because you’re nursing, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little luxe in your closet. This touchably soft turtleneck sweater works as a lounging-around top or, when paired with some chic pants and heels, a crucial piece of your party wardrobe. Of course, your baby will just be thrilled about the opening in the middle.
Where to buy: Classic Nursing Turtleneck ($50, Kindred Bravely)
14. On trend
Are you nursing or are you heading out on the town? In this sleek and stylish shirt, it’s possible you’re doing both! Topping off baby before heading for on girls night out, no worries. No one will ever suspect it’s a nursing top.
Where to buy: Flowy Lift-Up Nursing Top ($35, Nursing Queen)
15. Relaxed vibes
Need we even say it? You will get tons of use out of this burgundy-colored, high-necked nursing top with a loose opening below the breasts. The best part? It comes in 8 on-trend colors.
Where to buy: Smallshow Fleece Nursing Top ($30, Amazon)
16. Plaid flannel
You may not feel very punk rock when you’re caring for a small baby, but with this cute flannel shirt with a discreet nursing feature, you’ll look it. And the circles under your eyes from all those late nights may just add to the grungy glamour.
Where to buy: Frankie Blue Red Plaid Top ($50, Loyal Hana)
