Clothes
Clothes for breastfeeding – what is really worth it
How nursing tops, hoodies, dresses and nightdresses work, which designs open with one hand, which fabrics to choose and how many items are enough.
In-depth guide 4 min read
Nursing tops and vests
Nursing tops and vests are the most-worn pieces of the whole breastfeeding period. It is worth choosing them so they can be worn in pregnancy too, and so they survive dozens of washes.
Top or vest?
| Nursing top | Nursing vest | |
|---|---|---|
| For | a top layer on its own | a base layer under a shirt, jumper or hoodie |
| Most common opening | double layer, zips, crossover neckline | drop-down straps with a clip, or a wide neckline |
| Advantage | one piece and you are done | keeps your tummy and back warm when you lift the top layer |
| Bear in mind | sleeve length to suit the season | whether the clip opens with one hand |
Many women combine the two: a vest under an ordinary jumper or shirt turns any top into a nursing top.
How the different openings work is shown in the diagram in the guide Clothes for breastfeeding.
What to look for when choosing
- One-handed opening. Try it in the shop. At home your baby will be in your other arm.
- Height of the opening. It should be low enough and wide enough that you don’t have to hold the fabric down with your fingers.
- A fabric with elastane that springs back after stretching. A neckline without elastane soon stretches out.
- No pressure on the breasts. Tight clothing or a tight bra can contribute to a blocked milk duct.1
- Length. If you are buying the top in pregnancy, it must cover the bump in the third trimester too.
- Colour and pattern. Milk may leak, especially in the first weeks; the NHS recommends breast pads, changed often.2 Patterned and darker fabrics hide stains better.
Sleeves and seasons
- Short sleeves: summer, heated flats, under a cardigan.
- Long sleeves: spring and autumn; in winter as a top layer at home.
- A roll neck or high neck that opens: in winter under a coat, if your neck gets cold when breastfeeding outdoors.
- A sleeveless vest: a base layer all year round.
For work and outings
If you are going back to work while still breastfeeding or expressing, a button-front shirt or a blouse with a crossover neckline is handy. When expressing, you will appreciate an opening that lets you use the pump without undressing. We write about the rights of breastfeeding employees in the article Going back to work and breastfeeding.
How many
Two or three tops or vests are enough to start with. If you do a lot of washing because of milk or sick, add more. Buying lots in advance isn’t worth it until you know which cut suits you.
Washing
Wash according to the label, ideally at a lower temperature, so the elastane lasts longer. Close zips before washing and click strap clips shut so they don’t snag.
Where this comes from
The numbers in the text refer to these sources. The links go to the publishers’ own pages; we simply cite them.
- NHS (United Kingdom):Common breastfeeding problemsPressure from a tight bra or clothing can contribute to a blocked milk duct.
- NHS (United Kingdom):Breastfeeding – the first few daysBreast pads against leaking milk, changed often.
We last checked these sources on 13 October 2026.
Further along the path
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