Shopping·8 min read

What to Wear Postpartum That Won't Make You (More) Uncomfortable

The Best Postpartum Clothes
Design: theSkimm | Images: Kindred Bravely, Quince, Gap
September 8, 2024

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

A lot of things will probably irritate you during the first weeks and months after you have a baby. Your partner, your in-laws, your baby’s knack for crying just as you’re about to take a bite of your own food…the list goes on. So let’s take overly restrictive and uncomfortable fabrics off that list. Here are aggressively comfortable pieces of clothing you’ll be glad you bought for the postpartum period.

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.

High-Waisted Postpartum Underwear Pack
Kindred Bravely

Underwear designed to be comfortable post C-section…

This underwear works for people recovering from vaginal or C-section births, but is designed to sit above a C-section incision. Its lace waistband and full-coverage back also make it an ideal choice for those first postpartum weeks, when you may still be bleeding heavily and using larger pads. ($36/5-pack, Kindred Bravely)

Buy it
Bamboo Wide Leg Maternity & Postpartum Lounge Pant
Kindred Bravely

Lounge pants you won’t want to take off…

Flattering wide-leg cut? Check. Soft bamboo and spandex fabric? Check. Pockets? Check. These lounge pants have everything you need when your life revolves around feedings, diaper changes, naps, and trying to find time to shower. ($46, Kindred Bravely)

Buy it
nursing tank
Gap

A nursing tank that’s a great first (or only) layer…

This is a solid pregnancy and postpartum basic that’s great for layering or wearing alone, and even makes a comfy PJ top. Plus, of course, the crossover V-neck makes breastfeeding easy. ($19.99+, Gap)

Buy it
Tencel Maternity & Nursing Jumpsuit
Quince

A maternity jumpsuit that’s breastfeeding-friendly…

A jumpsuit you can sleep in, both before and after birth? This is it. With a roomy fit, soft Tencel fabric, and two front pockets, it’s perfect paired with just slippers for a day around the house, but makes an easy out-of-the-house outfit, too. ($49.90, Quince)

Buy it
Maternity Nursing-Friendly Tank Dress
Bloomingdale's

A basic button-down black dress…

This button-down dress, which comes in either a tank top or long-sleeved maxi version, would be cute even as a nonmaternity item, but is extra helpful postpartum because of its easy nursing access. It’s machine-washable and just chic enough to make you feel put together in the first few weeks after your baby is born. ($178, Bloomingdale’s)

Buy it
Wireless Nursing Bralette
Nordstrom

A pima cotton bralette with some stretch…

This bra offers basically zero support. So if you have a larger cup size, you may not find it that practical for out-of-the-house use. But its 91% pima cotton fabric is so soft and comfortable that it will be a go-to when you’re on feeding duty (or just, you know, trying to recover) at home. We’ve found it’s particularly helpful if you have painful or injured nipples that can’t handle rougher fabrics. ($38, Nordstrom)

Buy it
maternity nightgown
Lake

A nightgown made from 100% pima cotton…

Available in just one print and three classic striped pastel styles, this pima cotton nightgown is a sweet addition to your PJ drawer. Its incredibly soft fabric and snap buttons for breastfeeding make it everything you want in a postpartum nightgown. ($98, Lake)

Buy it
Short-Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
Cozy Earth

Some of the softest PJs out there…

No, they’re not cheap. But these stretchy short-sleeve bamboo PJs, which are designed to be a little loose, are super soft and a great gift to innocently suggest to anyone who’s asking what you “need” for when the baby comes. Choose from 12 different colors and patterns, and sizes up to XXXL. ($175+, Cozy Earth)

Buy it
Tencel Jersey Midi Wrap Dress
Quince

A Tencel jersey wrap dress that comes in seven colors…

We love a wrap dress for postpartum occasions (however casual), since it’s basically a more socially acceptable bathrobe. This midi-length dress has a pretty collar and soft Tencel/spandex blend fabric, and is also available in plus sizes here. ($59.90, Quince)

Buy it
French Terry Modal Wide-Leg Pants
Quince

Wide-leg pants with a waist you can fold up or down…

Can’t decide if you want high-rise or low-rise pants? Why not have both? These come in black, pink, and navy, and you can adjust the waistband however you’d like so it’s as comfortable as possible after birth. ($39.90, Quince)

Buy it
maternity romper
Bloomingdale's

A breathable, nursing-friendly romper for hot weather…

Voila: A one-piece postpartum outfit that’s just as good for the couch as the park. Since there’s no waistband on this romper, it’s gentle on your midsection, and the 100% cotton, machine-washable fabric will feel good against your skin, too. ($168, Bloomingdale’s)

Buy it
nursing top
Little Sleepies

A nursing top that’s super soft…

Available in four colors and sizes up to 3XL, this drapey bamboo nursing shirt will give your body a little space, while also offering easy breastfeeding access. It’s soft enough to be a PJ top, but there’s no reason you can’t wear it out of the house, too. ($38, Little Sleepies)

Buy it
cotton shorts
Thigh Society

Undershorts to try when you run out of the disposable ones from the hospital…

You’ve probably heard how great the disposable mesh underwear from the hospital are—big enough to hold essentially the world’s most gigantic maxi pad, but still light and stretchy enough to be comfortable. Well, they don’t last forever, and if you’re looking for a replacement, Thigh Society has an option you’ll probably like. They make five different types of shorts, and this version is mainly pima cotton and modal—but if you prefer something much lighter, try the Cooling, or even softer, try the Staple. ($39, Thigh Society)

Buy it

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.