There’s something so great about that first real stretch of summer. Longer days, warmer breezes, and the sense that life is meant to slow down just a little. But if you’re a nursing mom, summer also means figuring out feedings on the go, balancing comfort with confidence, and figuring out how to dress for both sunshine and accessibility.
I remember that first postpartum summer: a mix of baby snuggles, iced coffee, and constantly Googling “chic nursing tops that don’t scream nursing top.”
I wanted pieces that were soft, easy, and made me feel confident, but also practical for feeding on a park bench or at brunch. That’s when I started curating a few go-to pieces that made getting dressed simple and satisfying.
This guide pulls together those staples. Thoughtfully chosen. Breathable in the best way. Functional without sacrificing your sense of style.
- How do you choose the right summer nursing clothes?
- When to buy your summer nursing clothes?
- How to put together summer breastfeeding outfits
- Lightweight nursing tops
- Prioritizing fabric and fit for comfort
- Considering accessibility for easy nursing
- Mixing and matching pieces for versatility
- Staying true to your personal style
Nursing outfits summer edition: chic options for breastfeeding
Nursing outfits for summer should feel like you, just with a bit more ease built in. You want pieces that keep you cool, make feeding simple, and still reflect your style. Think soft fabrics, smart details, and silhouettes that let you move through the day with confidence. The good news is there are plenty of beautiful, functional options out there that do all of that without feeling fussy.
How do you choose the right summer nursing clothes?
When you're juggling feedings, naps, and the occasional (or frequent) spit-up, getting dressed can feel like a challenge. The goal is to find pieces that are comfortable, practical, and make you feel good during the summer days ahead. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Breathable fabrics: Think cotton, cotton blends, or linen to keep cool
- Easy access: Look for buttons, zippers, or wrap styles
- Relaxed fits: Flowy tops and casual dresses that accommodate movement
- Neutral tones: Easy to mix and match with your existing wardrobe
- Layering options: Grab a lightweight sweater from your closet or using a nursing scarf for cooler moments
- Stretchy waistbands: Comfort is key, especially postpartum
- Machine washable: Because laundry is a constant and now isn’t the time for dry clean only
When to buy your summer nursing clothes?
IMO the best time to grab your summer nursing staples is early spring. That’s when most brands start releasing their warmer weather collections, and you’ll have first pick of the good stuff. If you’re expecting, having a few go-to pieces ready before baby arrives is also a smart move. That way, you’re not scrambling to shop on your phone between all the things or settling for what’s left in stock when the heat hits.
Think of it as setting your future self up for a little more ease. A few great basics in your closet means one less thing to think about during those foggy newborn weeks.
How to put together summer breastfeeding outfits
Start with what you already love. Stick to colors and styles you naturally gravitate toward and you’ll feel more like yourself, even if you’re sleep deprived, figuring out how to dress with some extra weight and a larger chest (normal, BTW), and living off cold brew. Then build easy outfits around a few go-to combos like:
- Lightweight nursing top + button-down shirt + leggings
- Flowy tunic + leggings + nursing scarf
- Flowy dress + nursing scarf or light layer
Lean into comfort and function, with zero overthinking and a streamlined routine for getting ready. The real MVPs are the pieces that layer well, hold up to real life, and make feeding on the go feel doable.
If you’re stocking your closet, keep a few of these in the rotation:
- Lightweight nursing tops that feel soft but polished
- Flowy tunics for those days you want coverage and comfort
- Breathable button-downs that can double as light layers
- Nursing tanks for warm days or easy layering
- Stretchy high-waist leggings
- Breezy nursing dresses like wraps, maxis, or anything with buttons
- Supportive nursing bras that don’t dig or distract
- Nursing scarves or multi-use covers to add a little versatility and privacy
Mix and match these pieces depending on the day, the weather, and your energy level. The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable and capable, whatever your version of “getting dressed” looks like right now.
Shop some of my favorite summer nursing wardrobe must-haves
I’ve rounded up some pieces that will make getting dressed during the summer nursing months feel a little easier. Comfortable, cute, and easy to throw on when your hands are full. From everyday basics to a few polished staples, get ready to add to cart.
Lightweight nursing tops
H&M Nursing T-Shirts
Quince Linen Maternity Campy Shirt
Kindred Bravely Everyday Asymmetrical Nursing T-shirt
H&M Ribbed Nursing T-Shirt
Flowy nursing tunics
Kindred Bravely Everyday Nursing Tee
Kindred Bravely Draped Nursing Top
Button-downs
Quince 100% Linen Button Down
Mango Short Sleeve Linen Shirt
Nursing tank tops
Bodily Nursing Tanks
Kindred Bravely Ribbed Nursing Tank
Hatch Ribbed Pointelle Nursing Tank
Breathable nursing dresses
Hatch The Rosa Dress
Everlane Linen Day Tripper Dress
Stretchy high-waist leggings
Lulu Lemon Align Leggings
Lululemon Groove Flared Leggings
Stylish nursing bras
Bodily Everything Bra
Kindred Bravely Sublime Adjustable Nursing Bra
Nursing scarves
Solly Baby Nursing Scarves
Copper Pearl Multi-Use Cotton Cover
Tips for choosing the right nursing wardrobe
Putting together a nursing wardrobe doesn’t have to be a full closet overhaul. Tune into what actually works for your day-to-day and what makes you feel good in your own skin. These tips helped me cut through the clutter and focus on pieces I’d actually wear.
Prioritizing fabric and fit for comfort
Dress for yourself and for your need to feed your little one without overcomplicating things. The first step is choosing the right fabric and fit. Your body shifts a lot during pregnancy and postpartum, and in the summer heat, the last thing you want is something that clings or makes you feel overheated.
Check your labels for:
- Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- A little stretch for ease and flexibility
- Flowy or relaxed fits
Considering accessibility for easy nursing
When you’re feeding on the go, or honestly, even on the couch, you’ll want outfits that make things simple. Think tops with buttons, stretchy necklines, or a loose fit you can pull down with one hand. Even if you plan on using a nursing cover, the last thing you want is to be fumbling with layers or moving around a million pieces just to get started. A little forethought in design goes a long way when baby’s hungry now.
Mixing and matching pieces for versatility
It’s worth pulling together a little capsule wardrobe with nursing-friendly staples, then blending in pieces you already love from your closet. A loose T-shirt layered under a button-down with leggings is perfect for a stroller walk to the park. This option makes it easy(ier) to nurse on a bench, and you can shed the button-down as it warms up. That same shirt can be tossed over a dress for an evening BBQ at a friend’s house.
Keep a few nursing bras in rotation and lean on your go-to accessories, like sandals, crossbody bags, a sun hat, jewelry, to keep things feeling like your style, not just survival mode.
Staying true to your personal style
Speaking of personal style… I can absolutely say that motherhood changed mine. But one thing that hasn’t changed is how much clothing can impact how I feel. A good outfit gives you confidence, even on the tired days. So choose pieces that still feel like you. If you love a pop of color, keep that in the mix. If dresses have always been your thing, grab a few that work for nursing. In this season of summer and motherhood show up as you, just with a baby in tow.
Your needs will shift, and that’s okay. I’ve been there: working from home, nursing on the go in the fall, traveling while pregnant. Each season brought its own set of changes, but the throughline was this, I always felt best when I felt like myself. That’s what I want for you too. Your nursing wardrobe doesn’t have to be big or perfect. Just thoughtful enough to help your days feel a little smoother, and a little more like you.
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