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The time following giving birth to a newborn is a whirlwind. For many new moms, the last thing on their mind is, “What should I wear?” We’re just trying to keep up with taking care of our new little one to spend a lot of time thinking about our postpartum clothing! Not to mention that our bodies have just gone through a serious change and continues to fluctuate during the postpartum period (hello, did anyone else’s feet go up a size for good?). Don’t worry, we broke down everything you need for your post-baby wardrobe.
What makes the best postpartum clothing
“It’s really smart to be thinking about postpartum — it’s something to look forward to, something forgiving so that you’re not trying to squeeze yourself back into your old stuff, or wearing your maternity stuff that you’ve been wearing for nine months that you’re tired of,” celebrity stylist Allison Bornstein told Marie Claire.
So where to start? For mom-of-two Ashleigh Renea, dressing her postpartum body was challenging. She struggled with dressing her chest as a new mom. “The boobs have to be easy to access but not frumpy or too exposed to be comfortable,” Renea told Mom.com. She turned to stretchy nursing tanks and T-shirts. “Eventually you’ll probably get your body back but don’t expect it right away!”
Here’s the good news: A postpartum wardrobe that serves you by being comfortable and making you feel confident is not as hard as you think to assemble. Invest in a few key pieces to make the post-baby life a little easier (and stylish). Think of it like a capsule wardrobe; find a few essential pieces that not only fit your style but are timeless, like a cozy cardigan in a neutral color, so that you can mix and match and accessorize without having to spend too much time thinking about how your outfit looks.
These pieces should also be comfy and adaptable to your changing body while also making it easy to nurse. Go with soft and stretchy pieces that are still durable and easy to clean (no thank you, dry cleaners!). In fact, the most important clothing item should be a well-fitting nursing bra. Basically, we want you to grab anything in your closet and still feel good, whether you are running errands or taking a well-deserved nap.
Postpartum essentials
Now that we went over what makes an ideal postpartum wardrobe, here are some pieces to consider adding to your own. The below suggestions are comfy enough to fall asleep in at home but also appropriate to wear when leaving the house.
- A well-fitting nursing bra
- Jogger pants that are not only comfy but also stylish
- Supportive leggings that will be the foundation of any outfit
- Stretchy or loose T-shirts or tank tops in a few colors and patterns for daily wear
- A cozy oversize cardigan to throw on over any outfit if it’s chilly
- Maxidresses for ultimate comfort while still looking feminine
- Oversize shirtdress, which you can style with a belt and adjust to your size! Not to mention, it makes nursing easy.
- Stylish pajamas to wear when you have guests over
- High-waisted stretchy jeans, if you insist on wearing jeans
- Postpartum underwear, consider high-waisted!
- Lightweight sneakers to throw on when you run errands
- Comfy jumpsuit for a one-and-done outfit
- Fuzzy house slippers to wear around the house. Consider opting for a pair with memory foam!
- A post-pregnancy wrap or support belt for extra support
- A chic diaper bag that you won’t mind toting around everywhere, because you will be doing that
- An oversize blazer to make any outfit totally chic without feeling stiff or uncomfortable
- An oversize flannel to keep you warm and looking cozy at the same time
Consider buying some of these items in black, which is not only always going to look chic but will hides stains easily. But at the end of the day, adhere to your own personal style so that you feel good and like yourself! Don’t forgo bright colors if that’s always been your go-to.
Postpartum essentials on a budget
If the idea of investing in a postpartum wardrobe gives you anxiety (we get it — having a child is expensive and the last thing you want to do is buy new clothes!), then consider a few of these options for assembling a budget-friendly postpartum wardrobe:
- Have a clothing swap with neighborhood moms or your friends group. Since postpartum bodies are changing, you might be able to swap a clothing item that no longer fits right with one that does and help another mom out in the process.
- Check out thrift shops for items, especially like oversize blazers or sweaters or stretchy T-shirts.
- Ask for gift cards when people offer to help you celebrate your newborn.
- Scope out yard or garage sales for used clothing.
postpartum essentials
