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Postpartum Outfit Ideas: What to Wear After Childbirth

“What should I wear?”—the age-old question that never quits, even once motherhood starts.

There’s so much to think about once you’ve welcomed your little one into the world, so the last thing you need is wardrobe worries. The best postpartum outfits will be the ones that adapt to your changing body, your lifestyle, and of course, your fashion style.

Things to Consider When Choosing Postpartum Outfits

Everyone’s style is different, but when it comes to what to wear after childbirth, there are a few wardrobe staples that will make a big difference in your comfort and confidence.

Here’s what to look for when choosing your postpartum clothes:

Comfort: After your little one arrives, comfort is key. When choosing your postpartum outfits, look for clothes with a light feel and fit—we’re talking soft, breathable fabrics with a relaxed silhouette.

Adaptability: Your body changes a lot during pregnancy and after, so save yourself (and your bank account) the pain of buying clothes for each stage of your postpartum journey. Look for stretchy, flexible pieces that grow and shrink with you—this will stop you from shopping for a new wardrobe every few weeks.

Accessibility: If you’re breastfeeding, there’s already enough to contend with, from trying different nursing positions to maintaining proper posture and managing any fussiness. Don’t let your postpartum clothes add to the hassle—look for tops that make it easier for you to breastfeed, wear flowy and stretchy styles, and avoid high cuts and fiddly buttons. Wrap-style tops or nursing-friendly tanks are also great for easy feeding access.

Easy to clean: Opt for durable, machine-washable postpartum clothes that you can toss in the laundry without a second thought.

Seasonal Styles: Whether you're dressing for chilly days or warmer weather, it's important to keep the season in mind. For winter, think cozy layers like soft sweaters, cardigans, and thick leggings with a forgiving waistband. For postpartum outfits for summer, go for maxi dresses and lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable.

Of course, it’s not just about practicality. Find pieces that make you feel more like yourself while navigating the postpartum journey.

What Are the Best Postpartum Outfits for C-Section Recovery?

Comfort is critical after a C-section—think loose, breathable postpartum outfits that you can move in without rubbing against your incision. Flowy postpartum dresses, oversized tops, and soft joggers are your best bet, especially ones that avoid your scar.

For underwear, cotton is your go-to. High-waisted briefs are perfect for this, as they sit comfortably over your incision without digging into your stomach.

Essential Postpartum Wardrobe Pieces

While everyone’s style is different, there are a few must-haves that every postpartum wardrobe needs. Here’s a list of some staple clothes to wear post pregnancy.

Comfortable Loungewear

When it comes to the best postpartum outfits, comfort is clearly non-negotiable. After giving birth, your body needs gentle, soft fabrics that help you feel at ease while providing the functionality you need during this busy time.

Some of the best comfy outfit ideas lean into loungewear staples: soft, high-waisted leggings with light support for your midsection pair well with breathable, flowy tops that accommodate fluctuating body temperatures. A cozy, oversized robe can also be a lifesaver, ideal for those frequent feedings or lounging during nap time.

Supportive Underwear

One of the most important things you’ll wear postpartum: your underwear. A solid lineup of panties and bras can make you feel cleaner (and maybe a bit more put together) while you recover from birth.

For the bottom half, go loose and comfy—especially if you’re using pads. Soft, stretchy materials like cotton are a good default here. As we’ve mentioned, high-waisted underwear is the way to go if you’ve had a C-section since it will keep the elastic far away from bothering that fresh scar.

For the top half, look for non-wired stretchy bras or nursing bras. They’re often designed to support your postpartum chest, offering extra support and easy access to the breasts during feeds.

Nursing-Friendly Tops and Dresses

Your nursing bras alone won’t make breastfeeding easier if your postpartum clothes aren’t designed for quick access.

If you’re breastfeeding, having outfits with easy access to your chest is essential—especially when you’re out and about. The last thing you want is to struggle with layers or feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding in public.

Nursing-friendly tops and dresses will usually be lower cut, so no turtle or crew necks for now. These tops should also be made of stretchy or loose-fitting material that you can pull to the side for easy breastfeeding.

Styling Postpartum Outfits with Tushbaby

Your postpartum clothes should work with you, not against you—and the same is true for your baby gear. Tushbaby products add style and support to any postpartum outfit, all while making parenthood a little more manageable.

Check out some of our top products and how to style them with your new parent looks!

The Tushbaby Carrier

The Tushbaby Hip Carrier is the ideal accessory for postpartum Moms. It’s a carrier that doubles as a nursing pillow and diaper bag, supporting your body, your stuff, and your baby from birth to toddlerhood. Tushbaby also comes in tons of fabrics and patterns, so it’s easy to find the perfect carrier to match your lifestyle and wardrobe.

With the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Whether you’re running errands or having a day at the park, Tushbaby pairs perfectly with any postpartum outfit, adding functionality without extra bulk.

When styling your Tushbaby carrier with postpartum outfits, it’s all about merging comfort with convenience. For a laid-back daytime look, pair a neutral polyester Tushbaby with a flowy linen postpartum dress or an oversized shirt and leggings.

For evenings out or special events, opt for a velvet or vegan leather Tushbaby over a flowy top and trousers, coordinating colors or adding some contrast to make your outfit pop.

The Pod

You don’t want to sweat the small stuff, especially when you’re out with your little one—and when they need their paci, they need it stat. The Pod is a sleek little pouch that handily clips to your Tushbaby or purse to store pacifiers and other small essentials, like credit cards, lipstick, and earbuds. It even comes in fabrics and prints to mix and match with your carrier, making it an easy pairing with your postpartum outfits.

The Pack

Whether you’re carrying diapers or a pickleball paddle, The Pack is the cutest and hardest-working crossbody bag you'll ever own. Wear it around your chest, back, or waist to stash baby essentials when your little one's in tow, or style it your way for concerts, hikes, and days on the go.

Looking for something a bit more compact? Try The Mini Pack: same vibe, smaller size, and perfect for keeping things light. It’s petite enough to pair with your postpartum outfits without adding extra bulk, but roomy enough to stash necessities like diapers, wipes, and nursing pads.

How Soon After Giving Birth Can I Start Wearing Regular Clothes?

There’s no set timeline for fitting back into pre-pregnancy clothes. For some, it may take months, while for others, it could be longer. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—every body changes differently during pregnancy and postpartum.

Soft, loose postpartum clothes are perfect for comfort right after the baby arrives, and many moms prefer them. But if you’re eager to slip back into your regular wardrobe—whether that’s jeans, fitted dresses, or your go-to outfits that aren’t typical postpartum outfits—it’s all about how you feel. The postpartum period is unique for everyone, but it’s important to focus on how your body feels rather than rushing to return to “normal.”

The best postpartum outfits are ones that support your healing, so make sure any clothes you wear post-pregnancy keep you comfortable and confident. And remember, supportive doesn’t have to mean boring; your style and comfort can go hand-in-hand while you figure out what to wear postpartum.

Ready to explore our full range of stylish, practical parenting gear? Shop all items today!