Postpartum & Parenting

Postpartum style tips: Comfort, confidence and clothes that work for you

Published On

10 Aug, 2025

Read Time

5 minutes

Postpartum dressing isn’t about getting back into your old jeans or pretending nothing’s changed. It’s about working with your body, not against it.

That means wearing clothes that fit how you feel now and work with, not against, your new routine.

What to wear after giving birth and dressing for the body you’re in

Now isn’t necessarily the right time to totally reinvent your style. Think of it as an edit, not a makeover. You’re still you, just in a new season.

This blog shares practical, confidence-boosting styling tips from Fashion Stylist Emily Davies (@emilyjdavies) to help you feel comfortable, supported, and like yourself again.

Tips for building a postpartum wardrobe

"It's all about having those five or six key pieces, your jeans, flowy tops, practical jacket, all interchangeable, in neutral colours."

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.

Just like you don’t need a whole new maternity wardrobe when you’re pregnant, you don’t need to start from scratch with your postpartum style, either. A few thoughtful additions can make a big difference, but that doesn’t mean overhauling your entire closet.

Start with what you already own and feel good in, then layer in a few postpartum-friendly pieces that meet your needs right now: comfort, flexibility, and easy access if you’re feeding. Prioritise pieces you can nap in, feed in, or dress up when you want to.

Comfort is key (and non-negotiable)

"You might have your comfy two-piece at home while you're with baby, then throw on a nice jacket to feel a bit glam when you head out."

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist

This stage isn’t about trends or ticking boxes, it’s about having options, choosing what you feel good in, and feeling supported in whatever you decide to wear. That may mean embracing a capsule wardrobe of loose tailoring, soft waistbands, go-to wrap dresses, and oversized knits. Or it might mean sticking to the same loungewear, boyfriend jeans and t-shirts you’ve always loved.

If it’s comfortable and it works with your routine, that’s amazing.

Functional layers for feeding (and everything in between)

"If you’ve got your basics down, there’s no panic in the morning, everything works together. A good pair of black jeans and a few relaxed shirts can go a long way."

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.

Parenting isn’t a sitting-down job. You’re crouching, lifting, feeding, pacing up and down the hallway at 2 a.m., and doing it all with a baby on your hip (or a muslin over your shoulder).

You need clothes that can keep up, that won’t slip, ride up, or need constant adjusting. The last thing you need is a top that makes feeding fiddly, or leggings you’re constantly pulling back into place.

As a new mum, functional layers are your best friend. Think nursing-friendly clothes you can open with one hand, breathable fabrics that adapt to your body’s changing temperature, and clever combinations that work whether you're out for a walk or nap trapped on the sofa.

A soft cardigan you can shrug on when you’re up for the third night feed, button-downs, zip-up hoodies, and loose linen shirts are all great go-to pieces.

Outfits that help you feel like you

Postpartum style isn’t about losing yourself, it’s about finding ways to feel like you again, even if that looks a little different now. Whether it’s a favourite colour, a texture you love, or a silhouette that feels right, the clothes you wear can boost your mood and remind you who you are beyond parenting duties.

Mood-lifting touches and dressing to feel like more than “just mum”

“Even when you've got a simple outfit, you can dial it up or down with the accessories. Through the changes that postpartum and motherhood bring; your key accessories will stay with you.”

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.

Choose classic, neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched, then add accessories and accents of colour. Your identity is so much more than your role as a parent, and your clothes can reflect that.

Mixing comfortable basics with a few pieces that make you feel confident and put-together can remind you of your individuality. It’s about balancing practical needs with little moments of self-expression.

Sometimes, a pop of colour is all it takes to brighten your day, a chunky necklace, a bold claw clip, or a pair of statement socks.

What to look for in nursing-friendly designs

"Crinkly fabrics don’t need ironing, and cream hides baby sick surprisingly well."

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.

Nursing-friendly clothes should be simple, ultra-supportive, and practical, not complicated or fussy. Think tops and dresses with easy access, like discreet snaps or wrap fronts. Look for styles that don’t sacrifice style for function, so you still feel like you.

Leak-proof pads, absorbent fabrics, and discreet coverage

Leaks happen. It’s normal, and your wardrobe should have your back. Leak-proof breast pads and absorbent fabrics help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day. Layer up with pieces designed for discreet coverage, so you can focus on your baby, not your clothes.

Supportive essentials: Postpartum swimwear, bras, and underwear that work for you

Some of the most underrated wardrobe heroes are the ones you wear underneath. A well-fitting nursing bra can make all the difference when you’re feeding round the clock. Look for soft, breathable fabrics, easy access, and good support. Bonus points if they feel like something you actually want to wear.

When it comes to postpartum pants, comfort is non-negotiable, think high-waisted, soft stretch, and supportive without digging in.

If you’re heading for a swim, or just want to feel confident by the water, postpartum swimming suits with built-in support, flattering cuts, and adjustable straps can help you feel secure.

Why postpartum style isn’t about “bouncing back”

The idea of “bouncing back” after birth is outdated, unhelpful, and honestly, pretty exhausting. Your body’s not broken or behind. It’s recovering. And recovery deserves comfort, not pressure.

Postpartum style isn’t a race to reclaim your pre-baby wardrobe. It’s about dressing in a way that supports your healing, your feeding, your day-to-day, and your sense of self.

You don’t need to bounce back, reinvent yourself, or buy a whole new wardrobe. You just need to feel like yourself, supported, comfortable, and seen. However that looks, we’re here for it.

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