Nursing Friendly Tops That Aren’t Actually Nursing Tops
Between the four of us who are nursing right now, this question comes up a lot and we’re always trying to share outfits that work because nursing tops are kind of a pain.
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We chatted about what styles have worked best for us and put together this list of nursing friendly tops that are just regular, cute clothes. Nothing here is technically made for nursing. We’ve noticed that buttons, a low V, a tie front, or a wrap that gives you easy access are usually the best kind of styles!
What Makes a Top Nursing Friendly?
Before the list, here is the quick test we use when we are shopping. If a top checks one of these boxes, it will probably work: buttons down the front, a V-neck that stretches or sits low enough to pull down, a tie or wrap front that opens, or a loose babydoll or peplum shape that is easy to lift (because absolutely nothing is worse than trying to lift up a tight top to nurse, overstimulation central). Bonus points if it layers well!
Button-Down Shirts and Cardigans
Buttons are the easiest win. Undo two or three from the top or bottom and you are set, and nobody looks twice at an open button-down.
Classic Button-Down Shirt in Neutral Stripe
From Old Navy. This style is a staple for some of us. It looks put together over leggings, ties up over jeans, and also layers well!
SoSoft Cotton Crew-Neck Cardigan
From Old Navy. Soft, cozy, and buttons all the way down.
Cotton Short-Sleeve Button-Down
From Amazon. A budget version of the same idea in a bunch of colors!
Cassady Striped Cardigan
From Altar’d State. Relaxed, short-sleeved, and the buttons actually work. This one feels a little dressier for church or a dinner out.
Lightweight Short-Sleeve Cardigan in Pistachio
From ASOS. Thin enough to wear as a top on its own, and comes in a couple different colors.
Steph Striped Sweater Vest
From Stevie. Capped sleeves, a rolled neckline, and full working buttons. Cute layered over a long-sleeve tee once it gets cold.
Ruffle Collar Tie-Front Chiffon Top
From Old Navy. A tie front with a ruffle V-neck for when you want something more feminine. Heads up, it looks like this one is a little sheer, so plan on a tank or cami underneath if you prefer more coverage.
Low V-Neck Tops
A V-neck with a bit of stretch pulls down and snaps right back, which makes it the fastest option on this list. Pair it with a nursing bra or tank and you barely have to think about it.
100% Cotton V-Neck Sweater
From Amazon. Lightweight, stretchy, and the V sits low enough to work without being too low for everyday.
Nia Crochet Babydoll Tee
From Altar’d State. All cotton with crochet details and a relaxed V. The babydoll shape is forgiving through the middle, which we appreciate in the postpartum months.
Tie-Front and Babydoll Tops
These are the fun ones. A tie front opens up from the top, and a loose babydoll or peplum shape lifts easily from the bottom.
Caiden Pleated Top
From Bohme. Sleeveless, a split V-neckline with front ties, and pleats in a soft Tencel. Such a cute style and would also layer well over a long sleeve T.
Denim Tie-Front Babydoll Top
From Amazon. Puff sleeves, a peplum hem, and a tie at the neckline.
Dress Options
Ruffle Cap-Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress
Dresses are the hardest category for nursing, and most of the time we skip them. The exception is a true wrap or crossover style, where the front layers overlap and you can slip one side aside. Our favorite right now is this ruffle cap-sleeve wrap midi dress from Amazon. It ties at the waist, has pockets, and comes in a ton of prints. One tip: add a small snap where the two sides cross so the front stays closed when you are not feeding.
Smocked Flutter-Sleeve Midi Dress
From Amazon. Okay, this one is technically a nursing dress, but you would never guess it from the outside. Smocked bodice, flutter sleeves, pockets, and a hidden opening under the top layer that makes it the easiest dress on this list.
The Nursing Basics Underneath
None of the tops above work without the right layer underneath. These are the three things we keep coming back to.
Seamless Nursing Sleep Bras (3 Pack)
From Amazon. The soft, seamless ones for sleeping and for the first few weeks when comfort wins over everything. Three to a pack, so there is always a clean one.
Underwired Nursing Bra
From Amazon. For the days you want real support and a normal bra shape under a fitted top. Underwire, light padding, and clips you can undo with one hand.
Nursing Cover Poncho
From Amazon. A lightweight poncho-style cover for church, restaurants, and anywhere you want a little more privacy with the tops that open wider.
Muslin Nursing Cover Poncho
From Amazon. The 100% cotton muslin version of the same idea. Lighter and more breathable for warm days, and it doubles as a car seat canopy when you are out and about.
How We Make These Work
- Layer a nursing tank or bralette underneath everything.
- Undo buttons from the bottom instead of the top when you want a little more coverage.
- Stick with prints and darker colors on the days you know will be messy.
- Size up in the button-downs if you are still in the early weeks. A little extra room through the chest makes buttons easier to manage one-handed.
- Keep a muslin or lightweight blanket in the diaper bag for the tops that open more.
We’ll keep adding to this list as we find styles we love and want to share! Nursing is such a wild journey and we hope to help any way we can!
Still building your postpartum wardrobe? Start with our Maternity Clothes Worth Buying: Our Favorite Pregnancy Finds next.
x.o. The Threads Between Sisters
