If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, you'll need comfortable breastfeeding or nursing tops to support you on your journey.
When it comes to breastfeeding your baby, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your clothes. Whilst you might not think that a few nursing tops are a breastfeeding essential, they can really make your breastfeeding journey a lot easier. They are designed with special zips and poppers to make nursing access simple.
Rather than having to fiddle around with multiple layers or bunch up your top for your baby to get access, a nursing top is also discreet. You could even pop a nursing vest under a normal top.
Editor's choice:
• Best side nursing tops: Plain Short Sleeve T-Shirt Double Layer
• Best wrap over nursing tops: Love2Mi Womens Breastfeeding Top
• Best zip nursing tops: Natal Active Breastfeeding, Nursing and Maternity Hoodie
If you're in search of some basics, there are plenty of breastfeeding and nursing tops and vests that will see you through your postpartum journey. Not only are they convenient, but they are stylish too.
Best vest nursing tops
www2.hm.com
Description
This MAMA 3-Pack Nursing Vest Tops from H&M are an absolute must. In soft cotton with adjustable straps and elasticated hems, they're a simple staple you need in your wardrobe. In a variety of colour combinations, these vests will go with almost anything.
One review said: "Would be lost without them! These have been my saviour to try and wear normal clothes rather than live in pjs all day. I bought a set to wear during pregnancy and they didn’t cover my bump but now I’m 5 weeks post partum they’re my daily go to! Will 100% be getting more."
Pros
- Easily layered and comfortable
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Not ideal to wear in colder months by itself
Best twin-pack nursing tops
www.seraphine.com
Description
Seraphine is one of our favourite maternity brands and this pack of two basic maternity tees in contrast black and white stripes is essential for new mums. You can't go wrong with stripes after all! There's lift-up access for fastening free breastfeeding or expressing and you'll no doubt find yourself wearing them beyond babyhood too.
Pros
- Good variety of sizes
- Lift up breastfeeding access
Cons
- Only one style available
Best wrap over nursing tops
Description
With a range of colours to choose from, this Love2Mi Women Maternity Breastfeeding Top is made from the softest material for your comfort. It also comes in a variety of different colours and has a tie side detail for a cute effect and also to relieve the wrap over top from stretching when you're breastfeeding.
One review said: "Comfortable fit, looks good and nice fabric. Have purchased in a second colour too as it's a really handy top. Will be great when baby comes along too when breastfeeding"
Pros
- Tie detail so the top isn't stretching when nursing
- Variety of colour options
Cons
- Some said the top was thinner than expected
Best lift up nursing tops
Description
A simple tee with a double layer for easy access is perfect for breastfeeding mums. The Smallshow Nursing Tops come in different colours and are a light and comfortable top. The double-layer is also discreet.
One review said: "This top fit me really well. I sized up, being slightly self conscious of my post-pregnancy tummy. The fit was therefore looser than I usually would have chosen, but it looks really nice with a bit more room. The material is very soft and it washes well, without fading. I’m very pleased!"
Pros
- Can be tumble dried on a low heat
- Simple but practical top
Cons
- Some mentioned they'd prefer more colourful designs
Best side nursing tops
Description
A breathable and comfortable top that's perfect for mums with bumps and those who are breastfeeding. The Plain Short Sleeve T-Shirt Double Layer is perfect for everyday wear, with a discreet side nursing access.
Pros
- Discreet side nursing access
- Perfect everyday top
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Best nursing top for colder weather
www.seraphine.com
Description
A versatile addition to your maternity wardrobe, this Seraphine jumper features a textured stripe design, and with its relaxed fit and soft feel, it provides both comfort and style throughout your pregnancy journey. Pair it with jeans for a casual outing or dress it up with trousers for a sophisticated ensemble. The handy zip is ideal for on-the-go feeds when baby arrives.
Pros
- 100% cotton
- Longer length zip for discrete nursing/pumping access
Cons
- Only one colour
Best zip nursing tops
www.natalactive.com
Description
Award: Won Bronze at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Product For Breast Feeding
The Natal Active Breastfeeding, Nursing and Maternity Hoodie is stylish and suitable during pregnancy and post-natal when breastfeeding. It's made from thick cotton/spandex fabric with a fluffy fleece lining for added comfort. This cute hoodie, also seen on former Love Islander Camilla Thurlow, has a discreet zip that's long, from bottom to top for easy feeding and to keep you warm during the colder months.
Our mum tester, Joanne, said: "The hoody is really comfy and excellent for the colder months. The stretchy material makes it good for pregnancy (I received mine after the baby was born) and also for changing body shape in post-natal days. The zips are an excellent size and position for access and not in any way scratchy for the baby which was perfect. I didn’t have anything for colder weather for easy access so this was perfect."
Read our Natal Active Breastfeeding Hoodie review here.
Pros
- Long zip for easy feeding access
- Fleece lined to keep warm
Cons
- Some might prefer a more oversized fit
What style of nursing top should I buy?
Nursing tops can come in a variety of different styles, so it's worth trying a few different styles to figure out which you prefer and are comfortable in.
Lift up: This style of top has a simple double layer that lifts up for access. There are no clips, zips or fastenings needed. The top layer can be short, ending at the empire waist, or longer for a fully layered-up look.
Drop down: Just like a nursing bra, this is a classic double-layer design, often secured at the shoulder with clasps.
Princess seams: One of the most discreet breastfeeding options out there. This style has invisible zips concealed in the Princess seams.
Shoulder: Zips, poppers or buttons that run along the shoulder. These can be discreet and hidden or highlighted to make a fashion feature.
Front: This style opens up at the front of the top using zips, poppers or buttons. This can be as simple as a classic button-down blouse, or utterly discreet with an invisible zip. Perfect if you don't want to draw too much attention.
Sides: As the name suggests, the zips, poppers or buttons will start under the arm and run down the sides on this particular style.
Draped front: A stylish draped panel across the front, designed to flatter the figure and conceal easy nursing access underneath. As an added bonus, this style offers a convenient built-in nursing cover – perfect for feeding in public.
Wrap front: Ballet-style sash ties cross over at your bust, concealing discreet nursing access and creating a stylish faux-wrap effect.
Knowing what style tops are breastfeeding friendly can also help you to know what non-breastfeeding tops you can buy, that you're still able to breast feed in.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.