The Best Nursing Tops

Buying Guide for Nursing Tops

Why buy nursing tops?

If you’re a mom-to-be and planning to nurse your baby, consider purchasing a few nursing tops. Or, if you’re already a new mom and you’re wrestling with feeding your baby while wearing regular clothes, it may help to add a few nursing tops to your wardrobe. If you’re planning on pumping, nursing tops still make access much easier too. Ultimately, you can feed your baby conveniently and discreetly, wherever and whenever. They make fantastic baby shower gifts for new moms, too.

What should you consider in nursing tops?

• Style: You should choose your nursing tops the same way you choose normal tops, with your sense of style in mind. Think about where you’re going and your lifestyle. If you like to work out, a stretchy t-shirt or a tank top may be a good selection for you. If you need to take your baby or your pump to the office or wear professional clothes while working at home, you may consider a more professional-looking nursing top. And if you love to get out and do fun things with your friends, consider a more versatile nursing top.
• Fit: The most important thing to consider when purchasing a nursing top is the fit. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible when feeding your baby. Most nursing tops run the same sizes as regular tops, and some are also available in numbered sizes and plus sizes. Additionally, many nursing tank tops come with adjustable straps for extra support and comfort. Be sure to check sizing charts for individual nursing tops, just in case they don’t run true to size.
• Season: If you live in a warmer climate, it may be wise to stick to short-sleeved nursing tops and tank tops. However, if you live in a cooler climate or an area that experiences multiple seasons, you may also consider stocking up on warmer, long-sleeved nursing tops or nursing-friendly hoodies.

How necessary are nursing tops?

You can get away with not using nursing tops if you have clothes that are stretchy or easy enough to open or pull down or up. However, you run the risk of ruining those clothes with milk dribbles or spit-up, and you also run the risk of exposing yourself fully (which some nursing moms don’t mind, but some do). You can use nursing covers instead, but sometimes, those can be a hassle to remember and wrestle with. Unless you’re a gold-medal Pinterest crafter, you probably don’t have the sewing skills to create nursing pockets in your existing wardrobe. Most nursing tops are inexpensive and serve the purpose of creating an easy way to nurse your new baby without any hassle.

Our Picks for the Best Nursing Tops

Pros: Just like a standard nursing bra, these tank tops open easily with a hook closure that snaps securely into place. They’re made of cotton, with a fitted empress waistline for a flattering look. Additionally, they’re nice and stretchy, and they don’t roll when you move around, which is ideal if you’re on your feet a lot. They look like fitted loungewear when worn alone, but they also make a great undershirt for t-shirts or blouses. Best of all, these tank tops are supportive. Even without the breast pads, the stretchy material keeps everything in place.

Cons: The bra pad inserts aren’t flattering on some. You may consider replacing the bra pad inserts altogether.

Bottom Line: Affordable for around the house, this three-pack of nursing tank tops is ideal. They make great underwear, loungewear, or workout wear. And they’re easy to clean and care for.

 

Pros: This three-pack of nursing camis is made of soft and super stretchy nylon and spandex. That means they’ll continue to fit your changing postpartum body for some time. They’re buttery soft yet breathable, so they make great undershirts as well as fantastic warm-weather tops. You can easily open and close the nursing opening with one hand, making it super easy to feed your baby on demand. And these tops double as maternity tops, so you can wear them for months or even years before you no longer need them.

Cons: These tank tops may roll up a bit when you move around.

Bottom Line: For comfort and support from pregnancy through postpartum, these nursing camis won’t disappoint. They come in a money-saving three-pack, and they’re so soft and cozy that you can even sleep in them.

 

Pros: With many colors and styles available, you will have no trouble finding a nursing top for the office. Each style comes in a wide range of sizes that run true to size, so there’s no guesswork when it comes to finding the right fit. This top is machine washable, breathable, and lightweight. And it’s a bit stretchy, with a looser fit in the tummy, so it flatters most postpartum figures nicely. The nursing openings are well-hidden, so you won’t need to worry about accidentally exposing yourself. And they offer a nice camouflage for breastfeeding in public, so you don’t even need to carry a nursing cover.

Cons: The sleeves fit very loosely, which some may not like.

Bottom Line: This tunic blouse is a great option for returning to the office after maternity leave. You can easily pump or breastfeed in this blouse without fumbling, stretching, or lifting layers. And it comes in a multitude of styles and colors to suit your needs.

 

Pros: While many clothing items available online can be a miss, these cute layered tank tops are a huge hit for many reasons. First, they fit true to size. They have adjustable straps to get the perfect fit. Plus, they’re flattering. The layers cover your postpartum tummy, but they also honor your shape. And they’re perfect for nursing. You simply lift the top layer and latch your baby. Since the layers are long and loose, the top layer can act as a breastfeeding cover. Indeed, these may be the perfect nursing tops for a day out on the town. With a sweet blazer, these tops can go from a day out with friends to a perfect top for the office. Additionally, you can purchase them individually or in a money-saving three-pack.

Cons: This top doesn’t come with a built-in bra or any added support, so you’ll need to wear a nursing bra or cami underneath.

Bottom Line: For the warm-weather months, these cute layered tank tops are a must for nursing moms. They’re so cute and versatile, especially since they come in over a dozen cute colors and patterns. Plus, they’re easy to care for.

 

Pros: This top is made to take you from maternity to postpartum without skipping a beat. The bottom fits loosely to make room for your pregnant belly, then afterward, it fits like a long tunic, perfect to wear over your favorite pair of leggings. There are several color choices, so you can buy more than one to wear in the cooler months. The material is soft and cozy, like pajamas. So if you’re a new mom who needs to catch a few Z’s in the middle of the day, you can easily catnap in this top. The nursing opening is easy to use yet nicely concealed. You can access the opening with one hand, making nursing a breeze.

Cons: The sizes run large.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comfortable nursing top to wear in the cool weather months, this may be an excellent choice for you. It’s long and cozy, so you can even wear it to bed.

Final Thoughts

There are many stylish nursing tops available today that don’t even look like nursing tops. Indeed, many have camouflaged access holes, so you can’t even tell that they’re made for easy feeding. And there are nursing tops available for all seasons, so you can be cozy and comfortable while feeding your baby all year long.