Did you feel like there were plenty of clothing options while you were pregnant, but suddenly nothing made for you once the baby arrived? You're not imagining it.
The maternity wear industry is worth billions, yet the moment our bump disappears, so do most of the clothing options. Retailers cater beautifully to pregnancy, but once we're breastfeeding, adjusting to a new body, and no longer shaped like a pregnant person, fashion seems to forget we exist.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that mums should prioritise looking their best the second the baby pops out. But it would be nice to at least have the option to feel like ourselves again while still being able to breastfeed our babies comfortably
In this article, we’ll explore exactly how to dress in those postpartum months: clothes that flatter your new shape, support breastfeeding, and help you feel confident on the days you want to.
1. Start with Function First
Did you know, the sooner you can calm a baby, the easier it will be to calm them? That’s why functional, nursing-friendly clothing is so important with breastfeeding. The faster we can wack that boob out, the better!
Look for:
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Wrap fronts or crossovers — they pull down easily, no fuss
Hidden zips along seams or under the bust -
Low-cut vest tops
Avoid:
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High-neck dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits
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Tight t-shirts
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Button access - a classic, but not always comfortable, and can be a pain to undo and redo one-handed
As a rule of thumb, steer clear of anything that takes more than one hand or more than a few seconds to get to your breasts. If you have to wriggle out of half your outfit or take something off, it’s going to be a huge hassle down the line.
2. Choose Comfort That Feels Like You
Postpartum bodies are always changing. One day you feel fine, the next your boobs are rock hard and your belly’s doing its own thing. You want clothes that move with you, not against you.
That’s where stretch becomes your best friend. A fitted dress can still be incredibly comfortable when the fabric flexes where you need it to.
What works:
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High-stretch fabrics that support without squeezing
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Easy-to-throw-on shapes that look like an outfit with zero effort
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Styles that boost your confidence — something we all deserve, even if we forget it sometimes
Bonus: If you’re babywearing, fitted styles with stretch can help reduce bulk under a carrier and feel smooth against your skin.
3. Expect Your Body to Shift (A Lot)
Just like during pregnancy, your body can change dramatically in the postpartum months — especially when breastfeeding. Some days you might feel lighter. Other days, everything leaks, everything aches, and nothing fits. One day your jeans zip up. The next, not a chance. That’s normal.
This is a time of constant transition, not just physically but emotionally. The most helpful clothes are the ones that meet you where you are — not the ones that expect you to “get back” to where you were.
Tips:
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Don’t pack away your maternity wear too quickly — it can help bridge the gap
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Layering can be a lifesaver — a nursing tank under a soft tee or jumper gives you flexibility and coverage
4. Minimise Decision Fatigue
You’re probably tired. Really tired. Creating a small rotation of go-to outfits is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself right now.
Try building a little postpartum capsule wardrobe:
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2–3 nursing-friendly dresses
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A few soft tanks or tees
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Leggings or joggers that actually feel good
It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. It just has to make life easier.
5. Most Important: Be Kind to Yourself
It’s easy to scroll social media and wonder how other mums look so “together.” But the truth is, most of us aren’t. This is a raw, demanding, beautiful, and messy time. Comfort, access, and softness matter more right now than trends or perfection.
At Oats & Fennel, we started this brand because we couldn’t find clothes that made us feel both comfortable and human in those early months. So we designed clothes we actually wanted to wear, but made them breastfeeding friendly!
Final Thoughts
Your body is incredible. It has grown, birthed and nourished another human! So be proud it it. Dressing postpartum isn’t about hiding your body. It’s about loving and supporting it.
Looking for ideas? Browse our nursing-friendly collection, designed for breastfeeding, babywearing, and every kind of mama day.
