Sew Clothes That Make Nursing Easier
Breastfeeding requires easy access, but finding stylish, comfortable nursing clothes is challenging. Store-bought nursing wear is expensive, limited in styles, often frumpy, and the "nursing" features are sometimes awkward to use. When you sew your own nursing-friendly clothes, you create comfortable pieces with discreet access that works for your body and lifestyle. Choose soft fabrics, customize fit, add the type of nursing access you prefer, and make clothes you'll actually want to wear - not just tolerate. From casual nursing tops to dresses for outings, sew a nursing wardrobe that makes breastfeeding easier while helping you feel like yourself.
Types of Nursing Access
Different nursing access methods work for different situations and preferences. Button-front access: Simply unbutton from top for nursing - works with full button fronts or partial plackets. Most discreet and easiest to use in public. Works for tops, dresses, and pajamas. Wrap-style access: Pull aside wrap opening for nursing - very easy and natural. Works beautifully for wrap dresses, tops, and cardigans. Cross-over or pull-aside access: Overlapping layers at bust pull aside for nursing. Discrete and doesn't require buttons or zippers. Hidden panel access: Concealed openings with snaps, buttons, or hidden zippers provide discrete access while maintaining finished appearance. Lift-up access: Empire waist styles can be lifted from bottom, though less discreet. Works best at home. Combination access: Some garments offer multiple access methods for versatility. Choose access type based on where you'll nurse most (home vs. public), your comfort with discretion, and what feels natural to use.
Nursing-Friendly Tops
Comfortable nursing tops are wardrobe essentials for breastfeeding moms. Button-front tops: Classic shirts and blouses with button plackets - unbutton from top for easy access. Make in casual or dressy fabrics. Cross-over nursing tops: Overlapping front panels pull aside - very easy to use and no hardware needed. Flattering surplice necklines. Side-access tops: Hidden openings at sides of bust area - very discreet but requires specific construction. Henley-style tops: Partial button plackets at neckline - casual and easy nursing access. Wrap tops: Tie fronts that unwrap for nursing - adjustable and feminine. Layering-friendly options: Many moms layer tank tops under regular tops for easy lift-up access while maintaining coverage. Fabric choices: Soft cotton jersey, rayon, or modal knits feel comfortable and drape nicely. Choose fabrics that wash well - nursing tops get washed frequently. Make tops slightly longer to maintain coverage while nursing. Add extra width across bust for comfort with full breasts.
Nursing-Friendly Dresses
Dresses simplify getting dressed while nursing. Wrap dresses: The ultimate nursing-friendly style - pull aside wrap for easy access, flattering on postpartum bodies, adjustable fit. Make in various lengths from casual to dressy. Button-front dresses: Full button fronts or button bodices provide easy access. Works for casual shirt dresses or more formal styles. Empire waist dresses: Fitted bodice with seam under bust - can add button placket or cross-over access at top. Comfortable for postpartum bodies. Cross-over or surplice dresses: Overlapping V-necklines pull aside for nursing. Very discreet and elegant. Nursing-friendly details: Add button plackets to dress patterns, create hidden side openings, or design wrap-style bodices. Many regular dress patterns can be modified with nursing-friendly features. Special occasions: Don't sacrifice style - make beautiful dresses for events, photos, or outings with discreet nursing access built in. Length considerations: Knee-length or midi dresses work well for nursing - easier to manage than maxis while sitting to nurse.
Nursing-Friendly Pajamas and Loungewear
Comfortable sleepwear matters when nursing multiple times per night. Button-front pajama tops: Classic button-front pajama shirts or sleep shirts - easy to unbutton for nighttime nursing. Make in soft, breathable fabrics. Cross-over sleep tops: Pull-aside access without fumbling with buttons in the dark. Very practical for night nursing. Nursing tanks: Built-in shelf bras with clips or pull-aside access - layer under or wear alone. Sleep dresses and nightgowns: Button-front or wrap-style sleep dresses provide easy access and comfort. Comfortable loungewear: Casual button-front tops or wrap-style pieces for relaxing at home while nursing. Fabric priorities: Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton jersey or modal that feel good against skin and wash easily. Night nursing means frequent washing. Practical features: Easy on/off despite sleep deprivation, machine washable, soft against baby's skin, comfortable for extended wear.
Best Fabrics for Nursing Clothes
Choose fabrics that are comfortable, washable, and easy to care for. Cotton jersey: Soft, breathable, comfortable - perfect for everyday nursing wear. Washes well and survives frequent laundering. Rayon or modal jersey: Extremely soft with beautiful drape - feels luxurious while nursing. Breathable and temperature-regulating. Cotton-spandex blends: Add stretch for comfort with fluctuating breast size. Recovery helps garments maintain shape. Linen or linen blends: Breathable for warm weather nursing wear. Softens with washing. Works well for button-front tops and dresses. Chambray or soft wovens: Casual woven fabrics for button-front shirts and dresses. Choose softer weaves that won't scratch baby. French terry or fleece: Cozy for loungewear and casual nursing wear. Comfortable and warm. Fabric considerations: Nursing means frequent washing - choose durable fabrics that maintain appearance. Soft fabrics feel better against your skin and baby's. Breathable fabrics help with temperature regulation. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle terribly - you won't have time to iron. Darker colors and prints hide inevitable milk stains better than light colors. Choose fabrics with some drape that skim rather than cling to postpartum bodies.
Modifying Regular Patterns for Nursing Access
Many regular patterns can be modified to add nursing-friendly features. Adding button fronts: Convert pullover tops and dresses to button fronts by adding plackets and buttonholes. Buttons from neckline to bust provide adequate nursing access without full-length buttons. Creating wrap styles: Modify regular bodices to create wrap or cross-over fronts. Add ties at side for securing. Adding hidden openings: Create concealed vertical openings at bust with snaps or small zippers. Line openings for finished appearance. Converting to empire waist: Add seam under bust to create empire waist with button-front bodice for nursing access. Considerations: Add extra width across bust area for comfort with full breasts. Include lining or modesty panels behind openings. Test access before finishing - make sure you can actually nurse comfortably. Simple modifications transform regular wardrobe patterns into nursing-friendly pieces you'll wear for months or years.
Work-Appropriate Nursing Clothes
Returning to work while nursing requires professional clothes with discreet access. Button-front blouses: Classic professional style with practical nursing access. Make in solid colors or subtle patterns in professional fabrics. Wrap dresses: Professional and nursing-friendly - perfect for work. Choose structured fabrics like ponte knit for polished appearance. Layering approach: Wear nursing tanks under cardigans or jackets - lift cardigan and pull aside tank for pumping or nursing. Very discreet. Professional tops with access: Make professional-looking tops with hidden nursing panels or discrete button plackets. Nursing-friendly details: Add full or partial button fronts to professional tops, create wrap-style necklines, or design cross-over details. Fabric choices: Ponte knit, structured cotton, or professional wovens maintain work-appropriate appearance while providing comfort. Pumping considerations: If pumping at work, easy access is essential. Button-fronts and wrap styles work perfectly for pumping breaks. Store-bought professional nursing wear is extremely expensive ($60-120+ per piece). Handmade professional nursing clothes cost $20-40 in materials.
Sizing and Fit for Nursing Clothes
Bodies change during nursing, so fit considerations matter. Bust size fluctuations: Breasts change size throughout the day as they fill and empty. Choose styles with ease through bust or stretchy fabrics that accommodate fluctuation. Avoid tight, restrictive fits across chest. Sizing recommendations: Many nursing moms use their pre-pregnancy size or size for current measurements. Bodies vary postpartum - some return to pre-pregnancy size quickly, others take months. Adjustable features: Wrap styles, ties, and drawstrings accommodate changing body. Stretchy fabrics provide flexibility. Postpartum body considerations: Looser, flowing styles feel more comfortable than fitted garments for many women. Empire waists, A-line shapes, and tunics work well. Making adjustments: Add width across bust if patterns feel tight. Ensure adequate arm mobility for holding baby while nursing. Make garments slightly longer - you want coverage while nursing. Timeline: You'll wear nursing clothes for months to years depending on nursing duration. Choose styles you like and will wear repeatedly.
Building a Nursing Wardrobe
Create a practical nursing wardrobe that covers all situations. Everyday basics (priority): 3-5 comfortable nursing tops in soft fabrics - enough for rotation between washings. 2-3 pairs of comfortable pants or leggings. 1-2 casual nursing dresses for easy dressing. Sleep and loungewear: 2-3 button-front pajama tops or sleep shirts for nighttime nursing. Comfortable loungewear for home. Going out: 1-2 nicer nursing dresses for events, photos, or outings. A cardigan or jacket for layering. Work wear (if applicable): 3-5 professional nursing tops or dresses. Professional pants or skirts. Practical approach: Start with 2-3 versatile pieces, see what you actually wear, then make more of favorite styles. Make multiples of patterns that work well - once you find a comfortable nursing top you love, make it in several fabrics. Choose colors and patterns that mix and match. Prioritize comfort and practicality over fashion - you'll wear comfortable pieces constantly.
Why Sew Nursing-Friendly Clothes Instead of Buying
Store-bought nursing clothes create multiple frustrations. They're expensive ($40-80+ per piece) for clothes with limited wear time. Styles are often frumpy, outdated, or overly "mommy" themed. The "nursing" features are sometimes poorly designed - difficult to use, obvious, or awkward. Selection is very limited, especially in extended sizes. Quality is often poor - cheap fabrics and construction. When you sew nursing-friendly clothes, you get exactly the type of access you prefer (button-front, wrap, cross-over, etc.), styles that match your taste and lifestyle, soft, quality fabrics that feel good, perfect fit for your postpartum body, and clothes you'll actually enjoy wearing - not just tolerate. The cost savings are significant - handmade nursing pieces cost $10-30 in materials compared to $40-80+ store-bought. Make an entire nursing wardrobe for less than buying 3-4 store-bought pieces. Plus handmade nursing clothes often have better construction and nicer fabrics. Many nursing moms wear their nursing-friendly clothes for 1-2+ years, making the sewing investment very worthwhile.
Tips for Sewing Nursing-Friendly Clothes
Choose soft, comfortable fabrics that wash easily - you'll wash nursing clothes frequently. Add extra width across bust for comfort with full breasts and fluctuating size. Make clothes slightly longer for coverage while nursing. Test nursing access during construction - try actually pulling aside wrap, unbuttoning, etc. to ensure it works. Add buttons, snaps, or closures that you can operate one-handed while holding baby. Consider lining or modesty panels behind nursing openings for coverage. Use quality interfacing behind buttonhole areas for durability. Choose darker colors and prints that hide inevitable milk stains. Make clothes before baby arrives if possible - those first weeks are exhausting. Start with simple styles like button-front tops before attempting complex constructions. Make multiples of favorites - once you find nursing clothes you love, make them in several fabrics. Press as you sew for professional results. Consider making matching items for older siblings for photos. Prioritize comfort and practicality - you'll live in comfortable nursing clothes. For detailed tutorials and modifications, visit our sewing blog for nursing-friendly sewing guidance.
Common Questions
What's the easiest nursing-friendly style to sew?
Button-front tops are easiest - you're just adding buttonholes to a basic top pattern. Wrap-style tops are also straightforward once you understand the construction. Start with these before attempting more complex nursing access.
Can I modify regular patterns to be nursing-friendly?
Yes! Add button fronts to pullover patterns, create wrap-style modifications, or add cross-over details. Many regular patterns work well with simple modifications for nursing access.
How many nursing clothes do I need?
A minimal wardrobe might include 3-5 everyday tops, 2-3 sleep tops, and 1-2 dresses. Working moms need additional professional pieces. Make a few pieces first, see what you actually wear, then add more.
Which nursing access method is most discreet?
Button-front and wrap-style access are generally most discreet for nursing in public. Cross-over styles also work well. Avoid lift-up access for public nursing unless well-layered.
How long will I wear nursing clothes?
Depends on nursing duration - some moms nurse for months, others for 2+ years. Many nursing-friendly styles (button-fronts, wraps) work as regular clothes after weaning, extending their usefulness.
Are nursing-friendly patterns harder to sew than regular patterns?
Not necessarily. Button-front styles are similar to regular button-front garments. Wrap styles and cross-overs are straightforward. Hidden panel access is more intermediate but still very doable with good instructions.
Should I sew nursing clothes before or after baby arrives?
If possible, sew at least a few basic pieces before baby - you'll be exhausted those first weeks. But don't worry if you can't - simple nursing tops and dresses are quick projects you can make as needed.
